Efficacy of the herbal pair, Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae and Eucommiae Cortex, in preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in the zebrafish model / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#In traditional Chinese medicine, the herbal pair, Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (RAB) and Eucommiae Cortex (EC), is widely used to treat osteoporosis. Herein, we determined whether this herbal pair can be used to ameliorate glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and find its optimal dosage in zebrafish.@*METHODS@#The characteristics of the aqueous extract of RAB and EC were separately characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography. Osteoporosis was induced in 5-day post-fertilization zebrafish larvae by exposing them to 10 μmol/L dexamethasone (Dex) for 96 h. Seven combinations of different ratios of RAB and EC were co-administered. Treatment efficacy was determined by calculating zebrafish vertebral area and sum brightness, via alizarin red staining, and by detecting alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the optimal dosage ratio.@*RESULTS@#According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015), β-ecdysone (β-Ecd) is a major bioactive marker in RAB extract, while pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) is the major marker in EC extract. Both of β-Ecd and PDG content values aligned with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia standards. Treatment with 10 μmol/L Dex reduced zebrafish vertebral area, sum brightness, and ALP activity, but RAB and EC attenuated these effects. Combining 50 µg/mL RAB and 50 µg/mL EC was optimal for preventing GIOP in zebrafish. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of osteogenesis-related genes. A treatment of 10 μmol/L Dex decreased runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), bone γ-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGLAP), and β-catenin levels. This effect was counteracted by RAB and EC co-treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, the effect of using the two herbal extracts together was better than single-herb treatments separately. These results demonstrated that RAB and EC preserve osteoblast function in the presence of GC. The best mass ratio was 1:1.@*CONCLUSION@#RAB and EC herbal pair could ameliorate GC-induced effects in zebrafish, with 1:1 as the optimal dosage ratio.

Regulatory Mechanisms of the Molecular Pathways in Fibrosis Induced by MicroRNAs / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play critical roles in the fibrotic process in different organs. We summarized the latest research progress on the roles and mechanisms of miRNAs in the regulation of the molecular signaling pathways involved in fibrosis.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>Papers published in English from January 2010 to August 2015 were selected from the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the search terms "microRNA", "miR", "transforming growth factor β", "tgf β", "mitogen-activated protein kinase", "mapk", "integrin", "p38", "c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase", "jnk", "extracellular signal-regulated kinase", "erk", and "fibrosis".</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Articles were obtained and reviewed to analyze the regulatory effects of miRNAs on molecular signaling pathways involved in the fibrosis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Recent evidence has shown that miRNAs are involved in regulating fibrosis by targeting different substrates in the molecular processes that drive fibrosis, such as immune cell sensitization, effector cell activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Moreover, several important molecular signaling pathways involve in fibrosis, such as the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and the integrin pathway are regulated by miRNAs. Third, regulation of the fibrotic pathways induced by miRNAs is found in many other tissues in addition to the heart, lung, liver, and kidney. Interestingly, the actions of many drugs on the human body are also induced by miRNAs. It is encouraging that the fibrotic process can be blocked or reversed by targeting specific miRNAs and their signaling pathways, thereby protecting the structures and functions of different organs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>miRNAs not only regulate molecular signaling pathways in fibrosis but also serve as potential targets of novel therapeutic interventions for fibrosing diseases.</p>

Shenfu Injection suppresses inflammation by targeting haptoglobin and pentraxin 3 in rats with chronic ischemic heart failure / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the regulatory effects of Shenfu Injection (SFI, ) on hemodynamic parameters and serum proteins in rats with post-infarction chronic heart failure (CHF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-five healthy Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: sham, heart failure (model) and SFI group. The CHF was induced by left coronary artery ligation. Seven days after the surgical operation, animals in the sham group and the model group received saline (6.2 mL/kg/d), while animals in the SFI group received SFI (6.2 mL/kg d) intraperitoneally. Four weeks later, cardiac hemodynamic parameters were measured via the carotid route. The expression of serum proteins was analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Recording of hemodynamic parameters showed that left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximum rate of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax) rise, and maximum rate of left ventricular pressure (-dp/dtmax) decrease, while the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) rose in the model group compared to those in the sham group (P <0.05). The results of the MALDI-TOF MS indicated that haptoglobin (HP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and alpha-1-antitrypsin were up-regulated, while serum albumin and 40S ribosomal protein were down-regulated in the model group (P <0.05). Compared with the model group, LVSP, +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax were higher, while LVEDP was lower in the SFI group (P<0.05). Expression levels of HP and PTX3 were lower than in the model group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SFI could improve hemodynamic function and decrease inflammatory reactions in the pathophysiology of CHF. The serum proteins HP and PTX3 could be potential biomarkers for chronic ischemic heart failure, and they could also be the serum protein targets of SFI.</p>

Roles and mechanisms of ginseng in protecting heart / 中国结合医学杂志

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mayer, has long been used clinically in China to treat various diseases. Multiple effects of ginseng, such as antitumor, antiinflammatory, antiallergic, antioxidative, antidiabetic and antihypertensive have been confirmed by modern medicine. Recently, the clinical utilization of ginseng to treat heart diseases has increased dramatically. The roles of ginseng in protecting heart are foci for research in modern medical science and have been partially demonstrated, and the mechanisms of protection against coronary artery disease, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, cardiac energy metabolism, cardiac contractility, and arrhythmia are being uncovered progressively. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms by which ginseng protects heart. All such studies will provide evidence of ginseng's clinical application, international promotion, and new drug development.

