Boosting the immunogenicity of the CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine with Huoxiang Suling Shuanghua Decoction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Introduction: In light of the public health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting the safety and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines is of great concern. Numerous Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have shown to beneficially modulate immunity. Based on pilot experiments in mice that showed that supplementation with Huoxiang Suling Shuanghua Decoction (HSSD) significantly enhances serum anti-RBD IgG titers after inoculation with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein, we conducted this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the potential immunogenicity boosting effect of oral HSSD after a third homologous immunization with Sinovac's CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 (CVS) inactivated vaccine. Methods: A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive a third dose of CVS vaccination and either oral placebo or oral HSSD for 7 days. Safety aspects were assessed by recording local and systemic adverse events, and by blood and urine biochemistry and liver and kidney function tests. Main outcomes evaluated included serum anti-RBD IgG titer, T lymphocyte subsets, serum IgG and IgM levels, complement components (C3 and C4), and serum cytokines (IL-6 and IFN-γ). In addition, metabolomics technology was used to analyze differential metabolite expression after supplementation with HSSD. Results: Following a third CVS vaccination, significantly increased serum anti-RBD IgG titer, reduced serum IL-6 levels, increased serum IgG, IgM, and C3 and C4 levels, and improved cellular immunity, evidenced by reduce balance deviations in the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, was observed in the HSSD group compared with the placebo group. No serious adverse events were recorded in either group. Serum metabolomics results suggested that the mechanisms by which HSSD boosted the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine are related to differential regulation of purine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, folate biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Conclusion: Oral HSSD boosts the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine in young and adult individuals. This trial provides clinical reference for evaluation of TCM immunomodulators to improve the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.

The Global Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) frequently leads to infections, with infected DFUs being a common cause of amputation. Infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) notably increases the necessity for amputation and surgical debridement in affected individuals. Consequently, determining the prevalence and trends of MRSA in patients with DFU is of critical importance. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence and to identify trends in the occurrence of MRSA in tissue or wound swab samples from DFU patients. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid, spanning from the inception of these databases to July 2023, imposing no language restrictions. The inclusion criteria required that the studies report on 30 or more patients with DFU. Additionally, we categorized our analysis based on geographic region, publication date, and the economic status of the patient's domicile. Our primary endpoint was to ascertain the prevalence of MRSA in DFUs. This systematic review has been registered at (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/), with the identifier CRD 42023444360. Results: Our analysis encompassed 40 studies involving 12,924 patients across 20 countries. We found that the overall prevalence of MRSA in DFU was 17% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.14-0.20). Regional prevalence varied significantly: in South America, it was 61% (95% CI 0.46-0.76), in North America 20% (95% CI 0.12-0.27), in Europe 19% (95% CI 0.14-0.25), in Africa 13% (95% CI 0.06-0.20), and in other subgroups 11% (95% CI 0.08-0.15). The prevalence of MRSA in DFUs also differed according to the economic status of the countries: 19% (95% CI 0.15-0.23) in high-income countries, 24% (95% CI 0.1-0.37) in upper-middle-income countries, 11% (95% CI 0.07-0.15) in lower-middle-income countries, and 20% (95% CI 0.13-0.27) in low-income countries. Notably, there has been a decline in MRSA prevalence, from 25% before 2010 to 9% thereafter. Conclusion: This meta-analysis reveals a decreasing yet still significant global prevalence of MRSA in DFUs. This trend has important implications for antimicrobial resistance and underscores the need for developing targeted programs focusing on infection prevention and exploring alternative therapeutic strategies.

Integrative metabolomic and network pharmacological analysis reveals potential mechanisms of Cardamine circaeoides Hook.f. & Thomson in alleviating potassium oxonate-induced asymptomatic hyperuricemia in rats.

