Advances in cardiovascular protection effects and mechanisms of allicin / 中国中药杂志

Cardiovascular diseases(CVD) with high morbidity and mortality pose severe threats to human life. Allicin, a main active ingredient of garlic, possesses multiple pharmaceutical activities. It not only exerts cardioprotective effects but also prevents the risk factors for CVD. Allicin exerts cardioprotective effects via a variety of mechanisms, including inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory responses, regulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota, inducing hydrogen sulfide production, and dilating vessels. Despite the valuable cardioprotective effects, the instability of allicin has hindered the basic research and clinical application. This paper reviews the progress in the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of allicin in the last decade and summarizes the methods to improve the stability of allicin. In addition, this review provides a reference for further research and development of allicin in cardiovascular protection.

Research progress of mesenchymal stem cells in treating lung injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cell therapy, as a new treatment strategy, has great treatment potential for lung injury. OBJECTIVE: To review the roles and protective mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of lung injury, providing theoretical basis for clinical treatment of lung injury with mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS: We searched the articles about the treatment of mesenchymal stem cells for lung injury from May 2001 to May 2019 in WanFang, CNKI, PubMed and Web of Science databases. The retrieval terms were “mesenchymal stem cells, lung injury, pulmonary injury, lung” in Chinese and English. After excluding old and repetitive articles, a total of 53 articles were included for further analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After summarizing the definition and characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and its mechanism of treating lung injury, we found that mesenchymal stem cells can treat lung injury by their own functions and by producing various cytokines and exosomes. (2) The related signaling pathways of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of lung injury are summarized, such as: PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. (3) Combined use of mesenchymal stem cells and other drugs, such as erythropoietin and corticosteroids, can enhance the therapeutic effects on lung injury. (4) This article can provide theoretical basis for the treatment of lung injury with mesenchymal stem cells in the clinical practice.

Protective effects of salidroside on chronic heart failure in rats and the underlying mechanisms

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of salidroside on chronic heart failure (CHF) in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms. One hundred SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model, and low-, medium- and high-dose salidroside groups. The CHF model was established in later 4 groups. The later 3 groups were intragastrically administrated with 6, 12 and 24 mg/kg salidroside, respectively, once a day, for continuous 4 weeks. Finally, the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), cardiac function indexes, and expression levels of myocardial cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-3, Caspase-9, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) protein were determined. Results showed that, after treatment, compared with model group, in high-dose salidroside group the heart function indexes were significantly improved (P < 0.05), the serum levels of BNP and IL-6 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the expression levels of myocardial Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and MMP-1 protein were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the expression level of TIMP-1 protein was significantly increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, salidroside has obvious protective effects on CHF in rats. The mechanisms may be related to its regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ventricular remodelingregulation related protein expressions

Protective Effects of Geraniol on Long Term Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Abstract Possible protective effects of geraniol, known as antioxidant properties, were analyzed biochemically and histologically on experimental long-term renal ischemia/reperfusion I/R injury in rats. This study used 3-4 months old male Wistar albino rats and were divided into 4 groups (n = 7) by random selection: Group I (Sham Group), Group II (I/R+SF), Group III (I/R+50 mg/kg geraniol), and Group IV (I/R+100 mg/kg geraniol). A right nephrectomy was performed in all groups under anesthesia. Groups I and II were inoculated with SF (1 ml/kg) and Groups III and IV were inoculated with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of geraniol, injected intraperitoneally. For Groups II, III, and IV, I/R durations were determined to be 60 mins ischemia and 24 hours reperfusion. At the end of the experiment, Urea (BUN), Creatinine (CRE) activities in the blood serum and the catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutases (SOD), enzyme activities in kidney tissue were measured. Histologic sections were examined by light microscopy using Hematoxylin & Eosine. As a result, it was determined that 100 mg / kg geraniol against renal I/R injury shows more antioxidant effect and protection than 50 mg / kg geraniol.

