Study on the antitussive and expectorant activities and mechanism of platycodin D based on metabolomics method / 药学学报

In this paper, the antitussive and expectorant activity of platycodin D (PD) were studied by constructing a mouse cough induced by concentrated ammonia water and a mouse trachea phenol red excretion model. The mechanism of antitussive and expectorant effect of PD was studied by metabolomics. The animal experiment was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: JZLLSC-20220739). Then mice were randomly divided into the normal, model, positive drug, PD low-dose, PD medium-dose and PD high-dose group. The antitussive and expectorant effects of PD were evaluated using a cough mouse model induced by concentrated ammonia water and a mouse tracheal phenol red excretion model, respectively. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify the metabolites of mouse lung tissue, and multivariate statistical analysis method of orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used for metabolites profile analysis. The differential metabolites were screened by variable projected importance value (VIP) and t-test results. Pathways for enrichment of differentiated metabolites were analyzed using the MetaboAnalyst platform. The comparative method was applied to analyze the differences in mechanisms of PD, Deapio-platycodin D (DPD) and total platycosides fraction. The results showed that PD at different concentrations could significantly prolong (P < 0.05) the incubation period of cough mice induced by ammonia water, reduce the coughs frequency, and significantly increase (P < 0.05) the amount of phenol red excretion in phenol red excretion model mice. PD could regulate 6 metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism to exert antitussive effect. It could also regulate 8 metabolic pathways of linoleic acid metabolism, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, citric acid cycle and arachidonic acid metabolism to exert an expectorant effect. However, only linoleic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism could be regulated by the PD, total platycosides fraction and DPD, which may be ascribed to the structural difference of the platycosides and the interaction between platycosides and the intestinal microbiota. Functional analysis showed that these metabolic pathways are closely related to the regulatory mechanisms of anti-inflammatory response, immune function regulation, neurotransmitter release, cell signal transduction, energy metabolism and cell apoptosis. This study shows that PD possesses good antitussive and expectorant activities. In addition, the mechanism difference of PD, total platycosides fraction and DPD imply that the apiose in PD and the interaction between PD and intestinal microbiota could exert an important effect on the antitussive and expectorant mechanism of the platycosides.

A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf / 药学学报

Six compounds were isolated from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf using various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as (Z)-docosanylferulate (1), (E)-docosanylferulate (2), bis (2-ethylheptyl) phythalate (3), 2,2′-oxybis (1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (4), diisobutyl phthalate (5), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-4 were first isolated from Ephedra. A corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury model was used for compound activity screening. The results showed that compounds 1 and 5 significantly improved corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury and significantly increased 5-HT7 receptor protein expression in the cells, indicating potential antidepressant activity.

Short-term results of sleeve wrapping technique using remnant aortic wall in modified Bentall procedure / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the short-term results of sleeve wrapping technique using remnant aortic wall in modified Bentall procedure. Methods The patients undergoing modified Bentall procedure with the remnant aortic wall as a sleeve to cover the sewing area of composite valved graft and the aortic annulus for proximal hemostasis between March 2021 and March 2022 in Shenzhen Fuwai Hospital were enrolled. Short-term results were assessed by cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic clamping time, mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, effusion drainage on the first postoperative day, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and follow-up results. Results A total of 14 patients were collected, including 12 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 55.33±10.57 years. There was no postoperative or follow-up death. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 147.90±21.29 min, aortic clamping time was 115.70±15.23 min, mechanical ventilation time was 19.42±8.98 h, ICU stay was 99.08±49.42 h, and postoperative hospital stay was 16.33±2.74 d. Thoracic drainage volume was 333.33±91.98 mL on the first postoperative day. Only 2 patients required blood transfusion (4.5 U and 2 U, respectively). During the follow-up of 6.17±3.69 months, there was no death, no aortic or valve-related complications. There was statistical difference in the LVEDD between preoperation and before discharge after surgery (P＜0.001), and between half a year after surgery and before discharge after surgery (P＜0.001). There was a little decrease of LVEF before discharge after surgery compared with preoperative LVEF, but there was no statistical difference (P=0.219). There was no statistical difference in the LVEF half a year after operation compared with that before operation (P=1.000). Conclusion Sleeve wrapping technique using remnant aortic wall in modified Bentall procedure has good short-term results. This modification may be a simple, effective way in controlling proximal bleeding.

