Research on grade standard and quality evaluation of Pinelliae Rhizoma for merchandise specification / 中国中药杂志

The study aims at investigating the grade standard and the quality characteristic of Pinelliae Rhizoma for commodity specification, which provides the reference for its grade standard formulation. 42 Pinelliae Rhizoma simples were collected from 5 medicinal materials markets and 2 producing areas. Based on the previous herbalogical study and market investigation, we combined with the data analysis to select the grading indicators using SPSS software for descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance, K-cluster analysis and correlation analysis. According to the actual production condition, we developed the grading standards of Pinelliae Rhizoma. Moreover, we compared the internal indicators(water, total ash, leachate and guanosine) of Pinelliae Rhizoma at various grade levels, and analyzed the correlation between appearance traits and internal indicators. The herbalogical study and market research found that the Pinelliae Rhizoma was better in large, solid and white. The results from descriptive and variance analysis showed that the appearance of Pinelliae Rhizoma was significantly different in weight per grain and grain number of 500 g. Referring to the 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the production practice, we use the length, weight per grain and grain number of 500 g as the classification index of Pinelliae Rhizoma. The results from correlation analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between the appearance of Pinelliae Rhizoma and the intrinsic quality index. In addition, we found there was no significant difference in the content of the intrinsic index except for the total ash and the extract. The current study established the classification index of the product specification and grade standard of Pinelliae Rhizoma with length, weight per grain and grain number of 500 g as the index, which can provide the basis for the classification of the product specification and grade of Pinelliae Rhizoma market.

Genetic diversity and quality analysis of Rehmannia glutinosa in different germplasm / 中国中药杂志

The study aims at evaluating genetic diversity and medicinal quality of cultivated germplasm in Rehmannia glutinosa, and providing theoretical guidance for screening excellent germplasm. The genetic diversity of 21 species of R. glutinosa were analyzed by SRAP molecular markers, and the catalpol and verbascoside was determined by HPLC. The mass fraction of catalpol and verbascoside in R. glutinosa germplasm were respectively in the range of 2.393%-6.519% and 0.063%-0.478%, the germplasm 14, 16, 15 and 20 germplasm, witch catalpol and verbascoside content was higher. A total of 57 bands were produced by 10 primer, among which 40 polymorphic bands were polymorphic bands, and the percentage of polymorphic loci was 8.77%-54.39%, the Nei's genetic diversity index (H) was 0.374 1, Shannon's polymorphism information index (I) was 0.546 6. Gst and gene flow Nm were 0.608 8 and 0.321 3, respectively. Based on the genetic uniformity, 21 species of germplasm were grouped into 2 categories. The genetic diversity level of R. glutinosa was medium low. The comprehensive consideration of the genetic diversity and the content inculde catalpol and verbascoside, germplasm 7 and germplasm 18 could be used as the preferred materials for the cultivation of reticulum. Germplasm 15 and 16 can be used as the preservation and breeding object of rhubarb germplasm.

Establishment of a cell model of insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the optimal conditions for establishing insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes.</p><p><b>METHOS</b>Dexamethason (DEX), 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine (IBMX) and different concentrations of insulin (10(-8), 10(-7), and 10(-6) mol·L(-1)) were used to induce 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes identified by oil red O staining. We established insulin- resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes cell model (IR-3T3-L1) by exposing the cells to 1µmol·L(-1) DEX, and the changes of glucose concen- tration in the cell culture were determined by glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with DEX, IBMX and 10(-6) mol·L(-1)) insulin for 9 days resulted in the differentiation of >90% of the cells into mature adipocytes. IR-3T3-L1 cells cultured for 96 h in the culture media containing 1 µmol·L(-1) DEX showed significantly increased glucose consumption (P=0.0003) as compared with the control group at 36 h (P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>3T3-L1 cells can be induced into mature adipocytes by exposure to 1 µmol·L(-1) DEX, 0.5 mmol·L(-1) IBMX and 10(-6) mol·L(-1)) insulin. A 96 h exposure to 1 µmol·L(-1) DEX can induce 3T3-L1 adipocytes to acquire insulin resistance that can be maintained for 36 h.</p>

Status, Challenges, and Prospects of Treating Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Chinese Medical Diagnosis and Treatment / 中国中西医结合杂志

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), a chronic disease of the digestive system resulting from multi-pathogenic factors, is precancerous state of gastric cancer. Authors reviewed the current situation of Chinese medical diagnosis and treatment of CAG, and looked forward to its prospect by combining with their own clinical experience and scientific researches.

