Difference of lipid-lowering efficacy of "Xinjianqu" before and after fermentation and its mechanism based on LKB1-AMPK pathway and 16S rDNA sequencing technology / 中国中药杂志

On the basis of establishing the prescription of Xinjianqu and clarifying the increase of the lipid-lowering active ingredients of Xinjianqu by fermentation, this paper further compared the differences in the lipid-lowering effects of Xinjianqu before and after fermentation, and studied the mechanism of Xinjianqu in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Seventy SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups, including normal group, model group, positive drug simvastatin group(0.02 g·kg~(-1)), and low-dose and high-dose Xinjianqu groups before and after fermentation(1.6 g·kg~(-1) and 8 g·kg~(-1)), with ten rats in each group. Rats in each group were given high-fat diet continuously for six weeks to establish the model of hyperlipidemia(HLP). After successful modeling, the rats were given high-fat diet and gavaged by the corresponding drugs for six weeks, once a day, to compare the effects of Xinjianqu on the body mass, liver coefficient, and small intestine propulsion rate of rats with HLP before and after fermentation. The effects of Xinjianqu before and after fermentation on total cholesterol(TC), triacylglyceride(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine(Cr), motilin(MTL), gastrin(GAS), and the Na~+-K~+-ATPase levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The effects of Xinjianqu on liver morphology of rats with HLP were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O fat staining. The effects of Xinjianqu on the protein expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK), liver kinase B1(LKB1), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate monoacyl coenzyme A reductase(HMGCR) in liver tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry. The effects of Xinjianqu on the regulation of intestinal flora structure of rats with HLP were studied based on 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that compared with those in the normal group, rats in the model group had significantly higher body mass and liver coefficient(P<0.01), significantly lower small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.01), significantly higher serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, and AQP2(P<0.01), and significantly lower serum levels of HDL-C, MTL, GAS, Na~+-K~+-ATP levels(P<0.01). The protein expression of AMPK, p-AMPK, and LKB1 in the livers of rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01), and that of HMGCR was significantly increased(P<0.01). In addition, the observed＿otus, Shannon, and Chao1 indices were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01) in rat fecal flora in the model group. Besides, in the model group, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was reduced, while that of Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria was increased, and the relative abundance of beneficial genera such as Ligilactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae＿NK4A136＿group was reduced. Compared with the model group, all Xinjianqu groups regulated the body mass, liver coefficient, and small intestine index of rats with HLP(P<0.05 or P<0.01), reduced the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, and AQP2, increased the serum levels of HDL-C, MTL, GAS, and Na~+-K~+-ATP, improved the liver morphology, and increased the protein expression gray value of AMPK, p-AMPK, and LKB1 in the liver of rats with HLP and decreased that of LKB1. Xinjianqu groups could regulate the intestinal flora structure of rats with HLP, increased observed＿otus, Shannon, Chao1 indices, and increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Ligilactobacillus(genus), Lachnospiraceae＿NK4A136＿group(genus). Besides, the high-dose Xinjianqu-fermented group had significant effects on body mass, liver coefficient, small intestine propulsion rate, and serum index levels of rats with HLP(P<0.01), and the effects were better than those of Xinjianqu groups before fermentation. The above results show that Xinjianqu can improve the blood lipid level, liver and kidney function, and gastrointestinal motility of rats with HLP, and the improvement effect of Xinjianqu on hyperlipidemia is significantly enhanced by fermentation. The mechanism may be related to AMPK, p-AMPK, LKB1, and HMGCR protein in the LKB1-AMPK pathway and the regulation of intestinal flora structure.