Effect of quercetin's anti-breast cancer depending on presence of estrogen receptor via down-regulating long non-coding RNA MALAT-1 and its mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the molecular mechanism by which quercetin inhibits the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells. Methods Breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MB231 were used as the research models. Lentiviral transfection was employed to establish tumor cells with high expression of ERa and MAL-AT-1. The expression of MALAT-1 was assessed using RT-qPCR,and ERa expression was determined through Western blot. Subsequently, CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation. PI staining and adenovirus transfection were performed to observe the inhibitory effects of quercetin on breast cancer cell proliferation. Results 17|3-es-tradiol ( E2 ) promoted the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, while 5 jjunol L quercetin reversed the promoting effect of E2 on proliferation ( P 0. 05 ) . Quercetin had no effect on MB231 breast cancer cells. Overexpression of ERa significantly inhibited the pro-proliferative effect of E2 on MB231-ERa cells, and quercetin further suppressed this effect. Additionally , quercetin inhibited the expression of MALAT-1. However,this inhibitory effect was reversed by overexpression of MALAT-1, leading to enhanced cell proliferation , cell cycle progression, and clonal formation a-bility. Conclusions Quercetin exerts its anti-tumor effects on breast cancer cells by regulating MALAT-1, dependent on the presence of estrogen receptor. Quercetin shows potential as a therapeutic drug for breast cancer targeting the estrogen receptor.

Comparison of clinical features and outcomes of proliferative, fibrotic, and mixed subtypes of IgG4-related disease: A retrospective cohort study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized immune-mediated disorder that can affect almost any organ in the human body. IgG4-RD can be categorized into proliferative and fibrotic subtypes based on patients' clinicopathological characteristics. This study aimed to compare the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes of IgG4-RD among different subtypes.@*METHODS@#We prospectively enrolled 622 patients with newly diagnosed IgG4-RD at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2011 to August 2021. The patients were divided into three groups according to their clinicopathological characteristics: proliferative, fibrotic, and mixed subtypes. We compared demographic features, clinical manifestations, organ involvement, laboratory tests, and treatment agents across three subtypes. We then assessed the differences in treatment outcomes among 448 patients receiving glucocorticoids alone or in combination with immunosuppressants. Moreover, risk factors of relapse were revealed by applying the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#We classified the 622 patients into three groups consisting of 470 proliferative patients, 55 fibrotic patients, and 97 mixed patients, respectively. We found that gender distribution, age, disease duration, and frequency of allergy history were significantly different among subgroups. In terms of organ involvement, submandibular and lacrimal glands were frequently involved in the proliferative subtype, while retroperitoneum was the most commonly involved site in both fibrotic subtype and mixed subtype. The comparison of laboratory tests revealed that eosinophils ( P = 0.010), total IgE ( P = 0.006), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( P <0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( P <0.001), complement C4 ( P <0.001), IgG ( P = 0.001), IgG1 (P <0.001), IgG4 (P <0.001), and IgA ( P <0.001), at baseline were significantly different among three subtypes. Compared with proliferative and mixed subtypes, the fibrotic subtype showed the lowest rate of relapse (log-rank P = 0.014).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our study revealed the differences in demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, organ involvement, laboratory tests, treatment agents, and outcomes across proliferative, fibrotic, and mixed subtypes in the retrospective cohort study. Given significant differences in relapse-free survival among the three subtypes, treatment regimens, and follow-up frequency should be considered separately according to different subtypes.

