Effects of Platycodonis Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma on oral nanoparticle uptake and in vitro inhibition against breast cancer metastasis / 中国中药杂志

This study combined the herbal pair Platycodonis Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(PR-CR) possessing an inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation and metastasis with the active component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) silibinin-loaded nanoparticles(NPs) with a regulatory effect on tumor microenvironment based on the joint effect on tumor cells and tumor microenvironment to inhi-bit cell metastasis. The effects of PR-CR on the cellular uptake of NPs and in vitro inhibition against breast cancer proliferation and metastasis were investigated to provide an experimental basis for improving nanoparticle absorption and enhancing therapeutic effects. Silibinin-loaded lipid-polymer nanoparticles(LPNs) were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The NPs were spherical or quasi-spherical in shape with obvious core-shell structure. The mean particle size was 107.4 nm, Zeta potential was-27.53 mV. The cellular uptake assay was performed by in vitro Caco-2/E12 coculture cell model and confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM), and the results indicated that PR-CR could promote the uptake of NPs. Further, in situ intestinal absorption assay by the CLSM vertical scanning approach showed that PR-CR could promote the absorption of NPs in the enterocytes of mice. The inhibitory effect of NPs on the proliferation and migration of 4T1 cells was analyzed using 4T1 breast cancer cells and co-cultured 4T1/WML2 cells, respectively. The results of the CCK8 assay showed that PR-CR-containing NPs could enhance the inhibition against the proliferation of 4T1 breast cancer cells. The wound healing assay indicated that PR-CR-containing NPs enhanced the inhibition against the migration of 4T1 breast cancer cells. This study enriches the research on oral absorption of TCM NPs and also provides a new idea for utilizing the advantages of TCM to inhibit breast cancer metastasis.

Effect and mechanism of Xihuang Pills on rats with precancerous lesions of breast / 中国中药杂志

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Xihuang Pills on rats with precancerous lesions of the breast. Of 48 healthy female rats, 8 were randomly selected as blank group, and the other 40 were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene(DMBA) combined with estrogen and progestin to establish a model of precancerous lesions of the breast. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, a tamoxifen group(1.8 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), a Xihuang Pills low-dose group(0.3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), a medium-dose group(0.6 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) and a high-dose group(1.2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 30 days of admi-nistration, the histopathological changes of viscera and breast were observed by haematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining, and the visceral index was calculated. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the contents of estradiol(E_2) and progesterone(P) in serum. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expressions of VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2), phosphorylated-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(p-VEGFR2), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) were detected by Western blot and the mRNA expressions of VEGF, FGF2, CXC-chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4), cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease(caspase-3), and stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF-1) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). HE staining revealed that the model group had some liver and kidney damages and severe hyperplastic mammary tissue, while the Xihuang Pills high-dose group had mild hyperplasia. Compared with the model group, the Xihuang Pills groups had lo-wer ovarian coefficient(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and Xihuang Pills high-dose group had lower uterine coefficient(P<0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the model group, expressions of E_2 and P in Xihuang Pills high-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR indicated that compared with the conditions in the model group, the protein and mRNA expressions of VEGF and FGF2 in the Xihuang Pills groups were down-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the protein expression of Bcl-2 was lowered(P<0.01); there was a decrease in the protein expressions of VEGFR2 and p-VEGFR2(P<0.01), a down-regulation in the mRNA expressions of CXCR4 and SDF-1(P<0.01), while an increase in the mRNA expression of caspase-3(P<0.01) in both Xihuang Pills medium-dose and high-dose groups; the protein expression of Bax in Xihuang Pills high-dose group was increased(P<0.01). The above results indicated that Xihuang Pills can effectively intervene in precance-rous lesions of the breast, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of E_2 and P secretion as well as the inhibition of angiogenesis and chemokine receptor expression, thus controlling the occurrence of precancerous lesions of the breast in rats.

