Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma combination inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer HT-29 cells by regulating EMT / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to investigate the effect of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(AC) combination on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer HT-29 cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT). HT-29 cells were respectively treated with 0, 3, 6 and 12 g·kg~(-1) AC-containing serum for 48 h. The survival and growth of cells were measured by thiazole blue(MTT) colorimetry, and the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU) test and Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The BALB/c nude mouse model of subcutaneous colon cancer xenograft was established, and then model mice were classified into blank control group, 6 g·kg~(-1) AC group, and 12 g·kg~(-1) AC group. The tumor weight and volume of mice were recorded, and the histopathological morphology of the tumor was observed based on hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression of apoptosis-associated proteins B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein(Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3(caspase-3), and cleaved caspase-3, and EMT-associated proteins E-cadherin, MMP9, MMP2 and vimentin in HT-29 cells and mouse tumor tissues after the treatment of AC was determined by Western blot. The results showed that cell survival rate and the number of cells at proliferation stage decreased compared with those in the blank control group. The number of migrating and invading cells reduced and the number of apoptotic cells increased in the administration groups compared with those in the blank control group. As for the in vivo experiment, compared with the blank control group, the administration groups had small tumors with low mass and shrinkage of cells and karyopycnosis in the tumor tissue, indicating that the AC combination may improve EMT. In addition, the expression of Bcl2 and E-cadherin increased and the expression of Bax, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, MMP9, MMP2, and vimentin decreased in HT-29 cells and tumor tissues in each administration group. In summary, the AC combination can significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT of HT-29 cells in vivo and in vitro and promote the apoptosis of colon cancer cells.

Anti-colorectal cancer mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma-Paridis Rhizoma based on network pharmacology and experimental verification / 中国中药杂志

The present study explored the underlying mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma-Paridis Rhizoma(AR-CR-PR) in the treatment of colorectal cancer(CRC) by network pharmacology and molecular docking and animal tests and verified the core targets based on the orthotopic transplantation model in nude mice. The active components of AR-CR-PR were retrieved from databases such as TCMSP. The targets of drugs and the disease were obtained from PubChem, SwissTargetPrediction, TTD, and DrugBank, and the intersection targets were imported into STRING for the analysis of the protein-protein interaction(PPI). Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) analyses were performed through DAVID. AutoDock Vina was used to perform molecular docking and binding ability prediction between the active components and the core targets. The effects of AR-CR-PR on tumor growth, metastasis, and phosphorylation of core target proteins in tumor tissues based on the orthotopic transplantation model in nude mice. As revealed by network pharmacology, AR-CR-PR contained nine core components, such as quercetin, curcumin, and β-ecdysone, and the key targets included protein kinase B(AKT1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3), MAPK1, and epithelial growth factor receptor(EGFR), which was indicated that the anti-CRC effect of AR-CR-PR was presumedly achieved by regulating tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis through PI3 K-AKT, MAPK and other signaling pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that the nine core components had strong binding abilities to AKT1 and MAPK3. The results in vivo showed that AR-CR-PR could reduce the volume of the orthotopic tumor, inhibit liver metastasis, and decrease the phosphorylation of AKT1 and MAPK3 in the CRC model. The mechanism of AR-CR-PR in the intervention of CRC may be related to the activation of PI3 K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathway. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of AR-CR-PR in the treatment of CRC and ideas for modern research on AR-CR-PR.

