Effect of Salicylic Acid Treatment on Disease Resistance to Coleosporium zanthoxyli in Chinese Pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum).

The fungus Coleosporium zanthoxyli causes leaf rust in Chinese pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum). To investigate the control effect of elicitor treatment on leaf rust in this species, the impact of salicylic acid (SA) on the spores and growth of C. zanthoxyli and the induced resistance to leaf rust by Z. armatum were analyzed, and the possible defense mechanisms involved in SA induction were evaluated. The results showed that SA had no effect on C. zanthoxyli spore germination and growth; however, rust resistance was induced in Z. armatum. The optimal SA treatment concentration was 0.4 mg/ml, and the relative cure effect reached 44.56%. SA-induced disease resistance was evident for up to 10 days, while the optimal induction interval was 48 h after stimulation. Consistent with the induced resistance, H2O2, total protein, total phenol, and lignin concentrations and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased with the SA treatment, whereas the malondialdehyde content was significantly decreased. In addition, exogenous SA promoted defense-related enzyme activities, including those of POD, CAT, and PAL, and increased H2O2, lignin, and endogenous SA contents. Furthermore, SA induced the expression of SA signaling pathway genes such as ZaPR1 and ZaNPR1, and silencing ZaPR1 enhanced the sensitivity of Z. armatum to leaf rust. Our results demonstrated that 0.4 mg/ml SA priming increased the activities of CAT, POD, and PAL, elevated the contents of H2O2, lignin, and endogenous SA, and upregulated the expression of the SA-related gene ZaPR1, thereby enhancing the resistance of Z. armatum to leaf rust.

Screening and identification of miRNAs related to sexual differentiation of strobili in Ginkgo biloba by integration analysis of small RNA, RNA, and degradome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Ginkgo biloba, a typical dioecious plant, is a traditional medicinal plant widely planted. However, it has a long juvenile period, which severely affected the breeding and cultivation of superior ginkgo varieties. RESULTS: In order to clarify the complex mechanism of sexual differentiation in G. biloba strobili. Here, a total of 3293 miRNAs were identified in buds and strobili of G. biloba, including 1085 known miRNAs and 2208 novel miRNAs using the three sequencing approaches of transcriptome, small RNA, and degradome. Comparative transcriptome analysis screened 4346 and 7087 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in male buds (MB) _vs_ female buds (FB) and microstrobilus (MS) _vs_ ovulate strobilus (OS), respectively. A total of 6032 target genes were predicted for differentially expressed miRNA. The combined analysis of both small RNA and transcriptome datasets identified 51 miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs that may be involved in the process of G. biloba strobili sexual differentiation, of which 15 pairs were verified in the analysis of degradome sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive analysis of the small RNA, RNA and degradome sequencing data in this study provided candidate genes and clarified the regulatory mechanism of sexual differentiation of G. biloba strobili from multiple perspectives.

[Study on molecular mechanism of Solanum nigrum in treatment of hepatocarcinoma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking].

This study aimed to explore the main active ingredients and potential targets of Solanum nigrum(SN), so as to reveal the potential molecular mechanism of SN in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. First,the main active ingredients and predictive targets of SN were collected in the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform(TCMSP). Then,the targets relating to HCC were collected through retrieval of integrated bio-pharmacological network database for traditional Korean medicine(PharmDB-K), oncogenomic database of hepatocellular carcinoma(OncoDB.hcc). The common targets of disease-drug component were selected through intersection between predictive targets and disease targets. Next, based on the String platform, protein-protein interaction network(PPI) model of the potential anti-HCC targets was constructed using the software Cytoscape 3.7.1. ClueGO and CluePedia APP in Cytoscape were used to analyze the gene function of SN in the treatment of HCC, and construct the main active ingredients-potential targets-signal pathways topology network of SN. Finally,DISCOVERY STUDIO software was applied in verifying the molecular docking between the key active ingredient and potential protein target. The results showed that there were 4 main active ingredients of SN, involving 22 potential targets relating to HCC and 7 signal pathways relating to potential anti-HCC targets of SN. Network analysis showed that SN may play a therapeutic role in HCC by acting on key targets, such as EGFR, TP53, MYC, CCND1 and CTNNB1. Molecular docking results showed that quercetin and EGFR could bind stably and interact through amino acid residues LEU718, LYS745 and GLN791. This study revealed the potential active ingredients and the possible molecular mechanism of SN for treatment of HCC, providing scientific basis for follow-up exploration of the molecular mechanism of SN against HCC.

