Lipid-lowering Effect of Active Components in Common Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Dyslipidemia is a common metabolic disease caused by abnormal lipoprotein metabolism in human body. According to pathogenesis， it is divided into primary dyslipidemia and secondary dyslipidemia. The former is caused by genetic defects， and the latter is caused by diseases， drugs， unhealthy diets， and lifestyle. The clinical manifestations are xanthoma， arteriosclerosis， and other symptoms of coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Dyslipidemia can cause a variety of diseases， such as cardiovascular disease， diabetes， and cancer， seriously threatening people's quality of life and life safety， so the research on drugs against dyslipidemia is more urgent. In spite of manifest efficacy， chemical antilipemic agents such as lovastatin are accompanied by some adverse reactions， and there is recurrence after drug withdrawal. Compared with chemical drugs， Chinese medicine has the advantages of multi-pathway， multi-target， multi-level regulation of dyslipidemia， with few side effects. Modern medical research has shown that Chinese medicine can affect lipid synthesis， decomposition， and absorption and improve liver lipid and bile acid metabolism by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor （PPAR） signaling pathway， AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK） signaling pathway， cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） signaling pathway， adipocytokine signaling pathway， farnesoid X receptor （FXR）/small heterodimer partner （SHP） signaling pathway， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， etc.， thereby exerting a role in lowering lipid. Therefore， this paper summarized the mechanism of effective components in Chinese medicine in lowering blood lipid to provide new ideas and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolic diseases by Chinese medicine in clinical practice.

Study on improvement effect of total flavonoids from Matricaria recutita on lipid deposition in HepG 2 cells / 中国药房

O BJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effect of total fla vonoids of Matricaria recutita on lipid abnormalities in human hepatoma HepG 2 cells and its lipid-lowering mechanism. METHODS The high-content total flavonoids extract from M. recutita was isolated and purified by macroporous resin. HepG 2 cells were divided into control group （without administration ）， model group （without administration ），fenofibrate group （positive control ，3.61 μg/mL）and M. recutita total flavonoids low-dose ， medium-dose and high-dose groups （100，150 and 200 μg/mL）. Except for control group ，lipid deposition model of HepG 2 cells in other groups were established by 1 mmol/L mixture of oleic acid and palmitic acid. After 24 hours of intervention ，the levels of free fatty acids （FFA）in cell supernatant and triglyceride （TG）and FFA in cells were detected ；Oil red O staining was used to observe the deposition of lipid droplets in cells and detect the content of lipid ；DAPI staining was used to observe the protein expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2（DGAT2）in cells ，and fluorescence intensity of protein expression of DGAT 2 were also detected ； protein expressions of key enzymes of TG synthesis as acetyl CoA carboxylase （ACC），fatty acid synthase （FAS）and DGAT 2 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS After separation and purification ，the content of total flavonoids from M. recutita increased from 6.72％ to 56.20％. The results of cell experiment showed that compared with control group ，the levels of TG and FFA in cells and FFA in the cell supernatant increased significantly in the model group ，the content of lipid in cells increased significantly，the fluorescence intensity of protein expression of DGAT 2 increased significantly ，and the protein expressions of ACC，FAS and DGAT 2 increased significantly （P＜0.01）； large number of lipid dro plets were accumulated in the cells. Compared with model group ，the levels of above indexes in M. recutita total flavonoids low-dose ， medium-dose andhigh-dose groups were significantly reversed （P＜0.01）；the accumulation of lipid droplets in cells decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS M. recutita total flavonoids can inhibit the TG synthesis of lipid depos ition model HepG 2 cell，reduce the lipid accumulation of cells and prevent the lipid damage of cells. Its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the expression of ACC/FAS/DGAT 2 pathway.

