Establishment of carotenoid fingerprint in Lycium barbarum and study on its antioxidant activity spectrum- effect relationship / 中国药房

OBJECTI VE To establish the high performan ce liquid c hromatography（HPLC）fingerprint of carotenoid in Lycium barbarum，and to investigate the spectrum-effect relationship between its common peak and antioxidant activity. METHODS HPLC method was adopted. The fingerprints of carotenoid in 34 batches of L. barbarum from different producing areas were established by Similarity Evaluation System of TCM Fingerprint （2012 edition），and similarity evaluation and common peak identification were carried out. Taking scavenging rate of DPPH free radical as index ，in vitro antioxidant activity of carotenoid in L. barbarum was investigated. The spectrum-effect relationship between the common peaks of carotenoids in L. barbarum and antioxidant activity was analyzed by grey correlation method. RESULTS There were 4 common peaks in the fingerprints of carotenoids in 34 batches of L. barbarum ，and the similarity was not less than 0.903. Peak 1 was identified as zeaxanthin ，and peak 4 as zeaxanthin dipalmitate. The scavenging rates of them to DPPH free radical were 1.792％-3.160％. The common peaks of carotenoids in L. barbarum were positively correlated with scavenging rate of DPPH free radical ，and the correlation degree was greater than 0.6；the correlation degree of peak 2 and peak 4（zeaxanthin dipalmitate ）with scavenging rate of DPPH free radical was greater than 0.8. According to the correlation degree ，the contribution of each common peak to scavenging rate of DPPH free radical was determined as peak 2＞ peak 4（zeaxanthin dipalmitate ）＞peak 1（zeaxanthin）＞peak 3. CONCLUSIONS In this study ，HPLC fingerprint of carotenoid in L. barbarum is successfully established ，and two common peaks are identified. The chemical components represented by peak 2 and zeaxanthin palmitate may be the material basis of antioxidant activity of carotenoid in L. barbarum .

Study on serum pharmacodynamic material basis of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in treatment of ulcerative colitis based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS / 中国中药杂志

This study established a mouse model of ulcerative colitis and explored the serum transitional components of Gegen Qinlian Decoction by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. Based on the exact relative molecular weight and MS/MS spectrum, 55 prototype components and 59 metabolites were identified from the model group, while 18 prototype components and 35 metabolites from the control group. The prototype components in serum were mainly flavonoids and the characteristic components of the model group were alkaloids. Glucuronidation, sulfonation, and glycosylation have been confirmed to be the main metabolic types in vivo. The results of comparative analysis of differences indicated that puerarin, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, chrysin, oroxylin A, berberine, berberrubine, and palmatine were the characteristic components in model state, which at the same time, were confirmed by pharmacological studies to be the serum pharmacodynamic material basis of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This study has provided reference for explaining the metabolic transformation pattern and mechanism of action of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in vivo.

Establishment and validation of reference interval of D-dimer in plasma of healthy pregnant women in Xi ′an / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To provide normal reference thresholds for clinical dynamic monitoring of the risk of microthrombus during pregnancy, we aimed to establish reference intervals of D-dimer in healthy pregnant women during different periods of gestation in Xi′an.Method:From December 2020 to March 2022, a total of 1502 healthy pregnant women and healthy non-pregnant women (healthy non-pregnant control group) who received routine prenatal examination in Northwest Women and Children′s Hospital were recruited in the study by questionnaire, including 1236 healthy pregnant women and 266 healthy non-pregnant control group. Plasma D-dimer concentration was detected by STA-R Evolution automatic blood coagulation analyzer and the concentration levels of D-dimer in different pregnancies and age groups were calculated using Graph Prism 9.0 software. In addition, 20 samples were collected in each pregnancy to verify the established reference interval.Results:There was no significant difference in plasma D-dimer levels between<30 years old and ≥30 years old at different gestational weeks. Plasma D-dimer level in healthy pregnant women group was significantly higher than that in healthy non-pregnant women group of the same age (P<0.05). With the increase of gestational week, plasma D-dimer level in pregnant women increased significantly, and plasma D-dimer level at different gestational weeks ≤13 weeks, 13+ 1-20 weeks, 20+ 1-27 weeks, 27+ 1-35 weeks, ≥35 +1 week were 0.33 (0.26, 0.47) μg/ml, 0.41 (0.30, 0.51) μg/ml, 0.71 (0.48, 0.94) μg/ml, 0.91 (0.70, 1.27) μg/ml, 1.30 (0.96, 1.72) μg/mlrespectively. Unilateral reference interval acuities were≤0.89 μg/ml, ≤1.53 μg/ml, ≤2.44 μg/ml, ≤2.74 μg/ml, ≤3.82 μg/ml respectively. The reference range established in this study was verified by 20 independent samples from each of the 5 gestational age groups, and the results were acceptable. Conclusion:This study preliminarily established the reference interval of plasma D-dimer in healthy pregnant women at different gestational weeks in Xi ′an area, which is helpful for the auxiliary diagnosis of thrombotic diseases during pregnancy.

