Enhancing quality evaluation in traditional Chinese medicine: Utilizing dual wavelength fusion fingerprint, electrochemical fingerprint, and DSC fingerprint.

Developing a reliable and effective quality evaluation system for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is both challenging and crucial for its advancement. This study employs fingerprinting techniques to establish precise and comprehensive quality control for TCM, taking Xuezhikang capsules as an example and aiming to facilitate the internationalization of TCM. The "double wavelength absorption coefficient ratio fingerprint" and "Reliability theory" are developed to determine the fingerprint peak purity and fingerprint reliability respectively. Subsequently, the dual-wavelength fusion fingerprint was obtained to avoid the limitations of a single wavelength. In addition, an electrochemical fingerprint (ECFP) was obtained to assess the similarity of electroactive components in the sample, and the Differential Scanning Calorimetry quantized fingerprint (DSC QFP) was introduced for thermal analysis. Fingerprint-efficacy correlations between PL-EC* and dual-wavelength fusion fingerprint (DWFFP) provided valuable insights that there are 76.6 % of the fingerprint compounds exhibited electroactivity. Finally, samples were classified into grades 1∼3 by combining DWFFP, ECFP and DSC QFP through the mean method, meeting the evaluation standard (SL-M > 0.9, PL-M between 80 % and 120 %). This study provides valuable information for ensuring the quality of TCM products, which represents a significant step forward in enhancing the reliability and authenticity of TCM products.

Residual Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Focus on Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused by atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. The level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), considered as the initiator of atherosclerosis, is the most widely used predictor for CVD risk and LDL-C has been the primary target for lipid-lowering therapies. However, residual CVD risk remains high even with very low levels of LDL-C. This residual CVD risk may be due to remnant cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), which is calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C (and represents the cholesterol content of all atherogenic apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins), has emerged as a better risk predictor for CVD than LDL-C and an alternative target for CVD risk reduction. Major international guidelines recommend evaluating non-HDL-C as part of atherosclerotic CVD risk assessment, especially in people with high triglycerides, diabetes, obesity, or very low LDL-C. A non-HDL-C target of <130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) has been recommended for patients at very high risk, which is 30 mg/dL (0.8 mmol/L) higher than the corresponding LDL-C target goal. Non-HDL-C lowering approaches include reducing LDL-C and triglyceride levels, increasing HDL-C, or targeting multiple risk factors simultaneously. However, despite the growing evidence for the role of non-HDL-C in residual CVD risk, and recommendations for its assessment in major guidelines, non-HDL-C testing is not routinely done in clinical practice. Thus, there is a need for increased awareness of the need for non-HDL-C testing for ascertaining CVD risk and concomitant prevention of CVD.

The effect of Xuezhikang capsule on gene expression profile in brown adipose tissue of obese spontaneously hypertensive rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Obesity is a critical threat to global health, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential target for the treatment of obesity and comorbidities. Xuezhikang Capsule (XZK), an extract of red yeast rice, has remarkable clinical efficacy and is widely used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease. However, its modulatory effect on BAT remains unknown. AIM OF THIS STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of XZK in the obese spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model by evaluating the regulatory effect of XZK on the BAT gene profile through transcriptome sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SHRs were randomly divided into four groups: the standard chow diet (STD) group, the STD supplemented with 126 mg/kg of XZK group, the high-fat diet (HFD) group, and the HFD supplemented with 126 mg/kg of XZK group. All SHRs were fed for 18 weeks. The metabolic phenotypes, including body weight, fat mass, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and serum glucose and lipid levels, was evaluated, and hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate the adipose tissue histopathological phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to determine the mechanism by which XZK improves the metabolic phenotype and the expression of key differential expression genes was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: XZK inhibited HFD-induced weight gain and adipose tissue remodeling in SHRs and prevented hypertrophy of epididymal adipocytes and maintained the brown fat phenotype. XZK intervention also improved glucose and lipid metabolism in SHRs, as suggested by a reduction in serum triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels as well as increasing in serum high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Transcriptome sequencing analysis confirmed the regulatory effect of XZK on the gene expression profile of BAT, and the expression patterns of 45 genes were reversed by the XZK intervention. Additionally, the results of the transcriptome analysis of 10 genes that are important for brown fat function were in line with the results of qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: XZK protected SHRs from HFD-induced obesity, inhibited fat accumulation and improved glucolipid metabolism. Additionally, the protective effect of XZK on the overall metabolism of obese SHRs might partly be related to its regulatory effect on the BAT gene expression profile. These findings might provide novel therapeutic strategies for obesity-related metabolic diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Rapid identification of chemical constituents in Xuezhikang Capsule by UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE combined with the establishment of UNIFI MS database / 药学学报

An UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE technology coupled with UNIFI database was used to develop a rapid, high coverage, accurate and efficient chemical composition qualitative method for Xuezhikang Capsule. A UNIFI database was established utilizing compound name, formula, structure, following automatic matching with high-resolution mass numbers, isotope distributions, mass deviations, fragment ion matching, and chromatographic retention features in UNIFI database to achieve the qualitative results of natural products in Xuezhikang Capsules. Combined with manual confirmation, 82 chemical components were identified in Xuezhikang Capsules, and the MS2 fragmentation pathway of typical organic acids, flavonoids, monacrines, and monascus were analyzed to ensure accuracy of the LC-MS workflow. This study clarified the chemical substance basis of Xuezhikang Capsules by LC-MS technology, providing experimental data support for the identification of key quality attributes, quality control and consistency evaluation in the manufacturing process of Xuezhikang Capsules.

Establishment of a lipid metabolism disorder model in ApoEb mutant zebrafish.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ApoEb is a zebrafish homologous to mammalian ApoE, whose deficiency would lead to lipid metabolism disorders (LMDs) like atherosclerosis. We attempted to knock out the zebrafish ApoEb, then establish a zebrafish model with LMD. METHODS: ApoEb was knocked out using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and the accumulation of lipids was confirmed by Oil Red O staining, confocal imaging, and lipid measurements. The lipid-lowering effects of simvastatin (SIM), ezetimibe (EZE) and Xuezhikang (XZK), an extract derived from red yeast rice, were evaluated through in vivo imaging in zebrafish larvae. RESULTS: In the ApoEb mutant, significant vascular lipid deposition occurred, and lipid measurement performed in the whole-body homogenate of larvae and adult plasma showed significantly increased lipid levels. SIM, EZE and XZK apparently relieved hyperlipidemia in ApoEb mutants, and XZK had a significant inhibitory effect on the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, an LMD model has been established in ApoEb mutant zebrafish. We suggest that this versatile model could be applied in studying hypercholesterolemia and related vascular pathology in the context of early atherosclerosis, as well as the physiological function of ApoE.

Effect of "Natural Polypill", Xuezhikang on Serum Cholesterol Metabolism Markers in Early Menopausal Women with Hypercholesterolemia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of Xuezhikang on the markers of the serum lipid levels of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia, and preliminarily explore its lipid-lowering mechanism. METHODS: A total of 90 early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia were enrolled from December, 2014 to May, 2016 from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, who were randomly allocated to receive Xuezhikang (1200 mg/d, orally) or atorvastatin (10 mg/d, orally) according to a random number table. Serum levels of some related biomarkers, including cholesterol synthesis markers (squalene, dihydrocholesterol, dehydrocholesterol, and lathosterol), and absorption markers (campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol) as well as safety indices were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention. RESULTS: Eight weeks after treatment, both Xuezhikang and atorvastatin significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density cholesterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01). Xuezhikang significantly reduced the levels of squalene, dehydrocholesterol and lathosterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01), but atorvastatin only significantly reduced the level of squalene (P<0.01), compared to baseline. All cholesterol absorption markers showed no significant differences before and after treatment (P>0.05), however, a more obvious downward trend was shown in the Xuezhikang group. In addition, all the safety indices showed no significant differences between the two groups. Although the creatinekinase level in the Xuezhikang group was significantly higher, it remained within the safe range. CONCLUSIONS: Xuezhikang may have more comprehensive effects on the markers of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia through ergosterol and flavonoids in its "natural polypill."

Xuezhikang alleviates lipid accumulation via AMPK activation in hepatocellular steatosis model

Abstract Xuezhikang (XZK) is an extract of Chinese red yeast rice. It has multiple protective effects in cardiovascular systems. However, the underlying mechanism by which XZK affects free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipogenesis in hepatocellular steatosis model is still unknown. Herein, we investigated this mechanism in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were treated with palmitate acid (PA) to induce lipogenesis. Then the PA-induced HepG2 cells were subsequently treated with XZK. After 24 h of treatment, we determined the intracellular triglyceride (TG) contents and average areas of lipid droplets. To study the involvement of AMPK signaling pathway, we pre-treated the PA-induced HepG2 cells with Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, before XZK treatment. Expressions of p-AMPK and AMPK were determined by Western blot. The results showed that XZK decreased TG content and lipid accumulation in hepatocellular steatosis model. Compound C abolished the effects of XZK. These results demonstrated for the first time that XZK protects hepatocytes against lipid accumulation induced by free fatty acids. Its effects may be mediated by the activation of AMPK pathway.