Cardamine circaeoides Hook.f. & Thomson (CC), a herb of the genus Cardamine (family Brassicaceae), has a rich historical usage in China for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is distinguished by its remarkable ability to hyperaccumulate selenium (Se). CC has demonstrated efficacy in the prevention of metabolic disorders. However, investigations into the effects of CC on asymptomatic hyperuricemia remain scarce. The objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which CC aqueous extract (CCE) exerts its anti-hyperuricemic effects on asymptomatic hyperuricemic rats induced by potassium oxonate (PO) by integrating metabolomics and network pharmacological analysis. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia was induced by feeding rats with PO (1000 mg/kg) and CCE (0.75, 1.5, or 3 g/kg) once daily for 30 days. Various parameters, including body weight, uric acid (UA) levels, histopathology of renal tissue, and inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were assessed. Subsequently, metabolomic analysis of kidney tissues was conducted to explore the effects of CCE on renal metabolites and the related pathways. Furthermore, network pharmacology was employed to explicate the mechanism of action of CCE components identified through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Finally, metabolomic and network-pharmacology analyses were performed to predict crucial genes dysregulated in the disease model and rescued by CCE, which were then subjected to verification by RT-qPCR. The findings revealed that CCE significantly inhibited the UA levels from the 21st day to the 30th day. Moreover, CCE exhibited significant inhibition of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels in renal tissues. The dysregulation of 18 metabolites and the tyrosine, pyrimidine, cysteine, methionine, sphingolipid, and histidine metabolism pathways was prevented by CCE treatment. A joint analysis of targets predicted using the network pharmacology approach and the differential metabolites found in metabolics predicted 8 genes as potential targets of CCE, and 3 of them (PNP gene, JUN gene, and ADA gene) were verified at the mRNA level by RT-qPCR. We conclude that CCE has anti-hyperuricemia effects and alleviates renal inflammation in a rat model of hyperuricemia, and these efficacies are associated with the reversal of increased ADA, PNP, and JUN mRNA expression in renal tissues.

[Properties of new exotic traditional Chinese medicinal Vernonia amygdalina leaves:a literature research].

The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Delile of the family Asteraceae(also known as "bitter leaf"), rich in biological activities, are used as both medicine and food for a long time in West tropical Africa. They have been introduced into Southeast Asia and Fujian and Guangdong provinces of China in recent years. However, little is known about the properties of the plant in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which limits its combination with other Chinese medicinal herbs. In this study, 473 articles on V. amygdalina leaves were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP to summarize their components, pharmacological effects and clinical research. V. amygdalina leaves presented anti-microbial, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. On the basis of the theory of TCM properties, the leaves were inferred to be cold in property and bitter and sweet in flavor, acting on spleen, liver, stomach and large intestine and with the functions of clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, removing toxin, killing insects and preventing attack of malaria. They can be used to treat dampness-heat diarrhea, interior heat and diabetes, malaria, insect accumulation and eczema(5-10 g dry leaves by decoction per day and an appropriate amount of crushed fresh leaves applying to the affected area for external use). Due to the lack of TCM properties, V. amygdalina leaves are rarely used medicinally in China. The determination of medicinal properties of the leaves is conducive to the introduction of new exotic medicinal herbs and the development of new TCM resources, which facilitated further clinical application and research and development of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Bidirectional and persistent immunomodulation of Astragalus polysaccharide as an adjuvant of influenza and recombinant SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Respiratory viral infections, such as coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza, cause significant morbidity and mortality and have become a worldwide public health concern with tremendous economic and societal burdens. Vaccination is a major strategy for preventing infections. However, some new vaccines have an unmet need for impairing responses in certain individuals, especially COVID-19 vaccines, despite ongoing vaccine and adjuvant research. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a bioactive polysaccharide extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus as an immune adjuvant to regulate the efficacy of influenza split vaccine (ISV) and recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-Cov-2 vaccine in mice. Our data indicated that APS as an adjuvant can facilitate the induction of high levels of hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer and specific antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) and confer protection against the lethal challenge of influenza A viruses, including increased survival and amelioration of weight loss in mice immunized with the ISV. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed that the NF-κB and Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis signaling pathways are essential for the immune response of mice immunized with the recombinant SARS-Cov-2 vaccine (RSV). Another important finding was that bidirectional immunomodulation of APS on cellular and humoral immunity was observed, and APS-adjuvant-induced antibodies persisted at a high level for at least 20 weeks. These findings suggest that APS is a potent adjuvant for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, and has the advantages of bidirectional immunoregulation and persistent immunity.