Edible Bird's Nest Attenuates Menopause-Related Bone Degeneration in Rats via Increaing Bone Estrogen-Receptor Expression / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanistic basis for the attenuation of bone degeneration by edible bird's nest (EBN) in ovariectomized rats.@*METHODS@#Forty-two female Sprage-Dawley rats were randomized into 7 groups (6 in each group). The ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX + 6%, 3%, and 1.5% EBN and OVX +estrogen groups were given standard rat chow alone, standard rat chow +6%, 3%, and 1.5% EBN, or standard rat chow +estrogen therapy (0.2mg/kg per day), respectively. The sham-operation group was surgically opened without removing the ovaries. The control group did not have any surgical intervention. After 12 weeks of intervention, blood samples were taken for serum estrogen, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin, as well as the measurement of magnesium, calcium abd zinc concentrations. While femurs were removed from the surrounding muscles to measure bone mass density using the X-ray edge detection technique, then collected for histology and estrogen receptor (ER) immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#Ovariectomy altered serum estrogen levels resulting in increased food intake and weight gain, while estrogen and EBN supplementation attenuated these changes. Ovariectomy also reduced bone ER expression and density, and the production of osteopcalcin and osteorotegerin, which are important pro-osteoplastic hormones that promote bone mineraliztion and density. Conversely, estrogen and EBN increased serum estrogen levels leading to increased bone ER expression, pro-osteoplastic hormone production and bone density (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EBN could be used as a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapys for managing menopausal complications like bone degeneration.

Improving comprehensive retention rate of peppermint oil in freeze-dried preparation based on cyclodextrin inclusion technology / 中国中药杂志

The freeze-drying technique, characterized by low-temperature processing, is especially suitable for sensitive volatile oils with thermal instability. However, there are few studies focusing on the retention of volatile oils in the processing of freeze-dried preparations. This study evaluated the effects of different addition methods(adsorption, emulsification, solid dispersion, and inclusion) on the retention rate of the main components in peppermint oil, aiming to explore the application feasibility of freeze-dried preparations of volatile oils. Firstly, the addition method was determined based on the retention rates of menthol in four freeze-dried preparations. Secondly, an orthogonal test was designed to optimize the preparation process based on the characteristics of the preferred addition method. The results showed that the most suitable preparation form of peppermint oil was inclusion with beta-cyclodextrin(β-CD), and the retention rate of menthol in freeze-drying was 86.36%. According to the two-step preparation process of inclusion and freeze-drying, we introduced the product of inclusion rate and retention rate, i.e., comprehensive retention rate, to determine the optimum processing parameters. The results showed that β-CD/oil ratio of 7∶1, inclusion temperature of 40 ℃, and inclusion time of 2 h were the optimum processing parameters. The product prepared with these parameter had the comprehensive retention rate of 68.41%, retention rate of 92.53%, and inclusion rate of 73.93%. The inclusion compound was white powder with significantly increased solubility. The pre-paration process based on cyclodextrin inclusion in this study is stable and reliable and provides a new idea for ensuring the efficacy and stability of volatile components in freeze-dried preparations.