Effect of "Natural Polypill", Xuezhikang on Serum Cholesterol Metabolism Markers in Early Menopausal Women with Hypercholesterolemia / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the effect of Xuezhikang on the markers of the serum lipid levels of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia, and preliminarily explore its lipid-lowering mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia were enrolled from December, 2014 to May, 2016 from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, who were randomly allocated to receive Xuezhikang (1200 mg/d, orally) or atorvastatin (10 mg/d, orally) according to a random number table. Serum levels of some related biomarkers, including cholesterol synthesis markers (squalene, dihydrocholesterol, dehydrocholesterol, and lathosterol), and absorption markers (campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol) as well as safety indices were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention.@*RESULTS@#Eight weeks after treatment, both Xuezhikang and atorvastatin significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density cholesterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01). Xuezhikang significantly reduced the levels of squalene, dehydrocholesterol and lathosterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01), but atorvastatin only significantly reduced the level of squalene (P<0.01), compared to baseline. All cholesterol absorption markers showed no significant differences before and after treatment (P>0.05), however, a more obvious downward trend was shown in the Xuezhikang group. In addition, all the safety indices showed no significant differences between the two groups. Although the creatinekinase level in the Xuezhikang group was significantly higher, it remained within the safe range.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Xuezhikang may have more comprehensive effects on the markers of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia through ergosterol and flavonoids in its "natural polypill."

Comparison of the Reductions in LDL-C and Non-HDL-C Induced by the Red Yeast Rice Extract Xuezhikang Between Fasting and Non-fasting States in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease.

Background: Xuezhikang, an extract of red yeast rice, effectively lowers fasting blood lipid levels. However, the influence of Xuezhikang on the non-fasting levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) has not been explored in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: Fifty CHD patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (n = 25 each) to receive 1,200 mg/d of Xuezhikang or a placebo for 6 weeks as routine therapy. Blood lipids were repeatedly measured before and after 6 weeks of treatment at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after a standard breakfast containing 800 kcal and 50 g of fat. Results: The serum LDL-C levels significantly decreased, from a fasting level of 3.88 mmol/L to non-fasting levels of 2.99, 2.83, and 3.23 mmol/L at 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, after breakfast (P < 0.05). The serum non-HDL-C level mildly increased from a fasting level of 4.29 mmol/L to non-fasting levels of 4.32, 4.38, and 4.34 mmol/L at 2, 4, and 6 h post-prandially, respectively, and the difference reached statistical significance only at 4 and 6 h after breakfast (P < 0.05). After 6 weeks of Xuezhikang treatment, the patients had significantly lower fasting and non-fasting serum levels of LDL-C and non-HDL-C (P < 0.05) than at pretreatment. The LDL-C levels were reduced by 27.8, 28.1, 26.2, and 25.3% at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, and the non-HDL-C levels were reduced by 27.6, 28.7, 29.0, and 28.0% at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, after breakfast. No significant difference was found in the percent reductions in the LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels among the four different time-points. Conclusions: Six weeks of Xuezhikang treatment significantly decreased LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels, with similar percent reductions in fasting and non-fasting states in CHD patients, indicating that the percent change in non-fasting LDL-C or non-HDL-C could replace that in the fasting state for evaluation the efficacy of cholesterol control in CHD patients who are unwilling or unable to fast.

Effect of Xuezhikang Therapy on Expression of Pulmonary Hypertension Related miR-638 in Patients With Low HDL-C Levels.

Objective: Low plasma level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) associated with poor outcomes in several cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Regulation of miR-638 have been proved to be associated with PAH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of miR-638 after Xuezhikang (XZK) therapy in patients with low HDL-C. Methods: Plasma levels of miR-638 were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reactions in 20 patients with PAH and 30 healthy controls. A total of 40 subjects with low HDL-C were assigned to receive an XZK therapy for 6 months. The miR-638 expression profiles were detected in PAH patients, XZK-treated subjects and lovastatin treated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs). Results: The relative expression level of miR-638 in the plasma was lower in the PAH patients than that in the controls (p < 0.001). An increase of 11.2% from baseline in the HDL-C level was found after XZK therapy (p < 0.001). The relative expression of miR-638 was increased after XZK treatment (p < 0.01). The changes of miR-638 were inversely associated with baseline HDL-C levels. A significantly reduction in miR-638 expression were found in PDGF-BB-treated hPA-SMCs compared to the control cells, and the pre-treatment of the cells with lovastatin significantly re-gain the expression levels in miR-638. Conclusion: In patients with low HDL-C levels, XZK therapy raised the expression of miR-638, suggesting that the potential therapeutic effect of XZK in PAH patients with low serum HDL-C levels deserves further exploration.