The protective effect of l-carnosine on neurotoxicity of deguelin-induced SH-SY5Y cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim: To study the protective effect of L-carnosine on deguelin-induced neurotoxicity. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 1, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 mmol · L" L-carnosine for 24 h; cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. SH-SY5Y cells were respectively treated with 30 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine, 20 μmol · L-1 deguelin, 20 μmol · L-1 deguelin with 30 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine for 24 h; AO/EB method was employed for observing the morphology and apoptotic morphology of treated cells. SH-SY5Y cells were respectively treated with 8 μmol · L-1 deguelin, 8 μmol · L-1 deguelin with 3 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine, 8 μmol · L-1 deguelin with 30 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine, 30 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine, 20 μmol · L-1 deguelin, 20 μmol · L-1 deguelin with 3 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine, 20 μmol · L-1 deguelin with 30 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine, 50 μmol · L-1 deguelin, 50 μmol · L-1 deguelin with 3 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine, 50 μmol · L-1 deguelin with 30 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine for 24 h. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay; apoptotic rate of treated cells was determined by flow cytometry; the reactive oxygen species (ROS) of treated cells was detected by DCFH-DA staining flow cytometry. Results: After 30 mmol · L-1 L-carnosine was co-treated with 20 μmol · L-1 and 50 μmol · L-1 of deguelin, the cell inhibitory rate decreased by 9. 07% and 6. 1%, the number of early apoptotic cells decreased, and the early apoptotic rate decreased by 9. 35%. The total apoptotic rate decreased by 10. 7%, and the ROS level was lower than that of the deguelin alone treatment group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0. 05). Conclusions: L-carnosine can effectively reduce the neurotoxicity of deguelin-induced SH-SY5Y cells, which may be related to the reduction of oxidative stress levels, thereby inhibiting apoptosis and protecting cells.

Beta-glucan prevents toxic effects of 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD in terms of oxidative and histopathological damage in heart tissue of rats

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a widespread environmental contaminant which causes severe toxic effects. Despite there is some suggestion concerning with TCDD induced cardiotoxicity such as formation of free radicals, the main mechanism has not been entirely explained. Beta-glucan is known as strong antioxidant matter and can scavenge free radicals. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of beta-glucan against TCDD induced cardiotoxicity in rats. In this study, 2-3 months of age and 190-250 g in weight 32 rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=8 for each group). Group 1 was control; Group 2 was TCDD group (2 µg/kg/week); group 3 was the beta-glucan group(50 mg/kg/day), and group 4 was TCDD and beta-glucan treatment group. The heart samples were taken from rats after 21 days treatment. The results were shown that Despite TCDD exposure visibly caused to increase (p ≤ 0.001) in TBARS levels, It caused a visible decline in the levels of GSH, CAT, GSH-Px, and SOD. However Beta glucan significantly increased GSH, CAT, GSH-Px, SOD levels and decreased generation of TBARS. Additionally, our histopathological observations were in agreement with the biochemical results. In conclusion, Beta-glucan treatment exhibited protective activity on TCDD induced cardiotoxicity

Modeling of H2O2-induced damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells and protective effects of blueberry anthocyanin / 中国药理学通报

Aim To establish the model of H2O2-induced damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells,and to investigate the protective effects of blueberry anthocyanin.Methods Cell viability was determined by MTT assay and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured using fluorescence assay.We selected H2O2 solution of different concentrations from 0 to 3 200 μmol · L-1 to stimulate ARPE-19 cells for 2,6 and 24 h,and compared the effects of blueberry anthocyanins of 1,5 and 10 mg · L-1 on cells pretreated with 6 h and 24 h.The model of oxidative damage was then established and applied in the next study,which focused on the protective effects of major constituents in blueberry anthocyanins,malvidin and its glycosides.Results Model condition of H2O2-induced damage in ARPE-19 cells was 800 μmol · L-1 H2O2 for 2 h.The cell viability decreased to 63.69％ when stimulated by H2O2.With pretreatment of 5 mg · L-1 blueberry anthocyanin extract (BAE),pure anthocyanin malvidin (My) and its glucoside (Mv-3-glc) and galactoside (Mv-3-gal),ARPE-19 cell viabilities were significantly improved to 86.57％,115.72％,98.15％ and 127.97％,respectively (P ＜ 0.01).Meanwhile,the ROS levels were attenuated by 52.38％,95.38％,77.55％ and 116.09％,respectively (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Blueberry anthocyanin could significantly inhibit the oxidative damage induced by H2O2 in retinal pigment epithelial cells,and malvidin and its glycosides contribute to the protective effects.

