A modified natural small molecule inhibits triple-negative breast cancer growth by interacting with Tubb3.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a malignant tumor without specific therapeutic targets and a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is currently the first-line therapeutic option for TNBC. However, due to the heterogeneity of TNBC, not all of TNBC patients are responsive to chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, the demand for new targeted agents is critical. ß-tubulin isotype III (Tubb3) is a prognostic factor associated with cancer progression, including breast cancer, and targeting Tubb3 may lead to improve TNBC disease control. Shikonin, the active compound in the roots of Lithospermun erythrorhizon suppresses the growth of various types of tumors, and its efficacy can be improved by altering its chemical structure. PURPOSE: In this work, the anti-TNBC effect of a shikonin derivative (PMMB276) was investigated, and its mechanism was also investigated. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: This study combines flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, siRNA silencing, and the iTRAQ proteomics assay to analyze the inhibition potential of PMMB276 on TNBC. In vivo study was performed, Balb/c female murine models with or without the small molecule treatments. RESULTS: Herein, we screened 300 in-house synthesized analogs of shikonin against TNBC and identified a novel small molecule, PMMB276; it suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, suggesting that it could have a tumor suppressive role in TNBC. Tubb3 was identified as the target of PMMB276 using proteomic and biological activity analyses. Meanwhile, PMMB276 regulated microtubule dynamics in vitro by inducing microtubule depolymerization and it could act as a tubulin stabilizer by a different process than that of paclitaxel. Moreover, suppressing or inhibiting Tubb3 with PMMB276 reduced the growth of breast cancer in an experimental mouse model, indicating that Tubb3 plays a significant role in TNBC progression. CONCLUSION: The findings support the therapeutic potential of PMMB276, a Tubb3 inhibitor, as a treatment for TNBC. Our findings might serve as a foundation for the utilization of shikonin and its derivatives in the development of anti-TNBC.

Curcumin treatment suppresses cachexia-associated adipose wasting in mice by blocking the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Cachexia is a multifactorial debilitating syndrome that is responsible for 22% of mortality among cancer patients, and there are no effective therapeutic agents available. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the plant turmeric, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-autophagic, and antitumor activities. However, its function in cancer cachexia remains largely unexplored. PURPOSE: This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which curcumin improves adipose atrophy in cancer cachexia. METHODS: C26 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice and ß3-adrenoceptor agonist CL316243 stimulated BALB/c mice were used to observe the therapeutic effects of curcumin on the lipid degradation of cancer cachexia in vivo. The effects of curcumin in vitro were examined using mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with a conditioned medium of C26 tumor cells or CL316243. RESULTS: Mice with C26 tumors and cachexia were protected from weight loss and adipose atrophy by curcumin (50 mg/kg, i.g.). Curcumin significantly reduced serum levels of free fatty acids and increased triglyceride levels. In addition, curcumin significantly inhibited PKA and CREB activation in the adipose tissue of cancer cachectic mice. Curcumin also ameliorated CL316243-induced adipose atrophy and inhibited hormone-mediated PKA and CREB activation in mice. Moreover, the lipid droplet degradation induced by C26 tumor cell conditioned medium in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes was ameliorated by curcumin (20 µM) treatment. Curcumin also improved the lipid droplet degradation of mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes induced by CL316243. CONCLUSION: Curcumin might be expected to be a therapeutic supplement for cancer cachexia patients, primarily through inhibiting adipose tissue loss via the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

[Comparison of in vivo pharmacokinetics of five constituents in Zhishi Zhizi Chi Decoction in normal rats and CUMS-induced depressive rats].

A LC-MS/MS method was developed for the rapid and simultaneous determination of genipin-1-ß-D-gentiobioside,geniposide,naringin,hesperidin and neohesperidin in SD rat plasma.The linear relationships of these five constituents in rats were validated,and the specificity,accuracy,precision and stability met the requirements.Their pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 3.2.2,and the results showed that the metabolic process in vivo of the five constituents accorded with the characteristics of noncompartmental model.Their main pharmacokinetic parameters were listed as follows:(1) genipin-1-ß-D-gentiobioside:t_(1/2)(3.20±0.51)h,C_(max)(403.15±96.93)µg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(612.56±148.50)µg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(3.07±0.75) h,C_(max)(229.50±60.63)µg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(413.14±76.37)µg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(2) geniposide:t_(1/2)(3.24±0.68) h,C_(max)(2 961.40±688.02)µg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(10 972.87±1 992.96)µg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(4.56±0.96) h,C_(max)(1 833.27±558.13)µg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(8 996.27±3 053.48)µg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(3) naringin:t_(1/2)(1.64±0.59) h,C_(max)(415.13±259.54)µg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(608.62±289.05)µg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(1.02±0.25) h,C_(max)(355.08±180.00)µg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(501.07±242.68)µg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(4) hesperidin:t_(1/2)(0.86±0.29) h,C_(max)(95.17±22.80)µg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(141.19±54.63)µg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(0.95±0.31) h,C_(max)(46.48±18.33)µg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(69.51±14.73)µg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(5) neohesperidin:t_(1/2)(0.89±0.29) h,C_(max)(828.78±361.56)µg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(1 292.29±553.73)µg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(0.90±0.31) h,C_(max)(314.68±172.45)µg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(385.99±138.55)µg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group.