The effect of LeCompte maneuver on mid-to-long term reintervention after arterial switch operation in children with side-by-side Taussig-Bing anomaly / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the effect of LeCompte maneuver on in-hospital mortality and mid-to-long term reintervention after single-stage arterial switch operation in children with side-by-side Taussig-Bing anomaly. Methods     Clinical data of patients diagnosed with side-by-side Taussig-Bing anomaly and undergoing single-stage arterial switch operation in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center from 2006 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether LeCompte maneuver was performed: a LeCompte maneuver group and a non LeCompte maneuver group. The clinical data of two groups were compared. Results    Finally 92 patients were collected. LeCompte maneuver was performed in 32 out of 92 patients with a median age of 65.0 days and an average weight of 4.3 kg, among whom 24 (75.0%) were male. Fifteen (46.9%) patients received concomitant aortic arch repair while 12 (37.5%) patients were associated with coronary artery malformation. LeCompte maneuver was not performed in 60 patients with a median age of 81.0 days and an average weight of 4.8 kg, among whom 45 (75.0%) were male. Twenty-two (36.7%) patients received concomitant aortic arch repair while 35 (58.3%) patients were associated with coronary artery malformation. The average cardiopulmonary bypass duration of the LeCompte maneuver group showed no statistical difference from the non LeCompte maneuver group (179.0±60.0 min vs. 203.0±74.0 min, P=0.093). The in-hospital mortality of the two groups were 6 (18.8%) and 7 (11.7%), respectively, which also showed no statistical difference (P=0.364). The median follow-up period was 4.1 (1.6, 7.5) years for 79 patients with 8 lost to follow-up, and no death was observed. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test showed no statistical difference in overall mid-to-long term reintervention rate (P=0.850) as well as right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary artery reintervention rate (P=0.240) with or without LeCompte maneuver. Conclusion    Whether or not to perform LeCompte maneuver shows no statistical impact on in-hospital mortality and mid-to-long term reintervention rate of single-stage arterial switch operation for side-by-side Taussig-Bing anomaly.

Study on differential expression of Sirtuin1 in type A aortic dissection pateints at diverse ages / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the differential expression of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in type A aortic dissection at diverse ages. Methods    The expression of SIRT1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in aortic tissue of the patients with type A aortic dissection (an aortic dissection group) and coronary heart disease (a control group) from 2019 to 2020 in the First Hospital of China Medical University was analyzed. In each group, the patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to the age (a younger subgroup, <45 years; a middle age subgroup, 45-60 years; an elderly subgroup, > Compared with the control group, SIRT1 protein expression decreased significantly in the aortic dissection group (the younger group: 0.64±0.18 vs. 1.18±0.47; the middle age group: 0.43±0.26 vs. 0.69±0.32; the elderly group: 0.31±0.24 vs. 0.45±0.29, P<0.01). The Western blotting results showed that the expression of SIRT1 protein in the aortic dissection group decreased with age (P<0.01). The MCP-1 protein expression of younger and middle age patients in the aortic dissection group was increased compared with that in the control group (the younger group: 0.65±0.27 vs. 0.38±0.22; the middle age group: 1.08±0.30 vs. 0.46±0.36, P<0.001). MCP-1 expression increased with age (P<0.01). The result of immunohistochemical staining for SIRT1 protein was similar to that of Western blotting. Conclusion    The expression of SIRT1 decreases in patients with aortic dissection disease, and declines with age. SIRT1 may play an important role in the treatment and screening of type A aortic dissection.60 years). The quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunochemical stainning were used to detect the mRNA or protein expression of SIRT1 and MCP-1. Results    A total of 60 patients were included in each group, including 79 males and 41 females. There were 20 patients in the yonger, middle age and elderly subgroups for the two groups, respectively. Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 mRNA decreased in the aortic dissection group (the younger subgroup: 4.54±1.52 vs. 8.78±2.57; the middle age group: 2.70±1.50 vs. 5.74±1.07; the elderly group: 1.41±1.33 vs. 3.09±1.14, P<0.001). Meanwhile, SIRT1 mRNA in the aortic dissection group declined with age (P<0.01).

