Effects and mechanisms of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot in inhibiting podocyte necroptosis and renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease / 中国中药杂志

Previous studies have shown that high blood glucose-induced chronic microinflammation can cause inflammatory podocyte injury in patients with diabetic kidney disease(DKD). Therein, necroptosis is a new form of podocyte death that is closely associated with renal fibrosis(RF). To explore the effects and mechanisms in vivo of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA), an extract from traditional Chinese herbal medicine Abelmoschus manihot for treating kidney diseases, on podocyte necroptosis and RF in DKD, and to further reveal its scientific connotation with multi-pathway and multi-target, the authors randomly divided all rats into four groups: a namely normal group, a model group, a TFA group and a rapamycin(RAP) group. After the modified DKD rat models were successfully established, four group rats were given double-distilled water, TFA suspension and RAP suspension, respectively by gavage every day. At the end of the 4th week of drug treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and the samples of their urine, blood and kidneys were collected. And then, the various indicators related to podocyte necroptosis and RF in the DKD model rats were observed, detected and analyzed, respectively. The results indicated that, general condition, body weight(BW), serum creatinine(Scr), urinary albumin(UAlb), and kidney hypertrophy index(KHI) in these modified DKD model rats were both improved by TFA and RAP. Indicators of RF, including glomerular histomorphological characteristics, fibronectin(FN) and collagen type Ⅰ(collagen Ⅰ) staining extent in glomeruli, as well as the protein expression levels of FN, collagen Ⅰ, transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and Smad2/3 in the kidneys were improved respectively by TFA and RAP. Podocyte damage, including foot process form and the protein expression levels of podocin and CD2AP in the kidneys was improved by TFA and RAP. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)-mediated podocyte necroptosis in the kidneys, including the morphological characteristics of podocyte necroptosis, the extent and levels of the protein expression of TNF-α and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase(p-MLKL) was improved respectively by TFA and RAP. Among them, RAP had the better effect on p-MLKL. More importantly, the activation of the receptor interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1(RIPK1)/RIPK3/MLKL signaling axis in the kidneys, including the expression levels of its key signaling molecules, such as phosphorylated receptor interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1(p-RIPK1), p-RIPK3, p-MLKL and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-8(caspase-8) was improved respectively by TFA and RAP. Among them, the effect of TFA on p-RIPK1 was superior. On the whole, in this study, the authors demonstrated that TFA alleviates podocyte necroptosis and RF in DKD through inhibiting the activation of the TNF-α-mediated RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling axis in diabetic kidneys. The authors' findings provide new pharmacological evidence to reveal the scientific connotation of TFA in treating RF in DKD in more depth.

Effect and mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong Pills in improving liver aging in rats by regulating ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/FoxO4 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

Recent studies have shown that the occurrence and development of common liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, are related to liver aging(LA). Therefore, to explore the effect and mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong Pills(DHZCP), a traditional classic prescription in improving LA with multiple targets, the present study randomly divided 24 rats into a normal group, a model group, a DHZCP group, and a vitamin E(VE) group, with six rats in each group. The LA model was induced by continuous intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose(D-gal) in rats. For the LA model rats, the general situation was evaluated by aging phenotype and body weight(BW). LA was assessed by the pathological characteristics of hepatocyte senescence, hepatic function indexes, the staining characteristics of phosphorylated histone family 2A variant(γ-H2AX), and the expression levels of cell cycle arrest proteins(P21, P53, P16) and senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP) in the liver. The activation of the reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/forkhead box protein O4(FoxO4) signaling pathway was estimated by hepatic ROS expression feature and the protein expression levels of the key signaling molecules in the PI3K/Akt/FoxO4 signaling pathway. The results showed that after the treatment with DHZCP or VE for 12 weeks, for the DHZCP and VE groups, the characterized aging phenotype, BW, pathological characteristics of hepatocyte senescence, hepatic function indexes, relative expression of ROS in the liver, protein expression levels of key signaling molecules including p-PI3K, p-Akt, and FoxO4 in the liver, staining characteristics of γ-H2AX, and the protein expression levels of P16, P21, P53, interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the liver were improved, and the effects of DHZCP and VE were similar. Based on the D-gal-induced LA model in rats, this study demonstrates that DHZCP can ameliorate LA with multiple targets in vivo, and its effects and mechanism are related to regulating the activation of the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/FoxO4 signaling pathway in the liver. These findings are expected to provide new pharmacological evidence for the treatment of DHZCP in aging-related liver diseases.