Effect of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma compatibility combined with 5-fluorouracil on Th17/Treg balance and tumor-related mRNA and protein expression in orthotopic xenograft model mice of CT26.WT colorectal carcinoma / 中国中药杂志

Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(AR-CR) is a combination commonly used in the clinical treatment of tumors. Based on the T helper 17(Th17)/regulatory T cell(Treg) balance, the present study explored the possible mechanism of AR-CR combined with 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) on the tumor growth of orthotopic xenograft model mice of colorectal carcinoma. Ninety male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into nine groups, i.e., a blank group, a model group, a 5-FU group, high-, medium-, and low-dose AR-CR(2∶1) groups, and high-, medium-, and low-dose AR-CR+5-FU groups, with 10 mice in each group. The orthotopic xenograft model of CT26.WT colorectal carcinoma was induced in mice except those in the blank group. Twenty-four hours after the ope-ration, mice in the blank group and the model group received normal saline by gavage(10 mL·kg~(-1), once per day), and those in the 5-FU group received 5-FU by intraperitoneal injection(25 mg·kg~(-1), once every other day). Mice in the AR-CR groups received AR and CR decoctions by gavage(12, 6, and 3 g·kg~(-1), once a day) and those in the combination groups received AR and CR decoctions and 5-FU(doses and administration methods were the same as above). After intervention for three weeks, all mice were sacrificed and tumor tissues were collected. The tumor mass was weighed and the average tumor weight was calculated. The changing trend of Th17/Treg(%) in the CD4~+T lymphocytes of the spleen tissues of the mice in each group was detected. The mRNA expression in the blood and protein expression in the tumor tissues of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interferon-γ(IFN-γ), Smad4, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7) were detected. The experimental results revealed that compared with the model group, the groups with drug intervention showed reduced tumor mass(P<0.01), decreased CD4~+IL-17~+ in the spleen tissues to varying degrees(P<0.001), and increased proportion of CD4~+Foxp3~+(P<0.001 or P<0.05), indicating that Th17/Treg maintained dynamic balance, and the effect of the combination groups was predominant. Additionally, the mRNA expression in the blood and protein expression in the tumor tissues of TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, Smad4, N-cadherin, and MMP-7 declined to varying degrees in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.01 or P<0.001). The AR-CR combined with 5-FU can inhibit the tumor growth of orthotopic xenograft model mice of CT26.WT colorectal carcinoma. The mechanism may be related to maintenance of Th17/Treg dynamic balance in the body and down-regulation of TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, Smad4, N-cadherin, and MMP-7 expression.

Effect of Rhein on AQP4 and Microglia Mediated Inflammatory Response in Cerebral Ischemia Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of rhein on aquaporin 4 （AQP4） and brain edema after cerebral ischemia and the role of microglia-mediated inflammation in this process. Method:The modified thread embolization method was selected to establish the cerebral ischemia model of the right middle cerebral artery embolism （MCAO） in rats. The rats were divided into sham operation group， model group， minocycline group， and high， medium and low-dose rhein groups （3.46，1.73，0.865 mg·kg^-1）. The neurobehavioral function was measured by a modified neurobehavioral score. Wet and dry weight methods were used to measure the changes of water content in brain tissue of rats with cerebral ischemic injury. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of interferon-<italic>γ</italic> （IFN-<italic>γ</italic>） and interleukin-2 （IL-2） in the peripheral ischemic area of rats in each group. Immunofluorescence double labeling method was used to detect the expressions and localization of microglia fine markers Iba-1 and AQP4. Result:Compared with the sham operation group， neurological function score and water content on the side of brain tissue injury of the model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group， the neurological function score and the water content of the brain tissue of each drug group were reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with sham operation group， the protein expressions of IFN-<italic>γ</italic> and IL-2 in the model group increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group， the protein expressions of IFN-<italic>γ</italic> and IL-2 in the peripheral area of cerebral ischemia of each drug group were significantly improved （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Immunofluorescence double staining results showed that compared with the sham operation group， the model group showed significant increase in the fluorescence expression of AQP4 protein on activated microglia， while each drug group could reduce the fluorescence expression of AQP4 protein on activated microglia， different levels of activated microglia markers Iba-1 and AQP4 were co-localized in the peripheral area of cerebral ischemia in each group. Conclusion:Rhein could reduce the degree of brain edema caused by cerebral ischemic injury， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and the down-regulation of AQP4 expression.

