Dangshen Yuanzhi Powder microemulsion attenuates learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease model mice / 中草药

Objective: To observe the effects of Dangshen Yuanzhi Powder microemulsion on protein expression of AchE and ChAT, and the contents of Ach and AchE in brain tissue of Alzheimer’s disease model mice and analyze its mechanism based on cholinergic theory. Methods: Mice were divided into control group, model group, BME group, Piracetam group, water extractant group and microemulsion extractant group, with 15 mice in each group. Alzheimer’s disease mice model was established by intraperitoneal injection with D-gal and NaNO2. Meanwhile, each group was given by gavage for six weeks with distilled water, BME, Piracetam tablets, water extractant and microemulsion extractant. Water maze was used to conduct behavior study. Contents of Ach and AchE in brain tissue were also measured. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes and IHC staining was used to detect expression of AchE and ChAT in hippocampal CA1 region and cerebral cortex of mice. Results: Compared with the model group, learning and memory abilities of mice were significantly improved (P < 0.05), content of Ach was significantly improved (P < 0.01), content of AchE was significantly decreased (P < 0.01), pathological changes of hippocampal CA1 region and cerebral cortex were improved, AChE expression was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01), and ChAT expression was markedly upregulated (P < 0.01) in microemulsion extractant group. Conclusion: Dangshen Yuanzhi Powder microemulsion can control the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by upregulating ChAT expression and inhibiting AChE expression in hippocampal CA1 region and cerebral cortex of mice.

Discussion on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes from Perspective of Intestinal Microecology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diabetes is a kind of disease which poses a great threat to human health. Its occurrence and development are often related to many factors such as heredity and environment. According to the eighth edition of Diabetes Federation's diabetes map in 2017， there are about 425 million diabetics in the world. It is estimated that by 2045， the number of diabetics will increase to 700 million， becoming a health problem that has attracted increasing attention all over the world， among which the number of type 2 diabetics （T2DM）accounts for more than 90% of the total. Therefore， it is of great significance to study the pathological mechanism for the effective prevention and treatment of diabetes. Intestinal microflora coexists with human beings and forms an important micro ecosystem， which is involved in the metabolism of substance and energy. In recent years， with the development of high-throughput sequencing technology， a large number of studies have shown that in addition to obesity， genetic and insulin dysfunction， intestinal flora disorder may also lead to diabetes. The unbalanced diet structure of T2DM patients destroys the balance of intestinal flora. It is generally believed that the occurrence and development of T2DM may be one of the results of the intestinal microbial disorder caused by over nutrition. However， there is no clear mechanism of how intestinal flora participates in the development of T2DM. At present， it is generally believed that the intestinal flora may affect the metabolism of the body through the participation in bile acid metabolism， short chain fatty acid metabolism， low-level inflammatory response and other ways. At present， the prevention and treatment of T2DM is mainly based on drug control. Through surgical operation， increasing the number of probiotics， fecal transplantation and other methods to intervene the intestinal microflora to adjust the intestinal microflora， it provides a new means for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. This paper discusses the interaction between T2DM and intestinal microflora in recent years and the possible treatment measures in the future.

Treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion with Yiqihuoxuehuayu decoction combined with triamcinolone acetonide and 532nm argon laser / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the clinical value of Yiqihuoxuehuayu decoction combined with triamcinolone acetonide and 532nm argon laser in the treatment of macular edema(ME)secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).<p>METHODS: Totally 80 patients(80 eyes)with ME secondary to BRVO admitted to the hospital from January 2014 to August 2016 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 40 cases(40 eyes)in each group. Control group was given intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide combined with 532nm argon laser photocoagulation, and observation group was additionally given Yiqihuoxuehuayu decoction. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central foveal thickness(CMT)and intraocular pressure were measured before treatment and at 1wk, 1mo and 3mo of treatment. The visual acuity, improvement effects of ME and improvements of symptoms(metamorphopsia, hemorrhage, exudation, <i>etc.</i>)were compared between the two groups, and the incidence rate of complications and the recurrence rate at 3mo after treatment were statistically analyzed.<p>RESULTS: There were significant differences in the BCVA and CMT between the two groups at different time points of treatment(<i>P</i><0.05), and the BCVA in observation group at different time points after treatment was higher than that in control group while the CMT was lower than that in control group(<i>P</i><0.05). There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between the two groups at different time points of treatment(<i>P</i>>0.05). The visual acuity and ME improvement effects in observation group were better than those in control group, and the metamorphopsia and hemorrhage exudation absorption were better than those in control group(<i>P</i><0.05). There were no significant difference in the incidence rate of complications and the recurrence rate at 3mo after treatment between the two groups(<i>P</i>>0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: Yiqihuoxuehuayu decoction combined with triamcinolone acetonide and 532nm argon laser has definite efficacy in the treatment of ME secondary to BRVO, and it can improve visual acuity, reduce macular edema and promote fundus hemorrhage exudation absorption, and it has high safety.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Drug-induced Liver Injury / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Drug is an important cause of liver injury and accounts for up to 40% of instances of fulminant hepatic failure. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is increasing while the diagnosis becomes more difficult. Though many drugs may cause DILI, Chinese herbal medicines have recently emerged as a major cause due to their extensive use in China. We aimed to provide drug safety information to patients and health carers by analyzing the clinical and pathological characteristics of the DILI and the associated drug types.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was conducted in 287 patients diagnosed with DILI enrolled in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2015. The categories of causative drugs, clinical and pathological characteristics were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Western medicines ranked as the top cause of DILI, accounting for 163 out of the 287 DILI patients (56.79%) in our study. Among the Western medicine, antituberculosis drugs were the highest cause (18.47%, 53 patients) of DILI.   Antibiotics (18 patients, 6.27%) and antithyroid (18 patients, 6.27%) drugs also ranked among the major causes of DILI. Chinese herbal medicines are another major cause of DILI, accounting for 36.59% of cases (105 patients). Most of the causative Chinese herbal medicines were those used to treat osteopathy, arthropathy, dermatosis, gastropathy, leukotrichia, alopecia, and gynecologic diseases. Hepatocellular hepatitis was prevalent in DILI, regardless of Chinese herbal medicine or Western medicine-induced DILI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Risks and the rational use of medicines should be made clear to reduce the occurrence of DILI. For patients with liver injury of unknown origin, liver tissue pathological examination is recommended for further diagnosis.</p>

Gender difference on five-year outcomes of EXCEL biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stents implantation: results from the CREATE study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The gender difference on long-term outcome in unselected patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the gender difference on five-year outcomes following EXCEL biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stenting in patients with coronary disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 2077 "all comers", consisting of 1528 (73.6%) men and 549 (26.4%) women, who were exclusively treated with EXCEL coronary stents were enrolled in the prospective CREATE study at 59 centers from four countries. After propensity score matching, the baseline characteristics of the two groups were well matched. Recommended antiplatelet regimen was clopidogrel and aspirin for six months followed by chronic aspirin therapy. The primary outcome that was the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST) at five years were compared between the two gender groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the two groups, women had higher proportions of clinical risk factors, such as being elderly, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, compared to men. Besides, the mean target vessel number per patient was higher and the mean reference vessel diameter smaller for women. Men had higher risks of cardiac death (3.7% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.021) and MACE (8.4% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.004) at five years compared with women. However, the cumulative hazards of non-fatal MI and TLR were similar between men and women. The incidence of Academic Research Consortium (ARC) definite or probable stent thrombosis was similar between the two groups (1.3% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.639). Prolonged clopidogrel therapy (>6 months) did not reduce the cumulative hazards of ST from six months to five years in both men (χ(2) = 0.098, log rank P = 0.754) and women (χ(2) = 2.043, log rank P = 0.153) patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Women had a lower MACE and cardiac death rate than men after biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stenting in long term follow-up. Effects of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in preventing stent thrombosis was similar with six-month DAPT after EXCEL stent implantation in both men and women groups.</p>

Research progress on the mechanism of single-Chinese medicinal herbs in treating diabetes mellitus / 中国结合医学杂志

Treating diabetes mellitus (DM) with Chinese medicine (CM) has had a few thousands years of history. Past Chinese medical texts had already recorded numerous medicinal herbs as well as recipes for treating DM and accumulated much clinical experience. In the following article, the prevention of DM using CM in the past 5 years is retrospectively studied, and mainly focuses on the usage of simple Chinese herbal extracts or monomers in terms of cellular as well as molecular biology.