[Effects of Jianpi Jiedu Recipe on TCRVßCDR3 Spectratyping of Liver Cancer Rats with Pi Deficiency Syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe anti-cancer effects of Jianpi Jiedu Recipe (JJR) on liver cancer (LC) rats with Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) and its relation with the third complementary-determining region gene spectratyping of TCRVß-chain (TCRVßCDR3). METHODS: Rats were divided into 8 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the blank control group (normal), the PDS group, the LC model group, the LC-PDS group, high, middle, and low dose JJR groups (75.00, 37.50, 18.75 g/kg, respectively by gastrogavage, once per day), the thymus pentapeptide group (5 mg/kg, intramuscular injection, twice per week), 8 in each group. Rats in the normal group were administered with physiological saline by gastrogavage once per day. PDS rat model was prepared by bitter-cold purgation. LC model was prepared by orthotopic transplantation method. Twenty gene subfamilies of TCRßCDR3 in the thymus, liver, and LC tissues were detected by Gene Scan. RESULTS: High and middle dose JJR could postpone the growth of LC volume (P < 0.05), with equivalent liver index and thymus index to those of the normal group (P > 0.05). In thymus and liver tissue of the normal group, the number of clones (20 and 19), gene fragment number (220 and 113), Quasi-Gaussian distribution ratio of TCRVßCDR3 gene repertoire (100.0% and 42.1%), and fragment fluorescence peak area (6,539 ± 2,325 and 1,238 ± 439) were at the highest level among the 8 groups. TCRVßCDR3 expressions in thymus and liver tissue of high and middle dose JJR groups were approximate to those of the normal group. They were in the middle of the thymus pentapeptide group, the PDS group, the LC model group, and poorest in the LC-PDS group. TCRVßCDR3 in liver tissue expressed the best in the thymus pentapeptide group. CONCLUSION: JJR might inhibit the growth of LC cells, and its mechanism might be related to enhancing TCRVßCDR3 spectratype expression.

Total saponins from dioscorea septemloba thunb reduce serum uric acid levels in rats with hyperuricemia through OATP1A1 up-regulation.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of total saponins of Dioscorea (TSD), an extract of the Chinese herbal Bi Xie, on hyperuricemia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The rat hyperuricemia model was established by administration of adenine. Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: model group, low/high-dose TSD-treated groups, and allopurinol-treated group. Meanwhile, 8 rats were used as normal controls. Serum uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A1 (OATP1A1) levels were measured. Comparison between the model group and treatment (allopurinol and TSD) groups showed the serum UA levels were significantly decreased in treatment groups. TSD had similar effects to allopurinol. It was found that the OATP1A1 protein expression levels in treatment groups were higher than in model group and normal controls. And different from the allopurinol-treated groups, TSD-treated group had elevated OATP1A1 expression levels in the stomach, liver, small intestine and large intestine tissues. It was suggested that TSD may facilitate the excretion of UA and lower UA levels by up-regulating OATP1A1 expression.

[Exploring the Correlation between Pi and Shen from the Excretion of AA-I and Expressions of Or- ganic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 2al and 2 b1 in Pi Deficiency Model Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between Pi and Shen by observing the relationship between the metabolism of aristolochic acid (AA) and mRNA and protein expression levels of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp) superfamily member 2a1 and 2 b1 (oatp2al and oatp2bl) in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) model rats. METHODS: Totally 46 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the blank group (n = 12), the PDS group (n = 22), the AA-I group (n = 6), and the PDS AA-I group (n = 6). PDS model was established by subcutaneously injecting Reserpine at the daily dose of 5 mg/kg for 16 successive days. Carotid intubation was performed in 6 rats selected from the blank group and the PDS group. Pharmacokinetics of AA-I were detected at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. AA-I concentrations in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of 10 rats selected from the PDS group were determined. Normal saline was administered to 6 rats selected from the PDS group and the blank group by gastrogavage. Renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues were collected in the AA-I group and the PDS AA-I group at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. mRNA and protein expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in each tissue were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, plasma concentrations of in vivo AA-I were obviously higher in the PDS group at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of AA-I were obviously decreased at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I; AA-I concentrations in renal and large intestinal tissues were elevated; AA-I concentrations in small intestinal tissues were obviously reduced in the PDS group. There was no statistical difference in mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in the aforesaid three tissues of rats between the blank group and the PDS group. Compared with the blank group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 decreased in small intestinal tissues of the AA-I group, and the mRNA expression level of oatp2a1 in large intestinal tissues significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the PDS group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 increased in renal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05); mRNA expression levels of oatp2b1 increased in large intestinal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The difference in AA-I metabolism might be associated with changed expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues under Pi deficiency induced loss of transportation. Shen and Dachang played important roles in substance metabolism under Pi deficiency state, which proved Pi-Shen correlated in Chinese medical theories.

