Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata improve diabetes induced by high-fat diet coupled with streptozotocin in mice through AMPK-mediated NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study investigated the differential mechanisms of Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in improving diabetes in mice through AMPK-mediated NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. The diabetic mouse model was established with high-fat diet coupled with streptozotocin(STZ, intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg·kg~(-1), once a day for three consecutive days), after which the mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix groups, low-dose(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata groups, catalpol group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(5-HMF) group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), metformin group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), with the normal group also set. The organ indexes of heart,liver, spleen, lung, kidney and pancreas were calculated after four weeks of administration. The pathological changes and fibrosis of pancreas, kidney and liver in mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining. Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of Toll-like receptor-4(TLR4), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),interleukin-1β(IL-1β), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK) in the pancreas, kidney and liver of mice. Compared with the model group, the administration groups witnessed significant decrease in the liver,spleen, kidney, pancreas and fat indexes of diabetic mice, and there was no significant difference in heart and lung indexes. The pathological states and fibrosis of pancreatic, kidney and liver tissues were significantly improved after administration. Additionally, the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB and NLRP3 in pancreas, kidney and liver of diabetic mice were significantly lowered. The expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK were enhanced significantly in kidney and liver of mice in Rehmanniae Radix group while in pancreas, kidney and liver in Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata group. This suggests that Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata differ in the mechanism of regulating energy metabolism of multiple organs and thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects to alleviate symptoms of diabetic mice.

Atractylodes lancea rhizome water extract reduces triptolide-induced toxicity and enhances anti-inflammatory effects / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to explore the influence of water extracts of Atractylodes lancea rhizomes on the toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of triptolide (TP). A water extract was prepared from A. lancea rhizomes and co-administered with TP in C57BL/6 mice. The toxicity was assayed by determining serum biochemical parameters and visceral indexes and by liver histopathological analysis. The hepatic CYP3A expression levels were detected using Western blotting and RT-PCR methods. The data showed that the water extract of A. lancea rhizomes reduced triptolide-induced toxicity, probably by inducing the hepatic expression of CYP3A. The anti-inflammatory effects of TP were evaluated in mice using a xylene-induced ear edema test. By comparing ear edema inhibition rates, we found that the water extract could also increase the anti-inflammatory effects of TP. In conclusion, our results suggested that the water extract of A. lancea rhizomes, used in combination with TP, has a potential in reducing TP-induced toxicity and enhancing its anti-inflammatory effects.

Research status of recycling medicinal plant waste / 中草药

The yield of process and use of the surplus of non medicinal parts and residues in Chinese materia medica is huge while its pharmaceutical value is not more than the medicinal parts that was abandoned. This article stated on the different types of medicinal plants and the use of the chemical composition in the waste, in order to provide some reference for the study of medicinal plant waste and to make contribution to the comprehensive utilization of the waste materials.

Global protein expression analysis of molecular markers of DS-1-47, a component of implantation-promoting traditional chinese medicine / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study investigated the molecular markers of DS-1-47, a component of an implantation- promoting traditional Chinese medicine consisting of Astragalus mongholicus, Atractylodes macrocephala, Scutellaria baicalensis and Dipsacales, in an attempt to clarify the molecular mechanism and action targets of DS-1-47. Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) method was used to establish the implantation dysfunction models of mice. Animals were divided into normal pregnant group, COS model group and DS-1-47 group. Laser capture microdissection-double dimensional electrophoresis-mass spectrum (LCM-DE-MS) was used to analyze the uterine protein molecules that were possibly involved in the promotion of implantation. Twenty-three proteins in DS-1-47 group were significantly changed as compared to those in COS model group, with 7 proteins down-regulated and 16 proteins up-regulated. Except for some constituent proteins, the down-regulated proteins included collagen α-1 (VI) chain, keratin 7, keratin 14, myosin regulatory light chain 12B, myosin light polypeptide 9, heat shock protein β-7, and C-U-editing enzyme APOBEC-2; the up-regulated proteins included apolipoprotein A-I, calcium regulated protein-3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, L-xylulose reductase, and calcium binding protein. These 23 proteins that were regulated by DS-1-47 represented a broad diversity of molecule functions. The down-regulated proteins were associated with stress and immune response, and those up-regulated proteins were related to proliferation. It was suggested that these proteins were important in regulating the uterine environment for the blastocyst implantation. By identification of DS-1-47 markers, proteomic analysis coupled with functional assays is demonstrated to be a promising approach to better understand the molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.