Mechanisms of Classical Prescriptions and Their Active Components in Immunosenescence Regulation： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

As the body ages， the immune system will undergo a series of changes， which are termed "immunosenescence" and are embodied in immune cells. Previous studies have shown that the immune cells involved in the regulation of immunosenescence include intrinsic immune cells and adaptive immune cells. Intrinsic immune cells are neutrophils， monocytes/macrophages， myeloid-derived suppressor cells， dendritic cells， natural killer cells， etc.， and the underlying mechanisms involve the regulation of cell number， phagocytosis， chemotaxis， adhesion， the function of toll-like receptor （TLR）， antigen presentation， macrophage polarization， cytotoxicity， migration， etc. The adaptive immune cells include T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes， and the underlying mechanisms involve the regulation of cell development， proliferation， differentiation， cell number， telomerase activity， self-reactive antibodies， etc. Immunosenescence is the manifestation of aging in the human body and is also an important target for delaying aging by Chinese medicine and western medicine. In recent years， scholars have found some classical prescriptions and their active components （such as Dushentang and total saponins in Panax ginseng leaves， and Shengmaiyin and anwulignan and total saponins in P. ginseng stems and leaves） can regulate immunosenescence by targeting the immune cells and interfering with their molecular regulatory mechanisms. In addition， the mechanisms of the classical prescriptions in regulating immunosenescence are closely related to autophagy. The representative prescription embodying the therapeutic principles of resolving blood stasis and promoting regeneration， Dahuang Zhechongwan， can delay D-galactose-induced renal aging in mice， and its underlying mechanisms are related to the regulation of the number and activity of thymic immune cells and improvement of the protein expression of autophagy-related markers and inflammatory cytokines in the kidney. Therefore， exploring the effects of the classical prescriptions and their active components by targeting the mechanisms of immunosenescence will become a new direction for investigating and developing anti-aging drugs.

Effects and mechanisms of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction Formula against podocyte pyroptosis and insulin resistance in model rats with diabetic kidney disease / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the in vivo effects and mechanisms of the modern classical prescription Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction Formula(SGDF) against diabetic kidney disease(DKD). Sixty rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, SGDF group, and rosiglitazone(ROS) group. The modified DKD rat model was established by employing the following three methods: exposure to high-fat diet, unilateral nephrectomy, and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ). After modeling, rats in the four groups were treated with double distilled water, SGDF suspension, and ROS suspension, respectively, by gavage every day. At the end of the 6 th week of drug administration, all the rats were sacrificed for collecting urine, blood, and kidney tissue, followed by the examination of rat general conditions, urine and blood biochemical indicators, glomerulosclerosis-related indicators, podocyte pyroptosis markers, insulin resistance(IR)-related indicators, and key molecules in the insulin receptor substrate(IRS) 1/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3 K)/serine threonine kinase(Akt) signaling pathway. The results showed that SGDF and ROS improved the general conditions, some renal function indicators and glomerulosclerosis of DKD model rats without affecting the blood glucose(BG). Besides, they ameliorated the expression characteristics and levels of podocyte pyroptosis markers, alleviated IR, and up-regulated the protein expression levels of the key molecules in IRS1/PI3 K/Akt pathway to varying degrees. In conclusion, similar to ROS, SGDF relieves DKD by targeting multiple targets in vivo. Specifically, it exerts the therapeutic effects by alleviating podocyte pyroptosis and IR. This study has preliminarily provided the pharmacological evidence for the research and development of new drugs for the treatment of DKD based on SGDF.