[Effect of invigorating spleen and detoxification decoction on MHC I/MHC II in spleen-deficiency liver cancer rats survival].

OBJECTIVE: To explore that Invigorating Spleen and Detoxification Decoction (ISD) enhanced the survival of spleen-deficiency liver cancer rats and the effect on major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) and major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II). METHODS: 105 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group, liver cancer model group, spleen-deficiency model group, spleen-deficiency liver cancer model group, Thymopentin group and spleen-deficiency liver cancer model groups treated by low and high-concentration ISD for modeling and intervention. Recorded the animals' weight, survival time, moribund state and cachexia score of liver cancer rats, and collected specimens in the experiment. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect MHC I/MHC II expression in liver tissue and liver cancer tissue. RESULTS: The cumulative survival of high concentration ISD group and Thymopentin group were higher than that of the other groups (P < 0.05), and whose cachexia score were lower than the rest (P < 0.05). In the spleen-deficiency liver cancer model groups, MHC I expression in liver tissue was higher than that in liver cancer tissue, both in these two tissues, expression of high-concentration ISD group was the strongest (P < 0.01). MHC II expression in liver cancer tissue was stronger than that in liver tissue, expression of high-concentration ISD group was the strongest in liver tissue, but in liver cancer tissue, the spleen-deficiency liver cancer model group was the strongest (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ISD can significantly decrease the progression of cachexia caused by transplantable tumor and prolong the survival time, the effect may be related to increasing MHC I/MHC II expression.

Observations of TCRVß Gene Expression in Rats with Dampness Syndrome.

Environmental dampness is one factor which can cause human diseases. The effects of exposure to humidity on human immune function are diverse and numerous. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dampness is defined as one of the major pathogenic factors in the human body. It is divided into "external dampness" and "internal dampness." However the molecular mechanism leading to humidity-induced immunosuppression is obscure. In the present study, we investigated the expression of the T-cell antigen receptor variable ß (TCRVß) subfamilies in rats which were fed in different humid environment. And the expression levels of the TCRVß subfamilies were detected using FQ-PCR. We found that the dampness might reduce the immunological recognition function of rats. And the obstruction of the immunological recognition function might be caused by internal dampness rather than external dampness.

Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian to lower blood uric acid level.

BACKGROUND: Based on the principle of "spleen governing transportation and transformation", we have found that acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian can remarkably lower the blood uric acid levels in patients with primary hyperuricemia. OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of the acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian in reducing the blood uric acid level and its relevant mechanism. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with primary hyperuricemia were enrolled in this study. They were allowed to have free access to diets. The initial treatment for the concomitant diseases (but not including the therapy that might affect uric acid metabolism) was kept unchanged. The observation was formally initiated at 8:00 am on day 1. Acupuncture was not performed within the 48 hours, and only the 24-hour urine volume was recorded. The urine uric acid concentration and urinary creatinine concentration were measured from 25 to 48 hours. On the 46th hour, venous blood samples were collected to detect blood uric acid and creatinine concentrations. After the 48th hour, the patients received acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian each morning. Once Qi was encountered, retain the needle for 30 min. The acupuncture was performed once daily for ten consecutive days. The 24-hour urine volume was recorded daily, and the fasting indicators were detected on the morning of the 11th day. RESULTS: After the acupuncture, the blood uric acid level significantly decreased in patients with increased production (overproduction) of uric acid, decreased excretion (underexcretion) of uric acid, and mixed type (all P<0.01). In the underexcretion type, the urine uric acid concentration significantly increased after the treatment (P<0.01). After the acupuncture, the fraction excretion of uric acid (FEUA) significantly increased in the underexcretion type and mixed type (P<0.01) and decreased in the overproduction type (P<0.01). After the acupuncture, the serum uric acid concentration decreased by 16.32-18.29% whereas the 24-hour urine volume increased by 24.22-29.32%. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian can lower the blood uric acid levels by promoting uric acid excretion the and increasing urine volume.

