ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explore the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation of Pi-deficiency syndrome (PDS) from microRNA (miRNA) levels through screening and bioinformatic analysis of serum miRNA expression in PDS patients. MethodsFour hyperlipemia patients with PDS, 4 hyperlipemia patients with Pi-Wei damp-heat syndrome (PWDS) and 5 healthy volunteers were recruited. Their serum RNA was used in miRNA quantitative PCR array experiment. Serum miRNA expression profiles in PDS patients were screened to perform bioinformatic analysis. ResultsNine candidate miRNAs (6 upregulated and 3 downregulated) were screened from PDS patients. These miRNAs were able to clearly distinguish among PDS patients, PWDS patients and healthy volunteers. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed 83 target genes controlled by 6 up-regulated miRNAs were significantly enriched in 7 pathways, which were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, pathogens of infectious diseases, immune/inflammatory-related signaling pathway and pancreatic cancer; and 365 target genes controlled by 3 down-regulated miRNAs were significantly enriched in 5 pathways, which were mainly involved in signaling pathways of neurotrophin and phosphatidylinositol, RNA transport, and metabolisms of inositol phosphate and amino acid. ConclusionOur findings provide potential miRNA biomarkers for clinical syndrome differentiation of PDS patients, as well as information for understanding and studying the pathogenesis of PDS patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the influence and the optimal dosages of Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD) on treating digestive and immune function of mice with Pi-deficiency syndrome (PDS). Methods The experimental model of mice with PDS was induced by rhubarb decoction. Then the mice were treated with three dosages of SJZD (12.5, 25, and 37.5 g/kg), respectively. The body weight, body temperature, mean retention time of chyme in digestive tract, gastric emptying velocity, gastrin and motilin levels, and visceral index of mice were measured. Results Being compared with the normal group, the PDS mice showed a slower growth of body weight and a lower body temperature, a shorter mean retention time of chyme in digestive tract and faster gastric emptying velocity, a lower gastrin content, and a higher motilin content. Also splenic and thymus indexes were found to follow a downtrend in the PDS mice. Three dosages of SJZD showed a restoration effect on the above all indexes, and the high dosage was the most effective one, especially. Conclusion The high dosage (37.5 g/kg) of SJZD possibly is the optimal dosage on treating the digestive and immune diseases of PDS mice.