Multi-targeted therapeutic effects of Huangkui Capsules on insulin resistance and urine microalbumin in early diabetic kidney disease patients / 中国中药杂志

To observe the multi-targeted therapeutic effects of Huangkui Capsules(HKC)on insulin resistance(IR)and urine microalbumin in the early diabetic kidney disease(DKD)patients. The case data from the 83 DKD patients at G2 and A2 stage were collected respectively and analyzed retrospectively. According to the different treatment,all patients were divided into the control(A)group(40 cases)and the treated(B)group(43 cases). Among them,the A group patients were received "routine basic treatment";the B group patients were received "routine basic treatment+HKC". For the 2 group patients,firstly,the baseline parameters before receiving the treatment were compared respectively,and then,the changes of the total scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndromes and the indicators of IR,urine protein,renal function,blood lipids and safety after receiving the treatment for 8 weeks were compared,respectively. Furthermore,for the all patients,the correlation analysis between IR and urine protein or IR and the total scores of TCM syndromes was carried out,respectively. The results showed that,for the B group patients received "routine basic treatment",their total scores of TCM syndromes,urine protein indicators including urine microalbumin(micro-UAlb) and urine microalbumin/urinary creatinine(UACR),IR indicators including fasting serum insulin(FIN)and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)were significantly improved,respectively. For the all DKD patients,before and after the treatment,the main IR indicators(FIN and HOMA-IR)were positively correlated with urine protein indicators(micro-UAlb and UACR). The main IR indicators(FIN and HOMA-IR) were also positively correlated with the total scores of TCM syndromes. In addition,2 treatments had no significant effects on renal function,blood lipids and safety indicators in the all DKD patients. Overall, "routine basic treatment+HKC" can ameliorate IR and reduce urine microalbumin in the early DKD patients. Its therapeutic targets may be not only proteinuria,but also IR,which is the upstream risk factor of proteinuria.

Exploring molecular mechanisms of fucoidan in improving human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells aging by targeting autophagy signaling pathways / 中国中药杂志

Fucoidan(FPS) is an effective component of the Chinese patent medicine named Haikun Shenxi, which treats schronic renal failure in clinics, and has the potential anti-aging effects. However, it is still unclear whether FPS can improve renal aging, especially the molecular mechanism of its anti-aging. The human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2) in vitro were divided into normal group(N), D-gal model group(D), low dose of FPS group(L-FPS), high dose of FPS group(H-FPS) and vitamin E group(VE), and treated by the different measures, respectively. More specifically, the HK-2 cells in each group were separately treated by 1 mL of 1% fetal bovine serum(FBS) or D-galactose(D-gal, 75 mmol·L~(-1)) or D-gal(75 mmol·L~(-1))+FPS(25 μg·mL~(-1)) or D-gal(75 mmol·L~(-1))+FPS(50 μg·mL~(-1)) or D-gal(75 mmol·L~(-1))+VE(50 μg·mL~(-1)). After the treatment for 24 h, firstly, the effects of D-gal on senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-gal) staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression le-vels, as well as adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase(AMPK)-uncoordinated 51-like kinase 1(ULK1) signaling pathway activation in the HK-2 cells were detected, respectively. Secondly, the effects of FPS and VE on SA-β-gal staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression levels in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal were investigated, respectively. Finally, the effects of FPS and VE on microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) protein expression level and AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway activation in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal were examined severally. The results indicated that, for the HK-2 cells, the dose of 75 mmol·L~(-1) D-gal could induce the changes of SA-β-gal staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression levels. That is causing cells aging. FPS and VE could both ameliorate the changes of SA-β-gal staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression levels in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal. That is anti-cells aging, here, the functions of FPS and VE are similar. D-gal could not only induce cell aging but also increase LC3Ⅱ, phosphorylated-AMPK(p-AMPK) and phosphorylated-ULK1(p-ULK1) protein expressions, and activate autophagy-related AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway. FPS and VE could both improve the changes of LC3Ⅱ, p-AMPK and p-ULK1 protein expression levels in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal. That is inhibiting autophagy-related AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway activation. On the whole, for the human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells aging models induced by D-gal, FPS similar to VE, can ameliorate renal cells aging by possibly inhibiting autophagy-related AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway activation. This finding provides the preliminary pharmacologic evidences for FPS protecting against renal aging.