Correlation between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: A growing body of research suggests that patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be at increased risk of developing Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and having both conditions can make the condition worse. However, current research views are not uniform. Therefore, to explore the link between PCOS and HT, we conducted this study. Methods: From the establishment of the database to August 2022, we searched 2 databases to study the correlation between Hashimoto's and polycystic ovary syndrome. Two authors independently screened the articles for eligibility, and three authors extracted relevant data. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA16.0 software. Results: A total of 20 studies were included, including 7 case-control studies and 13 cross-sectional studies. A total of 13 countries and 7857 participants were embraced. Studies have demonstrated that both PCOS patients have an increased risk of HT, and meanwhile, HT patients also have an increased risk of PCOS compared with controls. The study also incorporated that the prevalence of HT in PCOS patients in India and Turkey was higher than in other countries, and the prevalence of HT in PCOS patients in South America was higher than in Asia and Europe. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study illustrates that there is a correlation between PCOS and HT, and it is necessary to further study the underlying mechanism between PCOS and HT. At the same time, it is of great significance to regularly screen PCOS patients for HT risk and HT patients for PCOS risk. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42022351168.

Antioxidative and Energy Metabolism-Improving Effects of Maca Polysaccharide on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity Mice via Metabolomic Analysis and Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway.

Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Maca), as a natural food supplement, has strong antioxidant and energy metabolism-improving characteristics, and Maca polysaccharide (MP) is its effective component. MP has been shown to mitigate liver damage in previous research, and Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced hepatotoxicity is also a major concern in clinical practice. We investigated the possible cytoprotective effect of MP on CYP-induced liver injury, and explored its underlying mechanism by analyzing the resulting liver metabolic profiles. MP significantly inhibited increases in serum transaminase, improved pathological changes, reduced oxidative stress, and increased the levels of energy metabolism-related enzymes. Metabolomic analysis showed that MP corrected lipid metabolic problems and regulated the pentose phosphate pathway and acid metabolism, thereby protecting against apoptosis of hepatocytes. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that antioxidant enzymes and energy metabolism-related enzymes are closely correlated with these differential metabolites. In addition, the upstream Keap1-Nrf2 antioxidant signal transduction pathway was explored to validate the possible mechanism of the cytoprotective effect of MP. In conclusion, MP plays a protective role in CYP-induced hepatotoxicity through these potential metabolic means, where it ameliorates oxidative stress, improves energy metabolism, and restores mitochondrial respiration by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby preventing liver damage.

The Relevant of Sex Hormone Levels and Acne Grades in Patients with Acne Vulgaris: A Cross-Sectional Study in Beijing.

Background: The tests of sex hormones play pivotal roles in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of acne vulgaris, but the majority of patients with acne vulgaris present regular sex hormone levels within the normal reference range. Objective: To determine the correlation among levels of sex hormones, ratio of androgen to estrogen and acne grades in patients with acne vulgaris. Methods: A cross-sectional study was applied to collect 693 patients with acne vulgaris. All samples were screened by cluster sampling among those who underwent tests of sex hormones at Beijing Jingcheng Skin Hospital from July 2021 to June 2022. A gender stratified analysis was performed to classify acne grades I-IV. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between age, sex hormones, ratio of androgen to estrogen and acne grades, with multinomial logistic regression to analyze the association of sex hormones with acne grades in patients with acne. Results: (1) The testosterone levels were mostly within normal reference values for both males and females with varying degrees of acne. For females, the serum follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and ratio of androgen to estrogen were significantly different between acne grades. For males, there were significant differences in serum estradiol, testosterone, and ratio of androgen to estrogen across acne grades. (2) The acne grade was negatively correlated with estradiol and positively correlated with the ratio of androgen to estrogen; the female acne grade was also negatively correlated with age and progesterone, but positively correlated with follicle-stimulating hormone. (3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the ratio of androgen to estrogen was independently correlated with the grade of acne and that acne grade worsened as the ratio increased. Conclusion: The increase in the ratio of androgen to estrogen may aggravate the acne grade in patients with acne vulgaris.

A clinical study to observe the efficacy and safety of Besunyen Detox Tea for constipation.