Molecular mechanism of Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills in treating myocardial ischemia:a study based on HIF-1 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills(QSYQ) are used clinically to treat various myocardial ischemic diseases, such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and heart failure; however, the molecular mechanism of QSYQ remains unclear, and the scientific connotation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compatibility has not been systematically explained. The present study attempted to screen the critical pathway of QSYQ in the treatment of myocardial ischemia by network pharmacology and verify the therapeutic efficacy with the oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD) model, in order to reveal the molecular mechanism of QSYQ based on the critical pathway. The key targets of QSYQ were determined by active ingredient identification and target prediction, and underwent pathway enrichment analysis and functional annotation with David database to reveal the biological role and the critical pathway of QSYQ. Cell counting Kit-8(CCK-8), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), and Western blot tests were launched on high-content active ingredients with OGD cell model to reveal the molecular mechanism of QSYQ based on the critical pathway. The results of network pharmacology indicated that QSYQ, containing 18 active ingredients and 82 key targets, could protect cardiomyocytes by regulating biological functions, such as nitric oxide biosynthesis, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis, through TNF signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3 K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. HIF-1 signaling pathway was the critical pathway. As revealed by CCK-8 and LDH tests, astragaloside Ⅳ, salvianic acid A, and ginsenoside Rg_1 in QSYQ could enhance cell viability and reduce LDH in the cell supernatant in a concentration-dependent manner(P<0.05). As demonstrated by the Western blot test, astragaloside Ⅳ significantly down-regulated the protein expression of serine/threonine-protein kinase(Akt1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α) in the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and up-regulated the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA). Salvianic acid A significantly down-regulated the protein expression of upstream phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha(PIK3 CA) and downstream HIF-1α of Akt1. Ginsenoside Rg_1 significantly down-regulated the expression of HIF-1α protein and up-regulated the expression of VEGFA. The therapeutic efficacy of QSYQ on myocardial ischemia was achieved by multiple targets and multiple pathways, with the HIF-1 signaling pathway serving as the critical one. The active ingredients of QSYQ could protect cardiomyocytes synergistically by regulating the targets in the HIF-1 signaling pathway to inhibit its expression.

Effects of Sirt1 on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood of SD rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To explore the effect of Sirt1 on the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A rat COPD model was established via smoking and endotoxin administration for three months. The peripheral circulating EPCs were isolated by gradient centrifugation, and their functions, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and Sirt1 expression were examined. The function changes of EPCs in the presence or absence of Sirt1 agonist and inhibitor were estimated; meanwhile, the expressions of Sirt1, FOXO3a, NF-κB, and p53 were also evaluated. Results: The proliferation, adhesion, and migration of EPCs decreased while the apoptosis rate was increased in the COPD rats. The expression of Sirt1 protein in EPCs of the COPD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). The overexpression of the Sirt1 gene using a gene transfection technique or Sirt1 agonists (SRT1720) improved the proliferation, migration, and adhesion, and decreased the apoptosis of EPC. However, Sirt1 inhibitor (EX527) decreased EPC functions in the COPD group. The effect of Sirt1 expression on EPC function may be related to reduction of FOXO3a and increase of NF-κB and p53 activity. Conclusions: Increased expression of Sirt1 can improve the proliferation and migration of EPCs and reduce their apoptosis in COPD rats. This change may be related to FOXO3a, NF-κB, and p53 signaling pathways.

Pathological Mechanism of PPs in Immune-related Enteropathy and Regulatory Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Polysaccharides / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Intestinal Peyer's patches （PPs） are local immune tissues of the intestine， which are considered to be the main induction site of the intestinal mucosal immune response， and closely related to immune-related refractory enteropathies， such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In recent years， more and more scholars have tried to find a new breakthrough for treating refractory enteropathies with a limited efficacy of clinical interventions through in-depth study of the relationship between PPs and enteropathy. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） polysaccharides are considered to be a key component for immune regulation with TCM. Modern studies show that TCM polysaccharides have a significant positive intervention effect on the structure and function of PPs， with good development prospects. Based on this， this paper focuses on PPs and intestinal-related diseases， and systematically introduces the physiological structure of PPs and their drug delivery mechanism， and summarizes the interactions of PPs with effect on immune-related enteropathies， analyze of current studies and prospects of effect of TCM polysaccharides in intervening intestinal disease and its dysfunction by regulating PPs， with the aim to provide new strategies for basic studies and clinical treatment of immune-related refractory enteropathies from the perspective of PPs， and new ideas for basic studies and clinical studies on effect of TCM polysaccharides in intervening enteropathies.