Clinical research progress of soluble PD-L1 in tumor / 医学研究生学报

Tumor cells escape to immune surveillance(immune escape)is the key factor in the development and progression of tumors. Interaction between the Programmed Death Ligand 1(PD-L1)on the surface of tumor cells and the Programmed Death-1 (PD-1)receptor on cytotoxic T lymphocytes suppresses the activation of T cells and evendually leads to immune escape and progression of tumors. PD-L1 has two isoforms,membrane-bound form and soluble form. Soluble PD-L1 has been proved to exert biological func-tions by combining with PD-1 as membrane PD-L1. Soluble molecules can affect adjacent cells,also play effective roles in the distance by circulation as cytokines. Thus soluble molecules might play more extensive effects than membrane molecules. In this review,we in-troduced the origin and biological functions of soluble PD-L1 and its clinical significance on diagnosis and prognosis of malignant tumors.

Difference of circulating fibroblast growth factor-23 levels between patients undergoing in-center nocturnal hemodialysis and conventional hemodialysis and the influencing factors / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To compare the circulating fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) levels between patients undergoing in-center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD) and conventional hemodialysis (CHD), and to explore the factors influencing the level of circulating FGF23. Methods Limosis vein blood were collected from 44 patients undergoing INHD and 64 patients undergoing CHD in Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University. Serum calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), urea clear index (Kt/V), 25-hydroxy vitamin D, ferritin, hemoglobin, blood lipid, and FGF23 were measured and compared between the two groups. All the influencing factors of FGF23 were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. The correlations between FGF23 and serum calcium, phosphate, calcium-phosphate product, iPTH, 25-hydroxy vitamin D and Kt/V were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The levels of serum phosphate and FGF23 in patients undergoing INHD were significantly lower than that in patients undergoing CHD (P<0.05). The dialysis adequacy of INHD was significantly higher than that of CHD (P<0.05). Serum FGF23 was related to serum calcium, serum phosphate, and calcium-phosphate product (all P<0.01), but not to iPTH or Kt/V. Conclusion INHD is more effective than CHD in improving the chronic kidney disease-mineral and parameters of bone abnormalities (CKD-MBD). Calcium-phosphate product is an independent influencing factor of serum FGF23 in patients undergoing IHND. Reducing the serum FGF23 by decreasing calcium-phosphate product may be a mechanism of INHD to improve the clinical prognosis of patients.

Assessment of the damage to visual function by optical coherence tomography in patients with multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To evaluate the optic nerve and axon impairment of relapsing - remitting multiple sclerosis ( RRMS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders ( NMOSD ) via detecting the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and the ganglion cell complex( GCC) thickness by optic coherence tomography(OCT). METHODS: Retrospective case control study. Two hundred three cases were collected from August 2014 to January 2016 in Beijing Tian Tan Hospital. They were divided into four groups, including the normal group (n=60), the RRMS group ( n = 60 ), the NMOSD anti -aquaporin- 4 autoantibody seropositive( NMOSD- AQP4 -Ab seropositive) group (n= 48), and the NMOSD-AQP4-Abseronegative group (n = 35). All people were detected for the average and four quadrants ( superior, inferior, nasal, temporal) of pRNFL thickness and the average and two quadrants (superior, inferior) of GCC thickness with OCT. One way analysis of variance or nonparametric tests was used to compare the differences of pRNFL and GCC thickness between groups. RESULTS: Comparing with the normal group, the average and all quadrants of pRNFL and GCC thickness in the RRMS, the NMOSD - AQP4 - Ab seropositive and the NMOSD-AQP4-Ab seronegative group were thinner (P 0. 05); compared with the RRMS group, the superior pRNFL thickness in the NMOSD - AQP4 - Ab seronegative group was significantly thinner ( P 0. 05 ). Differences between groups in the GCC thickness: compared with both the RRMS and the NMOSD- AQP4- Ab seronegative group, all quadrants of GCC thickness in the NMOSD -AQP4-Ab seropositive group were significantly thinner (P0.05). CONCLUSION: The optic nerve and axon impairment in NMOSD - AQP4 - Ab seropositive group was the most severe and the impairment in RRMS group was the least severe. The impairment in NMOSD - AQP4 - Ab seronegative group was between the former two, and could be more similar to that of RMMS.