Effects of electroacupuncture on angiogenesis and cortical VEGF and BDNF expression inrats with focal cerebral ischemia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "concurrent treatment of the brain and heart" on angiogenesis and cortical vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rats with focal cerebral ischemia, and to explore the mechanism of EA in cerebral ischemia treatment. Methods: A total of 108 Sprague-Dawley rats, 27 rats were randomly selected as the sham-operation group, and the rest rats received the right middle cerebral artery occlusion operation for model preparation firstly, and then were divided into a model group, a traditional acupoint group, and a concurrent treatment of the brain and heart group, with 27 rats in each group. In the sham-operation group, only the carotid artery was isolated. EA at Shuigou (CV26), Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), and Zusanli (ST36) in the traditional acupoint group, and EA at Fengfu (GV16), Baihui (GV20), Xinshu (BL15), and Neiguan (PC6) in the concurrent treatment of the brain and heart group were performed 4 h after the operation, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Rats in the sham-operation group and the model group were identically fixed without any treatment. Before and after treatment, the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and CD34 positive expression by immunohistochemistry were measured. The positive protein expression levels of VEGF and BDNF were detected by immunofluorescence, and the mRNA expression levels of VEGF and BDNF were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Compared with the sham-operation group, the mNSS, rCBF, and ischemic side cortical micro-vessel density (MVD) decreased, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of VEGF and BDNF increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mNSS of the two EA groups decreased, and the mNSS of the concurrent treatment of the brain and heart group was lower than that of the traditional acupoint group on the 14th day (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the rCBF in the two EA groups increased, and the rCBF reached the highest on the 14th day (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the rCBF in the concurrent treatment of the brain and heart group was higher than that in the traditional acupoint group (P<0.05); the MVD of the two EA groups was higher than that of the model group, and the MVD of the concurrent treatment of the brain and heart group was higher than that of the traditional acupoint group on the 7th and 14th days (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein and mRNA expression levels of VEGF and BDNF in the two EA groups increased (P<0.01). The VEGF expression level was the highest on the 7th day in the concurrent treatment of the brain and heart group (P<0.05), and the BDNF expression level was higher on the 7th and 14th days than on the 3rd day (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of VEGF and BDNF in both EA groups reached the highest on the 7th day (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: EA therapy can up-regulate the VEGF and BDNF expression levels and increase the rCBF in the cortex of rats with focal cerebral ischemia, which may be one mechanism of EA in the cerebral ischemia treatment. The therapeutic effect is accumulated with the effective time, and the concurrent treatment of the brain and heart group is superior to the traditional acupoint group in promoting angiogenesis.

Effects of Total Flavonoids from Chamomile on Lipid Metabolism of Hyperlipidemia Model Mice and Its Mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To st udy t he effects of total flavonoids from chamomile on lipid metabolism of hyperlipidemia model mice and its potential mechanism. METHODS ：Thirty male C 57BL/6J-ApoE－/－ mice were randomly divided into model group ， positive control group（fenofibrate 30 mg/kg）and chamomile total flavonoids low-dose ，medium-dose and high-dose groups （88， 176，352 mg/kg），with 6 mice in each group. In addition ，6 male C 57BL/6J mice were used as normal control group. Mice in normal control group were fed with ordinary diet ，and mice in other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to replicate hyperlipidemia model. At the time of making model ，administration groups were given relevant liquid （using 1％ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as solvent ）；normal control group and model group were given 1％ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose intragastrically，200 mL per gavage ，once a day ，for consecutive 8 weeks. The body weight of mice in each group was weighed before medication and 8 weeks after medication. The serum contents of total cholesterol （TC），triacylglycerol（TG），low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C），high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C），aspartate aminotransferase （AST）and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） in mice were detected after last administration ；the contents of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde（MDA）as well as the protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α（PPARα），carnitine palmityl transferase 1A（CPT1A）and peroxase acyl-CoA oxidase 1（ACOX1）in liver tissue were determined. The pathological changes i n liver tissue were observed. RESULTS：Compared w ith before medication ，the body weight of each group showed an increasing trend after 8 weeks of medication. Compared with normal control group ，body weight ，the contents of TC ，TG， LDL-C，AST and ALT in serum and MDA content in live r lan- tissue of mice in model group were significantly increased wei516@sina.com after 8 weeks of medication （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The ·2706· China Pharmacy content of HDL-C in serum and the cont ent of SOD in liver tissue ，as well as the protein expressions of PPARα，CPT1A and ACOX1 were significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），and the structure of liver tissue was disorganized ，with circular fat vacuoles of different sizes and lipid droplets of different sizes in the cytoplasm. Compared with model group ，body weight （except for chamomile total flavonoids low-dose group ）of mice ，serum contents of TC ，TG，LDL-C，AST and ALT ，content of MDA in liver tissue （except for chamomile total flavonoids low-dose and medium-dose groups ）were significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01）. Serum content of HDL-C ，content of SOD in liver tissue ，protein expressions of PPARα，CPT1A（except for chamomile total flavonoids low-dose and medium-dose groups ） and ACOX 1 were significantly increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）；liver tissue structure was clear ，and liver fat vacuoles were improved to varying degrees ，and less lipid droplets. The improvement effect of the above indexes was the best in the chamomile total flavonoids high-dose group. CONCLUSIONS ：Chamomile total flavonoids can prevent the occurrence of hyperlipidemia in C57BL/6J-ApoE －/－ mice，the mechanism of which may be associated with up-regulation of PPARα expression，the improvement of liver injury and oxidant stress injury.