Effect of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma on SDF-1/CXCR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway of Orthotopic Transplantation Model of Colon Cancer in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma （AC） in inhibiting tumor growth in the orthotopic transplantation model of colon cancer in mice. Method:The molecular docking technology was used to predict the intermolecular interaction between the main active components of AC and the pathway target proteins， such as stromal cell-derived factor-1 （SDF-1）， C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 （CXCR4）， and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 （NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65）. The orthotopic transplantation model of CT26.WT colon cancer was established in mice for <italic>in vivo</italic> experimental verification. Sixty BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into a sham operation group， a model group， a 5-fluorouracil （5-Fu， 30 mg·kg^-1） group，and low- （0.32 g·kg^-1）， medium- （0.64 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose （1.28 g·kg^-1） AC groups， with 10 mice in each group. The sham operation group and the model group received normal saline by gavage. The corresponding drugs were administered by gavage in the 5-Fu group and by intraperitoneal injection in the AC groups. After intervention for 15 days， the tumor <italic>in situ</italic> was completely stripped， and the colon tissues 5-6 cm in length adjacent to the tumor were taken. The tumor volume was measured and calculated. The pathological changes of tumor tissues and colon tissues were observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin （HE） staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of SDF-1， CXCR4， p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in colon tissues. Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to detect SDF-1， CXCR4， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， Cyclin D₁， oncogene c-Myc protein and mRNA expression in tumor tissues. Result:Compared with the model group， 5-Fu and AC groups showed reduced tumor volumes <italic>in situ</italic> （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， with the tumor inhibition rate in the 5-Fu group as high as （61.38±2.34）%. The tumor-inhibiting effect was optimal in the medium-dose AC group， with the tumor inhibition rate of （43.43±3.71）%. Compared with the model group， 5-Fu and AC groups showed relieved pathological changes of tumor and colon tissues. Specifically， AC down-regulated the protein expression levels of SDF-1， CXCR4， and p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in colon tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and down-regulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of SDF-1， CXCR4， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， Cyclin D₁， and c-Myc in tumor tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:AC can inhibit the growth of orthotopic transplantation tumor of colon cancer， and its intervention mechanism may be related to the regulation of related protein and mRNA expression in the SDF-1/CXCR4/NF-<italic>κ</italic>B signaling pathway.

Study on intervention effect of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma on growth and metastasis of colon cancer in orthotopic transplantation mice model of colon cancer / 中国中药杂志

Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma is a classic drug pair mainly used for the treatment of digestive tract-related inflammation and tumors, but the ratio is not fixed in clinical practice. In order to study whether the anti-tumor effect of the drug pair is diffe-rent under different ratios, orthotopic transplantation model of colon cancer was established in mice. Then the principal component analysis(PCA) and cluster analysis(CA) were used to explore the effect of different ratios of the drug pair on the tumor growth and metastasis, and select the optimal ratio of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma for anti-colon cancer effect. After administration for 15 days, the body weight of colon cancer mice with the tumor removed, the tumor volume and the number of liver metastases were mea-sured; the pathological changes of tumor tissue and liver tissue were observed by HE staining. At the same time, Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression level of tumor growth-related indicators in tumor tissue(Ki67, HBP1, AFP) and tumor metastasis-related indicators in liver tissue(β-catenin, E-cadherin, vimentin, p53) of the tumor-bearing mice. Subsequently, PCA and CA were used to select the optimal ratio of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma for anti-colon cancer effect. The experimental results showed that different ratios of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma inhibited tumor growth and metastasis to varying degrees. The ratio at 1∶1 of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma had the best inhibitory effect on tumor growth, and the 2∶1 ratio group had the best effect on inhibiting liver metastasis and improving weighed loss. Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma significantly up-regulated the protein expression of HBP1 in tumor tissue of colon cancer mice, and significantly down-regulated the protein expression of Ki67 and AFP in tumor tissue; meanwhile, Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma significantly up-regulated the protein expression of E-cadherin in liver tissue of colon cancer mice, and significantly reduced the protein expression of β-catenin, vimentin and p53 in liver tissue. PCA results showed that the first three groups in the Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma compatibility group that were closer to the sham operation group were in the order of 2∶1, 1∶1 and 3∶2, among which the center distance of the 2∶1 group was the shortest from the sham operation group, indicating that the ratio 2∶1 of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma had the best intervention effect on colon cancer in mice, consistent with the commonly used clinical proportion. CA results showed that 11 groups of colon cancer mice were classified into 3 categories: Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma compatibility group, sham operation group and model group, which was consistent with the theory. The results of this study provide a basis for more effective clinical application of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma in the treatment of colon cancer, and provide new ideas for the development of classic drug pairs.

Mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair on intervention of cerebral ischemia based on network pharmacology-molecular docking / 中国中药杂志

Cerebral ischemia is one of the most common diseases in China, and the drug pair of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Paeoniae Radix Rubra can intervene in cerebral ischemia to reduce the inflammatory response of cerebral ischemia and apoptosis. To reveal the intervention mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair on cerebral ischemia systematically, computer network pharmacology technology was used in this paper to predict the target and signaling pathway of the drug pair on the intervention of cerebral ischemia, and then the molecular docking technology was used to further analyze the mechanism of the intervention. The target results were then verified by the rat cerebral ischemia model. The target network results showed that the active compounds of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra for cerebral ischemic disease contained 30 compounds, 38 targets and 9 pathways. The main compounds included phenolic acids in Chuanxiong Rhizoma and monoterpene glycosides in Paeoniae Radix Rubra. The key targets involved mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), steroid receptor coactivator(SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14(MAPK14), caspase-3(CASP3), caspase-7(CASP7), estrogen receptor 1(ESR1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 8(MAPK8), etc. The target gene functions were biased towards protein kinase activity, protein autophosphorylation, peptidyl-serine phosphorylation and protein serine/threonine kinase activity, etc. The important KEGG pathways involved Ras signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that catechin, oxypaeoniflorin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin and benzoylpaeoniflorin had strong binding ability with MAPK1, SRC, EGFR, MAPK14 and CASP7. MCAO rat experimental results showed that Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra significantly improved the cerebral ischemia injury and interstitial edema, and significantly reduced the activation of caspase-7 and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair alleviated cerebral ischemia injury through a network model of multi-phenotype intervention by promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, reducing inflammatory factor expression, protecting nerve cells from death and figh-ting against neuronal cell apoptosis, with its action signaling pathway most related to Ras signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway. This study provides the basis for clinical intervention of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair on cerebral ischemia, and also provides ideas for the modernization of drug pairs.

Novel carbohydrate-triazole derivatives as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors / 中国天然药物

A series of novel pyrano[2, 3-d]trizaole compounds were synthesized and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were evaluated by in vitro enzyme assay. The experimental data demonstrated that compound 10f showed up to 10-fold higher inhibition (IC74.0 ± 1.3 μmol·L) than acarbose. The molecular docking revealed that compound 10f could bind to α-glucosidase via the hydrophobic, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The results may benefit further structural modifications to find new and potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Dopamine D2 receptor may be involved in the regulation of cortical-striatum synaptic transmission and autonomic activity in PD mice by exercise / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to reveal the role of cortical-striatum postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in improving motor behavioral dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) mice by exercise. C57/BL6 male adult mice were randomly divided into control, PD and PD plus exercise groups. The mice were injected with 6-OHDA in striatum to establish a unilateral injury PD model. The exercise intervention program was uniform speed running (16 m/min, 40 min/d, 5 d per week for 4 weeks). Autonomic activity of mice was tested by open field test. Cortical-striatum synaptic transmission efficiency was assessed by peak amplitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) recorded from in vitro brain slides. Meanwhile, the effects of D2R agonist on autonomic activity and cortical-striatal synaptic transmission were observed. The results showed that, compared with PD group, PD plus exercise group exhibited significantly increased autonomic motor distance and proportion of fast-moving (P < 0.05), as well as decreased maximum amplitude of fEPSP under increasing stimulation intensity (0.75-3.00 pA) (P < 0.05) and slope of stimulus-response curve. Compared with PD mice without D2R agonist, the movement distance and rapid movement ratio of PD mice treated with D2R agonist were increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas fEPSP peak amplitude (P < 0.05) and the slope of stimulus-response curve were decreased. These results indicate that either early exercise intervention or D2R agonist treatment can inhibit the abnormal increase of cortical-striatum synaptic transmission and improve the autonomic motor ability in PD mice, suggesting that the cortical-striatum synaptic D2R may be an important molecular target for exercise to improve the autonomic motor ability of PD mice.