Highly efficient production of diverse rare ginsenosides using combinatorial biotechnology.

The rare ginsenosides are recognized as the functionalized molecules after the oral administration of Panax ginseng and its products. The sources of rare ginsenosides are extremely limited because of low ginsenoside contents in wild plants, hindering their application in functional foods and drugs. We developed an effective combinatorial biotechnology approach including tissue culture, immobilization, and hydrolyzation methods. Rh2 and nine other rare ginsenosides were produced by methyl jasmonate-induced culture of adventitious roots in a 10 L bioreactor associated with enzymatic hydrolysis using six ß-glycosidases and their combination with yields ranging from 5.54 to 32.66 mg L-1 . The yield of Rh2 was furthermore increased by 7% by using immobilized BglPm and Bgp1 in optimized pH and temperature conditions, with the highest yield reaching 51.17 mg L-1 (17.06% of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides mixture). Our combinatorial biotechnology method provides a highly efficient approach to acquiring diverse rare ginsenosides, replacing direct extraction from Panax plants, and can also be used to supplement yeast cell factories.

Formononetin, J1 and J2 have different effects on endothelial cells via EWSAT1-TRAF6 and its downstream pathway.

Formononetin is a natural isoflavone compound found mainly in Chinese herbal medicines such as astragalus and red clover. It is considered to be a typical phytooestrogen. In our previous experiments, it was found that formononetin has a two-way regulatory effect on endothelial cells (ECs): low concentrations promote the proliferation of ECs and high concentrations have an inhibitory effect. To find a specific mechanism of action and provide a better clinical effect, we performed a structural transformation of formononetin and selected better medicinal properties for formononetin modifier J1 and J2 from a variety of modified constructs. The MTT assay measured the effects of drugs on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) activity. Scratch and transwell experiments validated the effects of the drugs on HUVEC migration and invasion. An in vivo assessment effect of the drugs on ovariectomized rats. Long-chain non-coding RNA for EWSAT1, which is abnormally highly expressed in HUVEC, was screened by gene chip, and the effect of the drug on its expression was detected by PCR after the drug was applied. The downstream factors and their pathways were analysed, and the changes in the protein levels after drug treatment were evaluated by Western blot. In conclusion, the mechanism of action of formononetin, J1 and J2 on ECs may be through EWSAT1-TRAF6 and its downstream pathways.

Mahuang-Fuzi-Xixin Decoction Reverses Depression-Like Behavior in LPS-Induced Mice by Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome and Neurogenesis.

Evidence suggests that inflammation and neurogenesis play an important role in major depressive disorder (MDD). Mahuang-Fuzi-Xixin decoction (MFX), as the traditional Chinese prescription, has been widely applied for asthma, migraine, and MDD in clinics. However, the effects of MFX on the potential mechanism in MDD are still unclear. Hence, the present study is aimed at exploring whether the antidepressive effect of MFX is connected to the anti-inflammatory and promoting neurogenesis. Besides, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria can induce depressive-like behaviors. We demonstrated that administration of MFX corrected the depressive-like behaviors in LPS-induced mice and significantly decreased the expression of IL-1ß in the hippocampus. LPS injection induced a significant increase in the levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 p20, and ASC in the hippocampus, as well as Trx-interacting protein (TXNIP), and MFX could reverse this change. What is more, treatment of MFX increased the level of doublecortin (DCX), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus which means that MFX could promote the neurogenesis. In conclusion, the study indicates that MFX relieves a depressive-like state in LPS-induced mice through the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the enhancement of the neurogenesis pathway.

Microalgae for the production of lipid and carotenoids: a review with focus on stress regulation and adaptation.