Comparison of biofilm cleaning agent and multi-enzyme detergent on endoscopic biofilm cleaning effects / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To investigate the cleaning effects of biofilm cleaning agent and two kinds of multi-enzyme detergents on endoscopic biofilm.Methods:Endoscopic biofilm model was established using pseudomonas aeruginosa, and soaked with No. 1 multi-enzyme detergent, No. 2 multi-enzyme detergent, and biofilm cleaning agent respectively. The control group was cleaned with sterile water. After 5, 10, and 15 minutes at room temperature, the cleaning effects were evaluated by bacteria counting method and scanning electron microscope. Arova was used for the comparison of viable counts among groups. Results:At 5, 10, and 15 minutes of soak, the standard colony counts (CFU/cm 2) of biofilm was 5.31±0.10, 5.04±0.08 and 4.90±0.16 in the No.1 multi-enzyme detergent group, 5.53±0.30, 5.39±0.21 and 5.03±0.42 in the No.2 multi-enzyme detergent group, and 3.53±0.30, 3.01±0.07 and 2.82±0.26 in the biofilm cleaning agent group, and 7.92±0.21 in the blank control group. There was no significant difference in the colony counts between the two multi-enzyme detergent groups ( P>0.05). However, the colony counts of biofilm cleaning agent group was less than that of the two multi-enzyme detergent groups ( P<0.05), and decreased with time ( P<0.05). Under scanning electron microscope, the biofilm cleaning agent group had the least residual biofilm and bacteria. Conclusion:Biofilm cleaning agent can significantly improve the quality of endoscopic cleaning, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Core stability training on an unstable surface better improves ambulation and static balance after thoracolumbar fracture with incomplete spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of conducting core stability training (CST) on an unstable supporting surface using thoracolumbar fracture patients with an incomplete spinal cord injury.Methods:Forty thoracolumbar fracture patients with incomplete spinal cord injury were randomly divided into an experiment group and a control group, each of twenty. Both groups received 30 minutes of CST five times per week for 8 weeks. The patients in the control group were trained on a stable supporting surface while those in the experiment group used an unstable surface. Evaluations were conducted before and after the 8-week intervention. Gait and static balance data were collected and analyzed using 3D motion analysis software and an EAB-100 active balancer.Results:After the intervention, the average stride length and comfortable walking speed of the experimental group were both significantly better than the control group′s averages. Moreover, the path length, circumferential area, rectangular area and effective value area of the Romberg rate were all significantly better, on average, in the experiment group, as was the average displacement of the deflection center with the eyes closed in static balance.Conclusions:An unstable supporting surface is superior to a stable one for conducting CST after thoracolumbar fracture with incomplete spinal cord injury. The effect may be due to improved nonvisual postural control.

Comparison of biofilm cleaning agent and multi-enzyme detergent on endoscopic biofilm cleaning effects / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective@#To investigate the cleaning effects of biofilm cleaning agent and two kinds of multi-enzyme detergents on endoscopic biofilm.@*Methods@#Endoscopic biofilm model was established using pseudomonas aeruginosa, and soaked with No. 1 multi-enzyme detergent, No. 2 multi-enzyme detergent, and biofilm cleaning agent respectively. The control group was cleaned with sterile water. After 5, 10, and 15 minutes at room temperature, the cleaning effects were evaluated by bacteria counting method and scanning electron microscope. Arova was used for the comparison of viable counts among groups.@*Results@#At 5, 10, and 15 minutes of soak, the standard colony counts (CFU/cm2) of biofilm was 5.31±0.10, 5.04±0.08 and 4.90±0.16 in the No.1 multi-enzyme detergent group, 5.53±0.30, 5.39±0.21 and 5.03±0.42 in the No.2 multi-enzyme detergent group, and 3.53±0.30, 3.01±0.07 and 2.82±0.26 in the biofilm cleaning agent group, and 7.92±0.21 in the blank control group. There was no significant difference in the colony counts between the two multi-enzyme detergent groups (P>0.05). However, the colony counts of biofilm cleaning agent group was less than that of the two multi-enzyme detergent groups (P<0.05), and decreased with time (P<0.05). Under scanning electron microscope, the biofilm cleaning agent group had the least residual biofilm and bacteria.@*Conclusion@#Biofilm cleaning agent can significantly improve the quality of endoscopic cleaning, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Linguistic Characteristics of Mandarin-Speaking Huntington's Disease Patients / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective Linguistic problem is common in Huntington's disease (HD) patients. It has been studied before in native speakers of alphabetic languages, such as English. As a hieroglyphic language, Chinese differs from alphabetic languages in terms of phonology, morphology, semantics and syntax. We aimed to investigate the linguistic characteristics of manifest HD in native speakers of Mandarin. Meanwhile, we expected to explore the linguistic differences associated with cortical or subcortical pathology.Methods Five HD patients and five Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients matched in age, gender, disease course and educational level were enrolled. All the participants were Mandarin native speakers. All finished history inquiry, physical examination, basic test, genetic test and neuropsychological assessment. Language evaluation was performed by Aphasia Battery of Chinese.Results HD patients had a mean disease course of 5.4±2.97 (range, 2-10) years. They showed a linguistic disorder close to transcortical motor aphasia. They exhibited prominent phonological impairment, as well as slight semantic and syntactic abnormality. Tonic errors were found in speech. Character structural errors and substitutions were detected in writing. In comparison, AD patients showed a more severe linguistic impairment, characterized by global aphasia with more semantic errors. Conclusion Mandarin-speaking HD patients have a transcortical motor aphasia-like disturbance with prominent phonological impairment, whereas AD patients have a more severe global aphasia with salient semantic impairment.

Changes and significance of the ratio of T helper 17 and regulatory T cell in peripheral blood of patients with coal-burning-borne arsenic poisoning / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To observe the change of T helper 17 (Th17),regulatory T cell (Treg) as a percentage of lymphocytes and the Th17/Treg ratio in peripheral blood of patients with coal-burning-borne arsenic poisoning,and to explore the role of Th17 cells and Treg cells balance in arsenic-induced immune injury.Methods A case-control study was conducted to investigate 149 cases of arsenic poisoning in Yuzhang arsenic poisoning area in the southwestern Gnizhou Province,and the age was (50.69 ± 6.14) years old,including 94 males and 55 females.The diagnosis was based on the "Diagnosis of Endemic Arsenicosis" (WS/T 211-2015),and the cases were divided into mild arsenic poisoning group (39 cases),moderate arsenic poisoning group (54 cases) and severe arsenic poisoning group (56 cases);forty--one residents of non-arsenic exposed villages about 12 km away from the diseased area were collected as control group,the age was (45.76 ± 7.88) years old,including 12 males and 29 females.Hair samples and peripheral blood were collected from the subjects.The content of hair arsenic was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).The percentages of Th17 cells and Treg cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry,and changes in the ratio of Th17/Treg in each group were analyzed.Results The hair arsenic contents in control,mild,moderate,and severe arsenic poisoning groups [median (quartile)] were 0.12 (0.08-0.18),0.20 (0.16-0.33),0.25 (0.18-0.41),0.28 (0.21-0.50) μg/g,and the differences were statistically significant between groups (H =52.22,P ＜ 0.01),and the hair arsenic content in each arsenic poisoning group was higher than that of the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The percentages of Th17 cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes of moderate and severe arsenic poisoning groups [(0.42 ± 0.21)％,(0.41 ± 0.23)％] were higher than that of the control group [(0.29 ± 0.16)％,P ＜ 0.05].The percentages of Treg cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes of mild,moderate and severe arsenic poisoning groups [(0.37 ± 0.18)％,(0.31 ± 0.19)％,(0.27 ± 0.18)％] were lower than that of the control group [(0.71 ± 0.20)％,P ＜ 0.05];with respect to the mild arsenic poisoning group,the percentage of Treg cells in severe arsenic poisoning group was reduced (P ＜ 0.05).The ratios of Th17/Treg in mild,moderate and severe arsenic poisoning groups (1.17 ± 0.63,1.56 ± 0.69,1.83 ± 0.85) were higher than that of the control group (0.43 ± 0.22,P ＜ 0.05);compared with mild arsenic poisoning group,the ratio of Th17/Treg in severe arsenic poisoning group was elevated (P ＜ 0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the hair arsenic content was positively correlated with the percentage of Th17 cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes and the ratio of Th17/Treg (r =0.323,0.608,P ＜ 0.05),and negatively correlated with the percentage of Treg cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes (r =-0.486,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Coal-burning-borne arsenic poisoning can cause the proportion of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of patients to increase in lymphocytes,and the proportion of Treg cells in lymphocytes to decrease,which in turn changes the balance of Th17/Treg,resulting in weakened immune tolerance and disorder the regulation of inflammatory response,thus participates in the occurrence and development of arsenic-induced immune damage.

