Effects of extracts of Radix Scrophulariae on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats and the underlying mechanisms / 中西医结合学报

To explore the effects of extracts of Radix Scrophulariae (ERS) on blood pressure, vasoconstrictors and morphology of artery in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Influence of Chrysanthemum indium on collagen accumulation and signaling transduction pathways in left ventricular tissue of cardiac hypertrophy in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the influence of Chrysanthemum indium on collagen accumulation and signaling transduction pathways in left ventricle tissue of cardiac hypertrophy induced by abdominal aortic banding in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ventricular remodeling was induced by abdominal aortic banding (AAB) in rats. After 35 day treatment, the blood pressure was measured, then the ratios of LVW/BW and HW/BW were calculated. The histological assay was performed by HE staining for determining the myocardium cell cross section and picric acid/sirius red staining for determining collagen content. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expressions of PKC, bFGF and P38.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The experimental data demonstrated that C. indium could decrease blood pressure and the cardiac indexes of LVW/BW and HW/BW, significantly diminish cross sectional area of cardiomyocyte, ameliorate collagen accumulation such as collagen volume fraction, perivascular collagen area and collagen distributions of type I and II and significantly down regulate the protein expressions of PKC, bFGF and P38 (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>C. indium can significantly attenuate the experimental ventricular remodeling. The mechanism may be related to reducing the blood pressure, decreasing the total collagen content of left ventricle tissue and modulating signaling transduction pathway.</p>

Progress in treatment of chronic heart failure in Western medicine and treatment strategies in traditional Chinese medicine / 中西医结合学报

The concept of modern medicine in treating chronic heart failure (CHF) has changed markedly in recent years. To improve the quality of life and prolong life, the treatment goal is no longer just temporary improvement of symptoms, more importantly, is to prevent and delay the occurrence and development of ventricular remodeling. Long-term chronic over-activation of sympathetic system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and other neuroendocrine factors promotes myocardial remodeling, increases myocardial injury and deteriorates cardiac function. Despite short-term use can significantly improve the blood flow dynamics, long-term use of beta-adrenergic receptor stimulators and phosphodiesterase inhibitors does not prolong life, but increases the rate of sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmia. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers have become the preferred drugs in treating chronic heart failure. In fact, after long-term use, beta-blockers can significantly improve ventricular remodeling, enhance ventricular function and reduce the incidence of sudden death of patients with CHF. In traditional Chinese medicine practice, short-term use of drugs for warming yang and reinforcing qi can improve symptoms of CHF, but long-term use may have adverse effects, for these medicines can stimulate sympathetic system. Early treatment with medicines of cold and cool property may be more favorable to patients with CHF, except the advanced patients who need special intervention. Eliminating heat and nourishing yin may play more active role in controlling the occurrence and development of CHF. Drugs with good efficacy and value in treating CHF may be developed from the Chinese herbal medicines with eliminating heat and nourishing yin property.

Research of decanoyl acetaldehyde on anti-inflammation and anti-atherosclerosis / 中成药

AIM: To study the effect of decanoyl acetaldehyde against atherosclerosis and the relative mechanisms in rats.METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups,That were the control,model,low and high dose of decanoyl acetaldehyde and ibuprofen groups.The model rats were intraperitoneally injected with 600 000 IU/kg vitamine Ds and intragastricly administrated with high-fat emulsion 10 mL/( kg·d) for 70 days.At the same time,the model rats treated with drugs were orally given 39 mg/( kg·d),78 mg/( kg·d) decanoyl acetaldehyde and 144 mg/( kg·d) ibuprofen suspension respectively.After 70 days,the rats were euthakilled,and the serum level of TC,LDL-C,HDL-C/LDL-C ,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-10,the expression of NF-κB in rat aorta and the pathological change in aorta were measured.RESULTS: Decanoyl acetaldehyde could lower the serum level of TC,LDL-C,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6.It increased the level of IL-10 and the ratio of HDL-C/LDL-C,inhibited the expression of NF-κB and reduced the thickness of the artery wall.CONCLUSION : Decanoyl acetaldehyde has an effect on anti-atherosclerosis.The mechanism may be related with inhibiting inflammation and lowering serum lipid.