Clinical application of special fluoroscopy method in the treatment of distal radius fractures with volar locking plate / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#The relationship between the distal screws and the wrist articular surface was assessed by the additional lateral oblique fluoroscopic view during the operation, and the dorsal tangential view of the wrist was used to observe whether the distal screw penetrated the dorsal cortex, so as to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the volar locking plate in the treatment of distal radius fractures.@*METHODS@#From January 2020 to June 2021, 45 cases of fresh distal radius fractures were treated using the volar Henry's approach, including 20 males and 25 females, aged from 32 to 75 years old with an average of (52.4±8.1) years old. During the operation, they were divided into 2 groups according to the different intraoperative fluoroscopic views:the control group of 20 cases, treated with standard anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic view;25 cases in the observation group, additional lateral oblique fluoroscopic view and dorsal tangential view of the wrist were taken. The wrist joint function score and postoperative complications were evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after operation between two groups.@*RESULTS@#All 45 patients were followed up and the duration ranged from 6 to 14 months, with an average of (10.8±1.7) months, all patients achieved bone union and the incision healed well. The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In terms of Gartland-Werley score of wrist joint function, the score of wrist function in the observation group was (4.58±1.31) at 6 weeks, (2.98±0.63) at 3 months and (1.95±0.65) at 6 months post-operatively, which were better than those in the control group (6.32±1.96) at 6 weeks, (3.63±0.76) at 3 months and (2.43±0.73) at 6 months. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In the observation group, 7/25 cases(28%) were found to have screw penetration during the operation by additional lateral oblique and dorsal tangential radiograph fluoroscopic views of wrist.@*CONCLUSION@#The addition of lateral oblique and dorsal tangential during the operation could improve the accuracy of distal screw placement, reduce postoperative complications, and achieve early functional exercise.

Comparison of in vivo plasma pharmacokinetics and urine excretion of main components in Xihuang Formula in rats with precancerous lesions of breast cancer / 中国中药杂志

The UPLC-MS/MS was established for the determination of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid(AKBA) and β-boswellic acid(β-BA), the main active components of Olibanum and Myrrha extracts in Xihuang Formula, in rat plasma and urine. The effects of compatibility on the pharmacokinetic behaviors of AKBA and β-BA in rats were investigated, and the differences in pharmacokinetic behaviors between healthy rats and rats with precancerous lesions of breast cancer were compared. The results showed that compared with RM-NH and RM-SH groups, the AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of β-BA increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), T_(max) decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and C_(max) increased(P<0.01) after compatibility. The trends of AKBA and β-BA were the same. Compared with RM-SH group, the T_(max) decreased(P<0.05), C_(max) increased(P<0.01), and the absorption rate increased in the normal group of Xihuang Formula. The results of urinary excretion showed that there was a decreasing trend in the urinary excretion rate and total urinary excretion of β-BA and AKBA after compatibility, but there was no statistical difference. Compared with normal group of Xihuang Formula, the AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of β-BA increased(P<0.05), T_(max) increased(P<0.05), and the clearance rate decreased in the breast precancerous lesion group. AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of AKBA showed an increasing trend, the in vivo retention time was prolonged, and the clearance rate was reduced, but there was no significant difference compared with the normal group. The cumulative urinary excretion and urinary excretion rate of β-BA and AKBA decreased under pathological conditions, indicating that pathological conditions could affect the in vivo process of β-BA and AKBA, and reduce their excretion in the form of prototype drugs, showing different pharmacokine-tic characteristics from normal physiological conditions. In this study, UPLC-MS/MS analysis method was established, which was sui-table for in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis of β-BA and AKBA. This study laid a foundation for the development of new dosage forms of Xihuang Formula.

Stability and taste evaluation of two kinds of oral solvent after extemporaneous compounding / 药学学报

A flavoring agent and a suspension agent were prepared for extemporaneous compounding. The stability of the two agents before and after drug loading was investigated, and the taste of the suspension after extemporaneous compounding was evaluated by electronic tongue technology. The two agents remained stable under the conditions of influence factor test, accelerated test and long-term test. The appearance properties of the two agents did not change. The relative density of the flavoring agent was maintained at 1.053-1.075, and the pH was stable at 4.2-4.5. The relative density of the suspension agent was maintained at 0.999-1.022, and the pH was stable at 4.0-4.5. Seven kinds of drugs, including warfarin sodium tablets and spironolactone tablets, were mixed with these two oral solvents, and the content uniformity and stability were detected respectively. The results showed that the preparations could be evenly dispersed and the physical and chemical properties were stable. The results of taste evaluation showed that in captopril group and chloral hydrate group, the flavoring agent had the best effect on taste correction. In warfarin sodium group, rifampicin group, spironolactone group, vitamin B1 group and vitamin B2 group, the blending agents had the best effect on taste correction.

