Traditional Herb (Moxa) Modified Zinc Oxide Nanosheets for Quick, Efficient and High Tissue Penetration Therapy of Fungal Infection.

Fungal infection possesses the characteristics of high invasion depth and easy formation of a biofilm under the skin, which greatly hinders the treatment process. Here, traditional Chinese medicine moxa is carbonized and modified with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanosheets to synthesize carbonized moxa@ZnO (CMZ) with the dual response properties of yellow light (YL) and ultrasound (US) for synergistic antifungal therapy. CMZ with narrow bandgap can respond to long-wavelength YL that is highly safe and helpful for skin repair. Simultaneously, CMZ with a piezoelectric effect can further enhance the photocatalytic efficiency under the stimulation of US with high tissue penetration. Gene mechanism investigation indicates that when exposed to US and YL irradiation, CMZ-based therapy can adjust the expression of genes associated with fungal virulence, metabolic activity, mycelial growth and biofilm development, thus efficaciously eradicating planktonic Candida albicans (C. albicans) and mature biofilm. Importantly, despite the 1.00 cm thick tissue barrier, CMZ can rapidly eliminate 99.9% of C. albicans within 4 min, showing a satisfactory deep fungicidal efficacy. The in vivo therapeutic effect of this strategy is demonstrated in both open wound and deep cutaneous infection tests, speaking of dramatically better efficacy than the traditional fungicide ketoconazole (KTZ).

FTZ promotes islet ß-cell regeneration in T1DM mice via the regulation of nuclear proliferation factors.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fufang-Zhenzhu-Tiaozhi capsule (FTZ), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) patent prescription commonly used in clinical practice, has a significant curative effect on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Previous studies have shown that FTZ can treat diabetes, but the effect of FTZ on ß-cell regeneration needs to be further explored in T1DM mice. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim is to investigate the role of FTZ in promoting ß-cell regeneration in T1DM mice, and to further explore its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were used as control. NOD/LtJ mice were divided into the Model group and FTZ group. Oral glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin level were measured. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the level of ß-cell regeneration and the composition of α-cells and ß-cells in islets. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect the infiltration degree of inflammatory cells. The apoptosis of islet cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of Pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (PDX-1), V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAFA), and Neurogenin-3 (NGN3). RESULTS: FTZ could increase insulin levels and reduce the glucose level of T1DM mice and promote ß-cell regeneration. FTZ also inhibited the invasion of inflammatory cells and the islet cell apoptosis, and maintained the normal composition of islet cells, thus preserving the quantity and quality of ß-cells. Furthermore, FTZ promoting ß-cell regeneration was accompanied by increasing the expression of PDX-1, MAFA, and NGN3. CONCLUSION: FTZ can restore the insulin-secreting function of the impaired pancreatic islet, improve blood glucose level, possibly via the enhancing ß cell regeneration via upregulation of PDX-1, MAFA, and NGN3 in T1DM mice, and may be a potential therapeutic drug for T1DM.

Pollutant impacts on bacteria in surface water and sediment: Conventional versus emerging pollutants in Taihu Lake, China.

Bacteria play a critical role in biogeochemical cycling, self-purification, and food web fueling in surface freshwater ecosystems. However, the comparison between the impacts of conventional and emerging pollutants on the bacteria in surface water and sediment remains unclear and requires for an in-depth understanding to assess ecological risk and select associated bioindicators. Taihu Lake, a typical shallow lake in China, was divided into pollutant impacted and less-impacted zones for sampling. Spatial distributions of conventional pollutants, emerging pharmaceuticals, and bacterial communities were investigated in surface water and sediment. The correlations of pollutants with bacterial communities and the variations in bacterial functions were analyzed to help assess the pollutant influences on bacteria. The results showed that the water quality index and trophic level index across the whole lake were at medium to good, and mesotropher to light eutropher grades, respectively, indicating a relatively good control on conventional pollutants in water. Target pharmaceuticals were at much higher concentrations in water of the impacted zone compared to the less-impacted zone, exhibiting close positive relationships with the bacterial phyla in the impacted water. The ratio of Firmicutes to Proteobacteria in surface water is suggested as a plausible bioindicator to evaluate the level of inflow pharmaceutical contamination and the risk of relevant bacterial resistance in the outflow. In sediment, no significant difference was observed for pharmaceuticals between the two zones, whereas total phosphorus and orthophosphate were substantially higher in the impacted zone. Phosphorus pollutants were tightly associated with the bacterial genera in the impacted sediment, likely relating to the increase in iron- or sulfate-reducing bacteria which implies the potential risk of phosphorus releasing from sediment to water.