Experiment research of Jiajian Yunvjian granules on hyperthyroidism graves / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects and the related mechanisms of Jiajian Yunujian (JJYNJ) granules, which were made from traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, on hyperthyroidism graves.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Except that in the normal group, all mice were injected 350 mcirog x kg x d(-1) L-Thyroxin sodium to establish the hyperthyroidism graves model. The model mice were divided randomly into model control group, 3 different groups of JJYNJ granules at oral dosage of 2.17, 4.33, 8.66 g x kg(-1), every day and thiamazole group at oral dosage of 10 mg x kg(-1) every day, respectively. The body weight, heart/body weight index, heart rate (HR), spontaneous activity and oxygen consumption of all the mice were measured. The serum T3, T4 levels were evaluated with the method of RIA. Meanwhile, the effect of JJYNJ granules and thiamazole on iodine uptake by thyroid was determined by radio-assay.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>JJYNJ granules could improve the symptoms caused by thyroxin, increase body weight (P < 0.05), reduce heart/body weight index, spontaneous activity and oxygen consumption (P < 0.05). The HR of model group was (794.5 +/- 47.8) beats x min(-1), significantly faster than that of normal group (682.5 +/- 116.4) beats x min(-1). Those of low, middle and high JJYNJ granule group were (736.9 +/- 66.6), (742.1 +/- 62.3), (715.8 +/- 102.8) beats x min(-1) respectively, obviously slower than that of model group (P < 0.05). The serum T3, T4 levels of model group were (3.85 +/- 0.960), (234.46 +/- 58.11) microg x L(-1), significantly higher than those of normal group (0.99 +/- 0.30), (65.94 +/- 13.94) microg x L(-1), P < 0.01). Those of middle, high of JJYNJ granule group were (2.57 +/- 0.81), (164.27 +/- 72.63) microg x L(-1) and (2.70 +/- 0.55), (157.26 +/- 35.03) microg x L(-1). Those of thiamazole group were (2.88 +/- 0.59), (172.65 +/- 39.73) miicrog x L(-1). These values were significantly lower than those of model group. Thiamazole could significantly inhibit the iodine uptake in thyroid (P < 0.01), but JJYNJ granules did not block that obviously.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JJYNJ granules could significantly improve the symptoms of experimental hyperthyroidism graves. Its mechanisms may be different from that of thiamazole, which is related to inhibiting the synthesis of thyroxin in thyroid.</p>

Comparative study of Scrophulariae and Aconite in inhibiting myocardial hypertrophy in rats and mice / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Scrophulariae of cold nature and Aconite of hot nature on myocardial hypertrophy and neuroendocrine factors in rats and mice. METHODS: A mouse model of myocardial hypertrophy was established by hypodermic injection of isoproterenol. Sixty myocardial hypertrophy mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, untreated group, metoprolol-treated group, Scrophulariae-treated group and Aconite-treated group. A rat model of myocardial hypertrophy was established by peritoneal injection of L-thyroxin. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, untreated group, captopril-treated group, Scrophulariae-treated group and Aconite-treated group. After 7-9 days of treatment with intragastric administration of the corresponding drugs, the effects of Scrophulariae and Aconite on left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart weight index (HWI) were determined. The concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in plasma and angiotensin II (Ang II) in myocardium were detected through radio-immunity method. Cardiocyte cross-section area was determined by using HE staining. RESULTS: Scrophulariae of cold nature could significantly reduce the LVWI, HWI and cardiocyte cross-section area, and could decrease the content of cAMP and Ang II. However, Aconite had no such effects. CONCLUSION: Scrophulariae of cold nature can inhibit myocardial hypertrophy through restraining the activity of sympathetic nervous system and decreasing the level of Ang II. The inhibition of Aconite of hot nature on cardiac hypertrophy is not significant.