Transcranial sonography image characteristics of substantia nigra in different Parkinson′s disease subtypes and their correlation with iron metabolism / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the pathological mechanism of SN hyperechogenicity by investigating the characteristics of substantia nigra (SN) hyperechogenicity on transcranial sonography (TCS) and serum iron metabolism parameters in the postural instability gait difficulty and tremor dominant subtypes of Parkinson′s disease (PD), and the correlation between them.Methods:A total of 155 PD patients recruited in Parkinson′s Disease Specialty in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2019 to December 2021 were divided into postural instability gait difficulty group( n=95) and tremor dominant group( n=60). Meanwhile, 49 healthy gender- and age-matched healthy individuals who sought for physical examination during the same period were included as the control group. All subjects underwent TCS and blood test, and the echo of SN between the postural instability gait difficulty group and tremor dominant group, serum iron metabolism parameters among the three groups were compared. The postural instability gait difficulty group and tremor dominant group were subdivided into with SN hyperechogenicity (SN+ )subgroup and without SN hyperechogenicity (SN-) subgroup respectively according to TCS results, and the differences in serum iron metabolism parameters between the subgroups were further compared. The association between SN hyperechogenicity and serum iron metabolism parameters of the postural instability gait difficulty group and tremor dominant group were further analyzed. Results:The total area of bilateral SN+ , the area of SN+ on the larger side, and the ratio of the total area of SN+ to the midbrain area (S/M) in postural instability gait difficulty group were larger than those in tremor dominant group (all P<0.001). The value of serum ceruloplasmin and transferrin in both postural instability gait difficulty group and tremor dominant group were lower than those in control group (all P<0.001), and compared with tremor dominant group and control group, the postural instability gait difficulty group had lower serum ferritin(all P<0.01). In both postural instability gait difficulty group and tremor dominant group, serum ceruloplasmin in SN+ subgroup was lower than that in SN-subgroup ( P=0.001, 0.032). Moreover, there was a negative correlation between serum transferrin and the area of SN hyperechogenicity in two subgroups(postural instability gait difficulty group: rs=-0.454, P<0.001; tremor dominant group: rs=-0.494, P<0.001). Conclusions:Compared with the tremor dominant patients, the postural instability gait difficulty patients have larger area of SN hyperechogenicity and lower serum ferritin level. The area of SN hyperechogenicity is significantly negatively correlated with serum transferrin level, indicating that the production of this imaging characteristics is related to iron metabolism.

Four new lanostane triterpenoids from latex of Euphorbia resinifera / 中国中药杂志

Four new lanostane triterpenoids, 3β-hydroxy-12α-methoxylanosta-7,9(11),24-triene(1), 3β-hydroxy-12α-methoxy-24-methylene-lanost-7,9(11)-dien(2), 3,7-dioxo-lanosta-8,24-diene(3), and 3,7-dioxo-24-methylene-lanost-8-en(4), were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia resinifera with a variety of chromatography methods. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data and/or comparison with the data reported in previous research. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed moderate inhibition of LPS-induced NO production by RAW264.7, with IC_(50) of 30.4, 37.5, and 28.3 μmol·L~(-1), respectively.

A double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled, multicenter trial of 99Tc-methylene diphosphonate in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Clinical observational studies revealed that 99Tc-methylene diphosphonate (99Tc-MDP) could reduce joint pain and swollenness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy study aimed to evaluate the effects of 99Tc-MDP plus methotrexate (MTX) vs. MTX alone or 99Tc-MDP alone on disease activity and structural damage in MTX-naïve Chinese patients with moderate to severe RA.@*METHODS@#Eligible patients with moderate to severely active RA were randomized to receive 99Tc-MDP plus MTX (n = 59) vs. MTX (n = 59) alone or 99Tc-MDP (n = 59) alone for 48 weeks from six study sites across four provinces in China. The primary outcomes were the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement (ACR20) response rates at week 24 and changes in modified total Sharp score at week 48.@*RESULTS@#At week 24, the proportion of participants achieving ACR20 was significantly higher in the MTX + 99Tc-MDP combination group (69.5%) than that in the MTX group (50.8%) or 99Tc-MDP group (47.5%) (P = 0.03 for MTX + 99Tc-MDP vs. MTX, and MTX + 99Tc-MDP vs.99Tc-MDP, respectively). The participants in the MTX + 99Tc-MDP group and the 99Tc-MDP group had significantly less important radiographic progression than the participants in the MTX group over the 48 weeks (MTX + 99Tc-MDP vs. MTX: P = 0.03, 99Tc-MDP vs. MTX: P = 0.03, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of adverse events (AEs) among the groups. No serious AEs were observed.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study demonstrated that the combination of 99Tc-MDP with MTX inhibited structural damage and improved disease activity in RA patients compared with MTX and 99Tc-MDP monotherapies, without increasing the rate of AEs. Additional clinical studies of 99Tc-MDP therapy in patients with RA are warranted.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chictr.org, ChiCTR-IPR-14005684; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=10088.

