[Network Meta-analysis of Qi-supplementing and Yin-nourishing Chinese patent medicines in treatment of early diabetic nephropathy].

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Qi-supplementing and Yin-nourishing Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of early diabetic nephropathy(DN) by network Meta-analysis to explore the Chinese patent medicine with optimal efficacy and provide references for preventing renal deterioration and delaying the progression of early DN. Eight databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched for clinical randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Qi-supplementing and Yin-nourishing Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of early DN. After the literature mee-ting the inclusion criteria was screened, the quality of the literature was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and network Meta-analysis was performed using the BUGSnet package in R 4.2.1. Seventy-two research articles with a sample size of 6 344 cases were included, involving eight Chinese patent medicines and seven outcome indicators. The results of the network Meta-analysis showed that(1)in terms of improving urinary albumin excretion rate(UAER), Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional treatment were superior to conventional treatment, and Qiyao Xiaoke Capsules + conventional treatment was optimal.(2)In terms of reducing serum crea-tinine(Scr), Bailing Capsules + conventional treatment had superior efficacy.(3)In terms of reducing 24-hour urine total protein(24hUTP), Shenyan Kangfu Tablets + conventional treatment and Jinshuibao Capsules + conventional treatment had equivalent efficacy, and Shenyan Kangfu Tablets + conventional treatment was superior.(4)In terms of improving fasting blood glucose(FBG), Shenyan Kangfu Tablets + conventional treatment had superior efficacy.(5)In terms of improving total cholesterol(TC), Qiyao Xiaoke Capsules +conventional treatment had superior efficacy.(6)In terms of reducing triglyceride(TG), Bailing Capsules + conventional treatment had superior efficacy.(7)In terms of safety, the occurrence of adverse reactions was reported in seven interventions, but due to the large clinical heterogeneity, the quantitative analysis could not be performed. Overall, Qi-supplementing and Yin-nourishing Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional treatment were superior to conventional treatment alone in the treatment of early DN. The results showed that Qi-supplementing and Yin-nourishing Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional treatment had good clinical efficacy, and they could significantly reduce renal function indicators such as UAER, Scr, and 24hUTP, and reduce blood sugar and blood lipid, which can provide evidence-based support for the treatment of early DN. However, due to the differences in the quantity and quality of the included research articles, large-sample, multi-center, high-quality studies are still needed for further verification.

Antiliver Fibrosis Formula of Fuzheng Huayu Alleviates Inflammatory Response.

Fuzheng Huayu's (FZHY) formula ameliorated liver fibrosis in clinical and experimental practice. Based on the close link between fibrosis and inflammation, its anti-inflammatory effect and related mechanisms were explored in this present study. With the aid of the inflammatory macrophage model, FZHY significantly blocked nitrite accumulation without observable cytotoxicity due to its suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene and protein expressions in a concentration-depended manner. Proinflammatory mediators including IL-6, CD86, and CD40 were also restrained by FZHY. Interestingly, FZHY induced anti-inflammatory mediators heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) expressions simultaneously. Downregulation of iNOS and miR-155 and upregulation of PPAR-γ were also observed in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice upon FZHY administration. Mechanically, FZHY strikingly eliminated the phosphorylation of STAT1 and MAPK. Taken together, FZYH regulated the balance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators partially via modulating STAT1/MAPK pathways and the miR-155/PPAR-γ axis.