INTRODUCTION: Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disease and is one of the most common outpatient diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine Besunyen Detox Tea (BDT) for FC and to compare the effect of BDT between constipation patients with and non-dryness-heat syndrome. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicenter, prospective, observational registry study included 1000 participants diagnosed with FC. This study will collaborate with 3 comprehensive hospitals and 15 community hospitals and recruit patients into the registry between July 2022 and July 2023. After enrollment, we will collect the individual characteristics of each patient, anthropometric data and general condition, bowel movement, patient assessment of constipation symptoms, patient assessment of constipation quality of life, TCM syndrome scale, and time to take the laxative product again after treatment. We will also record adverse events and economic indicators at each visit. DISCUSSION: This is the first registry-based study to collect real-world data of participants diagnosed with FC receiving BDT treatment. The results of this registry may also reflect these characteristics and provide direct clinical evidence to verify the importance of syndrome differentiation and treatment for the use of TCM health care products.

Cancer Risk in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Research data suggest that patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis may increase the risk of cancer. However, existing research is inconsistent with this view. Therefore, to investigate the effect of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the risk of developing cancer, we conducted this study. Methods: We searched the PubMed and Embase databases from database establishment until March 2022. After rigorous literature screening by two authors, 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified, and the required data were independently extracted. Results: We retrieved 3591 records, and after the screening, 11 case-control studies and 12 cohort studies were included in the analysis. Data analysis suggested that patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis had an increased risk of developing breast cancer, urogenital cancer, digestive organs cancer, hematologic cancer, and a low risk of respiratory cancers. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that patients with HT may have a significantly increased risk of thyroid cancer, breast cancers, lung cancer, digestive system cancer, urogenital cancers, blood cancers, and prolactinoma people without HT. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42022320741.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp. Polysaccharides on an Immunosuppression Model Induced by Cyclophosphamide.

Background: Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Maca) has emerged as a functional plant food and traditional herb owing to its biological activities; Maca polysaccharides as an important active component of Maca have good immunomodulatory effect; however, studies on the immunomodulatory effect of Maca polysaccharides are mainly focused on macrophages; little attention has been devoted to the mechanisms and other immune cells. This study is aimed at investigating the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of Maca polysaccharides. Methods: Sixty mice were divided into five groups, and the mice were injected with cyclophosphamide to establish an immunosuppression model except for those in the common group. The body weights were measured, as well as immune-related indices, such as organ indices, haematological parameters, lymphocyte cycle, and proliferation, cytokine, and protein expression levels. Results: The weight loss and immune organ index decline caused by cyclophosphamide could be reversed by MP. Furthermore, MP increased WBC and HGB counts and reduced the ratio of G0/G1 phase obviously, increased the proportion of S phase and G2/M phase in peripheral blood lymphocytes, increased the counts of CD4+ T cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, and reduced the inhibition rate of splenic lymphocytes. MP affected the production of cytokines by increasing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 levels and by decreasing IL-4 levels. MP increased the mRNA expression of T-bet and the protein expression of Bcl-2 in the spleen and decreased the protein expression of caspase-3 and Bax. Conclusions: Maca polysaccharides might be the basic material for Maca's immunomodulatory effect. The mechanism was perhaps related to inhibiting lymphocyte apoptosis and promoting the balance of Th1/Th2 cell subsets.

Study of Antidepressant-Like Effects of Albiflorin and Paeoniflorin Through Metabolomics From the Perspective of Cancer-Related Depression.

Mental health has become a new challenge in cancer treatment, with a high prevalence of depression in patients with cancer. Albiflorin (AF) and paeoniflorinn (PF) are isomers extracted from the root of Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao in Chinese), belonging to the monoterpene glycosides, and multiple studies have been conducted on their antidepression and anti-cancer effects. However, the effects of AF and PF on cancer-related depression are unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether the two isomers are able to exert antidepressant-like effects and understand the underlying mechanisms in a rat model, established by combining irradiation with chronic restraint stress and solitary confinement. Our results demonstrate a significant regulation of AF and PF in the pharmacodynamic index, including the peripheral blood, organ index, behavioral traits, and HPA axis, relative to control rats. In serum and cerebral cortex metabonomics analysis, AF and PF showed a significantly restorative trend in abnormal biomarkers and regulating ether lipid metabolism, alanine, aspartate, glutamate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, carnitine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism pathway. Eight potential biomarkers were further screened by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The data indicate that AF and PF could effectively ameliorate a depression-like state in the model rats, and the mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the neuroendocrine immune system and disrupted metabolic pathways. Further experiments are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the antidepressant effects of AF and PF in cancer-related depression. This study provides a better insight into the action mechanisms of antidepression of TCM, and provides a new perspective for the therapy of cancer-related depression.

