Zhuanggu Guanjie herbal formula mitigates osteoarthritis via the NF-κB transduction mechanism.

The Zhuanggu Guanjie herbal formula has been a famous Chinese prescription for treating bone diseases since time immemorial. The anti-osteoarthritis (OA) properties of this botanical prescription are well documented in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the detailed mechanisms behind the phenomenon have not been elucidated. Hence, we aimed to investigate the anti-OA efficacy of the Zhuanggu Guanjie herbal formula and its underlying mechanism. The anti-OA properties of Zhuanggu Guanjie capsule (ZGC) were determined by the cytokine contents and inflammatory-related proteins, which were measured by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, and laser confocal assay in ATDC5 cells. The levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin synthesis E2 have been markedly reduced after being treated with ZGC for 48 h in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ZGC prevented the translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus. On the other hand, we used the mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA model to confirm the in vivo efficacies of this herbal formula. Oral administration of ZGC attenuated MIA-induced OA damage through changes in histopathological and knee joint volumes. The serum matrix metalloproteinase-13 contents in the ZGC treatment group declined as compared to those in the MIA model group. Through our in vitro and in vivo studies, we confirmed the anti-OA efficacy of ZGC and uncovered its detailed mechanism, and this treatment shed light on OA pathophysiology.

The role of single-shot TSE imaging at 0.5 T MR in the diagnosis of biliary obstructive diseases / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of half-Fourier single-shot TSE MR cholangiopancreatography (HASTE-MRCP) of 0.5 T MR scanner, and to assess its imaging advantage and clinical value by comparing with 3D-TSE-MRCP MIP. Methods All 95 patients were examined by HASTE-MRCP and 3D-TSE-MRCP with respiratory-triggering (Philips 0.5 T T5-NT). The results, including anatomies and diseases, were evaluated after operation. Results By HASTE-MRCP, common bile ducts, 1-3 branches of hepatic ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic ducts were demonstrated in 100.0%, 94.7%, 74.1%, and 63.2% of the cases. Stones, malignant diseases, and postoperative stenosis were revealed in 100.0% of the cases. Compared with 3D-TSE-MRCP, the demonstrating rates of 4-5 hepatic ducts,neck of the gallbladders,and calculi,especially mud calculi, were higher in HASTE-MRCP, and there was significant difference between the two ways. Stones displayed as low signal in the bile ducts. Block obstruction and mass contour were revealed in malignant diseases. Conclusion Comparing with 3D TSE-MRCP, HASTE-MRCP was better and faster, especially in serious patients or in cases with small and mud calculus.