[Effect of acupuncture at the anterior oblique parietotemporal line on gray matter remodeling in patients with hemiplegia of cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the intervention effect of acupuncture at the anterior oblique parietotemporal line on gray matter remodeling in patients with hemiplegia of cerebral infarction based on voxel-based morphology (VBM), and to reveal the advantages and central effect sites of scalp acupuncture for hemiplegia of cerebral infarction. METHODS: A total of 18 patients with hemiplegia of cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglia and 18 healthy subjects were enrolled and T1 structural scan was performed. The patients were randomly divided into scalp acupuncture group and non-scalp acupuncture group, with 9 patients in each group. SPSS20.0 was used to analyze the degree of neurological deficit (NIHSS) before and after treatment, and SPM8 software package was used to compare the change in gray matter after treatment between the two groups, the difference in gray matter between patients and healthy subjects. RESULTS: After treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a significant reduction in NIHSS (P<0.05), while the non-scalp acupuncture group had no significant change in NIHSS (P>0.05); the scalp acupuncture group had a significantly lower NIHSS than the non-scalp acupuncture group after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy subjects, the patients with cerebral infarction had a voxel increase of gray matter in the bilateral cerebellum; after 2 weeks of treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a voxel increase of gray matter in the motor-related cortex (such as the cerebellum, the anterior cingulate, the basal nucleus, and the medial frontal gyrus) and some parts of the sensory cortex, while the non-scalp acupuncture group had a slight voxel increase of gray matter in few brain regions which were not associated with motor. After treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a voxel increase in the brain regions of the basal ganglia, mainly the lenticular nucleus and the claustrum. Compared with the non-scalp acupuncture group after treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a greater gray matter increase in the brain regions mainly in the bilateral cerebellar cortex. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at the anterior oblique parietotemporal line can promote neurological function recovery in patients with hemiplegia, possibly by promoting gray matter remodeling in the motor centers of the extrapyramidal system (mainly the bilateral cerebellum and the contralateral basal ganglia) and some parts of the sensory cortex and inducing functional compensation in corresponding brain regions.

[Removal of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Water by Biomass Carbon of Aquatic Plants].

In the bioremediation of eutrophic water, a large number of aquatic plants will be produced. How to continue the reasonable disposition is the question that needs to be solved. In this paper, biomass carbon was prepared from aquatic plants, and the adsorption capacity of the biomass carbon on nitrogen and phosphorus in water was improved by magnesium modification. The characterization results of material properties showed that magnesium modification not only formed nanometer MgO sheets on the surface of biomass carbon to increase the specific surface area, but also introduced hydroxyl functional groups to promote the adsorption of ammonium nitrogen. The adsorption processes of modified biomass carbon on nitrates and ammonium nitrogen belonged to multi-layer adsorption, and the adsorption isotherms conformed to the Freundlich model. The adsorption mechanism of modified biomass carbon changed from single layer adsorption to multi-layer diffusion. The maximum adsorption capacity of the modified biomass carbon on nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and phosphorus were 5.66, 62.53, and 90.92 mg·g-1, respectively. The adsorption capacity of the modified biomass carbon on ammonium nitrogen is 178 times that of unmodified biomass carbon. When phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen coexist, the adsorption amounts of modified biomass carbon increase by 79.1%, 67.5%, and 47.1%, respectively. The results of this paper showed that the preparation of biomass carbon can realize the resource recovery of aquatic plants, and can be used for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from water, which has good prospects for application.

Combined treatment with Cinnamaldehyde and ß-TCP had an additive effect on bone formation and angiogenesis in critical size calvarial defect in ovariectomized rats.

Accumulating evidence suggests that improvements in osteogenesis and angiogenesis play an important role in repairing osteoporotic bone defects. Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is reported to show anabolic effects on osteoblasts. However, whether C. cassia could actually repair bone defects in osteoporotic conditions remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined treatment with Cinnamaldehyde (main oil isolated from the C. cassia) and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) on bone formation and angiogenesis in critical size calvarial defects in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Using a previously established OVX model, 5 mm critical size calvarial defect was established in OVX rats. All OVX rats were then randomly divided into OVX group (OVX rats + empty defect), TCP group (OVX rats + ß-TCP), and CTCP group (Cinnamaldehyde 75 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks + ß-TCP). Twelve weeks after treatment, according to Micro-CT and HE staining, combination of Cinnamaldehyde and ß-TCP had an additive effect on bone regeneration compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Based on dynamic fluorochrome-labelling analysis, Cinnamaldehyde+ß-TCP continuously promoted new bone mineralization compared with other groups at each time point (p < 0.05). Microfil perfusion suggested that CTCP group showed more neovascularization compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical assay supported the findings that Cinnamaldehyde+ß-TCP enhanced expression of OCN, VEGF and CD31. The present study demonstrated that combined treatment with Cinnamaldehyde and ß-TCP promoted bone formation and angiogenesis in osteoporotic bone defects, which provides a promising new strategy for repairing bone defects in osteoporotic conditions.