Microalgae have drawn great attention as promising sustainable source of lipids and carotenoids. Their lipid and carotenoids accumulation machinery can be trigged by the stress conditions such as nutrient limitation or exposure to the damaging physical factors. However, stressful conditions often adversely affect microalgal growth and cause oxidative damage to the cells, which can eventually reduce the yield of the desired products. To overcome these limitations, two-stage cultivation strategies and supplementation of growth-promoting agents have traditionally been utilized, but developing new highly adapted strains is theoretically the simplest strategy. In addition to genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is frequently used to develop beneficial phenotypes in industrial microorganisms during long-term selection under specific stress conditions. In recent years, many studies have gradually introduced ALE as a powerful tool to improve the biological properties of microalgae, especially for improving the production of lipid and carotenoids. In this review, strategies for the manipulation of stress in microalgal lipids and carotenoids production are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, this review summarizes the overall state of ALE technology, including available selection pressures, methods, and their applications in microalgae for the improved production of lipids and carotenoids.

Unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of non-malignant genetic diseases: An alemtuzumab based regimen is associated with cure of clinical disease; earlier clearance of alemtuzumab may be associated with graft rejection.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with matched unrelated donors (MUD), offers potentially curative therapy for patients with non-malignant genetic diseases. In this pilot study conducted from 2006 to 2014, we report the outcomes of 15 patients with non-malignant genetic diseases who received a myeloablative regimen with a reduced cyclophosphamide dose, adjunctive serotherapy and MUD HSCT [intravenous alemtuzumab (52 mg/m(2) ), busulfan (16 mg/kg), fludarabine (140mg/m(2) ), and cyclophosphamide (105 mg/kg)]. Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus/cyclosporine and methylprednisolone. Median (range) time to neutrophil engraftment (>500 cells/µL) and platelet engraftment (>20,000/mm(3) ) were 15 (12-28) and 25 (17-30) days, respectively. At a median follow-up of 2 (0.2-5.4) years, the overall survival (OS) was 93.3% (95% CI: 0.61-0.99) and disease-free survival (DFS) was 73.3% (95% CI: 0.44-0.89). Among this small sample, earlier alemtuzumab clearance was significantly associated with graft rejection (P = 0.047), earlier PHA response (P = 0.009) and a trend toward earlier recovery of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) (P = 0.06). This regimen was associated with durable donor engraftment and relatively low rates of regimen related toxicity (RRT); future alemtuzumab pharmacokinetic studies may improve outcomes, by allowing targeted alemtuzumab clearance to reduce graft rejection and promote more rapid immune reconstitution.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Salvia chinensis exhibits anticancer activity in different cancer cell lines, and induces cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1-phase, apoptosis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in pancreatic cancer cells.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive types of human malignancy, which has an overall 5-year survival rate of <2%. PC is the fourth most common cause of cancer­associated mortality in the western world. At present, there is almost no effective treatment available for the treatment of PC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticancer potential of a polyphenol enriched extract obtained from Salvia chinensis, a Chinese medicinal plant. An MTT assay was used to evaluate the cell viability of five cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. In addition, the effects of the extract on apoptotic induction, cell cycle phase distribution, DNA damage and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΛΨm) were evaluated in MiapaCa­2 human PC cells. The effects of the extract on cell cycle phase distribution and ΛΨm were assessed by flow cytometry, using propidium iodide and rhodamine­123 DNA­binding fluorescent dyes, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy, using 4',6­diamidino­2­phenylindole as a staining agent, was performed in order to detect the morphological changes of the MiapaCa­2 cancer cells and the presence of apoptotic bodies following treatment with the extract. The results of the present study demonstrated that the polyphenol­rich extract from S. chinensis induced potent cytotoxicity in the MCF­7 human breast cancer cells, A549 human lung cancer cells, HCT­116 and COLO 205 human colon cancer cells, and MiapaCa­2 human PC cells. The Colo 205 and MCF­7 cancer cell lines were the most susceptible to treatment with the extract, which exhibited increased rate of growth inhibition. Fluorescence microscopy revealed characteristic morphological features of apoptosis and detected the appearance of apoptotic bodies following treatment with the extract in the PC cells. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the extract induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in a dose­dependent manner. In addition, treatment with the extract induced a significant and concentration-dependent reduction in the ΛΨm of the PC cells.