Fufang-zhenzhu-tiaozhi formula protects islet against injury and promotes ß cell regeneration in diabetic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fufang-zhenzhu-tiaozhi formula (FTZ) is a patented preparation of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the clinic for almost 10 years. Our previous study had demonstrated that FTZ can protect islet ß cell injury in vitro. However, the efficacy of FTZ on ß cell regeneration in vivo and the involved anti-diabetic mechanism remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aim to investigate the effects of FTZ as a good remedy for islet protection and ß cell regeneration, and to reveal the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet for 3 weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (90 mg/kg/d × 1 d) to establish type 2 diabetes (T2D) models. Mice in each group were divided into three batches that sacrificed after 3, 7 and 28 days of FTZ administration. Body weight, blood glucose, and oral glucose tolerance test were measured at indicated time points. Fasting insulin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Neonatal ß cell was assessed by insulin & PCNA double immunofluorescence staining, and the underlying mechanisms related to ß cell regeneration were further performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, insulin & glucagon double immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. RESULTS: FTZ and metformin can significantly help with the symptoms of DM, such as alleviating weight loss, reducing blood glucose, improving the level of insulin in vivo, and relieving insulin resistance, suggesting FTZ and metformin treatment maintained the normal morphological function of islet. Notably, ß cell regeneration, which is indicated by insulin and PCNA double-positive cells, was promoted by FTZ, whereas few neonatal ß cells were observed in metformin group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, and its quantification results showed that FTZ effectively prevented the invasion of inflammatory cells into the islets in diabetic mice. Most ß cells in the islets of diabetic model mice were devoid, and the islets were almost all α cells, while the diabetic mice administered FTZ could still maintain about half of the ß cells in the islet. Furthermore, FTZ upregulated the expression of critical transcription factors during ß cell development and maturation (such as PDX-1, MAFA and NGN3) in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: FTZ can alleviate diabetes symptoms and promote ß cell regeneration in diabetic mice. Moreover, FTZ promotes ß cell regeneration by preserving islet (resisting inflammatory cells invading islets), maintaining the number of ß cells in islets, and increasing the expression of PDX-1, MAFA and NGN3.

Chinese medicine Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsule ameliorates coronary atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus-related coronary heart disease minipigs.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus-related coronary heart disease (DM-CHD) is the most common cause of death in diabetic patients. Various studies have shown that Chinese medicine Fufang-Zhenzhu-Tiaozhi capsule (FTZ) has therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases. More research is required to determine the mechanism of FTZ protection against coronary atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the unique mechanism of FTZ in treatment of DM-CHD minipigs with coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: High-fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol diet combined with streptozotocin and coronary balloon injury were used to induce DM-CHD minipig model, which was then randomly divided into: DM-CHD model, DM-CHD treated with FTZ or positive drug (Metformin + Atorvastatin, M+A). After twenty-two weeks, ultrasonography, electrocardiography, and image detection were employed to detect cardiac functions and assess coronary artery stenosis and plaque. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated high glucose or/and FTZ. Pigs tissues and treated-cells were collected for further testing. RESULTS: In DM-CHD minipigs, FTZ treatment significantly reduced disordered glycolipid metabolism similar as M+A administration. FTZ and M+A also alleviated coronary stenosis and myocardial injury. In addition, IκB and NF-κB phosphorylation levels, as well as the protein levels of IL-1ß, Bax, cleave-Caspase 3, Bcl-2, and α-SMA were dramatically increased in the DM-CHD coronary artery, whereas CD31 and VE-cadherin expressions were decreased. Similar to M+A, FTZ reversed these protein levels in the DM-CHD coronary artery. Furthermore, FTZ ameliorated the damage and high migration activity of HUVECs induced by high glucose. CONCLUSIONS: FTZ improves coronary atherosclerosis through modulating inflammation, alleviating apoptosis, and inhibiting EndMT of coronary artery to protects against DM-CHD.

Transcriptomic and network pharmacology approaches revealed possible mechanisms underlying the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-sensitizing effect of Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction treatment on liver cancer cells.