Application of Full-Automatic Tablet Dispensing Machine in the Central Pharmacy of Our Hospital / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide references for rational application of full-automatic tablet dispensing machine in the inpa-tient pharmacy of the hospital. METHODS:According to the work flow and use of the machine,the errors and problems arising from the use thereof by our hospital were summarized and analyzed,and corresponding improvement measures and solutions were put forward. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:Common errors in the use of full-automatic tablet dispensing machine included errors for the machine(including in-box drug shortage warnings accounting for 58.61% and abnormal responses to the quantity of in-box drugs accounting for 36.96%),errors caused by human factors(including errors of inputting doctor’s order and errors of pharma-cist’s adding drugs)and errors of material installation and operation. The solutions put forward are as follows as adjusting the tilt angle of the outlet mouth and controlling the quantity of the drugs added to the box to reduce the errors for the machine;two phar-macists’checking doctor’s order in the hospital information system in advance to reduce the errors caused by human factors;carry-ing out operation training for operators to reduce the errors of material installation;designating special personnel to maintain the ma-chine,etc.

Simultaneous Determination of Glutamate, Glycine, and Alanine in Human Plasma Using Precolumn Derivatization with 6-Aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl Carbamate and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A simple, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been validated for determining concentrations of glutamate, glycine, and alanine in human plasma. Proteins in plasma were precipitated with perchloric acid, followed by derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC). Simultaneous analysis of glutamate, glycine, and alanine is achieved using reversed-phase HPLC conditions and ultraviolet detection. Excellent linearity was observed for these three amino acids over their concentration ranges with correlation coefficients (r)>0.999. The intra- and inter-day precision were below 10%. This method utilizes quality control samples and demonstrates excellent plasma recovery and accuracy. The developed method has been successfully applied to measure plasma glutamate, glycine, and alanine in twenty volunteers.

Identification of Daturae flos and its adulterants based on DNA barcoding technique / 药学学报

To identify the original plant of Daturae Flos from its adulterants by DNA barcoding, the sequences of ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK, rbcL of four species including Datura metel, Darura innoxia, Darura stramonium and Brugmansia arborea were compared and analyzed. The PCR and sequencing success rate of the four regions (ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK, rbcL) was 100%, 90%, 100% and 85%, respectively. Sequences were assembled with CodonCode Aligner. K2P distances were calculated and NJ tree was performed by MEGA 4.1. Thirty SNPs were found among ITS2 sequences, and 33 insert/deletes were found among psbA-trnH intergenic regions. The interspecific K2P distance of ITS2 and psbA-trnH was obviously higher than that of the intraspecific one. As to matK and rbcL, there was no "Barcoding Gap" existing between inter- and intra-specific distances. The NJ trees of the four regions/combinations were built separately. Samples of Brugmansia arborea were clustered into one clade, and the other species of Datura L. formed another clade. The results showed that either ITS2 or psbA-trnH was useful to identify Daturae Flos from its adulterants.