[Effect of Kuanxiong aerosol on coronary heart disease angina patients: a multicenter randomized controlled clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anginal attack-relieving efficacy and safety of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KA) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A total of 780 patients confirmatively diagnosed as CHD angina from November 2011 to December 2012 in 13 medical centers in the mainland area were assigned to 2 groups by blocked randomization, the treatment group (376 cases) and the control group (374 cases). When the angina attacked, patients in the treatment group received sublingual spray three times, 0.6 mL each time, while those in the control group sublingually dissolved Nitroglycerin Tablet (NT), 0.5 mg each tablet. The effective rate of angina relief, efficacy of electrocardiogram (ECG), and the incidence of adverse reactions were observed. RESULTS: The 3 min and 5 min remission rates of angina attack were 53.72% (202/376) and 94.41% (355/376) in the treatment group, and 47.86% (179/374) and 90.64% (339/374) in the control group. The 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference between the 2 groups of 3 min and 5 min remission rates of angina attacks were [(-1.84%, 12.32%) and (-1.33%, 6.85%) respectively, P > 0.05]. The total improvement rates of ST-T changes in the treatment group and the control group after treatment were 74.07% and 73.13% respectively (P > 0.05). The adverse reaction rate was 9.31 (35/376 cases) in the treatment group and 22.46% (84/374 cases) in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: KA was not inferior to NT in relieving anginal attacks and improving ischemic ECG changes, and had obviously less adverse reaction.

Use of evidence-based pharmacotherapy for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: a Chinese medicine hospital versus a general hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in adherence to secondary prevention guidelines (pharmacological interventions) among coronary heart disease (CHD) patients between a Chinese medicine (CM) hospital and a general hospital in a Chinese city. METHODS: Medical records of 200 patients consecutively discharged from the CM hospital and the general hospital for CHD were reviewed to determine the proportions of eligible patients who received antiplatelet agents, ß-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and statins at discharge. The effects of patient characteristics and hospital type on the use of these medicines were estimated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Patients discharged from the CM hospitals were older; more likely females; had greater history of hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular diseases and less smoker (P<0.01 or P<0.05). They were less likely to receive coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, and had a longer length of stay than those discharged from the general hospital (P<0.01 or P<0.05). There were no significant differences in antiplatelet agents (96% vs. 100%, P=0.121) or statins (97.9% vs. 100%, P=0.149) use between the CM hospital and the general hospital. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for patient characteristics and hospital type, there was no significant difference in use of ß-blockers between the CM hospital and the general hospital. In contrast, patients discharged from the CM hospital were less likely to receive ACE inhibitors/ARBs compared with those discharged from the general hospital (odds ratio: 0.3, 95% confidence interval: 0.105-0.854). CONCLUSION: In this study, the CM hospital provides the same quality of care in CHD for prescribing evidence-based medications at discharge compared with another general hospital except for ACE inhibitors/ARBs use.

Effect of Kuanxiong aerosol on coronary heart disease angina patients: a multicenter randomized controlled clinical study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the anginal attack-relieving efficacy and safety of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KA) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 780 patients confirmatively diagnosed as CHD angina from November 2011 to December 2012 in 13 medical centers in the mainland area were assigned to 2 groups by blocked randomization, the treatment group (376 cases) and the control group (374 cases). When the angina attacked, patients in the treatment group received sublingual spray three times, 0.6 mL each time, while those in the control group sublingually dissolved Nitroglycerin Tablet (NT), 0.5 mg each tablet. The effective rate of angina relief, efficacy of electrocardiogram (ECG), and the incidence of adverse reactions were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 3 min and 5 min remission rates of angina attack were 53.72% (202/376) and 94.41% (355/376) in the treatment group, and 47.86% (179/374) and 90.64% (339/374) in the control group. The 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference between the 2 groups of 3 min and 5 min remission rates of angina attacks were [(-1.84%, 12.32%) and (-1.33%, 6.85%) respectively, P > 0.05]. The total improvement rates of ST-T changes in the treatment group and the control group after treatment were 74.07% and 73.13% respectively (P > 0.05). The adverse reaction rate was 9.31 (35/376 cases) in the treatment group and 22.46% (84/374 cases) in the control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>KA was not inferior to NT in relieving anginal attacks and improving ischemic ECG changes, and had obviously less adverse reaction.</p>