Background: Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula widely used for the treatment of inflammation-related disease in the lung and liver. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction treatment on liver cancer cells and its mechanism of action. Methods: The impact of Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction treatment on the proliferation and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cotreatment was determined in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Alterations in gene expression patterns in SMMC-7721 cells induced by Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction treatment were explored by transcriptomic sequencing. Effective components of Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction and their target proteins were investigated using network pharmacology approaches. Results: Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction alone did not significantly influence SMMC-7721 liver cancer cell growth, but it significantly increased the 5-Fu-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Most differentially expressed genes in SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells with or without Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction treatment were enriched in cell apoptosis-related pathways. Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction treatment significantly increased the transcription levels of DDIT3, PMAIP1, and ZMAT3 genes while decreasing that of WNT4, AXIN2, NFE2L2, TGFBR1, MITF, and IGFBP3 genes. An interaction network between the effective components and their possible target proteins was constructed by predicting compound-target protein and protein-protein interactions. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway as well as Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins as potential regulatory targets of Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction in sensitizing SMMC-7721 cells to the cytotoxicity of 5-FU treatment. Conclusions: Xuan-Fu-Hua decoction increased the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to the cytotoxicity of 5-FU treatment, possibly by potentiating cell apoptosis and inhibiting the prosurvival machinery.

Corrigendum: Efficacy and Safety of Shenqu Xiaoshi Oral Liquid Compared With Domperidone Syrup in Children With Functional Dyspepsia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.831912.].

Efficacy and Safety of Shenqu Xiaoshi Oral Liquid Compared With Domperidone Syrup in Children With Functional Dyspepsia.

Background: Treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) in children is generally symptomatic and unsatisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicines, such as Shenqu Xiaoshi Oral Liquid (SXOL), have been recommended to alleviate dyspeptic symptoms. However, evidence of their safety and efficacy remains limited to date. AIM: To assess whether 2 weeks of therapy with SXOL was non-inferior to domperidone syrup in children with FD. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, double-simulated, non-inferiority, multi-center clinical trial, we recruited children (3-14 years) with FD according to the Rome IV criteria from 17 tertiary medical centers across China. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive SXOL or domperidone syrup for 2 weeks. We compared the participants' clinical scores from both groups based on the severity and frequency of dyspepsia symptoms according to Rome IV criteria (0, 1, 2, and 4 weeks after randomization). The primary endpoint was the total response rate, which was defined as the proportion of patients with a decrease of 30% or more in the FD symptoms clinical score from baseline, at the end of the 2-weeks treatment. A non-inferiority margin of -10% was set. Secondary endpoints and adverse events were assessed. This trial is registered with www.Chictr.org.cn, number ChiCTR1900022654. Results: Between February 2019 and March 2021, a total of 373 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 356 patients were enrolled and randomized. The clinical response rate at week two was similar for SXOL [118 (83.10%) of 142] and domperidone [128 (81.01%) of 158]; difference 2.09; 95% CI -6.74 to 10.71, thereby establishing non-inferiority. The total FD symptom scores were significantly improved in the two groups at 1-, 2-, and 4-weeks follow-up periods (p < 0.005). The decrease in symptom score compared with the baseline were similar between these two groups. Over the total study period, 10 patients experienced at least one treatment-related adverse event [six (3.37%)] in the SXOL group, four [(2.25%) in the domperidone group], although no serious adverse event was noted. Conclusion: Treatment with SXOL effectively improves dyspeptic symptoms and is well tolerated. In addition, it is not inferior to domperidone syrup and leads to sustained improvement in Chinese children with FD.

Fuzhuan brick tea supplemented with areca nuts: Effects on serum and gut microbiota in mice.

