Effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on molecular levels of bile acids in serum, liver, and ileum of insomnia mice / 中国中药杂志

To explore the mechanism of Suanzaoren Decoction in the treatment of insomnia from endogenous bile acid regulation, the present study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Suanzaoren Decoction and the molecular changes of bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum of insomnia model mice and Suanzaoren Decoction treated mice. The insomnia model in mice was established by the sleep deprivation method. After Suanzaoren Decoction(48.96 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) intervention by gavage for 7 days, the related indicators, such as water consumption, food intake, body weight, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT), and total bile acid(TBA) were detected, and the pathological changes of the liver and ileum were observed. The molecular levels and distribution of 23 bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS combined with principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). The results showed that Suanzaoren Decoction could improve the decreased water consumption and food intake, weight loss, and increased AST and ALT in the model group, and effectively reverse the injury and inflammation in the liver and ileum. The bile acids in the liver of the insomnia model mice were in the stage of decompensation, and the bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum of the mice decreased or increased. Suanzaoren Decoction could regulate the anomaly of some bile acids back to normal. Seven bile acids including glycoursodeoxycholic acid(GUDCA), glycodesoxycholic acid(GDCA), tauro-α-MCA(T-α-MCA), α-MCA, taurodeoxycholate(TDCA), T-β-MCA, and LCA were screened out as the main discriminant components by PLS-DA. It is concluded that Suanzaoren Decoction possesses the hepatoprotective effect and bile acids could serve as the biochemical indicators to evaluate the drug efficacy in the treatment of abnormal liver functions caused by insomnia. The mechanism of Suanzao-ren Decoction in soothing the liver, resolving depression, tranquilizing the mind, and improving sleep may be related to the molecular regulation of bile acid signals.

Study on bile acid metabolism of sleep-deprived mice regulated by Jiaotai Pills based on LC-MS / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the changes of bile acid(BA) levels in mice with sleep deprivation and the regulatory effect of Jiaotai Pills(JTP) on bile acid metabolism, this study established an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of 23 BAs in mice. A total of 24 ICR mice were randomized into normal group, model group, and JTP group. Mice in the model group and JTP group were deprived of sleep at 20 h·d~(-1) by sleep deprivation apparatus for 8 consecutive days. Mice in the JTP group were given(ig, qd) JTP 3.3 g·kg~(-1) and those in the normal group and model group received(ig) the same volume of purified water. UPLC conditions are as follows: Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C_(18) column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm), gradient elution with the mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water-methanol. MS conditions are as below: negative-ion electrospray ionization, multiple reaction monitoring(MRM). Thereby, the content of 23 BAs in serum, liver, and ileum was determined and methodological investigation of the method was performed. The results showed that 23 BAs could be accurately determined within 15 min and the correlation coefficients were all higher than 0.99. The precision, accuracy, specificity, reproducibility, matrix effect, and recovery of BAs all met the requirement. The levels of BAs were significantly increased in the serum, liver, and ileum of sleep-deprived mice, but JTP can significantly reduce the levels. The UPLC-MS/MS method is simple, rapid, and accurate, which can be used for the determination of 23 BAs in biological samples, and JTP can adjust the elevated BA levels of sleep-deprived mice.

Anti-tumor Constituents from Rhizome of Euphorbia fischeriana / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To screen out active fraction from Euphorbia fischeriana, separate active components from E. fischeriana and explore structure-activity relationships, in order to analyze and identify chemical compositions of petroleum ether fraction from E. fischerian ethanol extract by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Method::The anti-tumor activities of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water extracts from E. fischeriana were tested by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)method. A variety of modern chromatographic separation methods were used to separate active compounds from petroleum ether layer. Compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified by NMR technique. The structure-activity relationships between anti-tumor activities and structures of compounds were investigated. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique was used to identify the structures of petroleum ether extract from E. fischeriana. Mass spectrometry was performed in the positive ion mode using ESI ion sources. Result::Six compounds were isolated from petroleum ether fraction. They were jolkinolide A, jolkinolide B, 17-hydroxyjolkinolide A, 17-hydroxyjolkinolide B, euphopilolide and atis-16-en-13(s)-hydroxy-3, 14-dione. A total of 23 peaks were identified based on the comparison of retention times, accurate masses and fragmentation patterns with available standard compounds and literatures. Among them, there were 19 diterpenoids, 2 polyphenols, 1 fatty acid and 1 triterpenoid. Peaks No.18 and No.21 were tentatively identified as new compounds. Conclusion::The petroleum ether fraction showed a potential anti-tumor activity. The structure-activity relationships were discussed. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology can be used to quickly and accurately identify the structures, so as to provide a reference for its quality evaluation and active ingredient research.