Clinical metabolomics research on Xiaozhang Tie with the umbilical compress therapy for cirrhotic ascites / 药学学报

We used metabolomics technology to identify and understand the biomarkers and therapeutic mechanisms of umbilical compress therapy based on Xiaozhang Tie (XT) to provide scientific evidence for its clinical application. A total of 10 patients with cirrhotic ascites and gastrointestinal motility disorders who were hospitalized in the Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to June 2018 were divided into a placebo group (4 cases) or an XT group (5 cases), and 10 healthy volunteers were included as controls. This clinical trial was approved according to the Ethics Committee of Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2017-528-11-01). The patients in the XT group were given umbilical compress therapy with Xiaozhang Tie, and patients in the placebo group were administered a plaster patch in which the drug content was less than 5%, receiving one patch per day for three consecutive days. Non-targeted metabolomics technology and UPLC-Q/Orbitrap-MS/MS analysis technology were utilized to investigate the fluctuations in endogenous metabolic profiles in the patient's urine prior to and after administration of XT. By analyzing and comparing the urine metabolic profiles of patients with cirrhotic ascites to those of healthy volunteers, a total of 31 biomarkers were identified, 14 of which were significantly decreased by the intervention with Xiaozhang Tie (P <0.05). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that phenylalanine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism are key pathways affected by XT treatment. The results suggest that XT can alleviate cirrhotic ascites by modulating abnormalities in amino acid metabolism.

Improvement in compatibility of hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive with cinnamon volatile oil and in vitro transdermal property by physical blending / 中国中药杂志

Hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive(HMPSA) has broad application potential in the field of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) plasters due to its high drug loading, weak skin irritation, satisfactory adhesion, etc. compared with rubber plasters.However, the structure of HMPSA is prone to suffer from the damage caused by volatile oils in TCM plasters. In view of this, a kind of HMPSA with a stable structure was prepared by physical blending of DINCH, polypropylene wax and liquid rubber(LIR) in the present study, which is denoted as DPL. The dosage of cinnamon volatile oil(CVO), the model drug, was selected with viscosity, softening point and cohesion as evaluation indexes. The interaction between DPL and HMPSA was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The compatibility of HMPSA with CVO and its transdermal ability were studied by in vitro transdermal test, adhesion, scanning electron microscopy( SEM) and rheological evaluation. The results showed that 5% CVO began to damage the structure of HMPSA. The initial adhesion and holding adhesion of DPL-modified HMPSA(DPL-HMPSA) were not significantly changed compared with those of HMPSA, whereas the 180° peel strength was decreased. FI-IR unraveled that DPL formed the n-π conjugated system with styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer(SIS), and there was no significant difference in the glass transition temperature according to DSC results, which indicated the good compatibility of DPL with HMPSA. With 5% CVO loaded, the drug content of DPL-HMPSA was 1. 14 times higher than that of HMPSA, and the decrease rate of drug content in DPL-HMPSA was 16% lower than that in HMPSA after 3 months. SEM demonstrated that CVO did not cause obvious structural damage to DPL-HMPSA. Rheological evaluation revealed that the storage modulus and loss factor of DPL-HMPSA were higher than those of HMPSA, and the cohesion was also stronger. The percutaneous penetration rate of cinnamaldehyde in DPL-HMPSA was 2. 25 times that of HMPSA. In conclusion, DPL-HMPSA had more stable structure, better compatibility with CVO, and higher in vitro transdermal efficiency of cinnamaldehyde than before the modification. This study can provide reference for the mitigation of the matrix structure damage caused by volatile oil components in TCM plasters and the enhancement of the content and in vitro transdermal rate of drug.