Areca nut and Fuzhuan brick tea, a type of natural plant products, have obvious effects of fat reduction and weight loss; however, there is no report on their synergistic effect. This study investigated the effects of Fuzhuan brick tea supplemented with different concentrations of areca nut (5% (LAF), 10% (MAF), and 20% (HAF)) on serum and gut microbiota in Kunming (KM) mice. The results showed that Fuzhuan brick tea supplemented with areca nuts (AFTs) could reduce weight, prevent the accumulation of fat, inhibit the increase in the levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, free fatty acid, insulin, and total bile acid, alleviate the decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and regulate the composition of gut microbiota by high-fat diet intervention. The HAF group with 20% areca nut content showed the best effect. These results could provide a novel approach to prevent obesity and hyperlipidemia. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Consumption of areca nut and tea is widespread in Asia and other regions. As a controversial raw material, the damage due to areca nut to oral mucosa health has often aroused public concern and heated discussion; however, its medicinal value has been confirmed in terms of its pharmacological effects in various aspects. Fuzhuan brick tea, a type of traditional postfermented dark tea, has been confirmed to exert effects of antiobesity. Therefore, the areca nut and Fuzhuan brick tea, as a type of natural plant products, have obvious effects of fat reduction and weight loss; however, their synergistic effect has not been reported. To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the effects of the Fuzhuan brick tea supplemented with areca nuts (AFTs) on serum and gut microbiota in mice. On the premise of exerting their beneficial effects (especially in terms of easing food stagnation and eliminating indigestion) and reducing their toxic and side effects, the effects of AFTs on health were further clarified, which could provide a novel direction for the development and utilization of areca nut. Moreover, our research would increase public understanding of areca nut and provide guidance to the Fuzhuan brick tea processing industry.

Effect of Tongxie Yaofang on Expressions of Colon SERT and Liver 5-HT2AR Proteins in Rats with Ulcerative Colitis Model of Liver Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Tongxie Yaofang on the expressions of colon serotonin transporter （SERT）， liver 5-hydroxytryptamine_2A receptor （5-HT_2AR） protein， serum 5-HT and inflammatory factors in ulcerative colitis （UC） model rats of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency， in order to explore the basis of syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency and the intervention mechanism of Tongxie Yaofang. Method:Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group， model group， high， medium and low-dose Tongxie Yaofang group （10，5，2.5 g·kg^-1）， and salazosulacil group （0.3 g·kg^-1）. The ulcerative colitis model of liver depression and spleen deficiency was established by 2，4，6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid （TNBS）/ethanol solution enema + restraint stress + diet loss. After successful modeling， the samples were collected after 21 days of drug intervention. Htoxylin eosin （HE） staining and oil red staining were used to observe the pathological changes of colon and liver in each group. Serum interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-9， 5-HT and superoxide dismutase （SOD） were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Protein expressions of SERT in the colons and 5-HT_2AR in liver of rats were detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with the normal group， obvious ulcers were formed in the colon and lipid droplets in the liver increased in the model group， serum levels of IL-6， IL-9 and 5-HT in the model group increased， while the level of SOD decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The protein expression of SERT in colon decreased， whereas the protein expression of 5-HT_2AR in liver increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compare with model group， the pathological damage of colon was improved， and the formation of lipid droplets in liver was reduced in high， medium-dose Tongxie Yaofang groups and sulfasalazine group. The serum levels of IL-6， IL-9 and 5-HT decreased， while the level of SOD increased in Tongxie Yaofang group and sulfasalazine group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The protein expression of SERT in colon increased in high，low-dose Tongxie Yaofang groups and sulfasalazine group， and the protein expression of 5-HT_2AR in liver decreased in medium， low dose Tongxie Yaofang groups and sulfasalazine group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Tongxie Yaofang may reduce the content of 5-HT， and regulate the intestinal motility and sensory system by up-regulating the expression of SERT in the colon， inhibit the expressions of IL-6，IL-9 and other inflammatory factors， and play an anti-inflammatory role， reduce the content of 5-HT and the expression of 5-HT_2AR in the liver， increase the level of SOD， regulate emotion and lipid metabolism in the liver， and then exert the intervention effect on ulcerative colitis with liver depression and spleen deficiency on the whole.

Effect of Different Concentrations of Astragali Radix Containing Serum on CYP24A1，CYP27B1 mRNA and Protein in Osteogenic Differentiation of Aging Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum on the expression of 24-hydroxylase（CYP24A1），1α-OHase（CYP27B1） mRNA and protein in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs）， and to explore the mechanism of primary osteoporosis （OP）. Method:The experiment was divided into 6 groups，like normal group， model group， low ，middle and high dose group of Astragali Radix containing serum（20%，40%，60%），Vitamin D group. Cell proliferation toxicity assay（CCK-8） was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum on survival rate of aging BMSCs.Real-time quantitative PCR（Real-time PCR） and Western blot was used to detect the expression of CYP24A1 CYP27B1 mRNA and protein in senile BMSCs osteogenic differentiation cells by different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum. Result:Compared with normal group， the proliferation and survival rate of BMSCs osteoblasts induced by D-galactose in model group was significantly lower than that in normal group （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， medium and high dose groups and Vitamin D group could improve the proliferation and differentiation of aging BMSCs into osteoblasts in different degrees（P<0.01）. The relative expression of CYP27B1 mRNA and protein in model group was significantly lower than that in normal group， while the relative expression of CYP24A1 mRNA and protein in model group was significantly higher than that in normal group. Compared with model group， high dose Astragali Radix containing serum group could increase the relative expression of CYP27B1 mRNA and protein， and decrease the relative expression of CYP24A1 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner（P<0.01）. Conclusion:The mechanism of different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum in the treatment of osteoporosis may be related to the regulation of CYP24A1， CYP27B1 mRNA and protein in the osteogenic differentiation of aging BMSCs.