A 26-week toxicological study of Xuezhikang (XZK), red yeast rice extract, in Beagle dogs with a 4-week recovery period.

Xuezhikang (XZK) is an extract derived from red yeast rice that is commonly used to treat cardiovascular conditions as a traditional Chinese medicine, both within China and globally. Genotoxicity, acute toxicity, and a 26-week toxicity study in rat have been reported in our previous publication. The present study was designed to assess the long-term safety of XZK when administered orally to dogs. Dogs were treated with encapsulated XZK at a maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg followed by 1000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg (n = 6/sex/group) for this 26-week oral toxicity study. Control animals were given an empty capsule. Treated animals were then monitored through measurements of body weight, body temperature, food intake, ophthalmic and electrocardiogram examinations, general clinical observations, mortality rates, and clinical and anatomic pathological findings. Additionally, blood samples were collected and used to conduct hematological and biochemical analysis. Several abnormalities were found in all groups including: fecal abnormalities (including mucoid, poorly formed, or liquid feces). Moreover, reduced CHOL and TRIG values were seen in all XZK groups (p < 0.05), increased WBC and NEUT levels in 500 mg/kg group (males only, p < 0.05), and elevated AST, ALT, and ALP activities in 2000 mg/kg group (p < 0.05). These changes were resolved in the recovery period. The results indicated that XZK may temporarily impact the liver enzyme levels, but were not considered adverse effects. These findings yielded a NOAEL for XZK in dogs of 2000 mg/kg.

Efficacy and safety of xuezhikang once per day versus two times per day in patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia (APEX study): a protocol for a multicentre, prospective randomised controlled, open-label, non-inferiority study.

INTRODUCTION: Reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) improves clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. However, rates of lipid-lowering medication adherence are far from ideal. Reducing dosage frequency from multiple dosing to once-daily dosing may improve patients' medication adherence. Xuezhikang (XZK), an extract of Chinese red yeast rice, contains a family of naturally occurring statins and is traditionally prescribed as 600 mg two times per day. A comParative Efficacy study of XZK (APEX study) is designed to test the hypothesis that XZK prescribed 1200 mg once per day (OD group) is non-inferior to 600 mg two times per day (TD group) in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The APEX study is a multicentre, prospective randomised controlled, open-label, non-inferiority study. We plan to recruit 316 patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia for primary prevention. Patients will be randomised (1:1) to OD group and TD group. The OD group take XZK 1200 mg once per day after dinner while TD group take a traditional dose of 600 mg, two times per day after meals. Participants will have an 8-week medication period and be followed up at weeks 0, 4 and 8. The primary end point is the mean percentage change from baseline to week 8 in serum LDL-C. Secondary end points are safety and lipid-lowering effect on other lipoproteins and compliance. Data analyses will be on the intention-to-treat principle using non-inferiority analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The research had been approved by the Clinical Research and Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University ((2017)286). The results will be reported through peer-reviewed journals, seminars and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IIR-17013660.

Toxicological evaluation of, red rice yeast extract, Xuezhikang: Acute, 26-week chronic and genotoxicity studies.

Xuezhikang (XZK), an extract derived from red yeast rice, is commonly employed as a traditional Chinese medicine for treating coronary heart disease, improving endothelial function, decreasing blood lipids and preventing other cardiovascular events both within China and globally. However, there have not been studies of the toxicity associated with XZK. In this publication we hope to summarize and evaluate an acute study, a 26-week chronic toxicity study, and the genetic toxicity potential of XZK. Firstly, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated with XZK at dose of 10 g/kg to observe the acute toxicity. Then, we sought to assess the toxicity of XZK (0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) in SD rats for 26 weeks with a 4-week recovery period. Lastly, we assessed the genotoxicity of XZK utilizing an Ames test, chromosomal aberration assay, and mammalian micronucleus test. The results of the acute study, XZK did not induce toxicity up to the maximum doses of 10 g/kg in rats, so an LD50 could not be determined. In the chronic study, XZK administrated via gavage did not alter weight, food intake, urinalysis parameters, hematological analysis parameters, organ weight, organ to weight ratio, microscopic and macroscopic examination of organs. Also, we found no genotoxicity markers at any dose of XZK tested. The results revealed that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for XZK, based on the 26-week toxicity study, was 2000 mg/kg.