Study on effect of SuperTab 40LL on compression characteristics of musk sustained-release mini-tablets based on mathematical models / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, co-processed lactose SuperTab 40 LL was selected as fillers to study the preparation of musk sustained-release mini-tablets in the Xihuang multiple-unit drug release system. Musk sustained-release tablets containing different proportions of SuperTab 40 LL and MCC were prepared under various pressures, and then the compressibility and compactibility of these prescriptions were evaluated by Walker, Heckel and Ryshkewitch-Duckworth equations. In addition, the fluidity of the prescriptions was evaluated by parameters of Kawakita equation. There was a comprehensive analysis of the effect of SuperTab 40 LL on musk sustained-release mini-tablets combined with the appearance of SuperTab 40 LL and their tensile strength. The results shown that SuperTab 40 LL had better compression process through the Heckel equation, and the direct compression process of drug powders with excipients can be analyzed by the Kawakita and Ryshkewitch-Duckworth equations. As a new type of co-processed lactose, SuperTab 40 LL had a good fluidity and compactibility. SuperTab 40 LL may undergo particle crushing and plastic deformation during the compression process, which increased the contact area and bonding sites between the particles, and aggregated and shaped the mixed powder easy. Moreover, MCC showed a synergistic effect, and the combined application with SuperTab 40 ll could effectively improve the fluidity and compressibility of the musk sustained-release powder. When the ratio of SuperTab 40 LL and MCC was 2∶1, musk sustained-release mini-tablets had a high drug loading capacity and good compactibility in line with the design objectives.

Resource Value Discovery and Utilization of Wastes in Industrialization of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The recycling of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） wastes is an important research topic to be solved urgently in the industrialization of TCM resources. Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is a bulk Chinese herb mainly derived from Rheum palmatum，R. tanguticum，and R. officinale. At present，these three medicinal plants have been cultivated on a large scale and widely used in the fields of medicine，health care，food，cosmetics，and veterinary medicine，with an annual demand of more than 5 500 tons（1 ton=1 000 kg）. However，a large number of wastes such as non-medicinal parts and residues produced in the production and deep processing are discarded because there is no effective way of utilization，resulting in serious waste of resources and environmental pollution. The non-medicinal parts contain not only the chemical components and pharmacological effects similar to those of roots and rhizomes but also a variety of amino acids，mineral elements，and conventional nutrients. They have a long history of use，and the content of some resource components is higher than that in roots and rhizomes. In particular，their stems and leaves exhibit great potential to be consumed as food and medicine due to high safety. Besides，the content of anthraquinones in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma residue is high and it possesses good antibacterial activity. It can be seen that the waste from the industrialization of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has high utilization value. Hence，based on the relevant literature and investigation on the application of producing areas in China and abroad，the paper summarized the utilization status of their medicinal and non-medicinal parts，the waste production in the industrialization，as well as the active substances and utilization ways and put forward the multi-level and multi-path utilization strategy of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma wastes，in order to provide reference for the rational development and application of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma resources and promote the effective utilization and green development of the corresponding wastes.

Anti-tumor activity screening and research on the primary mechanism of dicumarol in vitro / 药学学报

To study the anti-tumor activities and the related mechanisms of dicumarol, the CCK-8 method was used to identify anti-tumor activities of dicumarol. HepG2 cells were used to explore the anti-tumor mechanisms by measuring several physiological and biochemical indexes. The results show that dicumarol can significantly inhibit the growth of HepG2, Hccc-9810 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, with HepG2 cells showing the greatest sensitivity to dicumarol (with an IC50 value of 3.19 ± 0.68 µmol·L-1 at 48 h). Dicumarol arrested the cell cycle at S phase and down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 while promoting the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-9. Dicumarol significantly decreased the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in HepG2 cells, and increased the levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dicumarol also down-regulated the protein levels of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1, and hypoxia inducible factor-1α under hypoxic conditions. The above results show that dicumarol can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells and induce cycle arrest and apoptosis. Dicumarol may down-regulate the expression of HIF-1α by inhibiting the activity of NQO1 and PDK1, which leads to the accumulation of ROS, thereby generating oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