Hydrolyzed collagen interferes with in vitro photoprotective effectiveness of sunscreens

ABSTRACT The chronological skin aging is a progressive and natural process with genetic and physiological changes. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation may accelerate the oxidative stress, generating carcinogenesis and photoaging. Natural compounds and their applications are considered a trend in the cosmetic market. The protein-based film-forming compounds play an important role, once it collaborates for the better distribution of sunscreens on the skin. Here we investigated the in vitro photoprotective effectiveness of sunscreens containing the hydrolyzed collagen associated with UVA, UVB and/or inorganic filters. Sunscreens were developed with octocrylene (7.5%), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (avobenzone) (3.0%) and/or titanium dioxide (5.0%), associated or not with the hydrolyzed collagen (3.0%). In vitro photoprotective effectiveness was determined in a Labsphere(r) UV2000S by the establishment of the sun protection factor (SPF) and critical wavelength (nm) values. Physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics were also assayed. The hydrolyzed collagen subjectively improved the formulation sensory characteristics. However, this bioactive compound led to a decrease of the SPF values of the photoprotective formulations containing octocrylene alone and octocrylene + butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane + TiO2. This inadequate interaction may be considered during the development of new sunscreens intended to contain protein-based components.

The protective effects of dexmedetomidine on myocardial injury of severely burned patients / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine on myocardial injury of severe burn patients. Methods Seventy-eight cases of severe burn patients were enrolled in this study in our hospital from May 2014 to May 2016. According to the clinical characteristics of treatment, the patients were divided into the control group and the observation group, with 39 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with midazolam sedation on the basis of conventional burns, and patients in the observation group were treated with dexmedetomidine combined with midazolam sedation. The myocardial function-related indicators, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) of patients were compared between the 2 groups after treatment. Results (1) The SOD, MDA, CK-MB, cTnI and TNF-αof the two groups after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the degree of reduction in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05);(2) There were significant changes in MAP and HR before and after treatment in the both 2 groups. The decrease s of HR and the degree of MAP elevation in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine can improve the SOD activity of patients with severe burns, and the decreased expressions of CK-MB, cTnI and TNF-αcan reduce the degree of damage to myocardial tissue microstructure, and can protect the myocardium of patients with severe burns.

Protective Effects of Ademetionine 1,4-Butanedisulfonate on Radiation Injury / 医药导报

Objective This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate (SMT) against radiation injuries.Methods ICR mice were randomly divided into 7 groups,including normal control,irradiation-only,SMT administration-only,low-,medium-and high-dosages (250,500,1 000 mg·kg-1) of SMT pre-irradiation and high-dose of SMT post-irradiation in experimental groups.Blood and immunological experiments,organs index experiment and 30-day''s survival experiment were carried out to observe the protective effects of SMT on peripheral blood and immune system,organ index and the whole body injuries.Results Compared with irradiation-only group (4.23±1.16) ×109·L-1,the number of nucleated cells in bone marrow was (11.20±4.63) ×109·L-1 in the high dose of SMT pre-irradiation.The difference between two groups was significant.Compared with irradiation-only group (19.25±9.36),the colony forming unit-spleen was (39.00±7.57) in the high-dose SMT pre-irradiation group,there was a significant difference between the two groups.The index of liver,spleen,kidney and pancreas were significantly higher than those of the irradiation-only group in SMT administration groups.The survival rate of mice treated with SMT was increased,especially for the high dose group (46% lifted) when compared with irradiation-only group.Conclusion SMT can protect mice from radiation injuries.

Protective effects of superfine powder of Erigeron Breviscapus on chronic renal failure rats induced by adenine / 中草药

Objective To observe the effects of superfine powder of Erigeron breviscapus on chronic renal failure (CRF) in rats induced by adenine. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, superfine powder and common powder of E. breviscapus groups, 10 rats in each group. The control group received routine feeding, while the other three groups received intragastrically (ig) with adenine (250 mg/kg) for 21 d to establish rat CRF models. Then, the rats in the control group and model group were received ig with equal volume of distilled water. Also, the rats in the superfine powder and common powder of E. breviscapus group were administered ig with E. breviscapus (3 g/kg) for 42 d. During the experiment, the general condition of each group of rats were observed and the levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined. Expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) at mRNA level were determined by qRT-PCR. Concentrations of kidney tissue inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by ELISA. Moreover, the kidney tissue was taken for histopathological observation. Results The rats in CRF model group after treatment with superfine and common powder of E. breviscapus appeared different levels of decrease of Scr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, and mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and PAI-1 (P < 0.05). The pathologic changes of kidney tissue were also alleviated in different degrees. The treatment effect of superfine powder of Erigeron breviscapus was better than that of common powder group. Conclusion E. breviscapus has a good renal protective effect in rats with CRF. Furthermore, the superfine powder is more effective than the common powder in the protective effects of renal.