Xuezhikang improves the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats by suppressing the inflammation response through TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Xuezhikang (XZK), a red yeast rice extract with lipid-lowering effect, contains a family of naturally statins, such as lovastatin. In recent years, its effect beyond the regulation of lipids has also been received increasing attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the protective effects and possible molecular mechanisms of XZK on brain injury after cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to investigate whether it has a dose-dependent effect and the difference with lovastatin. METHODS: Rats were treated with low-dose XZK (XZK-L, 20 mg/kg/d), high-dose XZK (XZK-H, 200 mg/kg/d) and lovastatin by gavage once daily for 2 weeks before CA. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß were evaluated at 1, 4, and 72 h post-CA/CPR. The survival rate, neurological deficit score (NDS), and expression of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB and TNF-α in hippocampal tissues were evaluated at 72 h post-CA/CPR. RESULTS: CA/CPR induced a significant increase in serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß, as well as increased expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB and TNF-α in the hippocampus. Both low-dose and high-dose XZK treatment inhibited the expression of these inflammatory cytokines. In addition, it reduced the number of defibrillations and shortened the duration of CPR required for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). XZK treatment also improved neurological function and 72-hour survival rate in rats. However, high-dose XZK was superior to lovastatin in the suppression of IL-1ß mRNA level and TNF-α protein level in hippocampal tissue after CPR. There were no significant differences observed among high-dose XZK, low-dose XZK and lovastatin groups in other respects. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that XZK had a protective effect against brain injury post-CA/CPR. The mechanisms underlying the protective effects of XZK may be related to the suppressing of CA/CPR-induced inflammatory response through the inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Potential protective effects of red yeast rice in endothelial function against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the deadliest disease in the world, with endothelial injury occurring throughout the course of the disease. Therefore, improvement in endothelial function is of essential importance in the prevention of ASCVD. Red yeast rice (RYR), a healthy traditional Chinese food, has a lipid modulation function and also plays a vital role in the improvement of endothelial reactivity and cardiovascular protection; thus, it is significant in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of RYR and its related products in the improvement of endothelial function in terms of endothelial reactivity, anti-apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells, oxidative stress alleviation and anti-inflammation.

Simultaneous Content Determination of 8 Components in Xuezhikang Capsules by HPLC-DAD / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish the method for simultaneous determination of 5 isoflavones （daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein and genistein） and 3 statins （lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin） in Xuezhikang capsules. METHODS： HPLC-DAD method was adopted. The determination was performed on Shimadzu Hypersil Gold C18 column with mobile phase consisted of 0.1％ formic acid water-acetonitrile using gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min， and the detection wavelengths were set at 256 nm （daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein and genistein） and 237 nm （lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin）. The column temperature was maintained at 30 ℃， and sample size was 10 μL. RESULTS： The linear range of daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein， genistein， lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin were 5.01-250.20， 3.02-150.91， 2.27-113.33， 3.01-150.58， 3.61-180.43， 4.03-201.19， 3.32-166.32， 5.02-250.82 μg/mL （r＝0.999 3-0.999 9）， respectively. The detection limits were 0.25， 0.13， 0.45， 0.12， 0.21， 0.24， 0.12 and 0.15 μg/mL； the quantitation limits were 0.84， 0.36， 1.29， 0.41， 0.65， 0.78， 0.33 and 0.50 μg/mL， respectively. RSDs of precision， stability （48 h） and reproducibility tests were all no more than 3.0％ （n＝6）. Average recoveries were 97.04％， 98.49％， 99.60％， 96.14％， 101.88％， 96.20％， 101.19％， 98.46％， and RSDs were 1.76-4.79％ （n＝6）. CONCLUSIONS： The established methods is simple， sensitive， accurate， and can be applied for simultaneous content determination of daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein， genistein， lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin in Xuezhikang capsules.

Potential protective effects of red yeast rice in endothelial function against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease / 中国天然药物

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the deadliest disease in the world, with endothelial injury occurring throughout the course of the disease. Therefore, improvement in endothelial function is of essential importance in the prevention of ASCVD. Red yeast rice (RYR), a healthy traditional Chinese food, has a lipid modulation function and also plays a vital role in the improvement of endothelial reactivity and cardiovascular protection; thus, it is significant in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of RYR and its related products in the improvement of endothelial function in terms of endothelial reactivity, anti-apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells, oxidative stress alleviation and anti-inflammation.