Differential expression and significance of Foxp3, TGF-β1 and IL-2 in peripheral blood of patients with coal-burning arsenic poisoning / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of transcription factor forkhead/winged helix transcription factor 3 (Foxp3),immune factor transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1),and T-lymphocyte activation related factor interleukin-2 (IL-2) in peripheral blood of patients with coal-burning arsenic poisoning,and to analyze the effects of arsenic exposure on immune function.Methods A case-control study was conducted to investigate 149 cases [94 males and 55 females,(50.69 ± 6.14) years old] of arsenic poisoning in Yuzhang coalburning arsenic poisoning area,southwestern Guizhou Province,and the cases were diagnosed based on the "Diagnosis of Endemic Arsenicosis" (WS/T 211-2015) and confirmed by clinical review.According to skin damage,the patients were divided into mild arsenic poisoning group (39 cases),moderate arsenic poisoning group (54 cases) and severe arsenic poisoning group (56 cases);and 41 cases [12 males and 29 females,(45.76 ± 7.88) years old] of non-arsenic exposed residents from 12 km of Yuzhang coal-burning area were selected as control group.Morning urine and peripheral blood samples were collected with informed consent.Urine arsenic content was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Urine arsenic was corrected by creatinine (Cr).Detection of regulatory T cell (Treg)-specific transcription factor Foxp3 gene expression in human peripheral blood was done by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,and the levels of Treg-related immune factor TGF-β1 and IL-2 in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The urinary arsenic contents [median (quartile):29.13 (19.75-54.50),31.81 (17.52-53.31),30.51 (18.35-45.76) μg/g Cr] in each arsenic poisoning group were higher than that in the control group [21.62 (17.65-28.44) μg/g Cr,P ＜ 0.05].The expression levels of Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood of each arsenic poisoning group [median (quartile):0.58 (0.17-1.27),0.32 (0.17-0.61),0.33 (0.13-0.62)] were significantly lower than that in the control group [0.87 (0.64-1.50),P ＜ 0.05];compared with mild arsenic poisoning group,the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood of moderate and severe arsenic poisoning groups decreased (P ＜ 0.05).The contents of serum TGF-β1 [(13.14 ± 5.19),(12.85 ± 5.51),(12.78 ± 4.95) μg/L] in each arsenic poisoning group were significantly higher than that in the control group [(3.90 ± 1.53) μg/L,P ＜ 0.05].The levels of IL-2 in serum of each arsenic poisoning group [(9.85 ± 5.38),(11.64 ± 6.40),(12.27 ± 6.19) ng/L] were lower than that in the control group [(34.30 ± 4.84) ng/L,P ＜ 0.05];the serum level of IL-2 in severe arsenic poisoning group was higher than that in mild arsenic poisoning group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Arsenic exposure can cause abnormal changes of Treg-specific transcription factor Foxp3 and related immune factors TGF-β1 and IL-2 in peripheral blood of patients.It is suggested that Treg dysfunction may be related to arsenic poisoning.