Genetic analysis of a gonadal-mosaicism BMD family with prenatal diagnosis and PGT-M / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To identify the pathogenic characteristics of a suspected gonadal mosaicism Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) family, and provide provide basis for pregnancy selection of similar families.Methods:A BMD family admitted to Hunan Jiahui Genetics Hospital from June 2012 to September 2019 was systematically reviewed. The medical history and family history of the proband were checked, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was used to detect the deletion/duplication of 79 exons of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene in the proband, fetuses, and parents. Moreover, potential variants were verified by combining PCR amplification, short tandom repeat polymorphic linkage analysis, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. High-quality embryos are screened for transplantation after preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic (PGT-M). And amniotic fluid was collected in the second trimester for prenatal diagnostic verification.Results:According to the phenotype analysis of the proband, the initial clinical diagnosis was BMD, and the exon 45-50 deletion in DMD gene was detected. The mutation was not detected in the mother′s peripheral blood, but when she was pregnant again, the prenatal diagnosis showed that the fetus had the same deletion mutation as the proband. Neither of two vitro embryos tested by PGT-M has the deletion mutation, then single embryo transfer was performed nor was pregnancy successful. After confirmation of prenatal diagnosis during pregnancy, a normal baby girl was born by full-term cesarean section.Conclusions:This BMD family was a family with two consecutive BMD homodeletion mutations, and the mutation of the DMD gene was not detected in the peripheral blood of the proband′s mother and two embryonic cells, suggesting that the mother may be a gonad chimeric carrier of this deletion mutation. The combined application of prenatal diagnosis and PGT-M provides a reference approach to effectively avoid the birth of similar children.

Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Sj?gren′s syndrome in China / 中华内科杂志

Sj?gren′s syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocyte proliferation and progressive exocrine gland damage. In addition to the impairment of salivary and lacrimal gland function, SS can present with multi-system and multi-organ involvement, accompanied by autoantibodies in serum and hyperimmunoglobulinemia. SS can be divided into primary and secondary forms based on the absence or presence, respectively, of concurrent connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Based on evidence and guidelines from China and other countries, the Chinese Rheumatology Association drafted standardized criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of primary SS. The objectives were to standardize the detection and interpretation of key indicators for the diagnosis of SS, including serum anti-SSA antibody and labial gland pathology, suggest the use of the widely accepted European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)-SS disease activity index for the evaluation of the disease, and standardize the rational management of SS patients with topical and systemic therapies.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.Methods:Eighty-eight patients with percutaneous left nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who received treatment in The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2019 to January 2021 were included in this study. These patients were divided into three groups according to different anticoagulant methods: group A (percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion), group B (livaraban), and group C (warfarin). The incidence of stroke, the incidence of bleeding events, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, and live and kidney function and coagulation function after 3 months of treatment were compared among the three groups.Results:There were no significant differences in the incidence of stroke and adverse cardiovascular events among the three groups ( P > 0.05). The incidence of bleeding events in groups A, B, and C was 9.3% (3/32), 15.0% (6/40), and 31.2% (5/16), respectively. There was a significant difference in the incidence of bleeding events among the three groups ( χ2 = 8.07, P = 0.001). After 3 months of treatment, there were no significant differences in prothrombin time, fibrinogen, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and creatinine clearance among the three groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion:Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion, warfarin, and rivaroxaban can prevent stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion is safer and more feasible than warfarin and rivaroxaban alone in the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Status survey and countermeasures for trainees in standardized residency training of ultrasound professional base under the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To investigate the behavior and emotion of trainees (residents) in the standardized residency training under the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) epidemic, and adjust the training plan and mode of standardized residency training during the NCP epidemic according to the survey results.Methods:A real-name closed questionnaire survey was conducted among 40 residents (27 ultrasound majors and 13 other majors) in ultrasound department using the "Questionnaire Star" WeChat applet, including basic personal information, questions related to NCP, behavioral change survey, behavioral attitude survey and emotional status survey. All the collected data were further statistically analyzed by Chi-square test and rank sum test using SPSS 19.0Results:There were forty valid questionnaires and the participation rate was 100.0%. The accuracy of 24 NCP-related questions was not significantly different between residents majoring in ultrasound and other specialties [92.0%(596/648) vs. 93.6%(292/312), P>0.05]. All the residents had a good understanding of NCP. The main behaviors of going out were significantly reduced, while various behaviors of being at home were significantly increased. Their interest in learning declined. When the epidemic happened (or possibly) in the community or village they lived in, their negative emotions, such as nervousness, fear pessimism and depression, were obviously expressed. Network teaching and evaluation through WeChat public number were adopted and we guided residents to adjust their home behaviors and emotions according to the survey results. Conclusion:Under the NCP epidemic, the behaviors and emotions of residents had been extensively changed. The training center should adjust the teaching plan and mode of training in time, and provide more counselling service in psychology and learning for residents during the epidemic.