Safety of porcine fibrin sealant kit on ocular tissue following intravitreal injection / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Porcine fibrin sealant kit has been widely used in surgery for clotting and woundssealing.It is thought to be a substitution for inert gas and silicone oil in vitrectomy.But whether it produce toxic effect on retina or not after intravitreal injection is still studying.Objective This study aimed to investigate the retinal toxicity of porcine fibrin sealant kit following intraocular application.Methods Vitrectomy was performed on bilateral eyes of 15 pigmented rabbits.Porcine fibrin sealant kit of 0.5 ml was intravitreally injected in the lateral eyes of the rabbits as the experimental group,and equal volume of BSS was used at the same way in contralateral eye as control group.The inflammatory response of eye was observed under the slit lamp and ophthalmoscopy in 1 day,3,7,15,30 days after injection.Schi(o)tz tonometer was used to measure intraocular pressure(IOP) in 1 day,3,7 days,and retinal function was evaluated by electroretinogram (ERG) before operation and 30 days after operation.B-ultrasonic examination was carried out 30 days after surgery.Animals were sacrificed and eyeballs were obtained for retinal histopathological and ultrastructural examination in 30 days after operation.Results Complications appeared in 7 eyes of the experimental group,including cataract in 3 eyes,proliferation vitreoretinopathy and retinal detachment in 5 eyes,endophthalmitis in 1 eye,however,the cataract in 2 eyes and retina injury in 2 eyes were found in 15 control eyes.On the 30 days after injection,no inflammation was found in the 8 eyes without complication in the experimental group and 11 eyes in the control group.The IOP change was insignificant in different groups and various time points (Fgroup =0.008,P =0.929 ;Ftime =3.600 P =0.075).No significant difference was found in a-wave amplitude between groups and various time points(Fgroup =0.728,P =0.405 ; Ftime =0.516,P =0.482),and so was the b-wave amplitude (Fgroup =0.222,P =0.644 ; Ftime =0.057,P =0.814).On the 30th day after operation,arrangement of the retina was regular and no tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in both groups under the light microscope.Transmission electron microscope revealed that the ultrastructures of retinal cells,photoreceptor and retinal pigment cell were normal with the clear subcellular organelle,intact cellular membrane structure and mitochondria in both groups.Conclusions Domestic porcine fibrin sealant kit does not produce toxic effect on retina after intravitreal injection in rabbit.

Clinical features and linkage analysis for a Chinese family with autosomal dominant central areolar choroidal dystrophy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>A Chinese family with autosomal dominant central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD) was identified. The purpose of this study was to collect the clinical findings from the family and to identify the genetic entity by linkage analysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-three individuals from 3 generations of the family underwent ophthalmologic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, examination of the anterior segments, and inspection of the ocular fundus after pharmacologic mydriasis. Affected family members further underwent color vision test, color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, automated perimetry, and electroretinography. The family was followed up for 30 months. Peripheral venous blood or buccal swabs were collected from each family member and genomic DNA was extracted. Linkage analysis was performed for candidate genes or loci using microsatellite markers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven family members in 3 continuous generations were diagnosed as having autosomal dominant CACD. The family showed progressive development of the disease, affecting both male and female. Age of onset of visual disturbances varied between 11 and 50 years. Phenotypic variability among affected individuals was apparent and ranged from relatively normal-appearing fundus with mild parafoveal pigment mottling to geographic atrophy of the macula. Fluorescein angiography showed hyperfluorescent parafoveal changes in early stage or well-demarcated area of chorioretinal atrophy with enhanced visibility of the residual underlying choroidal vessels in the late stage. Peripheral retina and visual fields were normal in affected individuals. Electroretinogram showed normal or mild reduction in the photopic amplitude. Eight candidate genes (STGD4, RCD1, peripherin/RDS, GUCA1A, RIMS1, UNC119, GUCY2D, and AIPL1) and two genetic loci (4p15.2 - 16.3, and 17p13) were excluded to be responsible for the disease by linkage analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The clinical findings of this Chinese family with CACD shared similarities with previously reported families of other ethnicities. Linkage analysis excluded the known genes and genetic loci, indicating genetic heterogeneity of the disease.</p>