Protective Effects of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A against Oxidative Damage of β-Mercaptoethanol During Neural Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 中草药·英文版

Objective To study the protective effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) against the oxidative damage caused by β-mercaptoethanol (BME) during neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. Methods When the confluence reached 50%-60%, 4th passage MSCs were divided into three groups to culture. G1: normal group which was cultured using basic medium (DMEM containing 10% FBS all the time); G2: unprotected group which was continuously cultured using basic medium for 24 h, and then cultured using pre-induction medium (DMEM containing 10% FBS and 1 mmol/L BME); G3: protected group which was firstly cultured using protective medium (DMEM containing 10% FBS and 160 mg/L HSYA) for 24 h, and then cultured using pre-induction medium for 24 h. After these treatments as above, cell viability, relative levels of SOD/GSH and apoptosis rate were respectively detected. The expression of Bcl and Bax was examined by Western blotting. After HSYA protection and BME pre-induction, neural induction was performed. The expression of NSE and MAP-2 was respectively analyzed on cellular and molecular levels. Results Compared with unprotected group, 160 mg/L HSYA could obviously improve cells viability, maintain high level of SOD and GSH in MSCs, reduce apoptosis rate and improve the ratio of Bcl/Bax. After protection with 160 mg/L HSYA, the survival time of neuron-like cells could be extended. Immunocytochemical staining showed that after 10 h of neural induction, the differentiated neuron-like cells in protected group were still in a good state, and the mRNA levels of NSE and MAP-2 were increased during the induction course checked. Conclusion HSYA could improve the resistance of cells to the oxidative damage caused by BME.

Chemical constituents from rhizomes of Rhodiola wallichiana var. cholaensis and their protective effects on myocardium / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents from the rhizomes of Rhodiola wallichiana var. cholaensis and their protective effects on myocardium of H9c2 cells. Methods: The compounds were isolated by dynamic axial compression chromatography, silica gel column chromatography, and HPLC. Their structures were identified on the basis of spectral data analysis. The protective effects of all isolated compounds on myocardium were determined. Results: Sixteen compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of R. wallichiana var. cholaensis and identified as salidroside (1), gallic acid (2), methyl gallate (3), quercetin (4), pyrogallol (5), 6″-O-galloylsalidroside (6), ethyl gallate (7), kaemnpferol-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8), herbacertin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), rhodiosin (10), kaemnpferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), herbacetin (12), herbacertin-7-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (13), tricin (14), rutin (15), and kaemnpferol-3-O-(2″-O-β-D-xylosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (16). Compounds 2, 6, 8, 12, and 15 showed the significant protective effects against H9c2 cells at the concentration of 25 μg/mL and the protective ratios were 20.40%, 31.54%, 67.61%, 44.27%, and 47.84%. Conclusion: Compound 5 is isolated from the species of genus Rhodiola L. for the first time, and compounds 7-16 are obtained from the plant for the first time. Compounds 2, 6, 8, 12, and 15 could protect the myocardium of H9c2 cells to some extent.