Research Progress of Nano-drug Delivery Systems for Active Ingredients from Chinese Materia Medica by Modulating EMT to Inhibit Tumor Metastasis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process during which cells undergo transition from a polarized epithelial phenotype to a non-polarized mesenchymal phenotype, executed by transcription factors of Twist, Snail and Zeb families. EMT plays an important role in multiple stages of cancer progression such as initiation, tumor growth, and metastasis. Some active ingredients from Chinese materia medica can inhibit EMT by regulating transcription factors and signaling pathways by multiple targets. However, their therapeutic effect was hindered due to various limitation such as solubility, stability, tissue specificity and safety. Therefore, in order to improve the druggability of active ingredients from Chinese materia medica, enhance the therapeutic effect in inhibiting tumor metastasis mediated by EMT and reduce the toxic and side effects, a variety of nano-drug delivery systems have been developed in recent years. Here, we made a review about these drug delivery systems modulating EMT and their research progress in inhibiting tumor metastasis.

Research Progress on Organic-inorganic Hybrid Nanocarriers of Active Ingredients from Chinese Materia Medica / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Nanocarriers for delivering active ingredients from Chinese materia medica play an important role in improving their solubility, membrane permeability and in vivo biological behavior, enhancing the therapeutic efficiency and reducing side effects. They are promising for extensive research and application. As novel nanocarriers, organic-inorganic hybrid nanocarriers composed of organic materials or carriers and inorganic parts possess the dual advantages of organic carriers and inorganic carriers. They may exert desirable action in drug delivery. In addition, they have been designed to improve the stability and biocompatibility, further increase the therapeutic efficiency and reduce side effects. They have also been investigated to achieve multi-functionality. In this paper, the research and application of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocarriers delivering active ingredients from Chinese materia medica were summarized and analyzed. The development and application prospect of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocarriers are prospected. The aim of this review is to provide a reference for the investigation of new drug delivery system for delivering active ingredients from Chinese materia medica efficiently and safely.

Preparation and evaluation of schisandrin B-loaded F127 modified lipid-polymer nanoparticles for inhibition of breast cancer lung metastasis / 中国中药杂志

In the current study, schisandrin B(SchB)-loaded F127 modified lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles(SchB-F-LPNs) were developed to improve the inhibition of breast cancer lung metastasis. Modified nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare SchB-F-LPNs. The nanoparticles were spherical in shape with shell-core structure by TEM observation. SchB-F-LPNs showed a mean particle size of(234.60±6.11) nm with zeta potential of(-5.88±0.49) mV. XRD results indicated that SchB existed in the nanoparticles in an amorphous state. The apparent permeability coefficient through porcine mucus of F-LPNs was 1.43-fold of that of LPNs as shown in the in vitro mucus penetration study. The pharmacokinetics study showed that the C_(max) of SchB was(369.06±146.94) μg·L~(-1),(1 121.34±91.65) μg·L~(-1) and(2 951.91±360.53) μg·L~(-1) respectively in SchB suspensions group, SchB-LPNs group and SchB-F-LPNs group after oral administration in rats. With SchB suspensions as the reference formulation, the relative bioavailability of SchB-F-LPNs was 568.60%. SchB-F-LPNs inhibited the morphological change during transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, SchB-F-LPNs significantly decreased the number of metastatic pulmonary nodules in 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice, suggesting that SchB-F-LPNs may inhibit the metastasis of breast cancer. These results reveal the promising potential of SchB-F-LPNs in treatment of breast cancer lung metastasis.

The association of pre-pregnancy body mass and weight gain during pregnancy with macrosomia: a cohort study / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To examine the association of pre-pregnancy body mass and weight gain during pregnancy with macrosomia. @*Methods@#From January 2015 to December 2015, a total of 20 477 pregnant women were recruited by probabilistic proportional scale sampling with simple randomization in Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces. Basic information of pregnant women, weight gain during pregnancy and weight of newborn were collected. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the association between the pre-pregnancy body mass and gestational weight gain indicators with macrosomia. @*Results@#20 321 mother-infant were included in the final analysis. 20 321 pregnant women were (30.09±4.10) years old and delivered at (39.20±1.29) weeks, among which 12 341 (60.73%) cases were cesarean delivery. The birth weight of 20 321 infants were (3 292.26±431.67) grams, and 970 (4.77%) were macrosomia. The multiple logistic regression model showed that after adjusting for the age of women, compared to the normal weight group in the pre-pregnancy, the overweight and obesity group elevated the risk of macrosomia, with OR (95%CI) about 1.99 (95%CI: 1.69−2.35) and 4.05 (95%CI: 3.05−5.39), respectively. After adjusting for the age, the pre-pregnancy BMI, delivery weeks, delivery mode and infant′s gender, compared to the weight-gain appropriate group, higher weight gain rate in the mid-pregnancy and excessive total gestational weight gain elevated the risk of macrosomia, with OR (95%CI) about 1.99 (95%CI: 1.66−2.39) and 1.80 (95%CI: 1.55−2.08), respectively. @*Conclusion@#The overweight before pregnancy, obesity before pregnancy, the rate of weight gain in the second trimester and the high total weight gain during pregnancy could increase the risk of macrosomia.