Kudiezi Injection(®) Alleviates Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption After Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the effect of KDZ, on the BBB disruption in rat underwent MCAO and reperfusion. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (260-280 g) were subjected to 60 minutes MCAO followed by reperfusion. KDZ (4 mL/kg) was administrated before ischemia. The Evans blue extravasation, albumin leakage, brain water content, TJ proteins, caveolin-1, p-caveolin-1, Src, and p-Src were evaluated. Neurological scores, cerebral infarction, and CBF were assessed. The binding affinity of KDZ to Src was examined. RESULTS: I/R evoked a range of insults including Evans blue extravasation, albumin leakage, brain water content increase, CBF decrease, cerebral infarction, and neurological deficits, all of which were attenuated by KDZ. Meanwhile, KDZ inhibited TJ proteins down-expression, expression of caveolin-1, phosphorylation of caveolin-1 and Src after I/R. In addition, SPR revealed binding of KDZ to Src with high affinity. CONCLUSIONS: KDZ protects BBB from disruption and improves cerebral outcomes following I/R via preventing the degradation of TJ proteins, caveolin-1 expression, and inhibiting p-caveolin-1 and p-Src, which were most likely attributable to the ability of its main ingredients to bind to Src and inhibit its phosphorylation.

[Efficacy evaluation on knee osteoarthritis treated with acupuncture: non-randomized concurrent control trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and efficacy sustainable time of acupuncture in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: The non-randomized concurrent control trial was adopted. One hundred and ninety-three cases of KOA were divided into an immediate acupuncture group (group A, 97 cases) and a delayed acupunc-weeks at the end of treatment. In group B, the same acupuncture therapy was applied after waiting 4 weeks. The acupoints in the two groups were Liangqiu (ST 34), Dubi (ST 35), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Xuehai (SP 10), Xiyan (EX-LE 4), Xiyangguan (GB 33). WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis) was used for the assessment of the primary index and VAS (visual analogue scale) was for the secondary index. The evaluation was accomplished by the patients at the beginning of trial, on the 4th and 8th weeks. In each group, 72 patients finished the trial and the data of the lost cases were included in the final data analysis. RESULTS: In the 4th week of trial, WOMAC score was (25. 8+/-22.0) in group A difference (P<0. 001). VAS scorewas (31. 8+/-24. and was (43.8+/-22.2) in group B, indicating the significant 6) in group A and was (56. 6 +/-25. 8) in group B, indicating very significant difference (P<0. 001). In the 8th week, the efficacy was reduced slightly in the follow-up of group A, but it was improved apparently as compared Acupuncture relieves joint pain and improves joint function obviously.by th patiieffr,a Mtaetfti-?an tf ri-with that before treatment. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture relieves joint pain and improves joint function obviously.The effect of acupuncture is still sustainable in 4 weeks after terminating the treatment.

[Efficacy observation of knee osteoarthritis treated with acupuncture].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the conventional acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Seventy-three cases of KOA were treated with the conventional acupuncture therapy at Liang-qiu (ST 34), Dubi (ST 35), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Yinlingquan (SP 9), etc. The conventional acupuncture therapy lasted for 4 weeks (at least 3 treatments and less than 5 times each week). At the end of treatment, the follow-up visit lasted for 4 weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were adopted for the efficacy assessments of the patients. RESULTS: Of 73 cases, 49 cases accomplished the trial. The data of the lost cases were included in the final data analysis. At the end of 4-week treatment and the follow-up visit, every score in VAS and WOMAC was decreased The conventional acupuncture therapy reduces the joint pain for apparently (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: the patients with KOA and improves the joint function. The 4-week follow-up visit indicates that the efficacy of acupuncture is still sustained.