Co-morbidity of overweight,obesity and depression and its influencing factors among students in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the prevalence of overweight, obesity and depression among students in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2019-2022 and explore the relevant factors affecting the co-morbidity of overweight,obesity and depression among students, so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention of co-morbidity.@*Methods@#From September 2019 to 2022, used stratified random cluster sampling, 90 519,71 560,90 079,91 089 students were selected from all 12 leagues in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for questionnaire survey and physical examination. The χ 2 test was used for demographic characteristics and univariate analysis, and a binary Logistic regression model was used to explore the association between lifestyle behaviors and co-morbidity.@*Results@#The detection rate of overweight,obesity among students from 2019-2022 was 29.21%,34.38%,35.20%,34.61%, the detection rate of depression was 18.35%，17.53%，16.43%，16.00%, and the co-morbidity detection rate of the two was 5.52%，5.93%，5.76%，5.46%. The number of overweight,obesity and depression co-morbidity students in 2022 was 4 978 students, and the co-morbidity detection rates of the students were significantly different in terms of the school segments and the family structures ( χ 2=103.51, 99.90, P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that consuming sugar sweetened beverages or fried food ≥1 time/d, sometimes or never eat breakfast, watching computer or TV ≥2 h/d, and less than 1 h of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on weekends were positively correlated with the occurrence of the co-morbidity of overweight,obesity and depression, with the value of OR ranging from 1.17 to 1.59 ( P <0.05). Eated fresh fruits or drinking milk and soy milk ≥1 time/d, outdoor activities ≥1 h/d, sleep ≥8 h/d, not smoking and not drinking alcohol were negatively correlated with the occurrence of comorbid overweight,obesity and depression, with the value of OR ranging from 0.47 to 0.92 ( P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#The occurrence of overweight,obesity and depressive symptoms co-morbidity in students is associated with dietary, exercise and lifestyle behavior. Targeted measures should be taken to maintain students healthy weight and prevent the occurrence of depression from the aspects of diet, exercise and life habits.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics in treatment of bacterial vaginosis / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis. The randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Kushen Gelatum for treating bacterial vaginosis were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, and Cochrane Library with the time interval from inception to January 2023. Data were extracted from the included RCT by 2 investigators, including the sample size, characteristics of patients, interventions and controls, outcome indicators, and adverse effects. The Cochrane collaboration network's bias risk assessment tool was used for methodolo-gical quality evaluation of the included trials. RevMan 5.4 was employed to perform the Meta-analysis. A total of 19 RCTs were inclu-ded, involving 1 980 patients with bacterial vaginosis. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with nitroimidazoles alone, Kushen Gelatum + nitroimidazoles improved the total response rates in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.24, 95%CI[1.13, 1.36], P<0.000 01), laboratory tests(RR=1.16, 95%CI[1.06, 1.26], P=0.000 9), and clinical symptoms(RR=1.26, 95%CI[1.08, 1.46], P=0.003), and reduced the leukocyte esterase positive rate(RR=0.29, 95%CI[0.17, 0.48], P<0.000 01) and the recurrence rate(RR=0.37, 95%CI[0.23, 0.58], P<0.000 1). Compared with lincomycin antibiotics(clindamycin) alone, Kushen Gelatum + lincomycin antibiotics(clindamycin) improved the total response rates in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.18, 95%CI[1.06, 1.31], P=0.003) and laboratory tests(RR=1.27, 95%CI[1.04, 1.54], P=0.02), reduced the recurrence rate(RR=0.20, 95%CI[0.05, 0.75], P=0.02), and shortened the time to relief of burning sensation(MD=-1.70, 95%CI[-2.15,-1.26], P<0.000 01), vaginal itching(MD=-0.82, 95%CI[-1.30,-0.34], P=0.000 8), and abnormal leucorrhea(MD=-1.52, 95%CI[-1.98,-1.06], P<0.000 01). Compared with nitroimidazoles + probiotics, Kushen Gelatum + nitroimidazoles + probiotics improved the total response rate in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.18, 95%CI[1.02, 1.36], P=0.03) and reduced the recurrence rate(RR=0.27, 95%CI[0.09, 0.76], P=0.01). Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics demonstrates a potential therapeutic effect on bacterial vaginosis, whereas the number and quality of the relevant clinical studies remain to be improved. The process of clinical trial should be standardized to improve the quality of evidence, so as to provide strong evidence to guide the application of Kushen Gelatum in clinical practice.