Decreased accuracy of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in diagnosing osteomyelitis in diabetic foot infection patients with severe renal impairment: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) could reduce the risk of amputation and death in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is considered the most useful serum inflammatory marker for the diagnosis of DFO. However, whether severe renal impairment (SRI) affects its diagnostic accuracy has not been reported previously. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of ESR in diagnosing DFO in DFI patients with and without SRI. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. From the inpatient electronic medical record system, the investigators extracted demographic information, diagnostic information, and laboratory test results of patients with DFI who had been hospitalized in Longhua Hospital from January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2021. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the interaction between ESR and SRI with adjustment for potential confounders. The area under the curve (AUC), cutoff point, sensitivity, specificity, prevalence, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and VassarStats. RESULTS: A total of 364 DFI patients were included in the analysis. The logistic regression analysis results showed that elevated ESR increased the probability of diagnosing DFO (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-3.28; adjusted P < 0.001); SRI was not associated with the diagnosis of DFO (adjusted OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 0.40-25.32; adjusted P = 0.271), but it had an obstructive effect on the diagnosis of DFO by ESR (adjusted OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.23-0.99; adjusted P = 0.048). ROC analysis in DFI patients without SRI revealed that the AUC of ESR to diagnose DFO was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.71-0.81), with the cutoff value of 45 mm/h (sensitivity, 67.8%; specificity, 78.0%; prevalence, 44.7%; PPV, 71.3%; NPV, 75.0%; LR+, 3.08; LR-, 0.41). In contrast, in patients with SRI, the AUC of ESR to diagnose DFO was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.40-0.75), with the cutoff value of 42 mm/h (sensitivity, 95.0%; specificity, 29.2%; prevalence, 45.5%; PPV, 52.8%; NPV, 87.5%; LR+, 1.34; LR-, 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of ESR in diagnosing DFO in DFI patients with SRI is reduced, and it may not have clinical diagnostic value in these patients.

Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Echinacea purpurea against Hyperthyroidism-Induced Oxidative Stress via AMRK and PPAR Signal Pathway Using Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology Analysis.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) is a well-known botanical supplement with antioxidant characteristics. However, the effects of EP on oxidative stress induced by hyperthyroidism have not yet been studied. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidative effect of ethanolic Echinacea Purpurea (EEP) on hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress mice using an integrated strategy combining transcriptomics with network pharmacology analysis. Firstly, a hyperthyroidism mice model was induced via thyroxine (160 mg/kg) and EEP (1, 2, or 4 g/kg) once daily for 2 weeks. Body weight, thyroid-stimulating hormones, and oxidative stress markers were tested. Secondly, EEP regulating the potential genes at transcript level were analyzed. Thirdly, a network pharmacology based on the constituents of EEP identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis was adopted. Finally, a joint analysis was performed to identify the key pathway. The results showed that EEP significantly changed the thyroid-stimulating hormones and oxidative stress markers. Meanwhile, RT-qPCR and Western Blotting demonstrated that the mechanism of the antioxidant effect of EEP reversed the mRNA expression of EHHADH, HMGCR and SLC27A2 and the protein expression of FABP and HMGCR in AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways. This study integrates transcriptomics with network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of ameliorative effect of EEP on hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress.

Antidepressant-like effects of albiflorin involved the NO signaling pathway in rats model of chronic restraint stress.

The depressant-like effects of albiflorin (AF) were studied on stressed chronic restraint stress (CRS) rats. Experimental rats were subjected to immobilization stress for a daily 6 h-restraining in a plastic restrainer for continuous 21 d and were treated with 30 or 15 mg·kg-1 of AF for 21 d. Control rats were maintained in completely non stressed conditions. Behavioral tests and biochemical analysis were applied to investigating a regulatory mechanism of anti-stress of AF. Treatment with AF significantly restored the depressant-like behaviors. Besides, AF increased the levels of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), noradrenaline (NE) and dopamine (DA) in the hippocampus and increased the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serum and protein expression in hippocampus. In addition, AF decreased the levels of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) cascade, reduced the level of NO and cGMP in serum and inhibited the overexpression of 5-HT2AR mRNA and protein expression. Taken together, AF can modulate the NO-mediated network pathway in the hippocampus against stress-induced depressive-like behaviors. These physiological and behavioral changes allow rats to avoid potential deleterious effects of stress that may result from chronically elevated levels of glucocorticosteroids over days.