Genomic research of traditional Chinese medicines in vivo metabolism / 中国中药杂志

Gene is the base of in vivo metabolism and effectiveness for traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), and the gene expression, regulation and modification are used as the research directions to perform the TCM multi-component, multi-link and multi-target in vivo metabolism studies, which will improve the research on TCM metabolic proecess, effect target and molecular mechanism. Humans are superorganisms with 1% genes inherited from parents and 99% genes from various parts of the human body, mainly coming from the microorganisms in intestinal flora. These indicate that genetically inherited human genome and "second genome" could affect the TCM in vivo metabolism from inheritance and "environmental" aspects respectively. In the present paper, typical case study was used to discuss related TCM in vivo metabolic genomics research, mainly including TCM genomics research and gut metagenomics research, as well as the personalized medicine evoked from the individual difference of above genomics (metagenomics).

Study on the Mechanism of Three Kinds Extracts of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe in Improving Learning and Memory Capabilities of AD Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of three kinds extracts (saponins, volatile components, polysaccharide components) of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) in improving learning and memory capabilities of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A controlled comparison method was used. Totally 56 male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups, i.e., the normal control group, the sham-operation group, the model group, the Aricept group, the saponin group, the benzene group, and the polysaccharide group, 8 in each group. AD rat model was established by bilateral hippocampus injection of Aβ1-40 (2 µL, 2.5 µg/µL). The next day after modeling rats in the saponin group, the benzene group, and the polysaccharide group, the saponin group, the Aricept group were intragastrically administered with saponin (at the daily dose of 9 mL/kg, 2.1 g/mL) , benzene (at the daily dose of 3.33 mL/kg, 5.7 g/mL) , polysaccharide (at the daily dose of 8.33 mL/kg, 2.28 g/mL), Aricept (at the daily dose of 1.67 mg/kg), respectively, once a day for 2 consecutive weeks from 10 am every day. Equal volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group. Learning and memory capabilities were detected using water maze 2 weeks later. Expression levels of synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) in the cortex and hippocampus of AD rats were detected using immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Learning and memory capabilities could be improved by three kinds extracts of QKR. There was no statistical difference in the escape latency between the polysaccharide group and the model group (P >0. 05). The escape lacency was shortened in the rest treatment groups (P < 0.05). The escape latency was obviously prolonged in three kinds extracts of QKR groups, when compared with the Aricept group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, times for crossing platforms were significantly increased in the saponin group and the Aricept group (P < 0.05). Compared with the Aricept group, average times for crossing platforms were significantly lessened in three kinds extracts of QKR groups (P < 0.01). Compared with the sham-operation group, expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and βAPP in the cortex and hippocampus were increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of cortical Syt-1 increased in the saponin group and the benzene group; the expression of cortical IL-1β increased in the benzene group and the polysaccharide group; the expression of hippocampal GFAP increased in the three kinds extracts of QKR groups; expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and β-APP in the cortex and hippocampus decreased in the rest treatment groups (all P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the Aricept group, expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and βAPP in the cortex and hippocampus were significantly increased in three kinds extracts of QKR groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Three kinds extracts of QKR might play roles in anti-AD possibly by decreasing expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and βAPP in the cortex and hippocampus.</p>

Effects of qingxin kaiqiao recipe volatile oil on expressions of GFAP and caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus of AD rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study effects of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) and its volatile oil on the expressions of Abeta(25-35) glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), beta-amyloid (Abeta), beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP), and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats induced by injecting Abeta(25-35) into the bilateral amygdala.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 32 male SD rats were selected. The AD rat model was establish by injecting Abeta(25-35) from bilateral amygdala. After modeling they were randomly divided into the model group, the Donepezil Hydrochloride group [Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablet (1.67 mg/kg), abbreviated as the DH group], the QKR group (QKR Decoction, 12.67 mL/kg), and the volatile oil group (3.33 mL/kg), 8 rats in each group. Another 8 rats were selected as the normal control group. Equal volume of double distilled water was administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group by gastrogavage, once daily for 2 successive weeks. The Morris water maze test was performed by the end of medication. The escape latency and times of crossing the platform in the water maze test were recorded during the 1st day to the fifth day. The expressions of GFAP, Abeta, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus of the rats in each group were detected by immunohistochemical assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, the escape latency from the 3rd day to the 5th day was shortened, the expressions of GFAP, Abeta, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 decreased in the cortex and hippocampus, the times of crossing the platform increased in each medication group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the DH group, the expressions of Abeta in the cortex and hippocampus decreased, and the betaAPP expression increased in the QKR group. The expressions of GFAP, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus increased in the volatile oil group. The escape latency from the 3rd day to the 5th day was obviously prolonged, and the times of crossing the platform decreased in the volatile oil group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QKR could obviously improve the learning and memory capabilities of AD rats, which might be achieved through decreasing the expressions of GFAP, Abeta, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus.</p>