Effects of Gualou Xiebai dropping pills against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective To verify the protective effects of Gualou Xiebai dropping pills(GX) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIR.I) in rats. Methods After screening the qualified SPF rats were randomly divided into four groups, with 12 in each group. Sham-operated group and model group rats were respectively treated with normal saline, and rats in GX group and compound Danshen dropping pills group were given the corresponding dropping pills equivalent to 22.5 g/kg and 85.05 mg/kg of the crude herb, respectively. All groups were administered once a day for 7 successive days. One hour after the last administration, the MIRI models were produced by occluding the left coronary artery for 30 min and releasing the occlusion for 120 min. The changes in ST segment were observed, and the contents of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin-T (CTNT) and myoglobin (MYO) in blood plasma were measured. The pathological changes in myocardial tissues were observed by optics and electric-microscope and the percentage of myocardial infarction was measured by detecting the content of Evan blue in myocardium. Results Compared to normal saline in the model group, GX had antagonism to ECG S-T segments elevation in rats with myocardial ischemia, while the contents of CK-MB, MYO, and CTNT in blood plasma declined significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the disorder condition of myocardial cell fiber arrangement was improved, and edema between myocardial tissue and cells was relieved; the inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial necrosis in cardiac allograft were significantly alleviated, and the percentage of myocardial infarction was decreased significantly (P< 0.01). Conclusion GX may play an important protective role against the MIRI in rats.

Protective effects of Schizonepeta volatile oil on endotoxin poisoning induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice / 中国中药杂志

In order to study the protective effects of Schizonepeta volatile oil (Sto）on endotoxin poisoning mice, and the relatively content of each chemical osubstance in Schizonepeta volatile oil was measured using GC-MS. The mare C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups including the normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (5 mg•kg⁻¹), and Sto (0.226 and 0.452 g•kg⁻¹, respectively) groups. The dexamethasone group was given the drugs once time by intraperitoneal injection on the 5th day, while the other mice were given drugs by oral administration once a day for 5 days. Then, the normal group was injected with the saline and the other groups were injected LPS (15 mg•kg-1) after 30 minutes of the last administration. After LPS injection twelve hours, the blood, serum, and lung tissue of mice were collected. The IL-18, IL-1β, IL-5, TNF-α, MCP-1, MIP-1β, M-CSF, and GM-CSF were measured in serum by ELISA and Luminex Magpix. The white cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) in blood were counted and lung, spleen, and thymus index were calculated. The lung histopathology was performed at the same time. The GC-MS results showed that the relative content of menthone and pulegone are 46.67% and 33.92%, respectively. The Sto (0.452 and 0.226 g•kg⁻¹, respectively) reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-5, TNF-α, MCP-1, MIP-1β, and M-CSF in serum (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The 0.452 g•kg⁻¹ Sto also reduced the levels of IL-18 and GM-CSF in the serum (P<0.01 or P<0.05). And the 0.226 g•kg⁻¹ Sto showed good anti-inflammatory effects by reducing neutrophil infiltration in the lung tissue. But the Sto had no effect on the increasing of WBC, spleen and lung index as well as decreasing of PLT and thymus index. The results showed that Sto has a protective effect in LPS-induced exdotoxin poisoning mice, its mechanism is related to inhibit the release of varies of inflammatory cytokines and reduce the inflammation reaction.

Effects of Gualou Xiebai dropping pills against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective To verify the protective effects of Gualou Xiebai dropping pills(GX)on myocardial ischemia-reperfu?sion injury(MIRI)in rats. Methods After screening the qualified SPF rats were randomly divided into four groups,with 12 in each group. Sham-operated group and model group rats were respectively treated with normal saline,and rats in GX group and compound Danshen dropping pills group were given the corresponding dropping pills equivalent to 22.5 g/kg and 85.05 mg/kg of the crude herb,re?spectively. All groups were administered once a day for 7 successive days. One hour after the last administration,the MIRI models were produced by occluding the left coronary artery for 30 min and releasing the occlusion for 120 min. The changes in ST segment were observed,and the contents of creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin-T(CTNT)and myoglobin(MYO)in blood plas?ma were measured. The pathological changes in myocardial tissues were observed by optics and electric-microscope and the percentage of myocardial infarction was measured by detecting the content of Evan blue in myocardium. Results Compared to normal saline in the model group,GX had antagonism to ECG S-T segments elevation in rats with myocardial ischemia,while the contents of CK-MB, MYO,and CTNT in blood plasma declined significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01);the disorder condition of myocardial cell fiber arrange?ment was improved,and edema between myocardial tissue and cells was relieved;the inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial ne?crosis in cardiac allograft were significantly alleviated,and the percentage of myocardial infarction was decreased significantly(P<0.01). Conclusion GX may play an important protective role against the MIRI in rats.