[Therapeutic effects of Fuzhenghuayu decoction in a CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis rat model and on hepatic stellate cell activation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of Fuzhenghuayu decoction on fibrotic liver tissue and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis rat model system. METHODS: Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (non-model, non-drug intervention), CCl4 liver fibrosis model, and CCl4 liver fibrosis model Fuzhenghuayu drug intervention at low dose (0.75 g/kg/d) and high dose (1.5 g/kg/d). The drug intervention was administered via oral-gastric irrigation once daily for 6 times per week over a 6-week period. Four rats from each group were sacrificed at the end of week 2, 4, and 6 for serum and liver tissue collection. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by histology, and expression of a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Liver function was assessed by measuring levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBil). Between-group comparisons were made by completely random design and ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: At the end of weeks 2, 4 and 6, all four groups showed significantly different levels of ALT, AST, and TBil; in addition, the model group and drug intervention groups had significantly higher levels of ALT, AST, and TBil than the control group, the drug intervention groups showed significantly lower levels of ALT, AST, and TBil than the model group (P less than 0.01 or less than 0.05), and the differences between the low dose and high dose groups reached statistical significance (P less than 0.01 or less than 0.05). At the end of weeks 2, 4 and 6, the model group and drug intervention groups had significantly higher area ratio of liver fibrosis than the normal group (F = model: 18.68, low dose: 49.95, high dose: 82.44, P less than 0.01), but the two drug intervention groups had significantly less area ratio of liver fibrosis than the model group (P less than 0.05) and the high dose group showed the most robust decrease. In addition, the model group and drug intervention groups showed higher expression of a-SMA than the normal group (F = model: 18.68, low dose: 49.95, high dose: 82.44, P less than 0.01), but two drug intervention groups had significantly less a-SMA than the model group (F = model: 46.32, low dose: 40.30, high dose: 58.42, P less than 0.05) and the high dose group showed the most robust decrease. CONCLUSION: The Fuzhenghuayu decoction reduces the numbers of activated HSCs, thereby leading to down-regulated a-SMA expression and reduced degree of liver fibrosis; these effects may represent the mechanism by which this drug suppresses hepatic fibrosis.

[Study on mRNA and protein expressions of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp2b1) in rats with high fat diet and overstrain induced Pi deficiency syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore roles of mRNA and protein expressions of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp2b1) of rats with high fat diet and overstrain induced Pi deficiency syndrome in the transporting of damp turbidity. METHODS: Totally 24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the normal group, the overstrain group, and the high fat diet group, 8 in each group. After successful modeling, one piece of tissues such as spleen, kidney, liver, lung, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine was taken from each rat. Rats of the overstrain group were bonded by specially made bondage cylinder, 3 h each time on odd days, and forced to swim in cold water (10 +/- 1) degrees C for 7 min on even days alternatively for twelve weeks. Rats in the model group and the normal group were fed with standard routine granular forage for 12 weeks. Rats in the high fat diet group were fed with high fat forage for twelve weeks. All rats drank and ate freely. The mRNA and protein expressions of oatp2b1 were detected in the seven tissues using RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of oatp2b1 in liver and kidney tissues of rats in the high fat diet group was higher when compared with that of the normal group and the overstrain group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the normal group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > spleen > larger intestine > small intestine > kidney > stomach. The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the overstrain group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > larger intestine > spleen > kidney > stomach > small intestine. The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the high fat diet group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > spleen > small intestine > kidney > larger intestine > stomach. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the lung tissue was sequenced from high to low as the overstrain group > the normal group > the high fat diet group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the spleen tissue was sequenced from high to low as the high fat diet group > the normal group > the overstrain group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the kidney tissue was sequenced from high to low as the normal group > the overstrain group > the high fat diet group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the liver tissue was sequenced from high to low as the normal group > the high fat diet group > the overstrain group (P > 0.05). Of them, the oatp2b1 protein expressed extremely less in the stomach, large intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the normal group was sequenced from high to low as lung >spleen > liver, kidney > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the overstrain group was sequenced from high to low as lung > spleen > kidney > liver > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the high fat diet group was sequenced from high to low as spleen > lung > kidney > liver > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. However, there was no statistical significance among the three groups by pair-wise comparison (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kidney and liver might play important roles in the transportation and transformation of damp under the state of Pi deficiency syndrome. Oatp2b1 may be one of the material bases involved in the transportation and transformation of damp turbidity. Pi's function of governing transportation and transformation of damp might not only include the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, but also include partial liver and kidney functions.