Influence of TangNaiKang on VEGF protein expression of GK rats thoracic aorta / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigated the effect of TangNaiKang (TNK) on VEGF protein expression of GK rats Thoracic aorta. Methods 51 male GK rats were divided into five groups randomly: model group, pioglitazone group, and TNK treatment group (low, immediate and high dose). Another 10 male Wistar rats were served as normal control group. GK rats were fed with high-grease forage, while normal control group was fed with a standard diet. Fasting blood glucose, general HE staining and VEGF protein expression were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The fasting glucose had a significant decline in TNK treatment groups. HE staining showing TNK can ameliorate intima thickness, reduce hyperplasia of shallow vascular smooth muscle cell, and improve wavy and plexiform arrangement of elastic lamina. Immunohistochemistry also showed that TNK decreased VEGF protein expression of great vessels. Conclusion TangNaiKang can prevent and cure diabetic vascular complication of GK rats.

Association between plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentration and coronary artery lesion severity / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between the plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and MMP-9 concentrations and the severity of coronary artery lesions in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients were divided into normal controls (n = 35), stable angina pectoris (SAP, n = 32) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n = 75) according to the coronary angiography (CAG), clinical and laboratory examinations. The CAG severity and extent of coronary lesions were analyzed by means of Gensini coronary score system. Enzyme linked immunosorent assay was used to measure the plasma MIF, AP-1 and MMP-9 concentrations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Plasma MIF, AP-1 and MMP-9 concentrations were significant increased in CHD patients [MIF: (14.97 +/- 2.11) microg/L, AP-1: 1.43 +/- 0.33, MMP-9: (1.48 +/- 0.14) microg/L] compared to those in control group [MIF: (9.07 +/- 1.28) microg/L, AP-1: 0.71 +/- 0.13, MMP-9: (1.01 +/- 0.07) microg/L, all P < 0.05]. The MIF, AP-1 and MMP-9 concentrations in ACS group [MIF: (16.66 +/- 2.56) microg/L, AP-1: 1.56 +/- 0.22, MMP-9: (1.58 +/- 0.14) microg/L] were also significant higher than those in SAP group [MIF: (11.01 +/- 2.12) microg/L, AP-1: 1.04 +/- 0.25, MMP-9: (1.25 +/- 0.07) microg/L, all P < 0.05] and there was significant positive correlation between MIF, AP-1 and MMP-9 concentrations and the Gensini score of coronary artery lesions (all P < 0.05). AP-1 was positively correlated with MMP-9 in CHD patients (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Plasma MIF, AP-1 and MMP-9 concentrations were positively correlated to the severity of coronary lesions in CHD patients. Higher MIF, AP-1 and MMP-9 concentrations in ACS patients than in SAP patients might suggest higher plaque instability in ACS patients.</p>

Injection of saline into unilateral central piriform cortex inhibits amygdaloid-kindled seizures in rats / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of microinjection of saline into unilateral central piriform cortex (cPC) on the generalized seizures in amygdaloid-kindled rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Different volumes of saline were injected into the right or left cPC of amygdaloid-kindled rats, and its effect on generalized seizures was observed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Saline injection at different volumes 0.1 microl, 0.25 microl and 1 microl) significantly decreased the incidence and duration of generalized seizures (P<0.05), the anticonvulsant effect lasted for up to 10 d. In addition, 10 min after ipsilateral injection of saline the generalized seizure thresholds were significantly increased; while this effect was observed 30 min later when contralateral injection was used.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Unilateral saline injection into cPC has a significant anticonvulsant effect, which might be used for treatment of human temporal lobe epilepsy in the future.</p>

Association between murine double minute 2 expression and AngII and ceramide induced endothelial cells apoptosis / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the relationship between murine double minute 2 (mdm2) expression and AngII and ceramide induced human umbilical endothelial cells apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Human umbilical endothelial cells (ECs) were cultured in vitro and treated with angiotensin II alone or in combination with losartan (an inhibitor of AT1), PD123319 (an inhibitor of AT2) and FB1 (an inhibitor of ceramidase) respectively. ECs were also treated with different doses of C2-ceramide. The apoptosis of ECs was detected with Tunel, the mdm2 mRNA and protein expressions were measured with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PD123319 and FB1 but not losartan inhibited AngII induced ECs apoptosis and down-regulated the AngII induced increased mdm2 expressions. C2-ceramide also induces ECs apoptosis and down-regulated mdm2 expressions at protein and mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AngII binding with AT2 induces ECs apoptosis via ceramide. AngII and ceramide induce EC apoptosis by inhibiting mdm2.</p>