Analysis of volatile oil components of different species of Curcumae Rhizoma based on GC-MS and chemometrics / 中国中药杂志

The volatile oil of Curcumae Rhizoma has many active components,which are the key to the quality of Curcumae Rhizoma. Exploring the difference between volatile oil of different kinds of Curcumae Rhizoma facilitates the quality control and rational application of resources. In this study,GC-MS was applied to realize online qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the chemical composition spectrum of volatile oil from Curcuma wenyujin( CW),C. phaeocaulis( CP),and C. kwangsiensis( CK). Forty components were identified and their fingerprints were compared and evaluated. Hierarchical cluster analysis( HCA),principal component analysis( PCA),and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis( OPLS-DA) were adopted to analyze the overall and outlier data. The results showed that the whole data could be divided into three kinds according to each analysis mode,and the volatile components of Curcumae Rhizoma vary greatly among species. PCA explored the difference between outliers and the mean value of the group and found that some volatile oils from CW may be greatly affected by the origin. By OPLS-DA,the samples from Zhejiang were able to gather,but those from Guizhou remained isolated,indicating the influence of growing environment on Curcumae Rhizoma metabolites. Based on VIP results combined with the heat map,characteristic volatile oil components of Curcumae Rhizoma from different varieties were screened out: curdione and linalool for CW; 2-undecanone for CP; humulene,γ-selinene,and zederone for CK. The GCMS method established in this study describes Curcumae Rhizoma samples comprehensively and accurately,and the characteristic components screened based on chemometrics can be used to distinguish Curcumae Rhizoma from different varieties and give them unique pharmacodynamic significance,which is fast,convenient,stable,and reliable and supports the rational application of Curcu-mae Rhizoma resources. It is found that the region of origin has great influence on CW,which is worthy of further study.

Research progress and analysis on mechanism of polysaccharides against type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国中药杂志

Polysaccharides are macromolecular compounds formed by more than 10 monosaccharide molecules linked by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides have a wide range of sources, high safety and low toxicity, with a variety of biological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-virus, immune regulation, lowering blood glucose, and lowering blood lipids. Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and low inflammation. In recent years, the treatment of T2 DM with polysaccharide has become a research hotspot. Polysaccharides can not only make up for the side effects such as hypoglycemia, weight gain, gastrointestinal injury caused by long-term treatment of acarbose, biguanidine and sulfonylurea, but also play an effective role in reducing glucose by regulating glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, intestinal flora, etc. In this paper, the research progress of polysaccharides in the treatment of T2 DM was reviewed. In addition, the hot spots such as the hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharides with structural modifications were summarized, providing theoretical guidance for the development of active polysaccharide hypoglycemic medicines and the further study of action mechanism.