The organ protective effects and timing of continuous blood purification in the treatment of severe sepsis：a double-blind randomized controlled trial / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective To investigate the organ protective effects and the timing of continuous blood purification (CBP) in the treatment of severe sepsis. Methods A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-four patients with severe sepsis aged between 35 years and 80 years with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) scores over 20 admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of the First Hospital of Wuhan from January 2013 to January 2015 were enrolled. They were divided into control group (n = 37) and treatment group (n = 37) by random number table method. All patients in these two groups received conventional therapy following the guidelines for management of severe sepsis in 2012. In addition the patients in treatment group received continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). The critical score, liver and kidney function indexes, etc., levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and ultra filtrate before and 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, and the clinical picture 2 weeks after treatment in two groups were observed. Results APACHE Ⅱ scores, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) scores, Murray scores of acute lung injury, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) scores of the patients of the above two groups were gradually declined after the treatment. The levels of white blood cell count (WBC), procalcitonin (PCT), lactate (Lac), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-6 and IL-8), and endotoxin gradually lowered. Levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), alanine transaminase (ALT) and the oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) showed a tendency of lowering. There were statistically significant differences in scores of critical illness, WBC, PCT, Lac, pro-inflammatory cytokine, liver and kidney function indexes, etc. between treatment group and control group 48 hours after treatment (APACHE Ⅱ score: 15.5±4.7 vs. 20.3±5.3, MODS score: 4.6±1.4 vs. 7.3±2.2, Murray score: 1.4±0.5 vs. 1.7±0.6, SIRS score: 2.9±0.8 vs. 3.7±1.0, WBC (×109/L): 1.1±0.5 vs. 1.6±0.5, PCT (μg/L): 26.7±12.0 vs. 32.4±14.1, Lac (mmol/L): 7.6±2.2 vs. 9.3±2.8, TNF-α (μg/L): 96.3±17.4 vs. 153.4±24.2, IL-6 (μg/L): 146.8±20.6 vs. 213.8±29.2, IL-8 (μg/L): 287.1±43.6 vs. 354.5±56.2, endotoxin (kEU/L): 1.4±0.5 vs. 2.6±0.8, BUN (mmol/L): 8.7±3.6 vs. 18.5±6.4, SCr (μmol/L): 143±39 vs. 197±42, ALT (U/L): 141±27 vs. 183±34, PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 150.3±45.4 vs. 124.7±32.1, all P < 0.05], and the difference was significant up to 72 hours. In the treatment group, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and endotoxin could be decreased in the filtrate 24 hours and 48 hours after treatment and they correlated with the lowering tendency of their plasma levels. Compared with the control group, CVVH based on conventional treatment of severe sepsis could significantly reduce the incidence of MODS (10.8% vs. 29.7%, χ2 = 4.423, P = 0.038) and mortality (5.4% vs. 13.5%, χ2 = 4.674, P = 0.032), and remarkably shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (days: 3.1±0.6 vs. 5.3±1.7, t = 2.103, P = 0.045), and the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (days: 8.5±1.7 vs. 13.2±2.4, t = 2.245, P = 0.042). Conclusion Early CBP can decrease the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevent MODS, and remarkably improve the prognosis of patients with severe sepsis.

Protective effect of active ingredients of Kang Fu Ling on PC12 cells oxidative injury induced by microwave irradiation / 军事医学

Objective To observe the effect of the three active ingredients of a Chinese traditional medicine compound named Kang Fu Ling( KFL) against PC12 cells oxidative damage induced by microwave radiation.Methods PC12 cells were differentiated into neuros induced by nerve growth factor ( NGF ) .PC12 cells were incubated for 48 hours after astragalosides,total paeony glycoside and tanshinones were added at different concentrations (1, 3, or 9 μg/ml) .The cells in the control group were cultivated with the only medium of the same volume.Then, cells were irradiated with 30 mW/cm2 microwave for 6 minutes.The morphology of PC12 cells was observed under an inverted microscope soon before and after irradiation and the cell viability was measured by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium ( MTT) colorimetry.Reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) was determined using active oxygen probe 2′, 7′-dichlorodihyarofluolescen diacetde ( DCFH-DA ) while malonyldialdehyde(MDA) was measured in the homogenate of PC12 cells through thiobarbituric acid ( TBA) reactive substance assay.Results The cell morphology of each group showed no obvious difference.6 h after irradiation, the viability of irradiation control group measured by MTT declined apparently(P<0.01)compared with the normal control group.The 3 μg/ml astragalosides treatment group increased the viability of PC12 cells after microwave exposure ( P <0.01).The contents of ROS and MDA were increased after irradiation(P<0.01).However, in the three active ingredients of Kang Fu Ling treatment groups, both ROS and MDA were much lower than in irradiation control group.Conclusion Astragalosides, total paeony glycoside and tanshinones, which are the three active ingredients of Kang Fu Ling, all have protective effect against PC12 cell injury caused by microwave radiation,possibly by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress injury.