Angiotensin II up-regulates expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human umbilical endothelial cells: roles of AT1 and AT2 / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Angiotensin II is an important pro inflammation factor in the cardiovascular system. This experiment is aimed to study the effects of angiotensin II on inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in human umbilical endothelial cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human umbilical endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and treated with angiotensin II alone or in combination with AT1, AT2 and NF-kappaB inhibitors respectively. The inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions at protein and mRNA levels were measured with Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the activity of NF-kappaB was analyzed with EMSA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Angiotensin II up-regulated inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions at the protein and mRNA levels at 5 h (P < 0.05), the activity of NF-kappaB was enhanced at 2 h (P < 0.05). These effects could be blocked by AT1 and NF-kappaB inhibitors but not by AT2 inhibitor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Angiotensin II can upregulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase through NF-kappaB pathway in human umbilical endothelial cells. AT1, other than AT2, play a key role in this process.</p>

Meta-analysis on acupoint sticking therapy for facial paralysis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of acupoint sticking therapy for facial paralysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Search the literatures in the whole paper databank of China figure medical library (Jan. 1994-Dec. 2004) and China Biomedical Literature Disk Databank (Jan. 1995-Dec. 2004). Meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 4. 2. 5 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sixteen controlled trials involving 2 157 patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that there was high statistically difference between the acupoint sticking therapy and simple acupuncture therapy or Western medicine therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The acupoint sticking therapy is effective and safe for facial paralysis.</p>

Changes of mitochondrial genes expressed in the brain tissue of rat in stroke-like episodes rats / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Stroke is a complex disorder caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence of genetic influence on the development of human stroke. However, genetic changes which contribute to the development of stroke are not well known. This study was designed to gain a deep insight into that aspect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using cold-stimuli plus high-salt intake as environmental risk factors, the authors established a hypertension model in rats, which produced a complication of stroke. Then, they used the suppression subtractive hybridization(SSH) technique to identify the differential genes that specifically expressed in total cerebrum tissue of the rats in stroke group. A comparison was made between two populations, namely the control group and stroke group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By the use of SSH approach, a total of 576 clones were generated in this study from two subtractive libraries, among them 456 clones were usable and were analyzed. Genes for metabolism transcripts in stroke group were shown to be up-regulated (P<0.01). Mitochondrial transcripts were observed in a high rate of 26.5%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The findings suggested that mitochondrial genes should induce an increased sensitivity to stroke through the changes of gene expressions. Mitochondrial genes probably play important roles in the causes and effects of stroke.</p>

Drug screening model acting on out-membrane protein OprM in pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux pump system / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an efflux pump inhibitor screening model with the out-membrane protein OprM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux pump system as the target point.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Efflux pump out-membrane protein gene oprM was obtained from standard Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 strain. Expression of OprM protein was induced in E. coli strain HS151 with T-easy vector as the cloning vector, and pMMB67EH as the expression vector. In order to evaluate the function of OprM protein, we measured intracellular tetracycline concentrations with liquid scintillation counter, measured the diameters of bacteriostatic circles with paper disc, and then established a screening model accordingly.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>OprM protein was highly expressed. Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the main detecting bacteria, we established a drug screening model acting on OprM. A total of 1 600 microbial fermentation samples were screened with this model, among which 56 positive strains were found, with a positive rate of 3.5%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>OprM plays an important role in drug efflux. The established model has good specificity and maneuverability.</p>

Relationship of the expressions of PPAR-?mRNA and MMP-9 with coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary heart disease / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship of the levels of peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor-?(PPAR-?)mRNA,MMP-9 with the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods One hundred and fifty three patients with CHD who underwent coronary angiography were admitted.The expression of PPAR-?mRNA in lymphocytes of peripheral blood was detected by using RT-PCR,the level of MMP-9 enzyme was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorent assay,and the severity of coronary artery lesions were analyzed. Results As compared with control(0.624-0.13),PPAR-?mRNA expression was significantly lower in CHD patients(0.4+0.12).Negative correlation was found between PPAR-?mRNA and the classification(r=-0.56,P＜0.01)of coronary artery lesions,so was the number of coronary artery lesions(r=-0.42,P＜0.01).MMP-9 level was significantly higher in CHD patients(1.27?0.16)?g/L than that in controls(1.21?0.05)?g/L.Positive correlation was found between MMP-9 level and the classification(r=0.36,P＜0.01)of coronary artery lesions,so was the number of coronary artery lesions(r=0.30,P＜0.01).Negative correlation was also found between PPAR-?mRNA expression and MMP-9 level.Conclusions PPAR-?is a negative regulator of coronary artery lesions and PPAR-?inhibits the activation of MMP-9.It may be a valuable method for protecting patients from the incident of coronary artery disease to activate the expression of PPAR-?and decrease the level of MMP-9.