Analysis on Mechanism of Baiyaojian in Treating Ulcerative Colitis Based on Intestinal Flora and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To compare the effects of Baiyaojian before and after fermentation on intestinal flora and expression of Occludin and zonula occludens protein-1 （ZO-1） in intestinal mucosa of mice with ulcerative colitis （UC）， and to explore the mechanism of Baiyaojian and Galla Chinensis in the treatment of UC. Method:Totally 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 mice in each group， one group was randomly selected as blank group， and the other 4 groups were treated with dextran sodium sulfate （DSS） to induce UC model. After modeling， mice in the blank group and model group were given normal saline， and treatment groups were given Mesalazine （0.8 g·kg^-1）， Galla Chinensis decoction （1.8 g·kg^-1） and Baiyaojian decoction （2.7 g·kg^-1） by intragastric administration for 7 days. The 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to detect the changes of intestinal flora in mouse feces. The histopathological changes of colon tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in colon tissue of mice were compared by immunohistochemistry. Result:Compared with the blank group， the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in UC mice were significantly decreased， and the colonic tissue was thickened with congestion and obvious ulcers， and the expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. After treatment with Galla Chinensis and Baiyaojian， the abundance and diversity of flora were improved. At the phylum level， relative abundance of Firmicutes， Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01） in Galla Chinensis group. In Baiyaojian group， the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the relative abundance of Firmicutes increased and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased， but there was no significant difference. At the genus level， the relative abundance of <italic>Bacteroides</italic>， <italic>Allobaculum </italic>and <italic>Ruminococcus</italic> decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the relative abundance of <italic>Roseburia</italic>， <italic>Prevotella</italic>， <italic>Oscillospira</italic> and <italic>Paraprevotella</italic> increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01） in Galla Chinensis group. In Baiyaojian group， the relative abundance of <italic>Bacteroides</italic> and <italic>Allobaculum</italic> decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the relative abundance of <italic>Prevotella</italic>， <italic>Oscillospira</italic>， <italic>Roseburia</italic> and <italic>Ruminococcus</italic> increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， colon tissue of Galla Chinensis group and Baiyaojian group was recovered obviously， congestion was alleviated， only scattered ulcers were seen. The expression of Occludin and ZO-1 increased， and the expression level of Baiyaojian group was higher than that of Galla Chinensis group. Conclusion:The effect of Baiyaojian is better than Galla Chinensis in the treatment of UC. The mechanism may be through regulating the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora， improving the disorder of intestinal flora and increasing the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin and protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier function for alleviating intestinal inflammation.

Transformation and attribution of drug properties in Galla Chinesis fermented Baiyaojian based on cold and heat syndrome rats / 中国中药杂志

To reveal the transformation and attribution of drug properties in Galla Chinesis fermented Baiyaojian by studying the effect of Galla Chinesis and Baiyaojian on cold and heat syndrome rats. Euthyrox was used to induce the hyperthyrosis model,ice water stimulation was used to induce the cold syndrome model,and different concentrations of Galla Chinesis and Baiyaojian water decoction were administrated by gavage for 15 d continuously. Symptom indexes were evaluated,content of pyruvic acid( PA),ATPase activity in liver and contents of DA,T4,cAMP,5-HT,NE,17-OHCS,TRH and TSH in serum were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and spectrophotometry. The rectal temperature,water consumption and body weight of heat syndrome rats in model group were increased,cAMP,NE,17-OHCS,TRH and PA were increased,TSH,Na-K ATPase and Ca-Mg ATPase were increased significantly( P<0. 01),while 5-HT was decreased,compared with those of the blank group( P< 0. 05),the contents of T4,DA,NE,TSH,TRH,cAMP and 17-OHCS were decreased significantly( P<0. 01),PA and Ca-Mg ATPase in WG and BG groups were decreased compared with those of the model group( P<0. 05),and the Galla Chinesis content of WG group was lower than that of BG group,while the contents of 5-HT in WG and BG groups were increased,and the Galla Chinesis content of WG group was higher than that of BG group,with no significant difference of viscera index between heat syndrome rats in blank group,model group and drug groups. The rectal temperature,water consumption and body weight of cold syndrome rats in model group were decreased,DA,T4,cAMP,NE,17-OHCS,TRH,TSH,PA,Na-K ATPase and Ca-Mg ATPase of rats in model group were decreased,whereas 5-HT was increased compared with those of the blank group( P<0. 05),the indexes of heart,lung and kidney were significantly higher than those in the blank group( P<0. 05). Both Galla Chinesis and Baiyaojian can significantly alleviate the symptoms of heat syndrome rats caused by levothyroxine sodium. Galla Chinesis has a better effect than Baiyaojian,but cannot alleviate the symptoms of cold syndrome caused by ice water stimulation,suggestting that the decoction of Galla Chinesis and Baiyaojian are both cold,but Galla Chinesis is colder than Baiyaojian. Cold property in Galla Chinesis fermented Baiyaojian can be relieved. In clinical application,the property of " slight cold" is more accurate than " neutral property" for Baiyaojian.