Use of evidence-based pharmacotherapy for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: a Chinese medicine hospital versus a general hospital / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine differences in adherence to secondary prevention guidelines (pharmacological interventions) among coronary heart disease (CHD) patients between a Chinese medicine (CM) hospital and a general hospital in a Chinese city.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Medical records of 200 patients consecutively discharged from the CM hospital and the general hospital for CHD were reviewed to determine the proportions of eligible patients who received antiplatelet agents, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and statins at discharge. The effects of patient characteristics and hospital type on the use of these medicines were estimated using logistic regression models.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients discharged from the CM hospitals were older; more likely females; had greater history of hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular diseases and less smoker (P<0.01 or P<0.05). They were less likely to receive coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, and had a longer length of stay than those discharged from the general hospital (P<0.01 or P<0.05). There were no significant differences in antiplatelet agents (96% vs. 100%, P=0.121) or statins (97.9% vs. 100%, P=0.149) use between the CM hospital and the general hospital. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for patient characteristics and hospital type, there was no significant difference in use of β-blockers between the CM hospital and the general hospital. In contrast, patients discharged from the CM hospital were less likely to receive ACE inhibitors/ARBs compared with those discharged from the general hospital (odds ratio: 0.3, 95% confidence interval: 0.105-0.854).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In this study, the CM hospital provides the same quality of care in CHD for prescribing evidence-based medications at discharge compared with another general hospital except for ACE inhibitors/ARBs use.</p>

[Effect of wuhuang tangkangling on cytokine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Wuhuang Tangkangling on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHOD: One hundred cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with pioglitazone (15 mg x d(-1)) orally once a day in the morning, combined with insulin subcutaneous injection based on blood glucose level. The treatment group was treated with decoction of Wuhuang Tangkang Ling daily, 8 weeks as a course. TNF-alpha, IL-6, hs-CRP, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PBG) were tested for two groups of patients before and after the treatment And other 50 healthy cases were tested for comparison. RESULT: Before treatment, the level of cytokine, FBG and PBG in the serum of patients with T2DM were significantly higher than healthy cases (P < 0.01). In treatment group, difference between before and after the treatment had statistical significance (P < 0.01); after treatment, difference between treatment group and control group had statistical significance (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Wuhuang Tangkangling could significantly decrease the level of TNF-alpha, IL-6, hs-CRP, FBG and PBG in patients with T2DM, and could decrease blood glucose, anti inflammatory, and improve insulin resistance. According to testing these cytokines, a new criteria for evaluating the progress of T2DM and the treatment may be approached.

[Clinical study of decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung combined standardized myrtol on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD)].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung combined standardized myrtol on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). METHOD: Ninety and eight patients with AECOPD patients were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, with 50 cases and 48 cases respectively. All the patients were given the conventional treatment. The control group was treated by standardized myrtol with 3 times a day, 300 mg each time taken orally. The treatment group was given decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung with 2 times a day, one dose per day taken orally, combined standardized myrtol (usage as above). After Two weeks, the scores of clinical symptom, blood gas analysis and pulmonary function were observed. RESULT: Both FEV1 and FEV1% were raised in the two groups after treating. And the treatment group was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.01). PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 rose, with PaCO2 decreased in the two groups (P < 0.01). PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 were significantly improved, and PaCO2 was significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). In the clinical curative effect comparison aspects, clinical control rates were 42.0% in treatment group and 20.83% in control group respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Significant efficiency is 86.0% in treatment group and 52.08% in control group respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung combined with standardized myrtol can obviously improve clinical symptom, blood gas an analysis and pulmonary function in patients with AECOPD.

Arsenic speciation in Chinese Herbal Medicines and human health implication for inorganic arsenic.

Rice and drinking water are recognized as the dominant sources of arsenic (As) for human intake, while little is known about As accumulation and speciation in Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs), which have been available for many hundreds of years for the treatment of diseases in both eastern and western cultures. Inorganic arsenic was the predominant species in all of CHMs samples. The levels of inorganic arsenic in CHMs from fields and markets or pharmacies ranged from 63 to 550 ng/g with a mean of 208 ng/g and 94 to 8683 ng/g with a mean of 1092 ng/g, respectively. The highest concentration was found in the Chrysanthemum from pharmacies. It indicates that the risk of inorganic As in CHMs to human health is higher in medicines from markets or pharmacies than that collected directly from fields. Some CHMs may make a considerable contribution to the human intake of inorganic arsenic.