Herbal Textual Research and Modern Analysis of Pheretima / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Pheretima has a long history of medication, its original name was earthworm, and it was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing, which was listed as inferior product. In the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, two varieties of Pheretima were included. However, due to the variety of Pheretima, there are mixed non-pharmacopoeia collection of Pheretima family status. Based on the systematic review of ancient and modern literature, this paper conducts herbal textual research on Pheretima in terms of name, origin, distribution of origin, genuine production area, harvesting time, processing methods, etc. Based on the analysis of various ancient books and modern research documents of herbal medicine and their accompanying drawings, it is found that the Pheretima and white-necked Pheretima mentioned in ancient books are the general names of the genus Pheretima. The ancient people thought that white-necked Pheretima was a good medicinal material, which was the same as the opinion that Guangdilong was better in quality than Tudilong in modern research. In ancient and modern literature, the origin of earthworm is relatively consistent, but due to the change of environment, the output of wild Pheretima is reduced, and now the output of Pheretima is mainly artificial breeding. In ancient times, harvesting should be as far as possible in spring, summer and autumn. However, in modern times, the best harvest time is autumn. Different processing methods of earthworm in different ages and regions are different. Attention should be paid to following and inheriting the ancient processing methods, combining with modern research techniques, the quantitative standard of processing of Pheretima should be formulated, so that Pheretima medicinal materials can be applied comprehensively and effectively. This research provides the basis for the original source, resource development, correct use, genuine producing area and processing method determination of Pheretima.

Identification of curcumin content in raw and vinegar-processed rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis based on electronic nose combined with back propagation neural network / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to establish a rapid and accurate method for identification of raw and vinegar-processed rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis, in order to predict the content of curcumin compounds for scientific evaluation. A complete set of bionics recognition mode was adopted. The digital odor signal of raw and vinegar-processed rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis were obtained by e-nose, and analyzed by back propagation(BP) neural network algorithm, with the accuracy, the sensitivity and specificity in discriminant model, correlation coefficient as well as the mean square error in regression model as the evaluation indexes. The experimental results showed that the three indexes of the e-nose signal discrimination model established by the neural network algorithm were 100% in training set, correction set and prediction set, which were obviously better than the traditional decision tree, naive bayes, support vector machine, K nearest neighbor and boost classification, and could accurately differentiate the raw and vinegar products. Correlation coefficient and mean square error of the regression model in prediction set were 0.974 8 and 0.117 5 respectively, and could well predict curcumin compounds content in Curcuma kwangsiensis, and demonstrate the superiority of the simulation biometrics model in the analysis of traditional Chinese medicine. By BP neural network algorithm, e-nose odor fingerprint could quickly, conveniently and accurately realize the discrimination and regression, which suggested that more bionics information acquisition and identification patterns could be combined in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, so as to provide ideas and methods for the rapid evaluation and stan-dardization of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine.

Smart fluorescent nano-delivery system for breast cancer cell tracing and growth inhibition / 药学学报

This study aimed to construct an intelligent fluorescent nanocarrier for tumor cell tracing. Doxorubicin (DOX) was used as a model drug, and the gene targeting siBcl-2 was loaded to achieve synergistic inhibition of tumor cells. Mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (MSN) were prepared by a sol-gel method, and acetaldehyde cystine (AC) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were covalently modified. The prepared nanocarrier MSN-AC-PEI was uniformly dispersed, with a particle size of 235.53 nm and a potential of 14.63 mV. The carrier material MSN-AC-PEI could load siRNA with the mass ratio of 60∶1 (Wvectors∶WsiRNA) and protect siRNA from RNase I degradation. To simulate the microenvironment of tumor, DOX release in phosphate buffer (pH 5) including 10 mmol·L-1 glutathione (GSH) was investigated. The cumulative release rate of DOX at 120 h is 35 times that of the normal physiological environment, which lays the foundation for the intelligent release of DOX in tumor cells. The results of cell experiments showed that the carrier material MSN-AC-PEI had significant green fluorescence, and the traceability can be maintained for 24 h after taken up by MCF-7 cells. After 24 hours of administration of the nano drug delivery system MSN-AC-PEI@DOX/siBcl-2, the inhibition rate of tumor cell proliferation reached 40.91%, and the late apoptosis rate was 60.84%. The Western blot results showed that compared with free DOX and siBcl-2, the nano-delivery system MSN-AC-PEI@DOX/siBcl-2 can significantly reduce the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, thereby enhancing its anti-tumor ability.

