Comparison of in vivo plasma pharmacokinetics and urine excretion of main components in Xihuang Formula in rats with precancerous lesions of breast cancer / 中国中药杂志

The UPLC-MS/MS was established for the determination of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid(AKBA) and β-boswellic acid(β-BA), the main active components of Olibanum and Myrrha extracts in Xihuang Formula, in rat plasma and urine. The effects of compatibility on the pharmacokinetic behaviors of AKBA and β-BA in rats were investigated, and the differences in pharmacokinetic behaviors between healthy rats and rats with precancerous lesions of breast cancer were compared. The results showed that compared with RM-NH and RM-SH groups, the AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of β-BA increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), T_(max) decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and C_(max) increased(P<0.01) after compatibility. The trends of AKBA and β-BA were the same. Compared with RM-SH group, the T_(max) decreased(P<0.05), C_(max) increased(P<0.01), and the absorption rate increased in the normal group of Xihuang Formula. The results of urinary excretion showed that there was a decreasing trend in the urinary excretion rate and total urinary excretion of β-BA and AKBA after compatibility, but there was no statistical difference. Compared with normal group of Xihuang Formula, the AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of β-BA increased(P<0.05), T_(max) increased(P<0.05), and the clearance rate decreased in the breast precancerous lesion group. AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of AKBA showed an increasing trend, the in vivo retention time was prolonged, and the clearance rate was reduced, but there was no significant difference compared with the normal group. The cumulative urinary excretion and urinary excretion rate of β-BA and AKBA decreased under pathological conditions, indicating that pathological conditions could affect the in vivo process of β-BA and AKBA, and reduce their excretion in the form of prototype drugs, showing different pharmacokine-tic characteristics from normal physiological conditions. In this study, UPLC-MS/MS analysis method was established, which was sui-table for in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis of β-BA and AKBA. This study laid a foundation for the development of new dosage forms of Xihuang Formula.

Effects of butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on post-stroke cognitive impairment / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:A total of 90 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment who were hospitalized within 72 hours of onset in Suining County People's Hospital from December 2019 to November 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 45/group). The control group was given conventional treatment and the observation group was given butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to conventional treatment. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, and Activities of Daily Living score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results:Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, and Activities of Daily Living score between the two groups (all P > 0.05). At 14 days and 1 month after surgery, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores in the observation group were (4.02 ± 2.18) points and (3.21 ± 2.03) points, which were significantly lower than (5.21 ± 2.24) points and (4.62 ± 2.68) points in the control group ( t =2.55, 2.81, both P < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score in the observation group were (19.79 ± 5.67) points and (23.69 ± 2.67) points, which were significantly higher than (16.88 ± 5.12) points and (19.74 ± 2.29) points in the control group ( t = 2.56, 7.53, both P < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, Activities of Daily Living scores in the observation group were (54.85 ± 5.69) points and (74.38 ± 4.98) points, which were significantly higher than (46.78 ± 6.24) points and (63.21 ± 5.24) points in the control group ( t = 6.41, 9.76, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke can alleviate neurologic deficits, and improve cognitive function and the ability of daily life.

A new dihydrochalcone from Humulus scandens / 中国中药杂志

To study the chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Humulus scandens, this study isolated thirteen compounds by different chromatographic methods including silica gel column, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. Based on comprehensive analysis, the chemical structures were elucidated and identified as citrunohin A(1), chrysosplenetin(2), casticin(3), neoechinulin A(4), ethyl 1H-indole-3-carboxylate(5), 3-hydroxyacetyl-indole(6),(1H-indol-3-yl) oxoacetamide(7), inonotusic acid(8), arteannuin B(9), xanthotoxol(10), α-tocopherol quinone(11), eicosanyl-trans-p-coumarate(12), and 9-oxo-(10E,12E)-octadecadienoic acid(13). Among them, compound 1 was a new dihydrochalcone, and the other compounds were obtained from H. scandens for the first time.