Influnce of wild chrysanthemum on some neuroendocrine factors in ventricular remodeling induced by abdominal aortic banding in rats / 中华中医药杂志

Objective:To approach the in unce of wild chrysanthemum on some neuroendoerine factors in ventricular remodeling induced by abdominal aortic banding(AAB)in rats.Methods:Myocardial hypertrophy,ventricular remodeling model was induced by abdominal aortic banding(AAB)in rats.After 35 days' treatment,the systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) were measured.Then the ratios of LVW/BW(1eft ventricle weight/ body weight),HW/BW(heart weight/body weight)were Calculated.The Angiotensin II(Ang II) content in heart tissue and the Aldosterone(ALD),Tumor Necrosis Factor(TNF-?)concentration of blood plasma were determined by radioimmunoassay.Results:The experimental data demonstrated that wild chrysanthemum could decrease SBP,DBP,MAP and the cardiac indexes of LVW/BW and HW/BW,significantly reduce the content of Ang II,ALD and TNF-?,decrease the Hydroxyproline content(P

Effect of aqueous extract from Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae on ventricular remodeling in experimental animals / 中草药

Objective To evaluate the effects of aqueous extract from Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae(SLD) on myocardial hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline(ISO) and L-thyroxine(L-Thy) in experimental mice and rats.Methods The myocardial hypertrophy models of mice were prepared by daily sc ISO 2 mg/kg for 7 d and of rats by daily ip L-Thy 0.3 mg/kg for 10 d.The mice were given aqueous extract from SLD 6 and 12 g/kg or Metoprolol 0.06 g/kg by ig administration once a day for 7 d,then the changes of cardiac indexes,plasma concentration of cAMP,and angiontensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ) content in myocardium were measured.The rats were given the aqueous extract from SLD 4 and 8 g/kg or Captopril 0.02 g/kg once a day for 10 d,then the changes of cardiac indexes,plasma concentration of ALD,AngⅡ content in left ventricle,and hydroxproline(Hyp) level were measured.Results Compared with the normal mice,cardiac indexs,plasma concentration of cAMP,and Ang Ⅱ content were remarkably increased in the model group(P

Studies on liver-protection and promoting bile secretion of gentiopicroside / 中草药

Object To study the liver-protection and bile promoting secretion of gentiopicroside administrated ig in rat. Methods Gentiopicroside was administrated ig to the mice with liver injury induced by CCl 4 and D-GlaN. ALT, AST levels in serum and GSH-Px activity in liver were examined. The bile flow rate and the concentration of the main components in the bile of rats after ig administration of gentiopicroside were estimated. Results Gentiopicroside administrated ig decreased the serum ALT and AST levels, increased the liver GSH-Px activity in the mice treated with CCl 4, promoted the secretion of bile and increased the concentration of bilirubin in the bile. Conclusion Gentiopicroside administrated ig exhibited significant liver-protection and promoting bile secretion.

Preparation of Blood-Deficient Model and Effects of Tangkuei Blood-Supplementing Decoction on Hemopoiesis / 中成药

Objective: To prepare a blood deficient model and study the effect of Tangkuei Blood Supplementing Decoction on hemopoiesis in this model. Methods: This model was made in mice by i.p. an accumulate doses of 60mg/kg acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) and 160mg/kg cyclophosphamidum (CY). The RBCs, WBCs, reticulocytes and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) were counted, the micro structure of bone marrow was observed. The swimming time, the body temperature and the plasma cAMP, cGMP levels were measured. The effects of Tangkuei Blood Supplementing Decoction by p.o. administration on promoting the hemopioetic function were observed with the model mice. Results: Tangkuei Blood Supplementing Decoction could remarkably increase RBC, WBC, BMNC, improve the proportion of reticulolytes in peripheral blood and the micro struture of bone marrow, prolony the swimming time, raise the body temperature and the specific value of cAMP/cGMP. Conclusion: The model exhibits the main features of blood deficiency, and can be used as one of models of blood deficiency. Tangkuei Blood Supplementing Decoction can obviously improve the dual deficiention of qi and blood of model mice by supplementing qi and blood.