Novel findings in relation to multiple anti-atherosclerotic effects of XueZhiKang in humans.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that XueZhiKang (XZK), an extract of cholestin, can decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular events. However, the mechanism of the effects of XZK on atherosclerosis (AS) in humans has been reported less frequently. In the present study, we investigated the impact of XZK on lipoprotein subfractions, oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). METHODS: From October 2015 to July 2016, 40 subjects were enrolled in this study. Of them, 20 subjects with dyslipidemia received XZK 1200 mg/day for 8 weeks (XZK group); 20 additional healthy subjects who did not receive therapy acted as controls. The plasma lipoprotein subfractions, oxLDL, and IL-6 were examined at baseline and again at 8 weeks. RESULTS: Data showed that XZK could significantly decrease not only plasma LDL-C levels (87.26 ± 24.45 vs. 123.34 ± 23.99, P < 0.001), total cholesterol (4.14 ± 0.87 vs. 5.08 ± 1.03, P < 0.001), triglycerides (0.95 ± 0.38 vs. 1.55 ± 0.61, P < 0.05), and apolipoprotein B (1.70 ± 0.35 vs. 1.81 ± 0.72, P < 0.05), but also oxLDL (36.36 ± 5.31 vs. 49.20 ± 15.01, P < 0.05) and IL-6 (8.50 ± 7.40 vs. 10.40 ± 9.49, P < 0.05). At the same time, XZK reduced the concentration of small LDL-C (1.78 ± 2.17 vs. 6.33 ± 7.78, P < 0.05) and the percentage of the small LDL subfraction (1.09 ± 1.12 vs. 3.07 ± 3.09, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with 1200 mg/day XZK for 8 weeks significantly decreased the atherogenic small LDL subfraction and reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, in addition to affecting the lipid profile, suggesting multiple beneficial effects in coronary artery disease.

Isoflavones enhance pharmacokinetic exposure of active lovastatin acid via the upregulation of carboxylesterase in high-fat diet mice after oral administration of Xuezhikang capsules.

Xuezhikang capsule (XZK) is a traditional Chinese medicine that contains lovastatin (Lv) for hyperlipidemia treatment, although it has fewer side effects than Lv. However, the pharmacokinetic mechanisms contributing to its distinct efficacy and low side effects are unclear. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia. We first conducted the pharmacokinetic studies in HFD mice following oral administration of Lv (10 mg/kg, i.g.) and found that HFD remarkably decreased the active form of Lv (the lovastatin acid, LvA) exposure in the circulation system, especially in the targeting organ liver, with a declined conversion from Lv to LvA, whereas the Lv (responsible for myotoxicity) exposure in muscle markedly increased. Then we compared the pharmacokinetic profiles of Lv in HFD mice after the oral administration of XZK (1200 mg/kg, i.g.) or an equivalent dose of Lv (10 mg/kg, i.g.). A higher exposure of LvA and lower exposure of Lv were observed after XZK administration, suggesting a pharmacokinetic interaction of some ingredients in XZK. Further studies revealed that HFD promoted the inflammation and inhibited carboxylesterase (CES) activities in the intestine and the liver, thus contributing to the lower transformation of Lv into LvA. In contrast, XZK inhibited the inflammation and upregulated CES in the intestine and the liver. Finally, we evaluated the effects of monacolins and phytosterols, the fractional extracts of isoflavones, on inflammatory LS174T or HepG2 cells, which showed that isoflavones inhibited inflammation, upregulated CES, and markedly enhanced the conversion of Lv into LvA. For the first time, we provide evidence that isoflavones and Lv in XZK act in concert to enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of Lv.

[Chinese expert consensus on the use of Xuezhikang (2017 revised edition)].

Xuezhikang, a Chinese traditional medicine, contains natural statin and is effective on dyslipidemia by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. Xuezhikang therapy for 8 weeks in patients with hyperlipidemia reduced total cholesterol (TC) by 23%, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 28.5% and triglyceride(TG) by 36.5%, and increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) by 19.6%, respectively. Data from China Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CCSPS) showed that treatment with Xuezhikang lowered the risks of major coronary events, death from coronary heart disease, and all cause death in patients with myocardial infarction, indicating that Xuezhikang can be used in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.