[Effect of abscisic acid on physiological characteristics in Lonicera macranthoides seedlings under salt stress].

OBJECTIVE: To improve salt resistance of Lonicera macranthoides seedlings and provide reference for its cultivation of salt tolerance. METHODS: Pretreatment of seedlings with abscisic acid (ABA) of different concentrations were used to study the effect of ABA on their physiological and biochemical characteristics under 200 mmol/L NaCl for 7 days. RESULTS: Exogenous ABA significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased the contents of chlorophyll, soluble sugar, soluble protein and activities of protected enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). CONCLUSION: It is proposed that exogenous ABA as chemical activator can induce salt resistance and decrease alleviate damage degree of salt stress of Lonicera macranthoides seedlings in a dose-dependent manner.

[Establishment of transformation system of Lonicera macranthoides mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens].

OBJECTIVE: Based on the system of regeneration,the genetic transformation system of Lonicera macranthoides was established. METHODS: Tissue culture method of seedlings, Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation method of explants, report gene was detected by gus staining and PCR. RESULTS: The efficient transformation time was 8 minutes of infection. The good transformation rate was gained with the kanamycin 35 mg/L and cefotaxime 600 mg/L. The concentration of kanamycin had a leading effect on bud differentiation between two antibiotics, and bud induction rate reached extremely significant difference. Results of gus staining and PCR proved that the gus gene was integrated into Lonicera macranthoides genome. CONCLUSION: The genetic transformation system of Lonicera macranthoides leaves mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHAlO5 was established for the first time.

[Combined use of compound nanxing pain paste with blood-promoting and diuretic chinese herbal medicines in treatment of chronic knee synovitis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of combined use of Compound Nanxing Pain Paste with blood-promoting and diuretic Chinese herbal medicines in treatment of chronic knee synovitis. METHODS: From October 2008 to March 2011, 120 patients with chronic knee synovitis were equally divided into three groups: oral treatment group, external treatment group and combined treatment group. Patients in oral treatment group had a mean age of (56.58 +/- 5.47) years and a course of disease about (7.35 +/- 2.59) months,involving the left knee in 18 cases,the right knee in 17 cases and both knees in 5 cases, who were administered orally with blood-promoting and diuretic Chinese herbal medicines composed of Wu Ling San and Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction. Patients in external treatment group had a mean age of (56.25 +/- 6.35) years and a course of disease about (7.68 +/- 2.76) months,involving the left knee in 16 cases, the right knee in 20 and both knees in 4 cases, who were treated externally with Compound Nanxing Pain Paste. Patients in combined treatment group had a mean age of (55.65 +/- 4.49) years and a course of disease about (7.50 +/- 3.36) months, involving the left knee in 16 cases, the right knee in 18 and both knees in 6 cases, who were given both oral and external treatments. The clinical effects and knee function of the three groups were assessed and compared. RESULTS: Finally, a total of 118 patients were included in the result analysis, including 40 patients in oral treatment group, 39 patients in external treatment group and 39 patients in combined treatment group. In combined treatment group, 27 patients were clinically cured, 9 were improved, and 3 patients were ineffective vs. 15, 16 and 8 patients in external treatment group, and 13, 16 and 11 in oral treatment group. The overall effective rate of combined treatment group was better than that of oral group and external treatment groups (P < 0.05). The function comprehensive score of knee joints in combined treatment group was better than that of oral treatment group,while the function comprehensive score of knee joints in oral treatment group was better than that in external treatment group in terms of demand for assistance, stair-climbing ability, lameness, and swelling pain. CONCLUSION: Combined use of oral blood-promoting and diuretic Chinese herbal medicines with Nanxing offers a good therapeutic effect on chronic knee synovitis in relieving pain, reducing swelling and improving joint function,while Nanxing could also reduce pain and improve joint function to a certain extent.