Packaging of lentivirus carrying gene hβc and overexpression of gene hβc in NB4 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to overexpress gene hβc in NB4 cells via the method of lentivirus-mediated gene transfer, to observe the differentiation behaviour change of hβc over-expressing NB4 cells treated with IL-3 or GM-CSF, to explore the relationship between hβc gene and the differentiation behaviour of NB4 cells. The targeted hβc gene was amplified by PCR from the cloned vector carrying ORF of hβc. The PCR product containing PmeI and BstBI site introduced by primer was digested, and then cloned into lentivirus vector pRRLSIN.cPPT.PGK/IRES/GFP.WPRE to construct a lentiviral vector carrying hβc, named pLV-hβc. And the pLV-hβc plasmid was confirmed by restriction and sequencing. The recombinant lentivirus was produced by co-transfecting three plasmids into 293T packing cells. After transfection, the lentiviral supernatant was collected to transfect NB4 cells. GFP expression was examined by fluorescent microscope and the expression of hβc gene was detected by Western blot. Then, the NB4 cells over-expressing hβc were treated with IL-3 (10 ng/ml), GM-CSF (10 ng/ml), ATRA (1 µmol/L) respectively, and the CD11b expression, morphology and differentiation behaviour changes of every groups were observed by flow cytometry and microscopy, while NB4 cells transfected with blank lentivirus (NB4-blank cells) were used as controls. The results showed that the recombinant lentivirus vector carrying hβc gene could efficiently transfect NB4 cells and made NB4 cells to stably over-express hβc gene. The expression of CD11b was up-regulated in NB4-hβc cells treated with of IL-3 or GM-CSF, but it was not as obvious as the effect of ATRA, and no morphological change was observed in NB4 hβc cells treated with the IL-3 or GM-CSF. It is concluded that IL-3 or GM-CSF can induce NB4 cells over-expressing hβc to differentiate to neutrophils, but can not make them fully matured.

Research on hemostatic effect of total saponins of yinfenglun / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To research the hemostatic effect of total saponins of Yinfenglun.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Bleeding time and volume were deteminded in mice after tails being cut. Clotting times were researched on mice, rats and dogs. Hemostatic mechanism total saponins of Yinfenglun were studied on plasma recalcified time, PT, KPTT and ELT.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>TSY at different doses could markedly shorten bleeding time, reduce bleeding volume in mice. TSY also could shorten clotting time of mouse, rat and dog. TSY could influence both intrinsic coagulatian system and extrinsic coagulatian system,and had no effect of antifibrinolysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There were obvious hemostatic effect of total saponins of Yinfenglun.</p>

Research on effect of total saponins of yinfenglun on uterine / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To research the effect of total saponins of Yinfenglun on uterine.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Models of uterine inflammation were established to observe the effect of total saponins of Yinfenglun. Uterine contractive effects were studied on rats in vitro and on rabbit in vivo. Weight of uterus and levels of estrogen and progestogen were determined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Total Saponins of Yinfenglun had the ameliorated tendency to metritis of model rats, and increased the contractive range and motorricity of uterine of rats in vitro and of rabbit in vivo. The effect to uterus in vivo maintained longer. Total saponins of Yinfenglun could increase the weight of uterus and have an increased tendency on the content of estrogen, but not the level of progestogen.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are obvious effects on uterine of total saponins of Yinfenglun, which are related to its clinical use.</p>

The Effect of Spiritual Well-being on the Mental Health of the Cho-Sun Tribal Women Residing in P.R. of China / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Spirituality has been an important part of Transpersonal Psychology and is believed to have a large effect on the mental health because it has been systematized. The aim of this study was to determine the level of spiritual disposition on human beings along with its effects on one's mental health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study targeted 400 women residing in Youn-Gil city of JiLin Prov., which is a district of the Cho-Sun tribe in China. Their spiritual well-being was studied using the Spiritual Well-being Scale-Korean Version. The spiritual well-being scale consists of 2 sub-scales of religious well-being and existential well-being. The study was evaluated using a lie scale, psychotic trend, and a combined anxiety-depression scale. The results were considered to be factors of one's mental health. The correlation between the spiritual well-being and each tendency was analyzed by regression analysis. RESULTS: The total score of the Cho-Sun tribal women according to the spiritual well-being scale was 68.29 which was much less than the 100.65 of Korean Christian women. There was no significant correlation between the spiritual well-being and the Lie trend. However, it was found that 86% (344) of Cho-Sun tribal women scored above 70 in the Lie trend with a mean score of 74.57 which is higher than normal populations. Regarding the correlation between the spiritual well-being and psychotic trend, the psychotic trend became significantly higher when the religious well-being was at a high level. On the other hand, the psychotic trend became significantly lower when the existential well-being was at a high level. Regarding the correlation between the spiritual well-being and anxiety, the anxiety was significantly higher when the religious well-being was at a high level. However, the anxiety level was significantly low when the existential well-being was at a high level. Regarding the correlation between the spiritual well-being and depression, the depression level was somewhat significantly high when the religious well-being was at a high level. However, the depression level was significantly low when the existential well-being was at a high level. CONCLUSION: This study evaluated the effects of spiritual well-being on a person's mental health among Cho-Sun tribal women in Youn-Gil city of JiLIn Prov., P.R. of China. The results found that the religious well-being, which is a sub-scale of spiritual well-being, had negative effects while the existential well-being had positive effects on the mental health. These results proved that a person's religious disposition had negative effects on their mental health in a communitarian society.