Metabolomic study on urine of chronic inflammation rats treated with Buyang Huanwu Decoction based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国中药杂志

The study investigated the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD) on endogenous biomarkers in the urine of rats with chronic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), aiming to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of BYHWD on chronic inflammation from a metabolomics perspective. Male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose BYHWD groups(7.5, 15, and 30 g·kg~(-1)). The model group and BYHWD groups received tail intravenous injection of LPS(200 μg·kg~(-1)) on the first day of each week, followed by oral administration of BYHWD once a day for four consecutive weeks. Urine samples were collected at the end of the administration period, and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the metabolic profiles of the rat urine in each group. Multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to analyze the effect of BYHWD on endogenous metabolites. One-way ANOVA and variable importance for the projection(VIP) were used to screen for potential biomarkers related to chronic inflammation. The identified biomarkers were subjected to pathway and enrichment analysis using MetaboAnalyst 5.0. A total of 25 potential biomarkers were screened and identified in the rat urine in this experiment. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significant increases in the levels of 14 substances(P<0.05) and significant decreases in the levels of 11 substances(P<0.05). BYHWD was able to effectively reverse the trend of most endogenous biomarkers. Compared with the model group, BYHWD significantly down-regulated 13 biomarkers(P<0.05) and up-regulated 10 biomarkers(P<0.05). The metabolic products were mainly related to the biosynthesis of pantothenic acid and coenzyme A, tryptophan metabolism, retinol metabolism, and propionate metabolism. BYHWD has therapeutic effect on chronic inflammation induced by LPS, which may be related to its ability to improve the levels of endogenous metabolites, enhance the body's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, and restore normal metabolic activity.

Mechanism of pregnancy-induced thymus involution and regeneration and medication rules of postpartum prescriptions / 中国中药杂志

In order to prevent the maternal immune defenses to the semi-allogeneic fetus, the maternal body will present a special adaptive immune system change represented by acute thymic involution(ATI) during pregnancy, which can be quickly regenerated after delivery. The ATI during pregnancy is related to the level of sex hormones, which is mainly caused by progesterone. Pregnancy-induced ATI is manifested as the continuous shrinkage of thymus volume, especially the cortex, and the wrinkle and phagocytosis of the subcapsular cortical thymic epithelial cells(cTECs), while other thymic epithelial cells(TECs) remain unchanged. The postpartum thymus is regenerated by the co-mediation of forkhead box N1(FOXN1) as well as its target genes chemokine(C-C motif) ligand 25(CCL25), chemokine(C-X-C motif) ligand 12(CXCL12), δ-like ligand 4(DLL4), cathepsin L(CTSL), and serine protease 16(PRSS16). Once the postpartum thymus is poorly repaired, immune dysfunction of the maternal body and several puerperal diseases will be induced, seriously endangering the survival of the mother and the newborn. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), Qi and blood are the cornerstone of pregnancy, and the thymus plays a key role in regulating Qi and blood. The deficiency of Qi and blood during pregnancy and childbirth is closely related to the abnormal ATI during pregnancy and the poor regeneration of the postpartum thymus. Based on this theory, TCM has profound academic ideas and rich clinical experience in postpartum recuperation. Based on the systematic description of the mechanism of ATI regeneration during pregnancy, as well as data mining and analysis of two classic gynecological works of TCM, Wan's Gynecology and Fu Qing-zhu's Treatise on Gynecology, this study found that the commonly used TCM for postpartum included Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Among them, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Chuanxiong Rhizoma are high-frequency TCMs with positive effects on postpartum recovery.However, the mechanism of these TCMs in promoting postpartum thymus regeneration needs further investigation.