Research of decanoyl acetaldehyde on anti-inflammation and anti-atherosclerosis / 中成药

AIM:To study the effect of decanoyl acetaldehyde against atherosclerosis and the relative mechanisms in rats.METHODS:Rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups,That were the control,model,low and high dose of decanoyl acetaldehyde and ibuprofen groups.The model rats were intraperitoneally injected with 600 000 IU/kg vitamine D_3 and intragastricly administrated with high-fat emulsion 10 mL/(kg?d)for 70 days.At the same time,the model rats treated with drugs were orally given 39 mg/(kg?d),78 mg/(kg?d)decanoyl acetaldehyde and 144 mg/(kg?d)ibuprofen suspension respectively.After 70 days,the rats were euthakilled,and the serum level of TC,LDL-C,HDL-C/LDL-C,TNF-?,IL-1?,IL-6,IL-10,the expression of NF-?B in rat aorta and the pathological change in aorta were measured.RESULTS:Decanoyl acetaldehyde could lower the serum level of TC,LDL-C,TNF-?,IL-1? and IL-6.It increased the level of IL-10 and the ratio of HDL-C/LDL-C,inhibited the expression of NF-?B and reduced the thickness of the artery wall.CONCLUSION:Decanoyl acetaldehyde has an effect on anti-atherosclerosis.The mechanism may be related with inhibiting inflammation and lowering serum lipid.

Comparative study of herbs of Yuxingcao,Paojiang and Fuzi on ventricular remodeling induced by high pressure in rats / 中成药

AIM: To compare the effects of Yuxingcao(Herba houttuyniae),Paojiang(Radix aconiti lateralis praeparata) and Fuzi(Rhizoma Zingiberis recens(blastfried)) on ventricular remodeling induced by high pressure in rats. METHODS: Ventricular remodeling model was induced by constriction of abdominal aorta in rats.After 1 week,the model rats were divided randomly into 5 groups,such as model control,captopril,Yuxingcao,Paojiang and Fuzi.In addition,a sham-operated group was designed.The rats were given per oral captopril,Yuxingcao,Paojiang and Fuzi respectively for consecutive 3 weeks.Rats in sham-operated group and model control group were treated with distilled water.The blood pressure was measured.The ratio of LVW/BW,HW/BW was calculated as an index indicating the grade of ventricular hypertrophy.The contents of AngⅡ,ET in heart tissue and blood level of aldosterone(ALD) were determined by radio-immunoassay.The myocardium collagen volume fraction(CVF),perivascular circumferential area(PVCA) and the content of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen were determined by histological assay using the picric acid/sirius red stain.The expression of protein kinase C(PKC) was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Yuxingcao could lower the blood pressure and the ratio of LVW/BW,HW/BW;reduce the level of AngⅡ,ET in myocardium and ALD in blood serum,decrease myocardium CVF,PVCA and the content of type Ⅰ,Ⅲ collagen,and inhibit the expression of PKC.Paojiang did not show obvious effects mentioned above,neither did Fuzi,except that it decreased the level of AngⅡ in myocardium. CONCLUSION: Yuxingcao,the herb with cool nature,can attenuate the ventricular remodeling,and inhibit the over-activity of neuroendocrine factor release.Paojiang and Fuzi,the herbs with hot nature,fail to show that.

Experimental research of Jiajian Yun? Decoction on ventricular remodeling / 中成药

AIM: To explore the effects and mechanisms of classic prescription Jiajian Yun? Decoction(JJYND) on ventricular remodeling. METHODS: Two kinds of ventricular remodeling model were induced by injecting L-thyroxine intraperitoneally or banding abdominal aorta in rats.The effects of JJYND on heart index(HI) and concentrations of neuroendocrine factors such as serum nitric oxide(NO),myocardium angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),endothelin-1(ET-1),activities of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),superoxide dismutase(SOD),concentration of myocardium hydroxyproline(Hyp),cross section area of cardiomyocyte were determined. RESULTS: JJYND could significantly reduce the heart index,cardiomyocyte cross section area,elevate serum NO concentration,restrain myocardium Ang Ⅱ,ET-1,Hyp concentrations and improve myocardium GSH-Px、SOD activities. CONCLUSION: Prescription JJYND has good effects on attenuating ventricular remodeling.