Effects of the modified linggui zhugan decoction (see text) combined with short-term very low calorie diets on glycemic control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the modified Linggui Zhugan Decoction (see text) combined with short-term very low calorie diets (VLCDs) on glycemic control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: A total of 20 subjects with newly diagnosed T2DM were treated with the modified Linggui Zhugan Decoction (one-month administration) combined with short-term VLCDs (5 days), and 3-months follow-up. A standard 75-g oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) indexes fasting plasma glucose (FPG), post-prandial 0.5 h and 2 h plasma glucose (P0.5hPG, P2hPG), glycated hemoglobin A(1c) (GHbA(1c)), body weight, body mass index (BMI), insulin function, insulin resistance index, incidence of hypoglycemia, and the liver and renal functions were evaluated before and after treatment. Correlations of BMI with insulin function and insulin resistance were also assessed. RESULTS: After the treatment, the patients' plasma glucose decreased steadily, FPG decreased from 5.8 +/- 0.9 mmol/L at pre-treatment to 5.0 +/- 0.6 mmol/L at 3-months follow-up (P < 0.05), and P2hPG decreased from 11.7 +/- 3.8 mmol/L at pre-treatment to 6.9 +/- 0.9 mmol/L at 3-months follow-up (P < 0.01). The level of GHbA(1c) declined from (6.47 +/- 1.24)% at pre-treatment to (6.14 +/- 0.99)% at 3-months follow-up (P < 0.01). Body weight and BMI also declined significantly. Insulin resistance index was improved obviously and no event of hypoglycemia occurred. Part of the patients companied with fatty liver had a transient increase in hepatic transaminase during the treatment, but it turned to normal after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Linggui Zhugan Decoction combined with short-term VLCDs can be safely implemented for steady glycemic control in newly diagnosed T2DM patients.

The effect of QuYuHuaTanTongLuo Decoction on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

UNLABELLED: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis, is becoming more prevalent in China. However, there is as yet no clearly established therapy for reversing fatty liver. Our aim is to explore the effect of traditional Chinese herbs QuYuHuaTanTongLuo Decoction (QYHTTLD) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Sixty-nine non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group of 35 patients were treated by QYHTTLD, another group of 34 patients were treated by Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The TNF-alpha, IL-8, MDA level, SOD activity and liver function, as well as B ultrasonic image were detected before and after being treated. The results showed: after 6 months treatment, MBI of the treatment group was obviously decreased (p<0.05). The levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly decreased whereas the level of HDL-C increased (p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively) in the treatment group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C had no significant difference in the control group (p>0.05). The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-8 and MDA were significantly decreased whereas SOD activity was significantly increased (p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively) in the treatment group, the level of MDA was significantly decreased in the control group (p<0.05). B ultrasonic images were ameliorated in different degree (p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). Both QYHTTLD and UDCA had the effect in improving the scores of symptoms and signs of patients, however, the difference value of the scores in treatment group were significantly higher than that in control group after being treated for 6 months (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: QYHTTLD is effective for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and its effect seems to relate with the ways of QYHTTL down-regulating inflammation cytokine IL-8 level and relieving lipid peroxidation of liver.

Expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten in liver of athymic mice with hepatocellular carcinoma and the effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction.

AIM: To explore the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) in liver of athymic mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction (FJD). METHODS: Forty eight male BALB/c athymic mice models were built by Bel-7402 with an indirect method. After 24 h of postoperation, the 48 athymic mice were distributed randomly into 4 groups: A, B, C, D, each group had 12 athymic mice. Group A were were treated by intragastric administration with FT207 (Tegafur) for 4 wk. Group B, C and D were treated by intragastric administration with FJD (complex prescription of Chinese crude drug) that had been delegated into 3 kinds of density as the low, middle, and high for 4 wk. At last, athymic mice were put to death, live time, volume of tumors, exponent of tumors and the tumor metastasis in livers were observed; and PTEN was detected in hepatic tissue, latero-cancer tissue and cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Four weeks later, the total survival rate in treatment group (A + B + C) was 50% and higher than the control group (0%) treated by FT207, (P < 0.01). The survival rate in group A, B, C was higher than in group D, and except group A with D, there was significant differences (Fisher's Exact Test P = 0.05 or 0.01). And no differences were observed between the treatment groups and the control group in volume of tumors and exponent of tumors (P > 0.05). Tumor metastasis in livers of the treatment group was less than the controls (Fisher's Exact Test, P = 0.021). The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the intensity of PTEN in latero-cancer tissue was the highest, and then the hepatic tissue, the lowest was cancer tissue (Kruskal-Wallis test, chi2 = 60.67, P = 0.000). It also showed that the intensity of PTEN in treatment groups (A, B, C) was higher than the control group (D) (F = 5.90, P = 0.002 in hepatic tissue and F = 15.99, P = 0.000 in latero-cancer tissue and chi2 = 26.08, P = 0.000 in cancer tissue), and group B is the highest in the treatment groups (P < 0.05, r = 0.01. respectively). However, there was no significant statistic difference between group A and group C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: FJD can prolong the survival time and decrease tumor metastasis in livers of these experimental mice. Mechanisms of FJD healing HCC may partially be explained by enhancing the expression of PTEN in liver.