Effect of Rhein on the development of hepatic fibrosis in rats / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of rhein on the development of hepatic fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The animal models were made with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) mixed with vegetable oil (3/2, v/v), which was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks, and with 5% ethanol for free drinking water. At the same time, Rhein was administrated at the dose of 25 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg once a day for 6 weeks. The changes of both biochemical markers, such as the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PCIII) in serum and SOD, malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver, and related histopathological parametres were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, there were three kinds of changes in the larger quantity of rhein treated group. (1) The levels of ALT, HA, PCIII in serum and MDA in liver homogenate were decreased significantly (from 150 U/L +/- 16 U/L to 78 U/L +/- 18 U/L, 321 microg/L +/- 97 microg/L to 217 microg/L +/- 75 microg/L, 31 microg/L +/- 14 microg/L to 16 microg/L +/- 6 microg/L and 3.67 nmol/mg +/- 0.68 nmol/mg to 1.88 nmol/mg +/- 0.34 nmol/mg, respectively, t > or 2.977, P<0.01). However the level of SOD in liver was increased (from 62.45 NU/mg +/- 8.74 NU/mg to 91.26 NU/mg +/- 14.04 NU/mg, t=4.453, P<0.01). (2) The expressions of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in liver were markedly reduced (P<0.05 and P<0.01). (3) The collagen staining positive area was decreased and the grade of fibrosis was reduced significantly in liver (P<0.05 and P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rhein can protect hepatocyte from injury and prevent the progress of hepatic fibrosis in rats, which may associate with that rhein plays a role in antioxidation, anti-inflammation, inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta1 and suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).</p>

In vivo Erythropoietin Delivery Using Lentiviral Vector in Rats / 대한혈액학회지

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a 30.4kDa glycoprotein that serves as the primary regulator of red cell production in mammals. Recombinant erythropoietin has been used in the treatment of anemia associated with numerous chronic diseases. Ex vivo therapy of recombinant EPO, however, requires large dose and frequent administration, which gives financial impact to the patients. In vivo delivery of EPO using gene therapy method can solve this problem. METHODS: Recombinant lentiviral vectors containing the rat EPO gene were made by co-transfection of 293T cell with pRRL-cPPT-CMV-EPO-PRE-SIN, pMDL, pVSVG, and pREV plasmids. These viruses were concentrated and intramusculary injected into the groin muscles of Fisher 344 rats. Sequential complete blood counts were measured periodically thereafter. RESULTS: Virus doses of 6x107 infectious units and 6x106 infectious units produced significantly increased hemoglobin and hematocrit values, being 24.9+/-0.19g/dL, 66.9+/-0.62% (P < 0.01, N=5) and 18.4+/-0.55g/dL, 54.6+/-1.71%(P < 0.01, N=5), respectively at 40 weeks after injection, over values of control animals receiving normal saline (15.2+/-0.42g/dL, 44.6+/-0.49%, N=5). CONCLUSION: Lentiviral vectors are able to transduce skeletal muscle and are capable of achieving sustained expression and systemic delivery of EPO following intramuscular administration. Gene therapy using lentiviral vectors may provide a practical strategy for in vivo delivery of therapeutic proteins.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Sypjeondaebotang or Jahyulyanggeuntang on Iron Bioavailability in Rats