Effects of glycyrrhetinic acid on sodium ion channel currents of rats' ventricular myocardial cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the sodium ion channel currents (I(Na)) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells, and to explore its anti-arrhythmic mechanisms at the ion channel level.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Single ventricular myocardial cells was isolated from SD rats. The whole cell patch clamp was used to record the effects of GA on I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GA could inhibit I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells dose-dependently. GA at 1, 5, and 10 micromol/L decreased I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells from (-4.26 +/- 0.15) nA to (-3.54 +/- 0.10) nA, (-2.19 +/- 0.09) nA, and (-1.25 +/- 0.08) nA, respectively. GA at 1, 5, and 10 micromol/L inhibited I(Na) by 16.08% +/- 2.3%, 50.82% +/- 3.56%, and 75.98% +/- 5.12%, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). GA at 10 micromol/L shifted I(Na) current-voltage curve more positively, but the activation potential and the peak potential were not changed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GA inhibited the I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells dose-dependently, which was possibly associated with its antiarrhythmia effects.</p>

Effect of matrine on human ether à go-go related gene (HERG) channels expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of matrine on human ether à go-go related gene (HERG) potassium channels expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and investigate whether HERG channel is a new target of the pharmacological effect of matrine on arrhythmia and tumor</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HERG channel potassium current in CHO cell was recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, and the influence of matrine on the current was explored.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Matrine inhibited HERG potassium current in a dose-dependent manner, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC IC(50)) was 411±23 μmol/L. Matrine had no significant effect on the activation kinetics, and mainly blocked HERG channels in their closed state.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The blocking effect of matrine on HERG channels might be one of the mechanisms against arrythmias and tumors. Unlike most other blockers exerting blocking effect at the intracellular sites by entering the cell with the opening of HERG channel, matrine blocked HERG channels at the extracellular sites.</p>

Identification of differentially expressed genes in myocardium of patients with heart failure by human whole genomic oligonucleotide microarray-assisted pathways analysis / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the differentially expressed gene profiles in myocardium of patients with heart failure using human whole genomic oligonucleotide microarray-assisted pathway analysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Phalanx whole genomic oligonucleotide microarrays were used to detect the gene expression profiles of myocardium in four patients died of heart failure and 4 brain died patients without heart diseases. The microarray findings were confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The genes with a threshold of 1.2 times fold-change were selected and BioCarta Pathway and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway databases were used to identify functionally related gene pathways.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 2806 genes with differentially expression were detected between the failing and non-failing heart samples, expression changes of 399 genes were more than 2-folds. Eleven pathways were identified by BioCarta pathway database and sixteen pathways were identified by KEGG PATHWAY Database.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Genomic microarray-assisted pathway analysis could help to identify gene expression profiles in failing heart.</p>

Effects of fufangdenshen tablets on human atherosclerotic plasma protein using proteomic technique / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To research the effects of fufangdenshen tablets on atherosclerotic plasma protein using proteomic technique and further explore its potential molecular mechanism to cure atherosclerosis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The plasma of normal, atherosclerosis and cured group were collected, and the albumin in plasma was removed. Proteomic protocol involved of 2-DE, image analysis and spectrometry detection was used to detect regulated plasma protein by fufangdenshen tablets.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>3 decreased expressed and 6 higher protein in atherosclerotic plasma could be recovered by fufangdenshen tablets. The levels of fibrinogen, Granzyme C and immunoglobulin were decreased by fufangdenshen tablets.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The levels of fibrinogen, Granzyme C in atherosclerotic plasma could be decreased by fufangdenshen tablets. The effects of fufangdenshen tablets on atherosclerosis included that: inhibition of adhesion of monocyte, inhibition of proliferation and migration of VSMC, and weakening of inflammation.</p>

Effect of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on expression of c-fos gene in myocardium of the rat with acute myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) improving acute myocardial ischemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a myocardial ischemia model group and a myocardial ischemia model plus electroacupuncture group. The acute myocardial ischemia model was developed byligation of the descending anterior branch of the coronary artery, and electroacupuncture was given at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6). Serum myocardial enzymes was determined by biochemical method and the expression of c-fos mRNA in myocardium was detected by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The activities of serum myocardial enzymes and the expression of c-fos mRNA in ischemic myocardium were significantly increased as compared with those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), and after electroacupuncture they were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) improving acute myochadial ischemia is possibly related with down-regulation of expression of c-fos mRNA in myocardium.</p>

Clinical observation on treatment of 40 SARS uncertain patients with integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinic symptom improving time in uncertain SARS patients and the therapeutic effect of integrative Chinese and western medicine (ICWM) in treating SARS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinic symptoms, chest film and tongue figure of 40 uncertain SARS patients treated with ICWM were observed and T-lymphocyte subsets, serum coronavirus nucleic acid and antibody in 20 patients were tested dynamically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the symptoms, such as fever, sweating, fatigue, cough without phlegm, etc. were obviously improved after treatment. Lung shadow in chest film began to be absorbed 4.54 +/- 2.85 days, and obviously absorbed 7.74 +/- 4.68 days after treatment. CD3, CD4 and CD8 in 20 patients, which were lower than the normal range when hospitalization, began to increase 3 days later and gradually recovered to the normal in 6-10 days. Serum coronavirus nucleic acid was positive in 3 patients, coronavirus antibody positive in two and both were positive in one.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ICWM can improve the symptoms and regulate the immune function in uncertain SARS patients.</p>