Applied anatomy of endoscopic transnasal lacrimal duct reconstruction by grafting of autogenous tissue / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic transnasal lacrimal duct reconstruction by grafting of autogenous tissue is a novel method for treatment of severe lacrimal duct obstruction and it needs detailed anatomical data for surgery.OBJECTIVE: To study the applied microsurgical anatomy of lacrimal duct and to provide anatomical evidence for endoscopic transnasal lacrimal duct reconstruction by grafting of autoganous tissue.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This study was performed at the laboratory of the Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Police General Hospital from July 2006 to June 2007.MATERIALS: Twenty 10% formaldehyde-treated adult cadaveric heads, 14 males and 6 females, comprising 40 lacrimal ducts were included in this study.METHODS: The cadaveric heads were split on the level of the line between the superior border of the superciliary arch and the site 10 mm higher than occipital tuberosity. After removal of brain tissue,the heads were decalcified for approximate 1 week with 10%nitric acid. This promised non-alteration of morphological structure and facilitation for surgical cutting. Following dissection of facial cranium in the median sagittal plane, the nasal septum was excised to expose the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The anteroposterior diameter and depth of lacrimal fossa; at middle third level, the thickness of lacrimal fossa at the anterior lacrimal crest, vertical middle line, and posterior lacrimal crest; the cross section area of nasolacrimal canal upper opening, middle part, and lower opening; horizontal distance, 30° oblique distance, and 45°oblique distance from lacrimal caruncie to nasal cavity; distance from lacrimal caruncle to nasolacrimal canal upper opening; and the included angle between lacrimal caruncle-nasolacrimal canal upper opening line and Aeby's plane.RESULTS: The length, anteroposterior diameter, and depth of lacrimal fossa were (17.85±1.72) mm, (6.74+1.28) mm, and (3.09+0.78) mm, respectively. At middle third level, the thickness of lacrimal fossa at the anterior lacrimal crest,perpendicular bisector, and posterior lacrimal crest was (4.03±0.89) mm, (0.61±0.36) mm, and (0.63±0.24) mm, respectively.Anterior lacrimal crest was significantly thicker than vertical middle line and posterior lacrimal crest (P ＞ 0.05). Horizontal distance, 30°oblique distance, and 45° oblique distance from lacrimal caruncle to nasal cavity was (17.23±0.70) mm,(14.51±1.72) mm, and (17.34±2.38) mm, accordingly, with a difference which was not significant (P ＞ 0.05). The distance from lacrimal caruncle to lateral wall middle point of nasolacrimal duct superior opening was (11.86±1.84) mm, and the included angle between lacrimal caruncle-lateral wall middle point of nasolacrimal duct superior opening line and Aeby's plane averaged (49.9±1.8)°.CONCLUSION: The distances from lacrimal caruncle to nasal cavity and lacrimal sac and the included angles between lacrimal caruncle-nasolacrimal canal upper opening line and Aeby's plane provide guidance significance for selection of bony opening position on the lateral wall of nasal cavity and determinations of tunnel oblique angle and autogenous tissue length. Creation of bony tunnel should start from the middle or posterior middle part of lacrimal fossa and then extend towards anterior inferior region with an optimal downward oblique angle of 45°. The length of autogenous tissue used for lacrimal duct reconstruction should exceed 21.22 mm.

Comparative study of electro-acupuncture and maprotiline in treating depression / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) and maprotiline (Map) in treating depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty patients of depression were treated with EA and 31 patients with Map orally taken respectively. The therapeutic effect and side-effect were evaluated by measurement of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Self-Rating Scale for Depression (SDS), Self-Rating Scale for Anxiety (SAS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and Asberg Rating Scale for side-effects (ARS) before treatment and on the day 14, 28 and 42 of the therapeutic course.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the scores of HAMD and SDS lowered significantly (P < 0.01) than before treatment, and with insignificant difference between the group (P > 0.05). For patients with somatic syndrome, the HAMD score decrease rate was obviously higher in the Map group than that in the EA group. However, for the patients with anxiety somatization syndrome, the score of SAS, ARS in the EA group were significantly lower than those in the Map group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the efficacy index was higher in the EA group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both EA and Map are effective in treating depression.</p>