The effects of aqueous extract of Maca on energy metabolism and immunoregulation.

BACKGROUND: In the present work, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Maca (AEM) on energy metabolism and immunoregulation in spleen-deficient mice. METHOD: We established a cyclophosphamide-induced spleen-deficiency model with ginseng, a herb that strengthens splenic function, as a control. Sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided among 5 groups: normal, model, ginseng control (1.5 g/kg), AEM high dose (1.5 g/kg), and AEM low dose (0.75 g/kg). All animals, except those in the normal group, were injected with cyclophosphamide to induce spleen deficiency. Furthermore, we investigated differences in the thermotropic behaviors of mice using the Animal Thermotropism Behavior Surveillance System to detect energy metabolism-related assays and immune regulation assays. RESULTS: Mice given AEM exhibited tropism in response to hot plate exposure. AEM inhibited loss of body weight and immune organ atrophy caused by cyclophosphamide, increased the cAMP/cGMP ratio in blood, and enhanced the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase, and hepatic glycogen. AEM significantly reversed declining white blood cells and platelet counts, and increased the hemoglobin content within peripheral blood cells. AEM improved the protein levels of IFN-γ, TNF-ß, IL-2, and IL-4 in the spleen. CONCLUSIONS: Maca possesses the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) property of warm and appears to strengthen spleen function.

[Study on literature of Echinacea purpurea and discussion on its herbalization].

By consulting the literatures of foreign plant medicine Echinacea purpurea at home and abroad, this paper discusses the property and function of E. purpurea from the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine theory, so as to realize "herbalization", provide the theoretical basis of traditional Chinese medicine for the correct clinical application and rational compatibility of E. purpurea, and broaden the scope and varieties of clinical selection of traditional Chinese medicine. Relevant literatures of E. purpurea were selected from PubMed and CNKI databases and classified based on clinical application, chemical composition, pharmacological action, toxic and side effects. Those with a high reliability were screened out, including 313 articles in English and 46 in Chinese. Finally, the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine was analyzed. In our view, E. purpurea features pungent and bitter tastes and a cold nature, and enters lung, spleen, heart meridians, with effects in evacuating wind-heat, clearing heat and detoxifying, invigorating Qi, strengthening body resistance, and treating wind-heat cold, sore throat swelling pain, cough, heat toxin stagnation, sore carbuncle swelling toxin, red swelling heat pain, body deficiency and multiple diseases, fatigue burnout. This paper analyzes the research literatures of E. purpurea, "herbalize" it, endows it with the property and function of traditional Chinese medicine, lays the foundation for further animal experiment and clinical research, and provides scientific theoretical guidance for the better application of E. purpurea in clinic and its proper compatibility and rational application. This research model will also provide reference for further studies of "traditional Chinese medicine" of foreign plant drugs, enrich traditional Chinese medicine resources, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine.

[Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on neurotransmitter level and neuro-endocrine-immune network of deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat syndrome rats].