Preliminary single-arm study of brain effects during transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation treatment of recurrent depression by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the brain effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) treatment of recurrent depression based on the functional brain network by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with recurrent depression were enrolled in a single-arm trial of taVNS treatment for eight weeks. Clinical results were assessed by 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) scales. Resting-state fMRI was conducted to explore the brain effects before and after treatment. For the functional connectivity (FC) analysis, the bilateral nucleus accumbens, globus pallidus, caudate, and putamen were selected as seeds. Finally, the correlations between FC and the clinical scale scores were calculated. RESULTS: After treatment, the patients' scores of HAMD-17, HAMA, SDS, SAS, and RRS were significantly decreased ( < 0.05). FC was considerably decreased between the following areas: the left globus pallidus and the right postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal gyrus, the right globus pallidus and the left superior marginal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, inferior parietal gyrus, precuneus, right postcentral gyrus, superior marginal gyrus, and inferior parietal gyrus, between the right caudate and the right lingual gyrus, calcarine gyrus, and cerebellum. Changes in FC between the right globus pallidus and the left inferior parietal gyrus, between the left globus pallidus and the right postcentral gyrus were negatively correlated with HAMD-17 scores change before and after treatment (before, = 0.003, = -0.6; after, 0.009,= -0.54). The change of FC between the right globus pallidus and the right postcentral gyrus was negatively correlated with the change in SDS (= 0.026,= -0.474). The difference in FC between the right globus pallidus and the right postcentral gyrus was negatively correlated with the change in SAS (= 0.016,= -0.513). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent depression could be effectively treated with taVNS. The changes in brain FC involving the basal ganglia, default mode, and sensorimotor networks provide insight into the effects of taVNS treatment on recurrent depression.

A randomized, parallel control and multicenter clinical trial of evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage treatment VS External Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Both massage and topically administered NSAIDs are safe and effective treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, different massage technique sects in China caused assessment difficulties for the treatment of KOA. In order to standardize the massage techniques and procedures, we organized multi-disciplinary experts in China to acquire an evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The purposes of this study will be to provide clinicians a complementary and alternative therapy for patients and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage treatment of KOA compared to External Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel. METHODS AND DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial in which 300 participants diagnosed with KOA will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the experimental group or the control group in a ratio of 2:1. Two hundred participants will receive evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage 2 sessions per week for 10 weeks as the experimental group, and 100 participants will receive External Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel 3-4 times per day for 10 weeks as the control group. The patients in the two groups will receive follow-up at two time points at 5 weeks and 10 weeks from the beginning of treatment, respectively. The MRI scans and X-ray will be performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. The primary outcome will be the changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes will be measured by the PRO scale for knee osteoarthritis based on the concept of traditional Chinese medicine (Chinese scale for knee osteoarthritis (CSKO)), X-ray evaluation, and MRI scan evaluation. The data of WOMAC and CSKO will be analyzed at the baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks from the beginning of treatment. The data from MRI scans and X-rays will be analyzed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. The significance level sets as 5%. The safety of interventions will be evaluated after each treatment session. DISCUSSION: This study will provide clinicians with much-needed knowledge for the treatment of KOA through a controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800014400 . Registered on 10 January 2018.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y and ghrelin in pubertal rats with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome often starts in puberty, and its pathogenesis is not clear. This study aimed to explore the pathogenesis of pubertal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and assess the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on pubertal PCOS. METHODS: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was used to induce rat models of pubertal PCOS. pubertal rats with PCOS were randomly divided into a model group (M), an electroacupuncture group (EA), and a sham acupuncture group (SA). Age-matched normal rats were regarded as normal controls (N). Rats were treated with EA or SA five times a week for 25 minutes during their 6th-7th week. At the end of the experiment, we observed any changes in ovarian morphology; detected levels of metabolic indices in serum, the hypothalamus and pancreas. RESULTS: EA significantly improved estrous cycle disorders and the ovarian polycystic morphology in pubertal rats with PCOS, but SA only improved disorders of the estrous cycle. The serum levels of insulin, neuropeptide Y(NPY) and fasting blood glucose(FBG) increased significantly (both p < 0.01), while the serum levels of ghrelin(GHRL) decreased in the model group (p < 0.01). After treatment with EA, the levels of NPY (p < 0.01) and FBG (p < 0.05) went into decrease, whereas the levels of GHRL (p < 0.05) and insulin (p < 0.01) increased. There was few differences in the hypothalamic expression of galanin (GAL), galanin-like peptide (GALP) and ghrelin receptor(GHSR) between the four groups. The upregulation of NPY mRNA and neuropeptide Y2 receptor(NPY2R) mRNA and the downregulation of GHRL protein and mRNA in the hypothalamus, and the increased expression of NPY and NPY2R as well as the decreased expression of GHRL in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) can be rescued by EA. But, surprisingly, SA seem to make no difference to the levels of FBG and insulin, and the protein expression of ghrelin in the hypothalamus and ARC. Co-expression of kisspeptin and GHSR, and co-expression of gonadotrophin releasing hormone(GnRH) and NPY2R were observed in ARC. No differences were found between groups in protein of GAL, GALP and GHRL expression in the pancreas. Neither EA nor SA can attenuate the upregulated kisspeptin protein expression in the pancreas of PCOS model rats. CONCLUSIONS: EA and SA improved the symptoms of pubertal PCOS rats, and the mechanism might be associated with regulating hypothalamic NPY and ghrelin levels.