Anti-colorectal Cancer Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma Based on Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:The network pharmacology method was used to predict targets and signaling pathways of the drug pair Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma in treating colorectal cancer,in order to analyze the effective material basis and action mechanism. Method:Disease targets for colorectal cancer were collected through Therapetutic Target Database(TTD)and Drugbank database. Components of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, and the Analysis Platform (TCMSP). ChemMapper and PharmMapper database were used to predict the disease targets of effective components. The "compound-disease targets" network model was established by Cytoscape software. The function analysis of gene ontology(GO)and the enrichment analysis of Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)were carried out with ClueGO plug-in. Result:The network contained 56 compounds and 54 targets. The crucial targets included 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha1(PRKAA1), prostaglandin G/H synthase 1(PTGS1), prostaglandin G/H synthase 2(PTGS2), Thymidylate synthase(TYMS), Carboxylesterase 1(CES1), vascular endothelial growth factor B(VEGFB), vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), glutathione S-transferase P(GSTP1), and serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1(glyA). Function about target genes inclined to peptide-tyrosine phosphorylation, extracellular regulated protein kinase(ERK)1 and ERK2 signal series, negative regulation of endothelial cell apoptosis process, et al. Important KEGG Pathways involved pathways in cancer, Ras signaling pathways, Rap1 signaling pathways, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways. Conclusion:The anti-colorectal cancer activities of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma were mainly affected by inhibiting cell proliferation and differentiation, promoting tumor cell apoptosis, resisting tumor angiogenesis, and enhancing immunity as phenotype intervention mode in network. The active signaling pathway is most related to Ras signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Medication regularity and potential targets of Professor XU Jing-fan's prescription for treating ulcerative colitis / 中国中药杂志

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific inflammation mainly involving rectum and colon mucosa, which seriously affects the health and quality of life of patients, and is listed as one of modern refractory diseases by WHO. Professor XU Jing-fan, a great master of traditional Chinese medicine, has accumulated rich experiences in the treatment of UC. The study collected Professor XU's 77 prescriptions of treating UC, analyzed the frequency of traditional Chinese medicines and there categories, and investigated the medication regularity by the system clustering method. The findings showed that the most frequently used drugs were clearing-heat herbs, which were followed by hemostatic herbs, excreting-dampness herbs, improving-digestion herbs and tonifying-Qi herbs. At the same time, the commonly combined drugs were excavated. Finally, in order to analyze potential molecular targets of the frequently used herbs, GO enrichment analysis and KEGG signal pathway enrichment analysis were performed with bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (BATMAN-TCM). The results indicated that Chinese herbal compounds may treat UC by activating PPAR-γ pathway and regulating intestinal inflammation. The exact mechanisms shall be verified through subsequent molecular biological experiments.