Effectiveness of Auricular Acupressure for Acute Postoperative Pain after Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effectiveness of auricular acupressure (AA) in patients with acute postoperative pain after surgery by systematic review. METHODS: A search of randomized controlled trials was conducted in 5 English medical electronic databases and 4 Chinese databases. Two reviewers independently retrieved related studies, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted data with a standardized data form. Meta-analyses were performed using all time-points meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies with 1,682 participants were included. Results showed that compared with conventional therapy, AA significantly improved the total effective rate [risk ratio=1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13 to 1.37, Plt;0.0001; heterogeneity: Plt;0.0001, I2=85%]. In the subgroup analysis, the results changed in different follow-up time and surgery categories. The pain relief in the AA group might be the most significant at 72 h after surgery (mean difference=-0.85, 95% CI,-1.20 to-0.50, Plt;0.0001) and in abdominal surgery (mean difference=-1.15, 95% CI,-1.41 to-0.90, Plt;0.0001). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results of this meta-analysis were stable. No serious adverse effects were recorded. CONCLUSION: It was recommended to provide AA to patients with acute postoperative pain. However, a more accurate estimate of the effect requires further rigorously designed large-scale and high-quality RCTs for improving acute postoperative pain after surgery.

[Comparison of chemical constituents between Cyathula offinalis and adulterant and their admixture by HPLC characteristic chromatogram fingerprint combined with chemometrics].

Cyathula capitate is the main adulterant of C.offinalis. According to the literature reported, there are obvious differences in properties, taste and pharmacological activity between C. capitate and C.offinalis. Therefore, C. capitate can only be used as a local conventional medicine and can't be a substitute for C. offinalis. Since the appearance of C.capitata is very similar to the C.offinalis and the content of cyasterone also can reach the limit of the current pharmacopoeia standard, the C.capitata is mostly sold in the form of impersonation oradmixture, which seriously affected the safety of the clinical medication and the development of the genuine crude drugs. In view of this, HPLC characteristic fingerprint was used to reveal the difference of multi-ingredients of C. offinalis, C. capitata and their admixture. According to the HPLC chromatogram of C.offinalis, C. capitata. and their admixture, 65 different components were obtained to set up a peak area data matrix of 26×65, which was applied to perform the characteristic peak difference analysis, similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis HCA and principal component analysis (PCA). Characteristic peak difference analysis showed that the characteristic peaks of C. capitata and their admixture are more and higher respond than those of C. offinalis. The 9 characteristic peaks were used to distinguish C. capitata, 2 of which were used to distinguish C. offinalis mixed with 5% C. capitata. UV spectra of 9 characteristic peaks are mostly similar to the end absorption spectra of saponins, indicating that C. capitata may contain a large amount of saponins. By the reference fingerprint of C.offinalis established, the similarity analysis showed that the similarity degree of C. offinalis are higher than 0.942, while the similarity degree of C. capitata, C.offinalis mixed with 5% C. capitata are less than 0.383 and 0.399. C.offinalis, C. capitata, C.offinalis mixed with 5% C. capitata could be obviously divided into 3 classes by HCA and PCA. These results showed that there are obvious difference in the chemical composition of C. offinalis, C. capitata and their admixture, which could provide evidence for their identification.

EFFECT OF ASTRAGALOSIDE ON VITAMIN D-RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AFTER ENDOTHELIN-1-INDUCED CARDIOMYOCYTE INJURY.