Research on regional distribution and industrial status analysis of genuine medicinal resources of flowers in Henan province / 中国中药杂志

Flower medicinal materials usually refer to Chinese medicinal materials with a complete flower,inflorescence,or part of a flower as the different medicinal parts,they have an important share in the Chinese herbal medicine market and appeared frequently in Chinese medicine prescriptions. Firstly,the species and regional distribution of the flower medicinal materials resources in China were briefly summarized. Secondly,the characteristics,yield,producing area and origin distribution of the main flower medicinal materials in Henan province were discussed. Finally,the present situation and the main problems of the flower medicinal materials industry in Henan province were comprehensively analyzed,and the corresponding industrial development countermeasures were put forward.This research was intended to provide decision-making demonstration and scientific basis for the rational exploitation and utilization of resources,breeding of new varieties,planting division,production layout and the healthy and sustainable development of the flower medicinal materials industry in Henan province.

Effect of up-regulation of miR-92a on the proliferation and angiogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To investigate the effect of down-regulation of miR-92 a on the proliferation and angiogenesis of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Human NSCLC cell A549 was divided into three groups: A549 group (non-transfected A549 cells), sc-siRNA group (A549 cells transfected with sc-siRNA) and miR-92a-siRNA group (A 5 4 9 cells trans-fected with miR-92a-siRNA). The relative expression level of miR-92 a, PTEN and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in A549 cells and human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The proliferation ability of A549 cells in each group was detected by living cell count and crystal violet staining experiment. Results The relative expression of miR-92 a in A549 cells was significantly higher than that in HBE cells (P < 0.05), the expression level of PTEN protein in A549 cells was significantly lower than that in HBE cells (P < 0.05), and the expression level of VEGF protein was significantly higher than that in HBE cells (P < 0.05).In the miR-92a-siRNA group, the relative expression of miR-92 a decreased (P < 0.05), the expression level of PTEN protein in-creased (P < 0.05), and the expression level of VEGF protein decreased (P < 0.05). The expression levels of PI3 K and Akt in miR-92a-siRNA group decreased (P < 0.05). the number of cells and cell proliferation ability in miR-92a-siRNA group reduced. Conclusion The expression of miR-92 a in NSCLC A549 cells is up-regulated, miR-92 a gene silencing can significantly inhibit cell proliferation and inhibit cell angiogenesis, PTEN and VEGF related PI3K/Akt signaling pathways may play an important role in this process.

Imaging and histological changes of the healing process of experimental sheep femoral fracture using different fixation methods / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Microwave treatment is a common physical therapy method that can increase the temperature and blood circulation of deep tissues, and is used for improving fracture repair. However, microwave treatment cannot be used if there is surgically implanted metal plate or screw. OBJECTIVE: To observe the dame of microwave treatment to the tissues surrounding the titanium alloy implants. METHODS: Forty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into experimental and control groups. The model of the fracture at the middle of the femur was established in all rabbits, and the rabbits in the experimental group were implanted with titanium alloy internal fixation systems. A 30-day microwave treatment (2 450 MHz, 20 W or 40 W, 20 minutes daily) was applied to the fracture site in all rabbits at 3 days after operation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After 20 W of wave microwave treatment, the temperature of tissues around the implants showed no significant increase or severe heat injury. While, 40 W of wave microwave treatment significantly increased the temperature of tissues around the implants and the tissue was damaged severely. Our results indicate that, the low-dosage microwave treatment may be a promising method in the rehabilitation therapy of fractures with titanium alloy internal fixation.