Clinical efficacy of Bushen Huoxue Anshen therapy in treating perimenopausal sleep disorder with kidney deficiency and blood stasis / 中国中药杂志

The efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of kidney-deficiency and bloodstasis perimenopausal sleep disorders were evaluated. A total of 67 subjects who completed the study were randomly divided into two groups. The traditional Chinese medicine group was orally given Bushen Huoxue Anshen Fang,and the acupuncture group was given acupuncture treatment. Both groups were treated for three consecutive courses of treatment,with a course of treatment of 30 days. The changes of PSQI score,improved Kupperman score,TCM syndromes,serum sex hormone,coagulation,routine blood and urine,liver and kidney function and electrocardiogram were observed before and after treatment. After treatment,the total effective rates of Chinese medicine group and acupuncture group were similar or respectively 91. 43% and 87. 50%. The scores of PSQI,improved Kupperman and TCM syndromes in both groups decreased significantly( P<0. 05). The effect of improving Kupperman score in TCM group was better than that in acupuncture group( P< 0. 01). The effect of improving PSQI and TCM syndromes was similar to that in acupuncture group. The levels of serum FSH and LH were decreased in both groups( P<0. 05),but with no significant difference between the two groups; the level of serum E2 was increased in both groups,but with no significant difference. Compared with before treatment,PT was increased in traditional Chinese medicine group( P<0. 05),but with no significant difference in APTT,TT and FIB before and after treatment; PT and TT were prolonged in acupuncture group( P<0. 05),but with no significant difference in APTT and FIB before and after treatment. The effect of improving PT and TT in the acupuncture group was better than that in the traditional Chinese medicine group( P<0. 05). The results showed that TCM and acupuncture had similar therapeutic effects on perimenopausal sleep disorder of kidney deficiency and blood stasis type,and were safe and reliable. The mechanism was related to the improvement of serum FSH and E2 levels.

Research and development thought on biopharmaceutics classification system of Chinese materia medica / 中国中药杂志

The biopharmaceutics classification system( BCS) is a scientific framework or method for classifying drugs based on drug solubility and permeability,which can be used to provide drug bioavailability-absorption correlation analysis. Based on the characteristics of multi-component and multi-target of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) as well as the concept,method and technology of BCS,the research group proposed biopharmaceutics classification system of Chinese materia medica( CMMBCS) and carried out research and data accumulation of classical prescriptions. Based on the previous research results,further development ideas under the CMMBCS concept and framework were further proposed in this study. In the course of research,the influence of the intermediate links of the complex interactions of the multi-component environment was omitted,and the component absorption studies on the main clinical effects of prescription ingredients were directly concerned,or the components and data were reversely extracted from the aspects of metabolism,pharmacodynamic pathways and absorption principles. Studies were conducted from two aspects( single component and compound prescription) to comprehensively evaluate the absorption properties of TCM compound. In the research path,the different ways in which Chinese medicine could exert its efficacy were fully considered,and CMMBCS classification and establishment rules were clarified mainly by focusing on the absorption pathway into the blood. Specifically,the network pharmacology and molecular docking technology were used to screen the compound index components of TCM; the absorption rules were studied by the physiologically based pharmacokinetic models and the absorption parameters of CMMBCS were calculated by reverse reasoning. Then the CMMBCS classification of TCM prescription was corrected by studying the efficacy or absorption pathway. In this paper,the theoretical framework and research methodology of CMMBCS were systematically improved based on the establishment of CMMBCS basic theory,the supplementary of drug-oriented research ideas and the application of modern mature Chinese medicine methodology.

Applicability analysis and evaluation of aglycones in single-pass intestinal perfusion technique based on PBPK model / 中国中药杂志

Single-pass intestinal perfusion( SPIP) is the common carrier of biopharmaceutics classification system( BCS) to study compound permeability. With the application and deepening study of BCS in the field of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM),SPIP model is becoming more and more common to study the intestinal absorption of TCM ingredients. Based on the limitations of the SPIP model in some researches on TCM permeability,it was speculated in this study that aglycone may be more suitable than the glycoside to study the intestinal absorption problem by using SPIP model. Furthermore,applicability of aglycone components was analyzed and evaluated. In this study,with quercetin,daidzein,formononetin,genistein and glycyrrhetinic acid used as research objects,the quantitative study of SPIP was used to evaluate the intestinal permeability of these aglycones and to predict the effective permeability coefficient( Peff) and absorption fraction( Fa) in human body. By combining studies comparison and analysis on multiple permeability research methods and prediction of human body absorption of aglycones in physiological-based pharmacokinetic models,this paper can further illustrate that the SPIP model is a good tool for studying the permeability of aglycones and predicting human absorption,which can provide data foundation and theoretical reference for researches on SPIP technique and BCS in intestinal absorption of TCM ingredients.