Protective effects of Spirulina on the liver function and hyperlipidemia of rats and human

In the present study, the effects of Spirulina on subchronic treatments (two weeks) of hyperlipidemia and liver function of the rats and humans were investigated. The hyperlipidemia was induced in the rats using 25% of soya bean oil and 25% butter. The butter induced more hyperlipidemia than soya bean oil. Spirulina was used at the concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 % of diet weight of the rats. The decrease in hyperlipidemia by Spirulina was dependent on its concentration in the diet. In case of human studies, about four g/day of Spirulina was taken via oral administration by Egyptian volunteers patients with hyperlipidemia. Spirulina decreased the levels of hyperlipidemia in these patients. The effects were dependent on the amount and number of administered dose of Sprirulina. The results suggested that the Spirulina treatment could induce marked reduction of aminotransferase through correcting lipid profile and increasing high density lipoprotein.

Protective effect of mulberry flavonoids on sciatic nerve in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) are a traditional Chinese medicine for blood serum glucose reduction. This study evaluated the protective effects of mulberry flavonoids on sciatic nerve in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In this study, 80 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: A (control), B (diabetic treated with saline), C-D (diabetic treated with 0.3, 0.1 g/kg mulberry flavonoids once a day for 8 weeks) and E (diabetic treated with 0.3 mg/kg methycobal). The diabetic condition was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg alloxan dissolved in saline. At the end of the experimental period, blood, and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological investigation. Treatment with 0.3 g/kg mulberry flavonoids significantly inhibited the elevated serum glucose (P< 0.01). The increased myelin sheath area (P< 0.01), myelinated fiber cross-sectional area and extramedullary fiber number (P< 0.05) were also reduced in alloxan-induced rats treated with 0.3 g/kg mulberry flavonoids. 0.3 g/kg mulberry flavonoids also markedly decreased onion-bulb type myelin destruction and degenerative changes of mitochondria and Schwann cells. These findings demonstrate that mulberry flavonoids may improve the recovery of a severe peripheral nerve injury in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and is likely to be useful as a potential treatment on peripheral neuropathy (PN) in diabetic rats.

Folhas de amoreira (Morus alba L.) é um medicamento tradicional chinês para a redução da glicose no soro sanguíneo. Avaliaram-se, neste trabalho, os efeitos protetores dos flavonóides de amora no nervo ciático em ratos diabéticos aloxano-induzidos. Dividiram-se 80 ratos Sprague-Dawley em cinco grupos: A (controle), B (diabétidos tratados com solução salina), C-D (diabéticos tratados com 0,3, 0,1 g/kg) e E (diabéticos tratados com 0,3 mg de metilcobal).A diabetes foi induzida por injeção intraperitoneal de 200 mg/kg de aloxana dissolvida em solução salina. No final do período experimental, obtiveram-se amostras de sangue e de tecido para investigação bioquímica e histopatológica. O tratamento com 0,3 g/kg de flavonóides da amoreira inibiu, significativamente, a elevação de glicose no soro (p <0,01). O aumento da área da bainha de mielina (p <0,01), da área de fibra da seção transversal e do número de fibras mielinizadas extramedulares (p <0,05) foi também reduzido em ratos aloxânicos, tratados com 0,3 g/kg flavonóides de amora. Flavonóides da amoreira na dose de 0,3 g/kg também diminuiram, acentuadamente, a destruição da mielina do tipo bulbo de cebola e as alterações degenerativas das células mitocôndrias e das células de Schwann. Estes resultados demonstram que os flavonóides da amoreira podem melhorar a recuperação de uma lesão nervosa periférica grave em ratos com diabetes, induzida por aloxana, e parece ser útil como tratamento potencial para a neuropatia periférica (PN) em ratos diabéticos.