α-Pyrones with glucose uptake-stimulatory activity from the twigs of Cryptocarya wrayi.

Five new α-pyrones, cryptowratones A-E (1-5), and five known congeners (6-10), together with four other known compounds 11-14 were isolated from the twigs of Cryptocarya wrayi. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analysis and ECD calculations. All α-pyrones except 6 were evaluated for their stimulatory effects on glucose uptake in vitro with CHO-K1/GLUT4 cells. The positive control insulin displayed an approximate 42 ± 0.14% promotion on glucose uptake at 25 µM, compared with the CHO-K1/GLUT4 group. Compounds 1a/2a, 2, 3, and 10 showed a more significant stimulation of glucose uptake than insulin (25 µM) by 36 ± 0.08%, 27 ± 0.12%, 28 ± 0.12%, and 25 ± 0.12% at 1.5 µM, respectively. Immunofluorescence assays indicated the glucose uptake-stimulatory activity of α-pyrones might be correlated with increased GLUT4 translocation.

Two new isoquinoline alkaloids from Cryptocarya wrayi and their biological activities.

Two new isoquinoline alkaloids, cryptowrayines A (1) and B (2), along with one known pavine alkaloid (-)-12-hydroxyeschscholtzidine (3), were isolated from the twigs of Cryptocarya wrayi. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Both compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate quinone reductase inducing activity in Hepa 1c1c7 cells.

Construction and mechanism of dry eye model in mice with ocular surface iron overload / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To establish a dry eye mouse model of iron overload by intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran and preliminarily explore its possible mechanism.METHODS: A total of 40 male C57BL/6 mice(taking the right eye as the experimental eye)were divided into 4 groups by random number table method: There were 10 mice in the control group, each time by intraperitoneal injection of 0.2mL of normal saline; Low-dose group, middle-dose group and high-dose iron group with 10 mice in each group were the model group. Each time, 0.2mL of iron dextran solution with concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/mL was injected intraperitoneally. One injection 3d for a total of 28d. We observed the ocular surface inflammation index, corneal fluorescein staining, tear break-up time(BUT)and Schimer I test(SIt)on the 7, 14 and 28d after injection and evaluated the degree of dry eye and ocular surface inflammation. After 28d, the mice were sacrificed for cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal glands tissue for HE staining, Prussian blue staining and tissue iron detection, to evaluate the inflammatory reaction and iron overload. The expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and matrix metallo proteinase-9(MMP-9)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the mice in the model group showed a series of dry eye symptoms, the inflammation index of ocular surface in mice were increased, the score of corneal fluorescein staining increased, the BUT shortened and the amount of tear secretion decreased(all P&#x003C;0.05). The cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal gland tissues of the mice were damaged to varying degrees, the iron deposition on the eye surface of the model group was more serious than that of the control group, and the iron content of the tissue was significantly increased than the control group(all P&#x003C;0.01). The contents of inflammatory factors(IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-9)in the cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal gland tissue of the mice in the model group were significantly higher than those of the control group(all P&#x003C;0.01). With the increase of injection time and concentration of iron dextran, the degree of dry eye and ocular surface inflammation in mice gradually increased. CONCLUSION: The mouse iron overload dry eye model was successfully established by intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran, the mechanism may be related to the ocular surface inflammation aggravated by iron overload.