Study on protective effect of cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang on sodium dithionite-induced PC12 cell injury / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effect of cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang on sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4)-induced PC12 cell injury, in order to provide basis for clinical application of the prescription.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>SD rats were orally administered with water decoction of Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang (7. 9 g . kg-1) once every 12 h, for a total of 7 times, in order to prepare cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang. The neurocyte injury model was established by adding Na2S2O4 with the final concentration of 8 m mol . L-1 into PC12 cells. With nimodipine (1 x 10(7)mol . L-1 ) as the positive control group, MTT method test was adopted to detect the impact of cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang on the activity of PC12 cells. The expression of Bax, Bel-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang groups showed a significantly higher activity in PC12 cells than the model group, with decrease in expressions of Bax mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA and increase in expression of Bel-2 mRNA. There were significant differences compared with the model group (P< 0. 05,P <0. 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang shows a notable protective effect on Na2S2 04-induced neurocyte injury.</p>

Protective effect of qingxin kaiqiao fang containing cerebrospinal fluid on PC12 cell injury induced by Abeta25-35 / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protective effect of Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang containing cerebrospinal fluid on PC12 cell injury induced by Abeta25-35, in order to provide basis for clinical application of the formula.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Sprague Dawley rats were orally administration with Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang (7.9 g x kg(-1)) twice a day for 3.5 days to prepare Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang containing cerebrospinal fluid. The nerve cell injury model was established by PC12 cells and Abeta25-35 with the concentration of 10 micromol x L(-1). The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA were detected by immunohistochemical method in the PC12 cells.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang group showed a significant higher PC12 cell activity than the model group, with decrease in Bax mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA expressions and increase in Bcl-2 mRNA expression. There was a significant difference from the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Qinxin Kaiqiao Fang shows a significant protective effect on Abeta25-35-induced nerve cell injury.</p>

Effect of qingxin kaiqiao formula and saponin on learning and memory abilities and expression of apoptosis signal transducers Abeta and betaAPP in AD rat brain / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of qingxin kaiqiao formula and saponin on the learning and memory ability and the expression of the apoptosis signal transducers Abeta and betaAPP in AD rat brain.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The comparative observation method was adopted for the animal test. Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely the normal group, the model group, the aricept group, the qingxin kaiqiao formula group and the saponin group, with eight rats in each group. Abeta(25-35) (10 g x L(-1)) was injected into their bilateral amygdala to establish the AD rat model. Since the next day, they were intragastrically administered with Aricept (1.67 mg x kg(-1)), Qingxin Kaiqiao decoction (12.67 mL x kg(-1)), saponin (6.30 mg x kg(-1)) and double distilled water filling for 2 weeks to observe their spatial memory ability in a Morris water maze and study the expression of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in brain tissues by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Each traditional Chinese medicine groups showed significant improvement in the learning and memory ability of AD rats and notable differences (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with the control group. The qingxin kaiqiao formula group and the saponin group showed a decrease in the expressions of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in cerebral cortex and hippocampus area, displaying notable differences (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) compared with the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>qingxin kaiqiao formula and saponin can obviously improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats with by decreasing the expression of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in cortex and hippocampus.</p>

Effect of scalp-acupuncture on the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells in acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells (NSCs) of acute cerebral ischemia rats and the intervention of scalp-acupuncture (SA), and to study its action of mechanism in treating cerebral ischemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into the sham-operation group (n = 10), the model group (n = 45), and the SA group (n = 45). The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established using the modified suture method. No suture or perfusion was given to rats in the sham-operation group, but these rats received the same procedures as those for modeled rats. After modeling routine feeding was given to rats in the model group and the sham-operative group without any other treatment. SA was successively given to rats in the SA group after successful ischemia reperfusion, once daily. Rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by peritoneally injecting bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) at the dose of 50 mg/kg on the 7th (T1), 14th day (T2), and 28th day (T3) after modeling. Neurological severity score (NSS) was assessed. The BrdU positive cells and the BrdU/PSA-NCAM positive cells of the dentate gyrus (DG) were counted using immunofluorescence assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group at the same time points, the NSS decreased in the SA group. Significant difference was shown at T3 (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operative group at the same time point, the BrdU positive cells and BrdU/PSA-NCAM positive cells of the model group obviously increased. Compared with the model group at the same time point, the BrdU positive cells and BrdU/ PSA-NCAM positive cells of the SA group obviously increased, showing significant difference (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SA could promote the proliferation and migration of endogenous NSCs, which may possibly be one of its mechanisms in treating cerebral ischemia.</p>