[Clinical study of method of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication in patients with HCC of post-TACE].

OBJECTIVE: To research the effect of a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication in patients with HCC of post-TACE. METHOD: 45 patients with HCC of post-TACE, as the treatment group, were treated by a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication and routine methods of protecting liver. Other 37 patients, as the control group, with the same clinical feature were treated by routine methods of protecting liver only. In the later 1 month, accumulated points of clinical symptom, hepatic function and AFP were observed in all of the patients. And the clinical effect of the two groups was compared. RESULT: One week later, in the treatment group, there is no improvement in anorexia but nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude were improved more obviously than pretherapy in both a week and one month later (P < 0.01 or P <0.05). In the control group, anorexia were improved a week later (P <0.05), but there is no improvement in nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude at the same time, and one month later all of the indexes above improved (P <0.01 or P <0.05). Accumulated points of clinical symptom was decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group in both a week and one month later (P <0.05). At the end of the therapy, in the both groups, ALT, TBIL and AFP all improved except ALB, (P <0.01 or P <0.05). And TBIL improved more obviously in the treatment group than in the control one month later (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: This complex prescription of Chinese crude drug can lighten the adverse reaction of post-TACE. And also it can promote the recovery of liver function and evaluate the quality of lives of such patients.

[Expression of PTEN in athymic mice with HCC treated by complex prescription of Chinese crude drug].

OBJECTIVE: To research the treatment effect of complex prescription of Chinese crude drug in BALB/c athymic mice with human liver cancer, which were built by Bel-7402. METHOD: 48 male BALB/c athymic mouse models were built by Bel-7402 with an indirect method. After 24 hours of postoperation, the 48 athymic mice were distributed randomly into 4 groups which were treated by intragastric administration with complex prescription of Chinese crude drug that had been deliquated into 3 groups by the different density as the low, middle, and high and FT207 (Tegafur) for 4 weeks. At last, athymic mice were put to death and PTEN was detected in hepatic tissue, latero-cancer tissue and cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry (PowerVision Two-Step Histostaining Reagent). RESULT: All of the 48 athymic mice survived 12 to 28 days (Ms 24 days) and every mouse with liver cancer demonstrated by dissection. The result of immunohistochemistry represents that the intensity of PTEN in latero-cancer tissue is the highest, and then the hepatic tissue, the lowest is cancer tissue, P < 0.01. It also represents that the intensity of PTEN in treatment groups (A, B, C) is more higher than the control group (D), P < 0.05 or P < 0.01, and group B is the highest in the treatment groups, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. However, there is no significant statistic difference between group A and group C. CONCLUSION: The higher expression of PTEN in the laterocancer tissue can represent the protective reaction of stress of the organism. And anticancer effect of this complex prescription of Chinese crude drug relates to an eligible density of it. Mechanisms of this complex prescription of Chinese crude drug healing HCC may partially be explained by enhancing the expression of PTEN in liver.

[Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on Chlamydia trachomatis mice of salpingitis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis salpingitis (CTS) and fibrosis. METHOD: A mouse model for CTS was estahlished in C3H/He by intravaginal inoculation. after 3 weeks mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. Only Azithromyxin was given orally, Azithromyxin and early S. miltiorrhiza given, or Azithromyxin and later S. miltiorrhiza given. After 10 weeks, observe the change of oviduct of mice, observe the histopathologic change and analysis collagen histochemical index. RESULT: 3 Treatment groups induce tubal occlusion and hydrosalpinx decreased and the collagen histochemical index decreased significantly than those of no treatment given (P < 0.05). Early S. miltiorrhiza given group induce tubal occlusion and hydrosalpinx decreased and the collagen histochemical index decreased significantly than only Azithromyxin group or later S. miltiorrhiza given group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: When we treat CTS genital infection with Azithromyxin, if we can give S. miltiorrhiza treatment as early as possible, it may decrease tubal occlusion and hydrosalpinx. significantly inhibit fibrosis maybe one of its pharmacologic mechanismin.