Effect of Shen warming Pi strengthening method on the expression of serum T cell subsets in IBS-D rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Shen warming Pi strengthening method on expressions of serum T cell subsets (C045+%, C03+%, and C04 +/COB+) in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-0) rats. Methods An IBS-0 rat model was established referring to AL-Chaer's modeling method combined with tail clamp and intragastric administration of sanna leaf. After modeling 30 SO rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the model group, the high, middle, low dose Wenshen Jianpi Recipe (WJR) groups, and the Sishen Pill control group, 6 in each group. A normal control group consisting of 6 SO rats were also set up. Rats in high, middle, low dose WJ R groups were administered by gastrogavage with boil-free WJ R at the daily dose of 3. 100, 1. 550, 0. 775 g/kg, respectively. Rats in the Sis hen Pill control group were administered by gastrogavage with boil-free Sis hen Pill at the daily dose of 0. 736 g/kg. Equal volume of normal saline was given by gastrogavage to rats in the model group and the normal control group. All medication lasted for 2 successive weeks. Rats' general state, expressions of T cell subsets (CD45+%, CD3+%, and CD4+ /CDB+) changes were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, expressions of CD45+% and CD3+% increased, but CD4+ /CDB+ decreased with statistical difference (P < 0. 05). Compared with the model group, expressions of CD45+% and CD3+% decreased, but CD4+ ICDB+ increased with statistical difference in high, middle, low dose WJR groups, and the Sis hen Pill control group (P <0. 05). Compared with the Sis hen Pill control group, there was statistical difference in all indices except CD45+ value in the low dose SWPSM group (P <0. 05). Compared with the low dose WJ R group, the expression of CD3+% decreased in high and middle dose WJR groups, and the Sis hen Pill control group; CD4+ /CD8+ increased in the Sishen Pill control group and the high dose SWPSM group (all P < 0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>WJR showed better treatment effect. The mechanism of Shen warming Pi strengthening method might be achieved by regulating expressions of CD45+% and CD3+%, and CD4+ /CD8+ ratios.</p>

Shen warming Pi strengthening method intervened IBS-D rats: an efficacy assessment / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>IBS-D rat model was established to assess the effect of Shen warming Pi strengthening method (SWPSM) for intervening diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by observing rats' general state, stool properties, AWR ranking, and histopathological changes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 72 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e. the normal group, the model group, the high, middle, low dose SWPSM groups, and the control group, 12 in each group. The IBS-D rat model was successfully established referring to AL-Chaer ED's modeling method. After modeling high, middle, and low dose SWPS Recipe boil-free granules were given by gastrogavage to rats in corresponding treatment groups. Sishen Pill boil-free granule was given by gastrogavage to those in the control group. Equal volume of normal saline was given by gastrogavage to rats in the model group. The medication lasted for 2 weeks. Rats' general state, stool properties, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) ranking, and histopathological changes were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the general state of all rats got im- provement to various degrees. The improvement in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups were superior to that in the low dose SWPS Recipe group and the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the growth rate between after and before treatment in each group (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group and the low dose SWPS Recipe group, the defecation amount within 4 h was less in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups and the control group (P < 0.05). The Bristol ranking score, average ranking of loose stool, ratio of dry stool and wet stool were lower in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups than in the control group and the low dose SWPS Recipe group (P < 0.05). The AWR ranking score was lower in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups than in the control group when the volume of balloon dilation was 1.5 mL. There was no organic change of histological or morphological observation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High sensitive IBS-D model was proved to be reliable. SWPSM could reduce the quantity of stools, lower Bristol ranking score, average ranking of loose stools as well as ratios of dry stool and wet stool, contributing to reducing the high sensitivity of rats' visceral organs to some extent.</p>

Effects of rutaecarpine on inflammatory cytokines in insulin resistant primary skeletal muscle cells / 中国中药杂志

It is now well established that inflammation plays an important role in the development of numerous chronic metabolic diseases including insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Skeletal muscle is responsible for 75% of total insulin-dependent glucose uptake; consequently, skeletal muscle IR is considered to be the primary defect of systemic IR development. Our pre- vious study has shown that rutaecarpine (Rut) can benefit blood lipid profile, mitigate inflammation, and improve kidney, liver, pan- creas pathology status of T2DM rats. However, the effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines in the development of IR-skeletal muscle cells have not been studied. Thus, our objective was to investigate effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines interleukiri (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in insulin resistant primary skeletal muscle cells (IR-PSMC). Primary cultures of skeletal muscle cells were prepared from 5 neonate SD rats, and the primary rat skeletal muscle cells were identified by cell morphology, effect of ru- taecarpine on cell proliferation by MTT assay. IR-PSMC cells were induced by palmitic acid (PA), the glucose concentration was measured by glucose oxidase and peroxidase (GOD-POD) method. The effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in IR-PSMC cells were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results show that the primary skeletal muscle cells from neonatal rat cultured for 2-4 days, parallel alignment regularly, and cultured for 7 days, cells fused and myotube formed. It was shown that Rut in concentration 0-180. 0 μmol x L(-1) possessed no cytotoxic effect towards cultured primary skeletal muscle cells. However, after 24 h exposure to 0.6 mmol x L(-1) PA, primary skeletal muscle cells were able to induce a state of insulin resistance. The results obtained indicated significant decrease (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α production by cultured IR-PSMC cells when incubating 24 hours with Rut, beginning from 20 to 180.0 μmol x L(-1). IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in the Rut treated groups were dose-dependently decreased compared with that in the IR-PSMC control group. Our results demonstrated that the Rut promoted glucose consumption and improved insulin resistance possibly through suppression of inflammatory cytokines in the IR-PSMC cells.