Effect of electroacupuncture and pretreatment of electroacupuncture on pain sensitization and expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the occurrence time of neuralgia and the expression of purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in diabetic rats, and to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and pretreatment of EA on the heat pain threshold and expression of P2X7R in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP), and to explore the possible mechanism of EA for DNP.@*METHODS@#PartⅠ: Thirty male SD rats were randomly selected from 64 male SD rats as the control group; the remaining rats were given intraperitoneal injection of STZ (10 mg/mL) at a dose of 65 mg/kg to establish the diabetes model, and 30 rats were successfully modeled as the model group. The control group and the model group were divided into three subgroups respectively at 7, 14 and 21 days, with 10 rats in each subgroup. Body mass, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and thermal pain threshold were recorded at 7, 14 and 21 days after injection; the expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot. PartⅡ: Eight SD rats were randomly selected from 35 male SD rats as the blank group, and the remaining 27 rats were given intraperitoneal injection of STZ (10 mg/mL) at a dose of 65 mg/kg to establish the diabetes model. The 24 rats with successful diabetes model were randomly divided into a DNP group, an EA group and a pre-EA group, 8 rats in each group. Fifteen to 21 days after STZ injection, the EA group received EA at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Kunlun" (BL 60), continuous wave, frequency of 2 Hz, 30 min each time, once a day; the intervention method in the pre-EA group was the same as that in the EA group. The intervention time was 8 to 14 days after STZ injection. The body mass, FBG and thermal pain threshold were recorded before STZ injection and 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection; the expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot 21 days after injection.@*RESULTS@#PartⅠ: Compared with the control group, in the model group, the body mass was decreased and FBG was increased 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.01), and the thermal pain threshold was decreased 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.05), and the expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn was increased 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.05, P<0.01). PartⅡ: Compared with the blank group, in the DNP group, the body mass was decreased and fasting blood glucose were increased 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.01). Compared with the DNP group, in the pre-EA group, the heat pain threshold was increased 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.05), while in the EA group, the heat pain threshold was increased 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.01), and the expression of P2X7R in the dorsal horn in the EA group and the pre-EA group was decreased (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The diabetic neuropathic pain is observed 14 days after STZ injection. EA could not only treat but also prevent the occurrence of DNP, and its mechanism may be related to down-regulation of P2X7R expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

[Effects of BiejiaYugan Granule on TGF-ß1/Smads pathway in rats with hepatic fibrosis caused by compound factors].

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Biejia Yugan Granule on hepatic fibrosis caused by compound factors in rats and its effect on TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathway. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model control group, colchicine group, Biejia Yugan Granule low, medium and high dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g/kg) groups (n= 8 in each group). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by treating with 5% alcohol 15 ml/kg (ig) everyday and injecting with 40% carbon tetrachloride (sc) twice a week for 42 days. The effects of Biejia Yugan Granule on liver function, liver index and water content, serum hepatic fibrosis related indicators, key proteins and gene expression of TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathway in rats were observed. Results: Biejia Yugan Granule at the doses of 1.85, 3.70 and 7.40 g/kg could decrease the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and HA, PCⅢ, C-Ⅳ, LN significantly, reduce the water content of liver tissue leads to the decrease of liver index, regulate the liver tissue TGF-ß1, Smad3 mRNA and Smad7 mRNA expressions. Conclusion: Biejia Yugan Granule has obvious effects of reducing enzyme and protecting liver and inhibiting hepatic fibrosis, and inhibiting TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathway is one of its mechanisms of anti-hepatic fibrosis.

Regulation Effect of Myeloid Leukemia No.1 Chinese Herb Medicine Prescription Combined with Chemotherapy on Th17 Cells in Bone Marrow of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the regulation effect of myeloid leukemia No.1 Chinese herb medicine prescription combined with chemotherapy on Th17 cells in bone marrow fluid of AML patients, so as to provide guidance for improving AML treatment effect and patients' long-term survival.@*METHODS@#Seventy patients with AML who were hospitalized in Department of Hematology, Wuwei People's Hospital from April 2017 to August 2019 were selected and enrolled in AML group, 25 healthy volunteers were selected and enrolled in control group; then according to therapeutic regimen, AML patients were divided into 2 groups: combined therapy group (myeloid leukemia NO.1 Chinese herb medicine prescription combined with chemotherapy) and non-combined therapy group (chemotherapy alone). Flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of CD3@*RESULTS@#The ratio of CD3@*CONCLUSION@#Th17 cells expression in bone marrow of newly diagnoses and relapsed AML patients significantly increase, and decrease significantly after treatment. Myeloid leukemia No.1 Chinese herb prescription combined with chemotherapy can significantly increase the CR rate and reduce the RL rate for AML.

Altered integrity of hepatocyte tight junctions in rats with triptolide-induced cholestasis / 中国天然药物

Triptolide (TP), an active component of Tripterygium wilfordiiHook. f. (TWHF), has been widely used for centuries as a traditional Chinese medicine. However, the clinical application of TP has been restricted due to multitarget toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity. In this study, 28 days of oral TP administration (100, 200, or 400 μg·kg

Impact of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Unmarried PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).@*METHODS@#Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (control) for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program. Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively. The first set consisted of Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guilai (ST 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI4) and Baihui (GV 20), and the second set consisted of Tianshu (ST 25), ST 29, CV 3, CV 6, SP 6, Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC) 6 and GV 20. Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin release test, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, and interleukin (IL-6).@*RESULTS@#Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial. After 16 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). However, as compared with baseline data, a reduction in weight, BMI, hipline, WHR, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, visfatin and HDL-C, and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group (P<0.05). In addition, a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective. Sham acupuncture may improve some of the aspects of the glucose and lipid metabolism of PCOS patients through a placebo effect. (Registration Nos. ChiCTR-TRC-12002529 and NCT01812161).