Effect of Qingxin Kaiqiao fang on learning and memory ability and morphology of hippocampal nerve cells in AD mice / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of the Qingxin Kaiqiao fang on learning and memory ability and shape hippocampal nerve cells in Alzheimer disease (AD).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>One handred and fifty mice were divid into five groups: blank group, model group, two groups of treatment by Qingxin Kaiqiao fang (14.82, 7.41 g x kg(-1)), piracetan comparison group (0.42 g x kg(-1)). The model group was orally given AlCl3 (200 mg x kg(-1)) every day. For Qingxin Kaiqiaofang and piracetan groups, AlCl3 treatment was given for 6 days at the beginning, followed by giving orally AlCl3 in the morning and drug in the afternoon for 8 weeks. Then, learning and memory aility, the contents of nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase (NOS) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in brain, and morphology of hippocampal nerve cells were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Learning and memory ability of Qingxin Kaiqiaofang groups was improved, compared with comparison group; the difference was significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The drug could prevent hippocampal nerve cells from damaged obviously. The contents of NO, NOS and AchE in mice of treatment groups were lower than those of comparison group; the difference was significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Qingxin Kaiqiaofang can improve learning and memory ability of AD mice, prote chippocampal nerve cells, and treat Alzheimer disease.</p>

Clinical observation on effect of jieguxujin granule in promoting union of fracture / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effect of Jieguxujin granule (JGXJG) on fracture and its effect on serum content of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four hundred patients with fracture were randomly divided into 2 groups, the JGXJG treated group and the control group treated with Sanqi tablet (SQT). Serum CGRP was tested with radioimmunoassay once every 3 days for 5 times, and X-ray examination was taken once each week for 10 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The healing time of fracture and osteotylus forming time in the JGXJG group was shorter than those in the SQT group significantly (P < 0.005). Serum CGRP content in JGXJG group was higher remarkably (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JGXJG showed evident effect in promoting union of fracture healing, it could also increase the CGRP content in serum.</p>

The effect of Baicalin on gene expression profile in rat brain of focal cerebral ischemia / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the difference of genes expression profiles between focal cerebral ischemia tissue and that treated with Baicalin using cDNA microarray.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The total RNAs were isolated from rat brains of sham-operation, vehicle (focal cerebral ischemia of rat brain) and baicalin-treated groups. mRNAs were reversely transcribed to cDNA with incorporation of fluorescent dUTP (Cy5 or Cy3 dUTP) to prepare hybridization probes. The PCR products of 4096 genes were spotted on the chip after a serial of treatment. The mixed probes were hybridized to the cDNA microarray. Axon Genepix 4000B and GenePixPro 3.0 software were used to scan and analyze the fluorescent signals.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The expressions of 199 and 12 genes were found up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, in the vehicle group compared with the sham-operation one. But the numbers of genes whose expressions were up-regulated and down-regulated were 89 and 88, respectively, when comparing the gene expression in the Baicalin-treated rat brain with that in the vehicle group. Moreover, one down-regulated and three up-regulated genes in the vehicle group were up-regulated and down-regulated in the Baicalin-treated group, respectively. Expressions of three up-regulated genes in the vehicle group were further reinforced in the Baicalin-treatment group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multiple pathways and nodes may be involved in the pharmacological effect of Baicalin on brain ischemia.</p>

A new monoterpene glycoside from Paeonia lactiflora Pall / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the chemical constituents of Paeonia lactiflora.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The constituents of P. lactiflora were separated by using various kinds of modern chromatography and was identified its structure on the basis of spectral analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A monoterpene glucoside named albiflorin R1 was isolated from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. In the structure of albiflorin R1, the aglycone connected with a glucose at its 2-OH while the hemiacetal hydroxyl in glucose moiety was free.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Albiflorin R1 is a new monoterpene glycoside.</p>

Changes of Erythrocyte Immune Function in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia and Its Influential Factors / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To study the state of erythrocyte immune function in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia,and analyze the influence of various clinical status on erythrocyte immune function.Methods Fifty-two neonates with hyperbilirubinemia were enrolled and 104 healthy neonates as the control group.The adherence rate of complement 3b-receptor on the surface of red blood cell(RBC-C3bRR) and the immune complex adherence rate of red blood cell(RBC-ICR) were detected with erythrocyte saccha-romycete rosettet test.Results 1.The level of RBC-C3bRR in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia was lower than that in control group,and the level of RBC-ICR in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia was higher than that of control group(Pa0.05).3.Comparing the neonates with unconjugated bilirubin of different concentrations,there were significant difference in RBC-ICR(Pa0.05).4.There were positive correlation between RBC-ICR and bilirubin,unconjugated bilirubin in the neonates(Pa0.05).Conclusion Erythrocyte immune function in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia is obviously lower than that of control group and it is influenced by the concentratron of bilirubin and the time of phototherapy.