Exercise intervention improves motor symptoms of Parkinson disease and underlying mechanisms / 中国病理生理杂志

Parkinson disease(PD)is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world.Many PD treatment programs are designed to manage motor symptoms by drug or surgical intervention(such as deep brain stimu-lation).Although these regimens improve the symptoms of PD or slow the development of the disease,certain side effects remain unsolved during the treartment,and lack of neuroprotective strategies is still the main problem.Exercise or physical exercise can reduce the risk of PD,and significantly improve the movement symptoms of PD or slow down the development of the disease through different neurobiological mechanisms.This article intends to review the progress in improving the movement symptoms of PD and the possible mechanism of exercise intervention for PD.

Therapeutic effect of PCI combined tirofiban hydrochloride on aged ASTEMI patients and its influence on cardiac function and myocardial microcirculation indexes / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore therapeutic effect of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)combined tirofiban hydrochloride on aged patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction(ASTEMI)and its influence on cardiac function and myocardial microcirculation.Methods:A total of 90 aged ASTEMI patients undergoing PCI in our hospital from Jul 2013 to Mar 2016 were selected.According to hospitalization order,they were randomly and e-qually divided into pure PCI group and combined treatment group(received tirofiban based on pure PCI group), both groups were treated for one month.ST segment regression degree,corrected TIMI frame count(CTFC)and TIMI flow grade after PCI,contrast agent acoustic peak intensity in myocardial microcirculation(PI)and serum CK-MB peak concentration before and after PCI,LVEF,LVEDd and LVEDV before and six months after PCI, and incidence rate of adverse events were measured and compared between two groups.Results:Compared with pure PCI group after PCI,there were significant rise in ST segment regression degree[(43.8 ± 7.1)% vs.(66.2 ± 8.2)%],TIMI flow grade[(2.1 ± 0.5)grade vs.(2.9 ± 0.6)grade]and PI[(7.1 ± 1.1)vs.(8.6 ± 1.2)],and sig-nificant reductions in CTFC[(27.3 ± 8.0)frame vs.(18.9 ± 6.6)frame],and serum CK-MB peak level[(296.5 ± 58.1)U/L vs.(199.3 ± 32.4)U/L]in combined treatment group,P= 0.001 all.Compared with pure PCI group on six months after PCI,there was significant rise in LVEF[(54.2 ± 8.3)% vs.(61.1 ± 8.0)%],and signifi-cant reductions in LVEDd[(48.1 ± 7.7)mm vs.(41.3 ± 8.1)mm]and LVEDV[(85.4 ± 10.6)mm3vs.(80.2 ± 10.4)mm3]in combined treatment group,P<0.05 or <0.01.Total incidence rate of adverse events of com-bined treatment group was significantly lower than that of pure PCI group(8.89% vs.26.67%),P=0.001.Con-clusion:PCI combined tirofiban hydrochloride can significantly improve myocardial microcirculation and cardiac function with low incidence rate of cardiovascular adverse events.The mechanism may be related to improving effect of tirofiban hydrochloride on myocardial microcirculation.

Clavuridins A and B, two new trinor-guaiane sesquiterpenes isolated from the Xisha soft coral Clavularia viridis / 中国天然药物

In the present study, two new trinor-guaiane sesquiterpenes, named clavuridins B (1), and A (2), along with three known sesquiterpenes (3-5), were isolated from the Xisha soft coral Clavularia viridis. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis with Cu Kα radiation and by comparison with related model compounds. Compounds 1 and 3-5 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity.