Comparison on chemical constituent changes of gallnut fermented Chinese gall leaven by HPLC fingerprint / 中草药

Objective To study and establish the HPLC fingerprint standard for the quality analysis and compare effects on the chemical composition of gallnut by ferment of Chinese gall leaven. Methods The fingerprint of Chinese gall leaven was built by Waters Symmmetry ShieldTM RP18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) C18 column, and acetonitrile-0.1% trifluoroacetic acid aqueous in gradient as mobile phase, the flow rate was 0.8 mL/min, and the detecting wavelength was set at 280 nm. The chemical fingerprint similarity of 10 batches of Chinese gall leaven was calculated with the Chromap Chromafinger 2005 beta 0.1 standard substance comparison and HPLC-MS were adopted to identify the common peaks. Results The fingerprint chromatography for the 10 batches of Chinese gall leaven included 10 common peaks, with a good separation at each peak. The relative retention time for common peaks of each batch was less than 1.0%, and the similarities among 10 samples were greater than 0.90. Gallic acid (peak 1), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC, peak 2), methyl gallate (peak 3), ethyl gallate (peak 5), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, peak 6), 2,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (peak 7), and 2,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-α-D-glucose (peak 9) were identified. The gallnut fermented made the content of gallic acid and 2,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-α-D-glucose increased and the contents of methyl gallate, ethyl gallate, and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate decreased. It was found that (-)-epigallocatechin and 2,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose had formed in the process for the first time. Conclusion The processing mechanism of Chinese gall leaven is related to gallnut fermentation process change and create new chemical composition and fingerprint can be used to monitor the quality of fermentation processing of Chinese gall leaven.

Glutaraldehyde Exposure and its Occupational Impact in the Health Care Environment

Despite the search for effective and less toxic substitutes, glutaraldehyde (GA) remains one of the few substances capable of high-level instrument disinfection in modern health care. Workers commonly affected include operating room nurses, radiographers, x-ray technicians and cleaners. Widespread hospital usage combined with its well-known irritant properties, has ensured an increase in occupationally-related illnesses during recent years. Operating room nurses, laboratory workers and x-ray technicians frequently contact GA in both the liquid and vapor form. Workplace exposure is usually dependent on job tasks, ventilation levels and the use of protective equipment. GA is a relatively potent irritant and sensitizer, with a well-documented history of symptoms following occupational exposure. Although mechanisms for GA toxicity have been postulated, research on the toxicological, teratogenic and carcinogenic potential of this chemical has shown inconsistent results. Reducing workplace exposure to its lowest possible level represents the most important hazard reduction strategy. This may be achieved by keeping GA containers tightly sealed when not in use, maintaining adequate ventilation levels and the rigid adherence to appropriate personal protective equipment. Substitution with automated cold sterilization machines may be another appropriate measure, while banning unnecessary practices such as GA fogging and its use as a surface disinfectant may also be helpful in reducing occupational exposure in the health care environment.

Glutaraldehyde exposure and its occupational impact in the health care environment

Despite the search for effective and less toxic substitutes, glutaraldehyde (GA) remains one of the few substances capable of high-level instrument disinfection in modern health care. Workers commonly affected include operating room nurses, radiographers, x-ray technicians and cleaners. Widespread hospital usage combined with its well-known irritant properties, has ensured an increase in occupationally-related illnesses during recent years. Operating room nurses, laboratory workers and x-ray technicians frequently contact GA in both the liquid and vapor form. Workplace exposure is usually dependent on job tasks, ventilation levels and the use of protective equipment. GA is a relatively potent irritant and sensitizer, with a well-documented history of symptoms following occupational exposure. Although mechanisms for GA toxicity have been postulated, research on the toxicological, teratogenic, and carcinogenic potential of this chemical has shown inconsistent results. Reducing workplace exposure to its lowest possible level represents the most important hazard reduction strategy. This may be achieved by keeping GA containers tightly sealed when not in use, maintaining adequate ventilation levels and the rigid adherence to appropriate personal protective equipment. Substitution with automated cold sterilization machines may be another appropriate measure, while banning unnecessary practices such as GA fogging and its use as a surface disinfectant may also be helpful in reducing occupational exposure in the health care environment.