Progress in neural network mechanism of tinnitus using functional magnetic resonance imaging / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Tinnitus refers to the perception of abnormal sound in the absence of external sound stimulation. It can have an impact on a person's mood, memory, attention, and mental state, although the mechanism of tinnitus is still unclear. In recent years, the research on the central neural mechanism of tinnitus has attracted the attention of scholars.Functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI）,as an effective imaging technology, has been actively employed in this field. This paper provides a systematic summary of studies on the central neural mechanism of tinnitus by fMRI in recent years,revealed the changes of functional connections among tinnitus-related neural networks,such as auditory network,limbic system,default mode network and salience network. The central neural mechanism of tinnitus involves multiple networks that interact with each other. By understanding this mechanism, we hope to develop more targeted prevention and treatment strategies to help patients alleviate long-term tinnitus.

Efficacy and Safety of Huashi Baidu Granules in Treating Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huashi Baidu Granules (HSBD) in treating patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant.@*METHODS@#A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted during COVID-19 Omicron epidemic in the Mobile Cabin Hospital of Shanghai New International Expo Center from April 1st to May 23rd, 2022. All COVID-19 patients with asymptomatic or mild infection were assigned to the treatment group (HSBD users) and the control group (non-HSBD users). After propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio, 496 HSBD users of treatment group were matched by propensity score to 496 non-HSBD users. Patients in the treatment group were administrated HSBD (5 g/bag) orally for 1 bag twice a day for 7 consecutive days. Patients in the control group received standard care and routine treatment. The primary outcomes were the negative conversion time of nucleic acid and negative conversion rate at day 7. Secondary outcomes included the hospitalized days, the time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion, and new-onset symptoms in asymptomatic patients. Adverse events (AEs) that occurred during the study were recorded. Further subgroup analysis was conducted in vaccinated (378 HSBD users and 390 non-HSBD users) and unvaccinated patients (118 HSBD users and 106 non-HSBD users).@*RESULTS@#The median negative conversion time of nucleic acid in the treatment group was significantly shortened than the control group [3 days (IQR: 2-5 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-6 days); P<0.01]. The negative conversion rate of nucleic acid in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group at day 7 (91.73% vs. 86.90%, P=0.014). Compared with the control group, the hospitalized days in the treatment group were significantly reduced [10 days (IQR: 8-11 days) vs. 11 days (IQR: 10.25-12 days); P<0.01]. The time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion had significant differences between the treatment and control groups [3 days (IQR: 2-4 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-6 days); P<0.01]. The incidence of new-onset symptoms including cough, pharyngalgia, expectoration and fever in the treatment group were lower than the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the vaccinated patients, the median negative conversion time and hospitalized days were significantly shorter than the control group after HSDB treatment [3 days (IQR: 2-5 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-6 days), P<0.01; 10 days (IQR: 8-11 days) vs. 11 days (IQR: 10-12 days), P<0.01]. In the unvaccinated patients, HSBD treatment efficiently shorten the median negative conversion time and hospitalized days [4 days (IQR: 2-6 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-7 days), P<0.01; 10.5 days (IQR: 8.75-11 days) vs. 11.0 days (IQR: 10.75-13 days); P<0.01]. No serious AEs were reported during the study.@*CONCLUSION@#HSBD treatment significantly shortened the negative conversion time of nuclear acid, the length of hospitalization, and the time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion in patients infected with SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant (Trial registry No. ChiCTR2200060472).