BACKGROUND: Astragaloside, which is one of the main components of Astragalus membranaceus, has been widely used in the treatment of congestive heart failure in China, and it can protect cardiomyocytes. Its mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the influence of astragaloside on rat cardiomyocytes stimulated with endothelin-1 (ET-1), and explored the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ET-1 was used to stimulate primary rat cardiomyocytes and establish a cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model. Different astragaloside doses were administered in combination with ET-1. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry, respectively. The molecular mechanism was explored by analyzing the mRNA of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1(CYP27B), cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1(CYP24A) and renin mRNA levels by quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was established successfully. Astragaloside administration significantly affected cell apoptosis and significantly inhibited ET-1-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a dose-dependent manner. Astragaloside treatment affected the expression of signaling molecules in the vitamin D axis. CONCLUSION: Astragaloside inhibits ET-1-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. This effect can be reversed by regulating the levels of the relevant factors in the vitamin D axis.

[Clinical therapy of Zisheng decoction recipe for chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia].

To explore the therapeutic effect and security of Zisheng decoction recipein treatment of the chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with intestinal metaplasia(IM). A total of 147 eligible cases were randomly divided into the traditional Chinese medicine group, Western medicine group and the combined group,47 cases in each group. Zisheng decoction recipe, famotidine, as well as Zisheng decoction recipe + famotidine were respectively given in the above three groups, with a treatment course of 30 d. The symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine, pathological score of gastric mucosa and the negative rate of Helicobacter pylori before and after treatment were observed in each group.The changes in pepsinogen Ⅰ (PGⅠ), pepsinogen Ⅱ (PGⅡ), gastrin-17 (GAS-17) and endothelin-1 (ET-1)were also detected to compare the efficient and safety indexes in the three groups. The combined group was better than the traditional Chinese medicine groupand the Western medicine group in total effective rate (P<0.05), pathological score of gastric mucosa and the negative rate of Helicobacter pylori, and serum indexes improvement (P<0.05). The improvement in TCM symptom score was more obvious in traditional Chinese medicine group and combined group than the Western medicine group (P<0.05). In the comparison ofincidence of complications,heart, liver and renal dysfunction, the traditional Chinese medicine group (2 case,4.8%)< the combined group (7 case,15.2%)

Genre-based comparison of package inserts of Chinese materia medica and medicine produced in US / 中草药

The package insert is an important source of drug information which plays a critical role in guiding patients taking the medicine. Package inserts of 60 over-the-counter (OTC) oral drugs produced in the US and OTC oral traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were collected respectively in order to compare their macrostructure and contents. The results show that there are more moves in package inserts of TCM while the contents of those US drugs are more detailed and complete. The results further deepen the understanding of package inserts as a genre and contribute to the improvement of package inserts of TCM.

Clinical therapy of Zisheng decoction recipe for chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia / 中国中药杂志

To explore the therapeutic effect and security of Zisheng decoction recipein treatment of the chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with intestinal metaplasia(IM). A total of 147 eligible cases were randomly divided into the traditional Chinese medicine group, Western medicine group and the combined group,47 cases in each group. Zisheng decoction recipe, famotidine, as well as Zisheng decoction recipe + famotidine were respectively given in the above three groups, with a treatment course of 30 d. The symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine, pathological score of gastric mucosa and the negative rate of Helicobacter pylori before and after treatment were observed in each group.The changes in pepsinogen Ⅰ (PGⅠ), pepsinogen Ⅱ (PGⅡ), gastrin-17 (GAS-17) and endothelin-1 (ET-1)were also detected to compare the efficient and safety indexes in the three groups. The combined group was better than the traditional Chinese medicine groupand the Western medicine group in total effective rate (P<0.05), pathological score of gastric mucosa and the negative rate of Helicobacter pylori, and serum indexes improvement (P<0.05). The improvement in TCM symptom score was more obvious in traditional Chinese medicine group and combined group than the Western medicine group (P<0.05). In the comparison ofincidence of complications,heart, liver and renal dysfunction, the traditional Chinese medicine group (2 case,4.8%)< the combined group (7 case,15.2%) <the Western medicine group (20 case,41.3%) (P<0.05). In the comparison of the blood and urine routine: the traditional Chinese medicine group (7 case,16.7%)< the combined group (14 case,30.4%) < the Western medicine group (24 case,52.2%) (P<0.05).The results showed that there was no significant difference in total effective rate between Zisheng decoction recipe and Western medicine in the treatment of CAG with IM, indicating Zisheng decoction recipe was effective; meanwhile, it had higher safety than famotidine. Zisheng decoction recipe combined with famotidine showed synergistic effect in the treatment of CAG with IM, can reverse the pathological changes of gastric mucosa in a certain extent, and the effect was better than that of Zisheng decoction recipe alone and famotidine alone.