HIV/AIDS prevention in China: A challenge for the new millennium

China's first HIV infection was officially reported in 1985 and by the end of 1996, there may have been up to 200,000 people affected nationwide. In 2001, this figure probably exceeded 600,000. By 2003, the predicted number of HIV cases had reached 1.5 million. At least 80,000 individuals now have fullblown AIDS. China may soon have the largest HIV-infected population in the world, possibly 6 million cases by 2005. With infection rates rising at about 30% per year, it is feared this figure might exceed 10 million by 2010. Although the Chinese government was initially slow to accept the problem, in the late 1990s definite changes began occurring. In 2003 Premier Wen Jiabao publicly shook the hand of an AIDS patient and his government promised to introduce a range of free HIV-related services. Large preventive education campaigns are now underway. Unfortunately, there will still be many obstacles in controlling the epidemic and preventing further spread of this disease. Without doubt, China faces a serious predicament in the new millennium, and one which will pose numerous challenges for preventive medicine.

HIV/AIDS Prevention in China: A Challenge for the New Millennium

China's first HIV infection was officially reported in 1985 and by the end of 1996, there may have been up to 200,000 people affected nationwide. In 2001, this figure probably exceeded 600,000. By 2003, the predicted number of HIV cases had reached 1.5 million. At least 80,000 individuals now have full-blown AIDS. China may soon have the largest HIV-infected population in the world, possibly 6 million cases by 2005. With infection rates rising at about 30% per year, it is feared this figure might exceed 10 million by 2010. Although the Chinese government was initially slow to accept the problem, in the late 1990s definite changes began occurring. In 2003 Premier Wen Jiabao publicly shook the hand of an AIDS patient and his government promised to introduce a range of free HIV-related services. Large preventive education campaigns are now underway. Unfortunately, there will still be many obstacles in controlling the epidemic and preventing further spread of this disease. Without doubt, China faces a serious predicament in the new millennium, and one which will pose numerous challenges for preventive medicine.

Work environment and hand dermatitis among nurses in a Chinese teaching hospital

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the working environment on hand dermatitis (HD) prevalence among nurses in a Chinese teaching hospital.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We utilised a previously validated, self-reporting survey which was translated into Chinese.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of HD among nurses was 18.3%, although this rate varied between departments, ranging from 9.4% in gynaecology to 26.7% in intensive care (P for Trend=0.3167). Logistic regression indicated that wet work was the most important HD risk factor, with a 9-fold increase (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.2-74.9, P=0.0342). Allergic disease was also related to HD, with a 4.6-fold increase noted (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.4-15.0, P=0.0096).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Overall, the prevalence of HD among Chinese hospital nurses appears to be less than that of their foreign counterparts. Nevertheless, the burden of this disease does seem to vary with respect to depertment of employment within the hospital.</p>

Work Environment and Hand Dermatitis among Nurses in a Chinese Teaching Hospital

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the working environment on hand dermatitis (HD) prevalence among nurses in a Chinese teaching hospital. Methods: We utilised a previously validated, self-reporting survey which was translated into Chinese. Results: The prevalence of HD among nurses was 18.3%, although this rate varied between departments, ranging from 9.4% in gynaecology to 26.7% in intensive care (P for Trend=0.3167). Logistic regression indicated that wet work was the most important HD risk factor, with a 9-fold increase (OR 9.0, 95%CI 1.2−74.9, P=0.0342). Allergic disease was also related to HD, with a 4.6-fold increase noted (OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.4−15.0, P=0.0096). Conclusions: Overall, the prevalence of HD among Chinese hospital nurses appears to be less than that of their foreign counterparts. Nevertheless, the burden of this disease does seem to vary with respect to department of employment within the hospital.