Dihydromyricetin Alleviates H9C2 Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy by Regulating CircHIPK3 Expression and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of dihydromyricetin (Dmy) on H9C2 cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.@*METHODS@#H9C2 cells were randomly divided into 7 groups, namely control, model, EV (empty pCDH-CMV-MCS-EF1-CopGFP-T2A-Puro vector), IV (circHIPK3 interference), Dmy (50 µ mol/L), Dmy+IV, and Dmy+EV groups. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectivley. Western blot was used to evaluate the levels of light chain 3 II/I (LC3II/I), phospho-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (p-AKT), and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR). The level of circHIPK3 was determined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes in H9C2 cells.@*RESULTS@#Compared to H9C2 cells, the expression of circHIPK in H9C2 hypoxia model cells increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the cell apoptosis and autophagosomes increased, cell proliferation rate decreased significantly, and the expression of LC3 II/I significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the rate of apoptosis and autophagosomes in IV, Dmy, and Dmy+IV group decreased, the cell proliferation rate increased, and the expression of LC3 II/I decreased significantly (all P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR in the model group significantly reduced (P<0.05), whereas after treatment with Dmy and sh-circHIPK3, the above situation was reversed (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Dmy plays a protective role in H9C2 cells by inhibiting circHIPK expression and cell apoptosis and autophagy, and the mechanism may be related to PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Effect of Recombinant Human Thrombopoietin (rhTPO) on Long-term Hematopoietic Recovery in Mice with Acute Radiation Sickness and Relative Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect and relative mechanism of Recombinant Human Thrombopoietin (rhTPO) on long-term hematopoietic recovery in mice with acute radiation sickness.@*METHODS@#Mice were intramuscularly injected with rhTPO (100 μg/kg) 2 hours after total body irradiation with 60Co γ-rays (6.5 Gy). Moreover, six months after irradiation, peripheral blood, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) ratio, competitive transplantation survival rate and chimerization rate, senescence rate of c-kit+ HSC, and p16 and p38 mRNA expression of c-kit+ HSC were detected.@*RESULTS@#Six months after 6.5 Gy γ-ray irradiation, there were no differences in peripheral blood white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, neutrophils and bone marrow nucleated cells in normal group, irradiated group and rhTPO group (P>0.05). The proportion of hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitor cells in mice of irradiated group was significantly decreased after irradiation (P<0.05), but there was no significant changes in rhTPO group (P>0.05). The counts of CFU-MK and BFU-E in irradiated group were significantly lower than that in normal group, and rhTPO group was higher than that of the irradiated group(P<0.05). The 70 day survival rate of recipient mice in normal group and rhTPO group was 100%, and all mice died in irradiation group. The senescence positive rates of c-kit+ HSC in normal group, irradiation group and rhTPO group were 6.11%, 9.54% and 6.01%, respectively (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the p16 and p38 mRNA expression of c-kit+ HSC in the irradiated mice were significantly increased (P<0.01), and it was markedly decreased after rhTPO administration (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The hematopoietic function of mice is still decreased 6 months after 6.5 Gy γ-ray irradiation, suggesting that there may be long-term damage. High-dose administration of rhTPO in the treatment of acute radiation sickness can reduce the senescence of HSC through p38-p16 pathway and improve the long-term damage of hematopoietic function in mice with acute radiation sickness.

Effects of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 inhibitor HC067047 on anxiety-like behavior in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor HC067047 on anxiety-like behavior in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Totally 48 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (NS), model group (LPS) and drug intervention group (HC + LPS). Anxiety mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 0.83 mg/kg LPS. The HC + LPS group was intraperitoneally injected with HC067047 (10 mg/kg) 30 minutes before LPS injection, and the NS group and LPS group were injected with equal volume of normal saline. Open field test and social interaction experiments were used to detect anxiety-like behaviors in each group of mice; Immunohistochemical chemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of TRPV4, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the hippocampus. Results Immunohistochemical and Western blotting experiments showed that, compared with the NS group, the expression of TRPV4 in the hippocampus of the LPS group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.0001); In the open field test, compared with the NS group, the total distance (P < 0.0001), the distance in the central area (P<0.01) and the time of in the central area mice in the LPS group reduced significantly (P< 0.01). HC067047 intervention reversed the activities of LPS model mice total distance (P < 0.05), the distance of activities in the central area (P < 0.001) and the time of in the central area (P < 0.01); In the social interaction test, compared with the NS group, the interaction time the unfamiliar mice reduced significantly in LPS group (P<0.01), which was reversed by HC067047 treatment (P< 0.01); Western blotting detection revealed that the expression of hippocampal iNOS (P<0.05), nNOS (P < 0.001), and eNOS (P < 0.001) in the LPS group were significantly higher than the NS group, which reduced remarkably by HC067047 treatment (iNOS P < 0.05, nNOS P < 0.01 and eNOS P < 0.01). Conclusion Inhibiting the expression of TRPV4 can improve the anxiety-like behavior, and this process may be related to anti-oxidative stress.