Shuanghuang Shengbai Granule on the mechanism of leukogenic effect / 中成药

AIM: To observe the effect of Shuanghuang Shengbai Granule (Radix astragli, Rhizoma polygonati, Fructus ligustri lucidi, Radix trichosanthis, Rhizoma drynariae, etc) (SHSB) on the proliferation of bone marrow cells and the growth of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) in leukopenia model mice, and to investigate the related mechanism. METHODS: Mouse leukopenia models were made by radiation, the proliferation of bone marrow cells was determined by MTT chromatoptometry, the content of GM-CSF in serum was measured by double antibody sandwich ELISA, and the protein expression of GM-CSF in cultured spleen cells was measured by SP immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: SHSB could promote the proliferation of bone marrow cells; increase the content of GM-CSF in serum and enhance the protein expression of GM-CSF in spleen cells. CONCLUSION: SHSB Granule has the improvement in enhancing the proliferation of bone marrow cells in leucopenia model mice, increasing the content of GM-CSF in serum and the protein expression of GM-CSF in spleen cells.

Attenuated effect of active components of Radix Glycyrrhizae on Radix Aconiti Laterlis and the related mechanisms / 中成药

AIM: To investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin(GZ) and glycyrrhefinic acid(GA) on reducing the toxicity of Radix Aconiti Laterlis(RAL) and its mechanisms of action. METHODS: Radix Aconiti Laterlis(RAL),RAL with Radix Glycyrrhizae(RG),RAL with GZ,RAL with GA were boiled for 30 min,respectively.HPLC was used to measure the concentrations of aconitine and hypaconitine in the different decoctions.Meanwhile,the acute toxicity of the above decoctions was determined by oral and intraperitoneal administration in mice respectively. RESULTS: By oral administration,the acute toxicity of the decoctions of RG with RAL and GE with RAL was obviously lower than that of RAL.The acute toxicity of the decoction of GA with RAL was slightly reduced when compared with that of RAL.By intraperitoneal administration,the acute toxicity of GA with RAL was obviously higher than that of RAL.RG significantly restrained the dissolution of alkalines contained in RAL into the decoction.But GA and GZ increased the dissolution of the alkalines. CONCLUSION: By oral administration,RG could reduce the acute toxieity of RAL.Restraint on the dissolution of the toxic alkalines contained in RAL into the decoction may be in part the reasons.But GA and GZ are not the effective components reducing the dissolution of the toxic alkalines.They may combine with the toxic alkalines,postpone the absorption of the combined compounds through gastrointestinal tract,and reduce the acute toxicity of RAL by oral administration.

Activation of Na~+/H~+ exchange 1 and myocardial hypertrophy / 中国药理学通报

Na +/H + exchanger 1 (NHE1) is a major contributor to ischemic and reperfusion injury. It is emerging that NHE 1 also contributes to myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure due to chronic maladaptive stimulation. It appears that NHE 1 may represent a common downstream mediator for various hypertrophic factor, such as angiotensinⅡ,beta (1) and alpha (1) adrenergic receptor activation. NHE 1 inhibition may be a effective new therapeutic approach for prevention and treatment of heart failure.-

Protection of the ischemic and reperfused myocardium by sodium-hydrogen exchange inhibitor / 中国药理学通报

During ischemia, the intracellular acidosis stimulates the Na +/H + exchanger. The increase in intracellular sodium secondary to increased Na +/H + exchange is reversed through exchange for calcium, resulting in calcium overload of the cells and producing cell injury and necrosis. NHE1 inhibitors exert a protective effect on myocardium subject to ischemia and reperfusion via reduction of Na +/H + exchange, attenuation of intracellular calcium accumulation and other mechanisms.

Cardiovascular effects of Angiotensin(1-7) / 中国药理学通报

Angiotensin (1-7) is an important biologically active substance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.It has vasodilatory,antiproliferative and antithrombotic effects.The functions of Ang (1-7) are often opposite to Ang Ⅱ. Ang (1-7) can be formed from Ang Ⅰ or Ang Ⅱ .Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is the rate-limiting enzyme of Ang(1-7).The biological effects of Ang (1-7) are mainly mediated by its receptor, the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas.