Rapid identification of chemical constituents in Xuezhikang Capsule by UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE combined with the establishment of UNIFI MS database / 药学学报

An UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE technology coupled with UNIFI database was used to develop a rapid, high coverage, accurate and efficient chemical composition qualitative method for Xuezhikang Capsule. A UNIFI database was established utilizing compound name, formula, structure, following automatic matching with high-resolution mass numbers, isotope distributions, mass deviations, fragment ion matching, and chromatographic retention features in UNIFI database to achieve the qualitative results of natural products in Xuezhikang Capsules. Combined with manual confirmation, 82 chemical components were identified in Xuezhikang Capsules, and the MS2 fragmentation pathway of typical organic acids, flavonoids, monacrines, and monascus were analyzed to ensure accuracy of the LC-MS workflow. This study clarified the chemical substance basis of Xuezhikang Capsules by LC-MS technology, providing experimental data support for the identification of key quality attributes, quality control and consistency evaluation in the manufacturing process of Xuezhikang Capsules.

Effect of "Natural Polypill", Xuezhikang on Serum Cholesterol Metabolism Markers in Early Menopausal Women with Hypercholesterolemia / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the effect of Xuezhikang on the markers of the serum lipid levels of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia, and preliminarily explore its lipid-lowering mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia were enrolled from December, 2014 to May, 2016 from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, who were randomly allocated to receive Xuezhikang (1200 mg/d, orally) or atorvastatin (10 mg/d, orally) according to a random number table. Serum levels of some related biomarkers, including cholesterol synthesis markers (squalene, dihydrocholesterol, dehydrocholesterol, and lathosterol), and absorption markers (campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol) as well as safety indices were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention.@*RESULTS@#Eight weeks after treatment, both Xuezhikang and atorvastatin significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density cholesterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01). Xuezhikang significantly reduced the levels of squalene, dehydrocholesterol and lathosterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01), but atorvastatin only significantly reduced the level of squalene (P<0.01), compared to baseline. All cholesterol absorption markers showed no significant differences before and after treatment (P>0.05), however, a more obvious downward trend was shown in the Xuezhikang group. In addition, all the safety indices showed no significant differences between the two groups. Although the creatinekinase level in the Xuezhikang group was significantly higher, it remained within the safe range.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Xuezhikang may have more comprehensive effects on the markers of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia through ergosterol and flavonoids in its "natural polypill."

Xuezhikang alleviates lipid accumulation via AMPK activation in hepatocellular steatosis model

Abstract Xuezhikang (XZK) is an extract of Chinese red yeast rice. It has multiple protective effects in cardiovascular systems. However, the underlying mechanism by which XZK affects free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipogenesis in hepatocellular steatosis model is still unknown. Herein, we investigated this mechanism in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were treated with palmitate acid (PA) to induce lipogenesis. Then the PA-induced HepG2 cells were subsequently treated with XZK. After 24 h of treatment, we determined the intracellular triglyceride (TG) contents and average areas of lipid droplets. To study the involvement of AMPK signaling pathway, we pre-treated the PA-induced HepG2 cells with Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, before XZK treatment. Expressions of p-AMPK and AMPK were determined by Western blot. The results showed that XZK decreased TG content and lipid accumulation in hepatocellular steatosis model. Compound C abolished the effects of XZK. These results demonstrated for the first time that XZK protects hepatocytes against lipid accumulation induced by free fatty acids. Its effects may be mediated by the activation of AMPK pathway.

Potential protective effects of red yeast rice in endothelial function against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease / 中国天然药物

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the deadliest disease in the world, with endothelial injury occurring throughout the course of the disease. Therefore, improvement in endothelial function is of essential importance in the prevention of ASCVD. Red yeast rice (RYR), a healthy traditional Chinese food, has a lipid modulation function and also plays a vital role in the improvement of endothelial reactivity and cardiovascular protection; thus, it is significant in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of RYR and its related products in the improvement of endothelial function in terms of endothelial reactivity, anti-apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells, oxidative stress alleviation and anti-inflammation.

Simultaneous Content Determination of 8 Components in Xuezhikang Capsules by HPLC-DAD / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish the method for simultaneous determination of 5 isoflavones （daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein and genistein） and 3 statins （lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin） in Xuezhikang capsules. METHODS： HPLC-DAD method was adopted. The determination was performed on Shimadzu Hypersil Gold C18 column with mobile phase consisted of 0.1％ formic acid water-acetonitrile using gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min， and the detection wavelengths were set at 256 nm （daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein and genistein） and 237 nm （lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin）. The column temperature was maintained at 30 ℃， and sample size was 10 μL. RESULTS： The linear range of daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein， genistein， lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin were 5.01-250.20， 3.02-150.91， 2.27-113.33， 3.01-150.58， 3.61-180.43， 4.03-201.19， 3.32-166.32， 5.02-250.82 μg/mL （r＝0.999 3-0.999 9）， respectively. The detection limits were 0.25， 0.13， 0.45， 0.12， 0.21， 0.24， 0.12 and 0.15 μg/mL； the quantitation limits were 0.84， 0.36， 1.29， 0.41， 0.65， 0.78， 0.33 and 0.50 μg/mL， respectively. RSDs of precision， stability （48 h） and reproducibility tests were all no more than 3.0％ （n＝6）. Average recoveries were 97.04％， 98.49％， 99.60％， 96.14％， 101.88％， 96.20％， 101.19％， 98.46％， and RSDs were 1.76-4.79％ （n＝6）. CONCLUSIONS： The established methods is simple， sensitive， accurate， and can be applied for simultaneous content determination of daidzin， genistin， daidzein， glycitein， genistein， lovastatin hydroxy acid， mevastatin and lovastatin in Xuezhikang capsules.

Xuezhikang reduced arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension: a preliminary study

This study aimed to test the effects of xuezhikang, a cholestin extract that contains statin-like components, on arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension. One hundred hypertensive patients from the Chinese PLA General Hospital were randomly allocated to receive xuezhikang (1200 mg/day, orally) or placebo (same capsules containing only pharmaceutical excipients). Physical examination outcomes, lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) levels, and arterial outcomes, including stiffness parameter (β), pressure-strain elasticity modulus (Ep), arterial compliance (AC), augmentation index (AI), and one-point pulse wave velocity (PWVβ) were obtained at baseline and after 6 months of the intervention. Xuezhikang significantly reduced β (8.4±3.1 vs 6.8±2.1, P=0.007), Ep (122.8±43.9 vs 100.7±33.2, P=0.009), PWVβ (6.7±1.2 vs 6.1±1.0, P=0.013), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.4±0.6 vs 2.9±0.5, P=0.001), hs-CRP [2.1 (0.4-10.0) vs 1.4 (0.3-4.1), P=0.020], and MMP-9 (17.2±2.4 vs 12.7±3.8, P <0.001) compared to baseline. The placebo had no effect on these parameters. The changes of PWVβ in the xuezhikang group was significantly associated with the changes of hs-CRP and MMP-9 (r=0.144, P=0.043; r=0.278, P=0.030, respectively) but not with lipid profile changes. Our research showed xuezhikang can improve the parameters of arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients, and its effect was independent of lipid lowering.

Short- and long-term effects of xuezhikang, an extract of cholestin, on serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the short- and long-term effects of Xuezhikang (XZK), an extract of cholestin, on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) level.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups and were given saline, XZK 1,200 mg/kg or lovastatin 10 mg/kg respectively by daily gavage for 3 days (n=10 for each). Sixteen patients without previous lipid-lowering drug treatment for dyslipidemia received XZK 1,200 mg daily for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples and liver tissue were collected at day 3 for rats, while the blood samples were obtained at baseline and week 8 from patients. The serum PCSK9 and lipid profile were measured. The expression of hepatic low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) were measured by real time-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PCSK9 levels in rats were significantly increased in the XZK and lovastatin groups (P=0.002, P=0.003 vs. control) at day 3, while no significant differences were found in the levels of lipid parameters. PCSK9 levels in patients increased by 34% (P=0.006 vs. baseline) accompanied by total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased by 22% and 28% P=0.001, P=0.002 vs. baseline). The hepatic mRNA levels of LDL-receptor and SREBP-2 were significantly increased in the XZK and lovastatin groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>XZK has significant impact on PCSK9 in a short- and long-term manner in both rats and humans. Moreover, the data indicated that as lovastatin, XZK increased PCSK9 levels through SREBP-2 pathway.</p>

Xuezhikang () reduced renal cell apoptosis in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats through regulation of Bcl-2 family / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Xuezhikang (, XZK) on renal cell apoptosis in diabetic rats and the possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-six rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the normal, model and XZK groups. In each group, the rats were further randomly divided into 3-month and 6-month subgroups, respectively. Diabetes of rats was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 1% streptozocin at 60 mg/kg body weight. Rats in the XZK group received gastric perfusion of XZK (1200 mg/kg body weight) everyday for 3 or 6 months, while rats in the normal and model groups received equal volume of saline. Twenty-four hours' urine was collected for urinary albumin excretion (UAE) measurement. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining were used for saccharides and collagen detection. Cell apoptosis of renal cortex was investigated by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Bax and Bcl-2 expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. Cytochrome C (Cyt C) and caspase-9 concentration were detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, XZK treatment could significantly decrease the kidney hypertrophy index, 24 h UAE, renal cell apoptosis, cytoplasmic Cyt C level and active caspase-9 level, as well as suppress the increment of Bax and up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, leading to the suppression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio at 3 and 6 months (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, XZK treatment could alleviate the deposition of PAS-stained saccharides and Masson's trichromestained collagen to different extent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Renal cell apoptosis was observed in diabetic kidney, in which mitochondrial apoptotic pathway might be involved. XZK treatment could attenuate pathological changes in diabetic kidney and reduce renal cell apoptosis, probably via the suppression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which lead to inhibition of Cyt C release and following caspase-9 activation.</p>

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of Xuezhikang and fluvastatin for mild liver function abnormalities in the very elderly patients with angina pectoris / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of the treatment of Xuezhikang and fluvastatin in elderly angina patients with mildly abnormal liver function .Methods 84 cases of ALT in 40-80u/L very elderly patients with coronary heart disease were randomly selected and divided into the two groups , the Xuezhikang group received Xuezhikang (0.6g,bid,orally),the fluvastatin group received fluvastatin (40mg,1time/night,oral),the total course was 12weeks,the TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL -C were measured before and after treatment ,liver function was measured once 2 -4times.If ALT was 3 times higher than before , Xuezhikang was instead of statins , if ALT was 5 times higher than before ,both of the two drags were withdrawaled .Results The TC,LDL,TG,HDL-C and ALT of the two groups were no significant difference before treatment (P >0.05),the TC,LDL,TG were decreased after treatment in the both group .There was no case of increased of ALT to three times in Xuezhikang group ,however ,ALT of 6 patients were increased more than three times in fluvastatin group ,four weeks after exchange of Xuezhikang ,the ALT were not continued to rise .Conclusion Both the two medicine can significantly lowered the cholesterol in very elderly patients with angina ,but the Xuezhikang were more safety in the patient with mild increased of liver function .

Optimization, validation and application of an assay for the activity of HMG-CoA reductase in vitro by LC-MS/MS / 药物分析学报

A stable HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) reaction in vitro was developed by a sensitive, selective and precise liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. The optimized enzyme reac-tion condition contained 1.5μg of HMGR, 20 nM of NADPH with 50 min of reaction time. The method was validated by several intra-and inter-day assays. The production transitions of m/z 147.0/59.1 and m/z 154.0/59.1 were used to detect and quantify mevalonolactone (MVAL) and MVAL-D7, respectively. The accuracy and precision of the method were evaluated over the concentration range of 0.005–1.000μg/mL for MVAL and 0.010–0.500μg/mL for lovastatin acid in three validation batch runs. The lower limit of quantitation was found to be 0.005μg/mL for MVAL and 0.010μg/mL for lovastatin acid. Intra-day and inter-day precision ranged from 0.95%to 2.39%and 2.26%to 3.38%for MVAL, 1.46%to 3.89%and 0.57% to 5.10% for lovastatin acid, respectively. The results showed that the active ingredients in Xuezhikang capsules were 12.2 and 14.5 mg/g, respectively. This assay method could be successfully applied to the quality control study of Xuezhikang capsule for the first time.

The clinical efficacy in lowering blood lipids with ultrasound therapy device and Xuezhikang / 中国医学装备

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy in lowering blood lipids with ultrasound therapy device and Xuezhikang. Methods:Selected 80 cases as an object of study in Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital Integrative Medicine treated from January 2013 to July 2014, the observation group 40 cases, used ultrasound therapy device and Xuezhikang, control group 40 cases, only single use of Xuezhikang overall treatment, compared the two groups of patients before and after treatment and lipid levels in the blood. Results:The total efficiency of compared two groups of patients, a statistically significant (x2=13.536, P<0.05);compare TG group before and after treatment in the observation group, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, were statistically significant(t=3.265, t=4.021, t=-2.871, t=3.665;P<0.05). In the control group before and after treatment group TG, TC, LDL-C were statistically significant (t=2.18, t=2.994, t=2.276;P<0.05). After treatment, the comparison between the two groups TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, were statistically significant (t=-2.998, t=-3.046, t=2.887, t=3.028;P<0.05). Conclusion:Combined use of ultrasound therapy device and Xuezhikang lipid-lowering therapy, can significantly lower blood lipid levels in patients, and the effect is significant, worthy of clinical application.

Randomized study of kezhi Capsules in Treating Nonalconolic Fatty Liver / 实用医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect and side effects of Kezhi capsule in short-term treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods 60 NAFLD cases of outpatients according to the inclusion criteria of were randomly assigned to two groups: the treated group-30cases with the prescription of Kezhi capsule , and the control group-30cases with the prescription of Xuezhikang. The treatment Course of taking Kezhi capusule (1.25 g, tid, po) and Xuezhikang(0.6 g, bid, po)was 24 weeks. Results After treatment in both groups we saw the significant decrease of the levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, LDL-C, CREAT, BUN, BMI and TCM Syndromes scores, and the improvement of the ultrasonographic findings of liver steatosis. In the Xuezhikang group we saw higher decrease of TC and TG than the Kezhi capsule group with statistic difference (P < 0.05), while in Kezhi capsule group we saw higher decrease of BMI , TCM Syndromes scores and the improvement of the ultrasonographic findings of liver steatosis than the xuezhikang group with statistic difference (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results show that kezhi capsule is effective for the treatment of NAFLD without obvious side effects.

Clinical efficacy of Xuezhikang maintenance treatment for senile hyperlipidemia / 中国基层医药

Objective To observe the clinical curative effect of Xuezhikang maintaining treatment for senile hyperlipidemia.Methods According to the digital table,96 elderly patients with hyperlipidemia were selected and randomly divided into the three groups.The control group 1 with 32 cases took orally rosuvastatin before sleeping 10mg per time,1 time /day,12 weeks one treatment course.The control group 2 with 32 cases took orally Xuezhikang capsule before sleeping 0.6g 2 times/day,12 weeks one treatment course.The treatment group with 32 cases took first orally rosuvastatin before sleeping 10 mg/time,1 time /day for 4 weeks,then changed to use Xuezhikang capsule 0.6g 2 times/day for six weeks.The total treatment course was 12 weeks.Results After treatment,TC,TG,LDL-C in three groups all declined significantly and HDL-C increased.The curative effect was similar in treatment group and control group 1 with no statistical difference(P >0.05).Conclusion Xuezhikang has similar efficacy with rosuvastatin 10 mg/time in hyperlipidemia,and recommand Xuezhikang clinical use for its lower price.

The influence of treating course on the Hpid-regulating effect of Xuezhikang and Simvastati / 中国综合临床

ObjectiveTo observe the influence of treating course on the lipid-regulating effect of Xuezhikang and Simvastati.MethodsTwo hundred and two patients with unstable angina pectoris(UAP) were randomly enrolled and divided into Simvastatin group(n = 98)and Xuezhikang group(n = 104).The TC, TG,LDL-C, HDL-Clevelsweremeasuredbeforethe treatment and atthe3rd, 6thmonthafter the treatment.According to the suitable threshold of blood lipids in normal Chinese people, the patients who had abnormal blood lipids were picked out from the two groups for the further observation.ResultsThe lipidregulating effects of Simvastatin and Xuezhikang were showed up at the 3rd month, and the effective rate were 40.6％ and 60.9％ for TC regulation,51.2％ and 84.5％ for LDL-C regulation,22.2％ and 61.5％ for HDL-C regulation.We found significantly better effects of Xuezhikang than that of Simvastatin(x2 = 6.38,17.05,4.04;P ＜ 0.05, P ＜ 0.01, P ＜ 0.05) .However, at the 6th month the effective rate of Simvastatin and Xuezhikang were 89.9％ and 95.4％ for TC regulation,89.1％ and 97.2％ for LDL-C regulation,83.3％ and 84.6％ for HDL-C regulation, which showed no significant differences (x2 = 1.81,3.57, 0.01 ; Ps ＞ 0.05).The effective percentages of reduced TG level of Simvastatin and Xuezhikang were 9.5％ and 24.5％ at the 3rd month,51.4％ and 68.4％ at the 6th month, which showed significant differences (x2 = 6.45,5.13 ; Ps ＜ 0.05) between the two groups at both time points.Conclusion The lipid-regulating effects of Xuezhikang and Simvastati were influenced by the treating period.Xuezhikang shows lipid-regulating effect more quickly ,and it is recommended in treating CHD patients,especially for the patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

Thinking about re-evaluation on symptoms of postmarketing Xuezhikang Capsula treating lipid abnormality / 中草药

Xuezhikang Capsula which is used to regulate lipid is refined by using special-made red yeast rice as the raw material. Since being on sale, Xuezhikang Capsula has been intensively researched which comfirmed that it can lower blood lipid from Western medicine aspect. However, there was few reports about the Xuezhikang Capsula on improving dyslipidemia level in Chinese symptoms aspect. It is difficult to reflect whether differential treatment or special disease-specific. In order to solve the Xuezhikang Capsula qualitative problem as well as use it reasonably, it is urgent to re-evaluate Xuezhikang Capsula for treating dyslipidemia in clinic of traditional Chinese medicine aspect.

Effect of xuezhikang on vascular endothelial function and redox balance in patients with carotid atherosclerosis / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of xuezhikang on blood lipids,vascular endothelial function and redox balance in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.Methods A total of 108 inpatients with carotid atherosclerosis in cardiology department were randomly divided into two groups:xuezhikang group (n = 54) and cholestyramin group (n= 54).Before and after treatment,the levels of total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),nitric oxide (NO),endothelin-1 (ET-1),reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) of all patients were measured.The GSH/GSSG as redox potentials were calculated according to Nernst equation.Results After 12 weeks of treatment,the levels of blood lipids were lower than before treatment in xuezhikang group [TC:(3.94±1.36) mmol/L vs.(5.68±1.47) mmol/L;LDL-C:(2.28±1.11) mmol/L vs.(3.43±1.36) mmol/L;TG:(1.54±0.59) mmol/L vs.(1.73±0.66)mmol/L;t=3.915,4.160,2.187;P<0.01,0.01,0.05,respectively],and the levels of blood lipids also decreased in cholestyramin group [TC:(4.15 ± 1.29) mmol/L vs.(5.73 ± 1.52)mmol/L;LDLC:(2.56± 1.06) mmol/L vs.(3.37± 1.35) mmol/L;TG:(1.69±0.57) mmol/L vs.(1.72±0.67) mmol/L;t=3.760,4.035,1.893;P<0.01,0.01,>0.05,respectively].In xuezhikang group,ET-1,GSSG and GSSG/GSH ratios decreased significantly [(121.71 + 59.11) ng/L vs.(154.43±63.06) ng/L;(30.42± 1.59) μmol/L vs.(33.93±1.74) μ mol/L;-146.1±4.4vs.-142.3±4.3;t=2.168,2.325,4.168;P<0.05,0.05,0.01,respectively],and NO,NO/ET-1 ratios,GSH and GSH/GSSG increased significantly [(64.40 ± 18.86) μmol/L vs.(48.41 ±16.53) μmol/L;(0.54±0.19) vs.(0.33±0.16);(321.27±56.47) μmol/L vs.(286.11±38.23)μmol/L;(10.56±1.70) vs.(8.65±1.18);t=3.725,3.987,3.894,4.168;all P<0.01].Conclusions For patients with carotid atherosclerosis,both xuezhikang and cholestyramin could lower blood lipids efficiently,but only xuezhikang could protect vascular endothelial function partly,and makes plasma redox imbalance shift the balance.