Effect of Telbivudine Tablet Combined Jianpi Bushen Recipe on HBV Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte and HBeAg Seroconversion in Patients with HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Telbivudine (LDT) Tablet combined with Jianpi Bushen Recipe (JBR) on serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and HBeAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 90 HBeAg-positive and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 positive CHB patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group, 45 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group took LDT Tablet (600 mg, once per day) combined with JBR granule (twice per day), while those in the control group took LDT Tablet alone. The therapeutic course for all was one year. HBV DNA negative conversion rate, HBeAg seroconversion rate, and level of HBV specific CTL were compared after 1 year treatment; liver function, drug resistance mutations, and adverse reactions were also compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 1 year treatment, HBV DNA negative conversion rate and HBeAg seroconversion rate were 88.89% (40/45) and 40.00% (18/45) in the treatment group, higher than those of the control group [68.89% (31/45) and 20.00% (9/45)], with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Level of HBV specific CTL in the treatment group was 0.78% +/- 0.09% after treatment, higher than that of the control group after 1 year treatment (0.54% +/- 0.11%) and that before treatment (0.36% +/- 0.07%), with statistical difference (P < 0.01). Level of HBV specific CTL in 27 patients with HBeAg seroconversion was 0.81% 0.10%, higher than that of 63 patients without HBeAg seroconversion (0.60% +/- 0.09%), with statistical difference (P < 0.01). ALT returned to normal in 44 cases of the treatment group (97.78%), while it was 42 cases (93.33%) of the control group, with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Total bilirubin (TBil) in the two groups all turned to normal. rtM204I variation occurred in 1 case (2.22%) of the treatment group and 2 cases (4.44%) in the control group. No obvious adverse reaction occurred in the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>LDT Tablet combined with JBR could elevate levels of HBV specific CTL and HBeAg seroconversion in CHB patients.</p>

Value of detecting bacterial 16S and 23S rRNA in interface membrane in diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the value of detecting bacterial 16S rRNA with 23S rRNA in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective study was conducted among 67 patients with previous total hip arthroplasty (THA) undergoing a reoperation for infection (23 patients) or aseptic loosening (44 patients). Bacterial 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA in the interface membrane were detected by real-time PCR and their value in diagnosis of PJI was assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA showed no significant difference in their power in the diagnosis of PJI. The detection of 16S rRNA/23S rRNA showed a higher sensitivity and a greater negative predictive value in PJI diagnosis than the detection of 16S rRNA+23S rRNA (95.7% vs 52.2%, P<0.01; 97.6% vs 79.6%, P=0.01). The specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of the 4 diagnostic strategies were not significantly different.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The diagnostic power of 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA was similar in detecting PJI. Compared with the diagnostic strategy with 16S rRNA+23S rRNA, 16S rRNA/23S rRNA is more sensitive in detecting PJI.</p>

Treatment of early and mid-term primary biliary cirrhosis by Qingying Huoxue Decoction Combined ursodeoxycholic acid: a clinical observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>UNLABELLED</b>OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy by Qingying Huoxue Decoction (QHD) combined ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in treating patients with early and mid-term primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS Totally 78 patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group, 39 in each group. All patients received basic treatment and took UDCA (at the daily dose of 13-15 mg/kg). Patients in the treatment group took QHD, one dose per day. The treatment course for all was 6 weeks. Clinical efficacy, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GGT), alkaline phospatase (ALP), TBIL, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS Totally 21 (53. 8%) patients obtained complete response in the treatment group, with statistical difference when compared with that of the control group (11 cases, 30. 8%). Levels of GGT, ALP, ALT, AST, and TBIL decreased in the two groups after treatment (P < 0.01). Levels of ALP, GGT, and TBIL were obviously lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>QHD combined UDCA in treating early and mid-term PBC patients was superior to the effect of using UDCA alone. It also could improve patients' liver function.</p>

Clinical Effect Observation of Alendronate Combined with Jintiange Capsules in the Treatment of Postm-enopausal Osteoporosis / 中国药师

To explore the clinical effect of alendronate combined with Jintiange capsules in the treatment of postmeno-pausal osteoporosis ( PMOP) . Methods:Ninety-eight cases of PMOP patients were randomly divided into three groups. The combina-tion treatment group (34 cases) was treated with alendronate tablets combined with Jintiange capsules, while the control group A (32 cases) and the control group B (32 cases) was respectively treated with alendronate tablets and Jintiange capsules, and the treatment course was six months. The changes of the clinical symptom score, bone mineral density ( BMD) , serum calcium, serum phosphorus, AKP, hepatorenal function and so on before and after the treatment were recorded. Results:After the six-month treatment, the clinical symptom score of the treatment group was much better than that in the two control groups(P<0. 05). BMD in the three groups was in-creased after the treatment(P<0. 05), and the increase in the treatment group was more notable than that in the two control groups(P<0. 05). Conclusion:Alendronate combined with Jintiange capsules can effectively improve BMD and relieve clinical symptoms in the patients with PMOP, which is worthy of promoted application.