The aim of this paper was to study the effect of Lepidium meyenii(Maca) on cyclic nucleotides, neurotransmitter levels and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immunization of deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat syndrome rats, in order to explore the cold and hot medicinal properties of Maca. SD rats were divided into blank group, deficiency-cold syndrome group, Cinnamomi Cortex of deficiency-cold syndrome(30 g·kg~(-1)) group, high and low-dose Maca groups(2.4, 1.2 g·kg~(-1)), deficiency-heat syndrome group, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex(PCC) of deficiency-heat syndrome(5 g·kg~(-1)), and high and low-dose Maca groups(2.4, 1.2 g·kg~(-1)). The rats were treated with intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone(20 mg·kg~(-1)) or dexamethasone sodium phosphate(0.35 mg·kg~(-1)) for 21 days to set up the deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat model. The levels of cAMP, cGMP, NE, DA, 5-HT, CRH, ACTH, CORT and IgM, IgG, C3, C4 were detected by radio immunoassay. Both the high-dose Maca group and the low-dose Maca group can significantly improve the overall state and body weight of rats with deficiency-cold syndrome(P<0.01, P<0.05), significantly increasing cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, NE, DA, ACTH(P<0.01, P<0.001), and significantly decreasing 5-HT(P<0.01, P<0.001). However, high-dose and low-dose Maca groups could not improve the deficiency-heat syndrome, and the levels of cAMP, cGMP, cAMP/cGMP, NE, DA, 5-HT and ACTH were not statistically significant. Maca had a significant regulatory effect on CORT, IgM, IgG and C3 content of rats with deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat syndrome(P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001). Maca showed the same effect with Cinnamomi Cortex in adjusting the levels of deficiency-cold rats, but in opposition to Phellodendri Chinese Cortex. This paper confirmed that Maca was slightly warm based on its effect on cyclic nucleotide levels and neuro-endocrine-immune networks by the pharmacological experimental method.

[Effect of AÇaí (Euterpe oleracea) on lipid metabolism, immune substances and endocrine hormone in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndrome].

To study the effects of AÇaí(Euterpe oleracea) on lipid metabolism, immune substances and endocrine hormone level in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndrome. SD rats were divided into blank control group, deficiency-heat model group, deficiency-heat & Phellodendri Cortex group, deficiency-heat & AÇaí high dose and low dose groups, deficiency-cold model group, deficiency-cold & Cinnamomi Cortex group, deficiency-cold & AÇaí high dose and low dose groups. The rats received intramuscular injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.35 mg) or hydrocortisone sodium succinate (20 mg) for 21 days to set up deficiency-heat models and deficiency-cold models. Then the changes in fatmetabolism levels (FFA, LPL, HL) and immune indexes (IgG, IgM, C3 and C4) were detected by colorimeter; and the levels of endocrine hormone indexes (CORT, E2 and T) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The levels of FFA, LPL and HL in serum were reduced (P<0.01 or P<0.001); levels of IgG, IgM and C3 in serum were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.001); level of CORT in serum was increased (P<0.05) and the level of E2, E2/T in serum were reduced in the AÇaí high dose group (P<0.05). The effect of high dose AÇaí on fat metabolism was not obvious in deficiency-cold models, but the levels of IgG, IgM, C3 and CORT in serum were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.001). AÇaí was showed the same effect trend with Phellodendri Cortex in adjusting the levels of deficiency-heat rats; but unlike Cinnamomi Cortex, AÇaí was showed no obvious effect in adjusting the levels of deficiency-cold rats. In this experiment, homogeneous comparison and heterogeneous disproof were used to verify the cold nature of Çaí.

[Investigation of effects of albiflorin and paeoniflorin on hippocampal BDNF and NO in chronic restraint stress rats].

This paper aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects and the mechanism of the albiflorin, paeoniflorin on rats with chronic restraint stress model. Fluoxetine and Xiaoyao group served as the positive control, body weight, sucrose preference test and the open field behavioral experiment were measured, the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus were detected by Greg colorimetric method. Furthermore, the levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus were detected by ELISA. Finally, the expressions of nNOS mRNA in hippocampus detected by RT-qPCR, the protein levels of nNOS and BDNF in hippocampus were detected by Western blot. Compared with the model group,the pass counts of paeoniflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were obviously increased(P<0.05,P<0.01). Furthermore, compared with the model group,the levels of NO in paeoniflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹ and 15 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹ and 15 mg•kg⁻¹) were all significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01; P<0.05, P<0.05). BDNF levels of paeoniflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were obviously increased(P<0.05). Finally, compared with the model group, the expressions of nNOS mRNA of paeoniflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹ and 15 mg•kg⁻¹) (P<0.01, P<0.01) and albiflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the protein exprsssions of BDNF of paeoniflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were obviously increased(P<0.05). Albiflorin and paeoniflorin have the effects of smooth the liver and dispel stagnation, the mechanism has the relevant with adjusting and controlling the expression of NO and BDNF in hippocampus.