Effect of wuhuang tangkangling on cytokine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Wuhuang Tangkangling on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>One hundred cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with pioglitazone (15 mg x d(-1)) orally once a day in the morning, combined with insulin subcutaneous injection based on blood glucose level. The treatment group was treated with decoction of Wuhuang Tangkang Ling daily, 8 weeks as a course. TNF-alpha, IL-6, hs-CRP, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PBG) were tested for two groups of patients before and after the treatment And other 50 healthy cases were tested for comparison.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Before treatment, the level of cytokine, FBG and PBG in the serum of patients with T2DM were significantly higher than healthy cases (P < 0.01). In treatment group, difference between before and after the treatment had statistical significance (P < 0.01); after treatment, difference between treatment group and control group had statistical significance (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Wuhuang Tangkangling could significantly decrease the level of TNF-alpha, IL-6, hs-CRP, FBG and PBG in patients with T2DM, and could decrease blood glucose, anti inflammatory, and improve insulin resistance. According to testing these cytokines, a new criteria for evaluating the progress of T2DM and the treatment may be approached.</p>

Clinical study of decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung combined standardized myrtol on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effect of decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung combined standardized myrtol on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ninety and eight patients with AECOPD patients were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, with 50 cases and 48 cases respectively. All the patients were given the conventional treatment. The control group was treated by standardized myrtol with 3 times a day, 300 mg each time taken orally. The treatment group was given decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung with 2 times a day, one dose per day taken orally, combined standardized myrtol (usage as above). After Two weeks, the scores of clinical symptom, blood gas analysis and pulmonary function were observed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Both FEV1 and FEV1% were raised in the two groups after treating. And the treatment group was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.01). PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 rose, with PaCO2 decreased in the two groups (P < 0.01). PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 were significantly improved, and PaCO2 was significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). In the clinical curative effect comparison aspects, clinical control rates were 42.0% in treatment group and 20.83% in control group respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Significant efficiency is 86.0% in treatment group and 52.08% in control group respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Decoction of invigorating Qi and clearing lung combined with standardized myrtol can obviously improve clinical symptom, blood gas an analysis and pulmonary function in patients with AECOPD.</p>

Curculigoside attenuates human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury induced by H2O2.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Vessel endothelium injury caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) including H(2)O(2) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, agents or antioxidants that can inhibit production of ROS has highly clinical values in cardiovascular therapy. Curculigoside is the major bioactive compounds present in Curculigo orchioides, and possess potent antioxidant properties against oxidative stress insults through undefined mechanism(s). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that curculigoside can inhibit H(2)O(2)-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with curculigoside in the presence/absence of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The protective effects of curculigoside OP-D against H(2)O(2) were evaluated. RESULTS: HUVECs incubated with 400 µM H(2)O(2) had significantly decreased the viability of endothelial cells, which was accompanied with apparent cells apoptosis, the activation of caspase-3 and the upregulation of p53 mRNA expression. In addition, H(2)O(2) treatment induced a marked increase of MDA, LDH content and in intracellular ROS, decreased the content of nitric oxide (NO) and GSH-Px activities in endothelial cells. However, pretreatment with 0.5.5,10 µM curculigoside resulted in a significant recovery from H(2)O(2)-induced cell apoptosis. Also, it decreased other H(2)O(2)-induced damages in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, pretreatment with curculigoside decreased the activity of caspase-3 and p53 mRNA expression, which was known to play a key role in H(2)O(2)-induced cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that curculigoside can protect endothelial cells against oxidative injury induced by H(2)O(2), suggesting that this compound may constitute a promising intervention against cardiovascular disorders.

Vasorelaxant effects of icariin on isolated canine coronary artery.

Owing to its cardiovascular therapeutical effects, icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Epimedii herba, is considered to be the major active constituent of Epimedii herba. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of icariin on precontracted coronary artery isolated from canine. Coronary artery segments were isolated from normal anesthetized Beagle dogs and cut into 5-mm rings. The rings were mounted in an organ chamber and contracted by either 40 mM KCl or 10 microM PGF2alpha, and vasorelaxant tone to icariin was measured. Treatment of icariin could significantly produce a relaxation of precontracted coronary arterial rings with intact endothelium in a concentration-dependent manner. Comparatively, the vasorelaxation disappeared in denuded-endothelium rings. Furthermore, the vasorelaxant effect of icariin was blocked by Nomega-Nitro- L-arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), 1H-[1, 2, 4]-oxadiazolo [4, 3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) but not by indomethacin and glibenclamide, respectively. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) could partly antagonize the vasorelaxant effect triggered by icariin. There was no significant gene expression difference of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene in coronary arterial rings among the different concentrations of icariin by RT-PCR, but the activity of eNOS was increased in a concentration-dependent manner after icariin exposure. These results suggest that icariin produces NO-dependent relaxation in the isolated canine coronary artery, and the possible mechanism is involved in the activation of eNOS protein and NO-cGMP pathway.