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment on keloid tumor immune gene expression / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has been demonstrated to influence the keloid recurrence rate after surgery and to relieve keloid symptoms and other pathological processes in keloids. To explore the mechanism of the effect of HBOT on keloids, tumor immune gene expression and immune cell infiltration were studied in this work.@*METHODS@#From February 2021 to April 2021, HBOT was carried out on keloid patients four times before surgery. Keloid tissue samples were collected and divided into an HBOT group (keloid with HBOT before surgery [HK] group, n = 6) and a non-HBOT group (K group, n = 6). Tumor gene expression was analyzed with an Oncomine Immune Response Research Assay kit. Data were mined with R package. The differentially expressed genes between the groups were compared. Hub genes between the groups were determined and verified with Quantitative Real-time PCR. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed based on CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm analysis of gene expression and verified with immunohistochemistry (IHC).@*RESULTS@#Inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in the HK group. There were 178 upregulated genes and 217 downregulated genes. Ten hub genes were identified, including Integrin Subunit Alpha M (ITGAM), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-2, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type C (PTPRC), CD86, transforming growth factor (TGF), CD80, CTLA4, and IL-10. CD80, ITGAM, IL-4, and PTPRC with significantly downregulated expression were identified. IL-10 and IL-2 were upregulated in the HK group but without a significant difference. Infiltration differences of CD8 lymphocyte T cells, CD4 lymphocyte T-activated memory cells, and dendritic resting cells were identified with gene CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm analysis. Infiltration levels of CD4 lymphocyte T cell in the HK group were significantly higher than those of the K group in IHC verification.@*CONCLUSION@#HBOT affected tumor gene expression and immune cell infiltration in keloids. CD4 lymphocyte T cell, especially activated memory CD4+T, might be the key regulatory immune cell, and its related gene expression needs further study.

[Effects of Radix Angelicae Sinensis on airway mucus hypersecretion and the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway in Yin-deficiency asthmatic mice].

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (RADA) on airway mucus hypersecretion and the tumor necrosis factor-α/ nuclear factor- κB (TNF-α/NF-κB) signaling pathway in Yin-deficiency asthma mice. Methods: KM mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, ambroxol group and RADA low, medium and high dose (2, 4 and 8 g/kg) group(n=12). Ovalbumin and the thyroid gland were used to replicate the model of Yin-deficiency asthma. Asthma symptoms in mice , immune globulin E (IgE) , TNF-α , and the expressions of Mucin 5ac (Muc5ac) and NF- κB in lung tissue were observed under the intervention of RADA. Results: RADA at the doses of 2,4 and 8 g/kg could alleviate the asthma symptoms of Yin-deficiency asthma mice significantly, reduce the levels of IgE in serum and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and inhibite the overexpressions of Muc5ac and NF- κB in lung tissue. Conclusion: RADA has significant anti-asthmatic effect. One of its mechanisms is to inhibit TNF-α/NF- κB signaling pathway and to alleviate airway mucus hypersecretion.

Proteomics and peptidomics analysis of Sepiae Endoconcha / 中国中药杂志

Shotgun based proteomics and peptidomics analysis were used to investigate the proteins and peptides in marine traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) Sepiae Endoconcha(cuttlebone). Peptides were extracted from cuttlebone by acidified methanol, and then strong cation exchange(SCX) resin was used to enrich those peptides. Also, proteins from cuttlebone were extracted and digested by trypsin. nano-LC Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to analyze proteins and peptides from cuttlebone. As a result, a total of 16 proteins and 168 peptides were identified by protein database search, and 328 peptides were identified by De novo sequencing. The identified proteins were hemocyanin, enolase, myosin, actin, calmodulin, etc., and the identified peptides were derived from actin, histone, and tubulin. All these proteins and peptides were important components in cuttlebone, which would provide important theoretical and research basis for marine TCM cuttlebone investigations.