Research on attributes of biopharmaceutics classification system for Chinese materia medica of baicalein in Gegen Qinlian Decoction environment / 中国中药杂志

For the effects of multi-component environment on the solubility and permeability of single components,and the problems of biopharmaceutical attribute classification of single components in the compound prescriptions environment,baicalein was used as the research object in this study to investigate the biopharmaceutic attributes of single-component and their traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) biopharmaceutic attributes in the multi-component environment of Gegen Qilian Decoction. Shaking flask method,intrinsic dissolution rate test and HPLC were used to determine solubility of baicalein. Markers specified by FDA were utilized as permeable boundary reference materials to verify the applicability of the single-pass intestinal perfusion method( SPIP),and the quantitative research on the permeability of baicalein was also conducted. It is concluded that baicalein could be categorized as BCS-Ⅱ drug based on its low solubility and high intestinal permeability values,and it may be categorized into CMMBCS-I in the multi-component environment of Gegen Qilian Decoction due to its poor solubility but enhanced solubility and permeability in compound environment. This study could provide verification ideas for clinical determination of the best human oral dose of baicalein,and provide the data basis for the study of biopharmaceutics classification system of Chinese materia medica( CMMBCS).

Study on biopharmaceutics classification system of Chinese materia medica for Gegen Qinlians Tablets based on anti-inflammatory activity / 中国中药杂志

The research on biopharmaceutics classification system of Chinese materia medica( CMMBCS) should be finally implemented to the holistic research level of traditional Chinese medicine compounds,while the overall biopharmaceutical properties of traditional Chinese medicine compounds are not only the sum of solubility and permeability of each component. In this study,Gegen Qinlian Tablets was used as the research object,and the contents of 12 representative components,i.e. puerarin,daidzin,baicalin,daidzein,wogonoside,baicalein,wogonin,glycyrrhizic acid,coptisine hydrochloride,epiberberine,berberine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride,were simultaneously determined by HPLC to obtain the mass weight of each component. The in vitro lipopolysaccharide( LPS)-induced RAW264. 7 cells inflammation model was established to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of 12 representative components and obtain the efficacy weight of each component. In order to obtain the number of doses and effective permeability coefficient which can represent the overall biopharmaceutical properties of Gegen Qinlian Tablets,mass weight was combined with efficacy weight to integrate the solubility and permeability data of each component determined by typical shake flask method and in situ single pass intestinal perfusion model respectively. The results indicated that Gegen Qinlian Tablets should be categorized Ⅳ drug of the CMMBCS with low solubility and low permeability.

5, 7, 2', 4', 5'-Pentamethoxyflavanone regulates M1/M2 macrophage phenotype and protects the septic mice / 中国天然药物

Flavonoids have been reported to exert protective effect against many inflammatory diseases, while the underlying cellular mechanisms are still not completely known. In the present study, we explored the anti-inflammation activity of 5, 7, 2', 4', 5'-pentamethoxyflavanone (abbreviated as Pen.), a kind of polymethoxylated flavonoid, both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Pen. was showed no obvious toxicity in macrophages even at high dosage treatment. Our results indicated that Pen. significantly inhibited both mRNA and protein level of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS, which was characteristic expressed on M1 polarized macrophages. These effects of Pen. were further confirmed by diminished expression of CD11c, the M1 macrophage surface marker. Further researches showed that the mechanism was due to that Pen. downregulated the activity of p65, key transcription factor for M1 polarization. On the other hand, Pen. also enhanced M2 polarization with upregulation of anti-inflammatory factors and increase of M2 macrophage surface markers, which lead to the balance of M1 and M2 macrophages. Moreover, in vivo research verified that Pen. treatment alleviated LPS-induced sepsis in mice by increasing survival rate, decreasing inflammatory cytokines and improving lung tissue damage. In summary, our results suggested that Pen. modulated macrophage phenotype via suppressing p65 signal pathway to exert the anti-inflammation activity.