The effect of dietary supplementation of the two oriental medicinal prescriptions, Sypjeondaebotang or Jahyulyanggeuntang, on iron bioavailability was evaluated in rats which were depleted of iron by being fed an irondeficient diet for 4 weeks. Seventy two iron-depleted rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 24) , and fld one of the following experimental diets for 4 (n=8), 12 (n=8), and 25 days (n=8) : Control diet (CD), Sypjeondaebotang-supplemented diet (SD), Jahyulyanggeuntang -supplemented diet (JD). The CD contained 20 mg Fe/kg diet as FeSO4, and the SD or JD was identical except that the respective oriental medicinal prescription extract was included at the level of 4 g/kg diet. Animals fed the SD and JD for 25 days consumed significantly less food (p0.05) were lower in rats fed the SD compared to those fed the CD. Dietary supplementation of Sypjeondaebotang during the period of iron repletion significantly increased blood levels of hemoglobin (p<0.05) and hematocrit (p<0.01) measured at day 12, and increased mean corpuscular volume (p<0.05) measured at day 25, compared to the values for the CD rats. Regression analyses of hemoglobin-repletion bioassay data from rats fed the SD and JD showed the relative biological values of 123% and 99%, respectively, calculated against the slope for the CD rats. Apparent iron absorption and retention values were also significantly lower (p<0.05) in rats fed the SD for 25 days than those for the CD rats. Based on the results from diverse biochemical indices of iron status and the chemical balance study, the effect of Jahyulyanggeuntang on iron bioavailability appears to be less prominent than that for Sypjeondaebotang. Taken together, these results indicate that Sypjeondaebotang has a positive effect in restoring iron depletion by increasing the iron bioavailability in rats.

Combined Effect of Hypothermia and Hyperglycemia onTransient Focal Cerebral Ischemia of the Rat

BACKGROUND: In experimental cerebral ischemia, hypothermia protects the brain, while hyperglycemia aggravates ischemic damage. Clinical studies have also reported worse outcomes in ischemic stroke patients with hyperglycemia or fever and improved outcomes with hypothermic therapy. However, it is not well known what will happen if these opposite effects exist together. METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced for 2 hours by an intraluminal thread followed by reperfusion for 4 hours. Rats were divided into 4 groups; 1) normo-glycemic normothermic (NGNT), 2) normoglycemic hypothermic (low temperature) (NGLT), 3) hyperglycemic normothermic (HGNT), and 4) hyperglycemic hypothermic (HGLT) groups (n=15 for each group). Hyperglycemia wasmade by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) 3 days before ischemia. The body temperature was maintained at 37+/-1 degrees C in normothermic animals, while lowered at 32+/-1 degrees C in hypothermic animals during the ischemic period. Following reperfusion, 2-mm thick coronal slices were obtained and stained by triphenyltetrazolium chloride. The infarct volume was measured using an image analyzer. RESULTS: Mean glucose levels (mean+/-SD in mg/dl) were 77.9+/-9.3 in NGNT, 77.7+/-11.5 in NGLT, 311.0+/-69.2 in HGNT, and 355.3+/-57.7 in HGLT. Mean infarct volumes (mean+/-SD in mm 3) were 168.2+/-44.2 in NGNT, 66.2+/-24.2 in NGLT, 417.6+/-123.2 in HGNT, and 337.2+/-89.3 in HGLT. The protective effect of hypothermia was less evident in hyperglycemic rats and the aggravating effect of hyper-glycemia was more evident in hypothermic rats. Infarct volume of HGLT was 2-fold bigger than that of NGNT (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the detrimental effect of hyperglycemia may override the protective effect of hypothermia in transient focal cerebral ischemia.