Arsenic-Containing Qinghuang Powder () is an Alternative Treatment for Elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Refusing Low-Intensity Chemotherapy / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the overall survival (OS) of elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with oral arsenic-containing Qinghuang Powder (, QHP) or low-intensity chemotherapy (LIC).@*METHODS@#Forty-two elderly AML patients treated with intravenous or subcutaneous LIC (1 month for each course, at least 3 courses) or oral QHP (3 months for each course, at least 2 courses) were retrospectively analyzed from January 2015 to December 2017. The main endpoints of analysis were OS and 1-, 2-, 3-year OS rates of patients, respectively. And the adverse reactions induding bone marrow suppression, digestive tract discomfort and myocardia injury were observed.@*RESULTS@#Out of 42 elderly AML patients, 22 received LIC treatment and 20 received QHP treatment, according to patients' preference. There was no significant difference on OS between LIC and QHP patients (13.0 months vs. 13.5 months, >0.05). There was no significant difference on OS rates between LIC and QHP groups at 1 year (59.1% vs. 70.0%), 2 years (13.6% vs. 15%), and 3 years (4.6% vs. 5.0%, all >0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference of OS on prognosis stratification of performance status > 2 (12 months vs. 12 months), age> 75 year-old (12.0 months vs. 12.5 months), hematopoietic stem cell transplant comorbidity index >2 (12 months vs. 13 months), poor cytogenetics (12 months vs. 8 months), and diagnosis of secondary AML (10 months vs. 14 months) between LIC and QHP patients (>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#QHP may be an alternative treatment for elderly AML patients refusing LIC therapy.

[Effects of Biejia Yugan Granule on rat with ethanol-induced hepatic fibrosis].

Objective: To investigate the prevention and treatment effect of Biejia Yugan Granule (BYG) on ethanol-induced hepatic fibrosis (EHF) rats. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, BYG group, colchicine group and BYG low and BYG high dose groups (n=8). The EHF rat model was established by intragastric edible ethanol with a gradually increased dose. Briefly, the rats of model group, colchicine group and BYG low and high dose groups were given gavage of 5 g/(kg·d) ethanol at week 1～4, 7 g/(kg·d) ethanol at week 5～8, 9 g/(kg·d) ethanol at week 9～12 and 9.5 g/(kg·d) ethanol at week 13～24. And the other two groups were treated with equal volume water. At the same time, the corresponding drugs were administrated daily: BYG group was treated with Biejia Yugan Granules 5.55 g/kg, colchicine group was treated with colchicine 0.1 mg/kg, BYG low-dose and high-group were treated with Biejia Yugan Granules 1.85 and 5.55 g/kg respectively. The blank control group and model control group were given the same amount of purified water. On the 169th day of the experiment, the effects of BYG on the macroscopic changes of rat liver organs, the water content of liver tissue and the pathological changes of fibrosis, the content of hydroxy proline (Hyp) in liver tissue and the expression levels of α-SMA and CREB were observed. Results: BYG at the doses of 1.85 and 5.55 g/kg could significantly improve the macroscopic changes of liver and pathological changes of liver tissue fibrosis in rats with EHF, reduce the contents of water and Hyp in liver tissue, and down-regulate the expressions of α-SMA and CREB. Conclusion: BYG has obvious effect on inhibiting EHF and one of its mechanisms is down-regulate the content of CREB.

[Preventive and therapeutic effects of Qiwei Yugan Granule on hepatic fibrosis in rats].

Objective: To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of Qiwei Yugan Granule (QYG) on hepatic fibrosis in rats based on MMP-13/TIMP-1 imbalance. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, colchicine group (1.0×10-4 g/kg) and QYG treated groups (3.7, 7.4, 14.8 g/kg) (n=8). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by injected with carbon tetrachloride subcutaneously for 4 weeks and treated with ethanol by gavage for 6 weeks. The effects of QYG on liver function, histopathology of liver, related indexes of serum liver fibrosis, and MMP-13, TIMP-1 in hepatic tissue were observed. Results: QYG at the doses of 14.8、7.4、3.7 g/kg could significantly decrease the serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, PCⅢ and C-Ⅳ, relieve the pathological changes of hepatic fibrosis, increase the activity of MMP-13, decrease the activity of TIMP-1 and alleviate the imbalance of MMP-13/TIMP-1. Among them, QYG had a certain trend of dose-effect relationship with TIMP-1 and MMP-13/TIMP-1 (P＜0.05, 0.01). Conclusion: QYG has the effect of preventing and treating liver fibrosis and one of mechanisms is to promote MMP-13/TIMP-1 to restore balance.