ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the feasibility of molecule identication of Saiga tatarica and its adulterants by using cytochrome C oxidase subunit Ⅰ (CO Ⅰ) gene.METHODS:A total of 7 horns and incomplete horns were collected from 4 areas.The extraction effect of DNA from bone plug and stratum corneum were investigated;PCR technology was used to amplify CO Ⅰ gene of samples using universal primer LCO Ⅰ 490,HCO2198;after gel electrophoresis,purification (750 bp strip) and sequencing,using CO Ⅰ gene as barcode alignment sequence,online comparison was conducted by using Blast software of NCBI database to determine specific species.RESULTS:The extraction of DNA from stratum corneum was better (DNA concentration was 15.7-22.6 ng/μL,the absorbance of 260 nm/280 nm was 1.73-4.72).Online comparison showed that the similarity of CO Ⅰ gene in all sampies reached 99％,mainly from the horns of saiga antelope,Tibetan antelope,gazelle,sheep and goats.CONCLUSIONS:DNA barcode technology based on CO Ⅰ gene can be used for the identification of S.tatarica and its adulterants.The technology can provide an accurate and objective method for the identification of horn medicinal materials.
ABSTRACT
Objective:Tiapride has been used effectively in the clinic for the treatment of dyskinesias and tic disorders including Tourette syndrome. The purpose of the retrospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of tiapride with the horn of saiga tatarica in treatment of hemifacial spasm. Method:Twenty-eight patients with idio-pathic hemifacial spasm, who were previously treated with carbamazepine, or acupuncture, or botulinum toxin injection, but refused to continue the previous therapies, were treated with tiapride, at a dosage of 50 mg /time once to thrice per day, combined with the horn of saiga tatarica at a dosage of 0. 15 g to 0. 30 g/time once per day. The dosage of tiapride can been up to 100 mg/time once to thrice per day in some cases if necessary. The effectiveness of the therapy was evaluated from the time of three months after the beginning of the treatment. The main efficacy parameter was the degree of spasm reduction, that is, the classification of spasm before versus after the treatment. Result:The duration of following up is between 3 months and 12 months. Twenty-five cases out of 28 patients have demonstrated a significant reduction of spasm. Of which, eight cases were completely relieved, 12 cases marked relieved and 5 cases partially relieved. The effective rate is 89. 29%. Conclusion:Tiapride combined with the horn of saiga tatarica was effective and safe in reducing hemifacial spasm. However, further data from blinded trials and long-term following up are required before this treatment can be considered to be one of the main medical treatment options for hemifacial spasm.