Effect of medicines for activating blood and reinforcing Qi on angiogenesis in infarcted myocardium edge area of acute myocardial infarction model in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of medicines for activating blood and reinforcing Qi on the number of new micro-vessels and the protein expressions of VEGF and bFGF in the infarcted myocardium edge area of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The AMI model of rats was established. After the successful model establishment, rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated group, the model group, the Danshen-Huangqi (1 : 2) group, the Danshen-Huangqi (1 : 1) group, the Chuanxiong-Huangqi (1 : 2) group, the Danshen group, the Chuanxiong group, the Chishao group and the Shexiang Baoxin pill group, with five rats in each group. Rats in each medicated group were orally administered with drugs as per 13.5 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) once everyday for three weeks. The immunohistochemical SP method was adopted to detect the expression of vWF in myocardial tissues, and count the number of micro-vessels (MVC). The protein expression of VEGF and bFGF in myocardial tissues were determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The new micro-vessels stained by vWF factor could be found in the infarcted myocardium edge area of the sham-operated group, the model group and all of medicated groups. The sham-operated group show unobvious new micro-vessels in myocardial tissues. A small amount of new micro-vessels could be seen in the infarcted myocardium edge area of the model group. Whereas a larger number of micro-vessels could be seen in the infarcted myocardium edge area of all of medicated groups. The differences between the sham-operated group and the model group had statistical significance (P < 0.05). The differences between each medicated group and the model group had statistical significance as well (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The lowest protein expression of VEGF and bFGF was found in myocardium of the sham-operated group, with the statistical significance compared with the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, each medicated group showed significant increase in the protein expression of VEGF and bFGF, with the statistical significance between them (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Danshen group, the Chuanxiong group, the Chishao group, the Danshen-Huangqi (1 : 2) group, the Danshen-Huangqi (1 : 1) group and the Chuanxiong-Huangqi (1 : 2) group show the effect in promoting angiogenesis. Their mechanism for promoting angiogenesis may be related to the improvement of the protein expressions of VEGF and bFGF, so as to increase the contents of VEGF and bFGF and promote the angiogenesis of new vessels.</p>

Expansion of China's free antiretroviral treatment program / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In 2003, China's National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program (NFATP) was initiated as a pilot, which covered only 100 HIV/AIDS patients. By 2011, the pilot had evolved into a nationwide program and had provided free treatment for over 150 000 patients. The objective of this study was to report and evaluate the progress of China's free antiretroviral treatment program.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The NFATP Database was systematically reviewed and a total of 150 692 HIV/AIDS patients were included in this study. Program progress indicators including the number of treated HIV/AIDS patients, follow-up visit rate, CD4 test rate, and viral load test rate were summarized and examined over a calendar year to evaluate the progress of NFATP quantitatively and qualitatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By the end of 2011, a total of 150 692 HIV/AIDS patients had been treated through the NFATP and 122 613 of them were still on treatment. Of all patients, about 72% were enrolled during the past four years. The dominant transmission route was blood related in the early phase of the NFATP, but gradually changed to sexual contact. Besides quantitative improvements, progress indicators also demonstrated significant qualitative improvements that the program had made during the past 9 years.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Great achievement has been made by China's NFATP. China's experience indicates the importance of a comprehensive response to the success of its treatment program. However, to ensure the quality and sustainability of treatment in the long term, more attention and resources should be paid towards program management.</p>