Health Qigong Wuqinxi improves hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectra in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in college students with mild depression / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of health Qigong Wuqinxi exercise on mild depression in college students and analyze the changes in hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectra (H-MRS) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus after the exercise.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-eight volunteer college students, including 30 with mild depression and 28 healthy students, were randomized into the intervention group and non-intervention group. The students in the intervention group were asked to practice health Qigong Wuqinxi training for 12 weeks and those in the non-intervention group did not engage in such training. For each subject, BECK Depression Self-reported questionnaire (BDI), Hamilton Depression rating scale (HAMD) score, and the metabolic parameters ofH-MRS in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were evaluated before and after the intervention.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before the intervention, the scores of BDI and HAMD in the depression group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), and were lowered obviously after the 12-week intervention (P<0.01). Compared with the control group,H-MRS in the depression group before intervention showed significantly increased NAA/Cr value in the left prefrontal cortex, Cho/Cr value in the bilateral hippocampus and the left frontal lobe, and Cho/Cr value of the left hippocampus and right frontal lobe (P<0.05) with significantly lowered NAA/Cho value in the bilateral prefrontal and Cho/NAA value in the right hippocampus (P<0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, NAA/Cr value in the bilateral hippocampus and the NAA/Cho value in the right hippocampus were significantly lowered (P<0.05), and NAA/Cho value in the right prefrontal and Cho/NAA value in the right hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the depression group. Before the intervention, Pearson correlation analysis showed that the scores of HAMD and BDI were positively correlated with Cho/Cr value in the hippocampus and NAA/Cr value in prefrontal lobe (P<0.01) and inversely with NAA/Cho in prefrontal lobe and Cho/NAA value in the hippocampus (P<0.05); after the intervention, the scores of HAMD and BDI were positively correlated with NAA/Cr value in the hippocampus and Cho/Cr value in the left hippocampus (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Exercise of health Qigong Wuqinxi can reduce depression scale scores in patients with mild depression and improve the metabolic indexes (NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr values) in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.</p>

The protective mechanism of schisandrin A in d-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury through activation of autophagy.

CONTEXT: The principal bioactive lignan of Schisandra chinensis fructus, commonly used for traditional Chinese medicine, is schisandrin A. Schisandrin A has been widely reported as being very effective for the treatment of liver disease. However, the mechanisms of its protective effects in liver remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the hepatoprotective mechanisms of schisandrin A. MATERIALS AND METHODS: d-Galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced liver injury in mice was used as a model. Schisandrin A was examined for its protective mechanisms using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in the schisandrin A group were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared with those in the d-GalN-treated group. HE results showed that the pathological changes in hepatic tissue seen in the d-GalN-treated were reduced in the schisandrin A/d-GalN-treated group, with the morphological characteristics being close to those of the control (untreated) group. Western blotting results showed that schisandrin A can activate autophagy flux and inhibit progression of apoptosis. The immune function of the schisandrin A-pretreated group was assayed by flow cytometry. It was found that the mechanism may involve activated autophagy flux, inhibited apoptosis, and improved immunity in response to liver damage. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the hepatoprotective mechanisms of schisandrin A may include activation of autophagy flux and inhibition of apoptosis. These results provide pharmacological evidence supporting its future clinical application.

Compounds from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott with cytotoxic activity.

One new coumarin, dryofracoumarin A (1), and eight known compounds 2-9 were isolated from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analyses and comparison with reported spectroscopic data. The new compound 1 was determined to be 8-hydroxyl-4-isopropyl-7-methyl-6-methyl-2H-benzopyran-2-one. Two dimers, trans- and cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphen-yl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (compounds 8 and 9), were isolated from the Dryopteris genus for the first time. The other six were esculetin (2), isoscopoletin (3), methylphlorbutyrophenone (4), aspidinol (5), albicanol (6) and (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphen-yl)but-3-en-1-ol (7). All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects by the MTT assay. Compounds 2, 3, 8 and 9 showed significantly cytotoxic effects against three cell lines (A549, MCF7 and HepG2), 1 and 5 against two cell lines (A549 and MCF7), and 6 against one cell line (MCF7). Their IC50 values ranged between 2.73 ± 0.86 µM and 24.14 ± 3.12 µM. These active compounds might be promising lead compounds for the treatment of cancer.