Clinical Contrasting Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Xuezhikang Capsules and Lovastatins / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To evaluate the curative effect of Xuezhikang Capsules. Methods 92 cases of primary hyperlipidemia were randomly separated into experiment group and control group, Members in the experiment group were treated by Xuezhikang Capsules with 2 granules for one time and twice daily, lasting for 8 weeks. Members in the control group were treated by lovastatins after supper with 20mg for one time and once daily, lasting for 8 weeks, too. At the end of therapeutic courses, clinical efficacy of blood fat controlling was evaluated. Results There was no significant difference (P＞0.05 )between the two groups in terms of blood fat improvement and total effective rate. Conclusion Xuezhikang Capsules was effective in controlling hyperlipidemia.

Protection effects of Xuezhikang on heart in hypertension patients / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the effect of xuezhikang on heart in patients with hypertension. Meth-ods 60 systemic hypertension (HT) patients with normal cholesterol were randomized into placebo group and Xu-ezhikang group (1200 mg/d) for 72 weeks. Extended-released nifedipine were administrated by HT patients. Plasma was obtained at baseline, after 24 weeks and 72 weeks of Xuezhikang therapy. Em/Am ratio at atrioventricular ring , E/A ratio at mitral orifice, IVSTd, LVIDd, LVPWTd were measured by echocardiography. Type Ⅰ collagen car-boxypropeptide (PIP) was determined. Results After 72 weeks treatment, the differences of LVWT, IVSTd, LVP-WTd and LVIDd between Xuezhikang group and the control group were not significant; E/A,Em/Am ratios at atrio-ventricoiar ring were significantly increased except that Em/Am at right atrioventricular ring with right ventricular lateral wall(P <0.01 ,P <0.05). After 24 weeks treatment the levels of plasma PIP were significantly decreased in Xuezhikang group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Conclusion Xuezhikang exerts cooper-ativity in improving those parameters related to myocardial fibrosis so to protect heart function of hypertension pa-tients.

Efficacy and Safety of Fluvastatin vs. Xuezhikang for Hyperlipidemia after Renal Transplantation / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Fluvastatin vs. Xuezhikang for hyperlipidemia in patients after renal transplantation. METHODS: 56 hyperlipidemia patients after renal transplantation were enrolled: 32 were assigned to receive Fluvastatin (40～80 mg) po qd for 8 weeks and 24 to receive Xuezhikang (0.6 g) po bid for 8 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL),high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL),liver function and renal function in two groups were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: In Fluvastatin-treated group,the TC decreased from(7.39?1.98)mmol?L-1 to(5.62?0.93)mmol?L-1,LDL reduced from(3.68?1.13)mmol?L-1 to (2.86?0.83)mmol?L-1;in Xuezhikang-treated group,TC decreased from(6.82?1.29)mmol?L-1 to (5.56?1.19) mmol?L-1 and LDL decreased from (3.26?0.73) mmol?L-1 to (2.78?0.80) mmol?L-1,all showing significant differences as compared with before treatment(P 0.05). No obvious adverse effect was noted in either group during treatment. CONCLUSION: Both Fluvastatin and Xuezhikang are safe and effective for hyperlipidemia in patients after renal transplantation.

Effect of Xuezhikang on Serum MCP-1 Level and Endothelial Function in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of Xuezhikang on serum MCP-1 and endothelial function of brachial artery in patients with chronic heart failure but with normal cholesterol level. METHODS:Patients with chronic heart failure (NYHAⅡ-Ⅳ) were randomly allocated into two groups(n=24 each). Both groups received routine treatment in accordance with the guide of CHF treatment,additionally,the treatment group received Xuezhikang 0.6 g bid for 8 weeks. Serum levels of MCP-1 before and after treatment were measured by ELISA and endothelial function of brachial artery was detected by ultrasonography. RESULTS:In Xuezhikang-treated group compared with the control group,serum level of MCP-1 decreased significantly(P