Experimental study of anti-metastasis effects of HUVEC vaccine combined with chemotherapy in EMT-6 breast cancer / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate whether human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC) vaccine combined with low dose docetaxel (DOC) could play a synergistic role in anti-breast cancer.Methods:BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal saline group,HUVEC vaccine group,DOC group,and HUVEC vaccine combined with DOC treatment group (HUVEC-DOC) group.An experimental metastasis model by tail vein injection of EMT-6 breast cancer cells was employed to evaluate the anti-metastatic efficiency of the HUVEC-DOC combination treatment regime.Lymphocyte proliferation assay,cytotoxic T lymphocytes and an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting IFN-γ were used to investigate cellular immune responses elicited by the combination treatment regime.Results:Compared with HUVEC and DOC single drug group,the number of lung metastasis in HUVEC-DOC combination treatment group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In vitro analysis of splenocytes isolated from immunized mice revealed an induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTLs) with a lytic activity against activated endothelium.IFN-γ in the serum of im-munized mice of the HUVEC-DOC combination treatment group was significantly higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.05). Conclusion:HUVEC vaccine with low dose of DOC could display synergistic anti-breast cancer effect.

Construction of a lentiviral vector carrying short?hairpin RNA targeting PAX6 and its effect on proliferation of glioma U251 cells in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct a lentiviral vector for delivering short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting PAX6 and investigate its effect on the proliferation of glioma U251 cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two small interfering RNA sequences targeting PAX6 gene were designed based on the reported sequence of PAX6 and annealed to form a double?stranded chain, which was inserted into a lentiviral vector to construct the recombinant lentiviral vector shRNA?PAX6. The recombinant vector was infected into U251 cells, and the expression of PAX6 mRNA and protein in the cells was detected by real?time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The changes in the proliferation of U251 cells after the infection was assessed using MTT assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Double enzyme digestion of the lentiviral vector pLKD?CMV?G&NR?U6?shRNA yielded an 8208?bp fragment, and colony PCR and sequencing analysis confirmed successful construction of the lentiviral vector shRNA?PAX6. Infection of the cells with shRNA?PAX6 caused a significant reduction of the expressions of PAX6 mRNA and protein (P<0.05) and resulted in obviously increased proliferation of U251 cells (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We successfully constructed the recombinant vector shRNA?PAX6 for silencing PAX6 gene. PAX6 gene silencing results in increased proliferation of U251 cells in vitro.</p>

Effects of Uygur Medicine Branchlets roses extracts on blood glucose and glucose tolerance in diabetes mice induced by alloxan / 药物评价研究

Objective To observe the effect of extract from Branchlets roses on blood glucose and glucose tolerance in diabetes mice induced by alloxan.Methods Diabetes animal model was established by alloxan.Dividing the model mice into eight groups:model group,water extract high,middle,and low dose (3.70,1.85,and 0.93 g/kg) group,and ethanol extract high,middle,and low dose (2.75,1.37,and 0.70 g/kg) group,and metformin (positive drug,200 mg/kg) group,and normal mice were taken as control group.Drug was ig administered to mice 3 d after molding once daily.Blood glucose test paper was used to determine fasting blood glucose 0,10,20,and 28 d after modeling,and the glucose tolerance test was performed 30 d after modeling.Results The extract of Branchlets roses from all the groups could decrease the blood glucose and improve the glucose tolerance,and showed a certain dose-effect relationship.In all the extracts,the alcohol extract had the best effect,but the effect was not as good as the positive control drug metformin hydrochloride group.Conclusion The extract of Branchlets roses can reduce the blood sugar content of diabetic mice,and improve the glucose tolerance.

National physician master Jin Shiyuan's dispensing technology of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata based on Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought / 中国中药杂志

To collect Li Shizhen's experience in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata identification and clinical application, compare and analyze national physician master Jin Shiyuan's practical operation and theoretical knowledge, which is beneficial for the inheritance and improvement of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata clinical dispensing technology. In the analysis process, CNKI, Wanfang and other databases were searched with "Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata", "Li Shizhen", "pharmacological method state theory" "Jin Shiyuan" and "Chinese medicine dispensing technology" as the key words. In addition, Treatise on Febrile Disease, Compendium of Materia Medica, Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition), Notes to Medical Professions(Yi Zong Shuo Yue), and other medicine books were accessed to summarize the processing methods and decoction dosage of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in both ancient and modern medicine, and in consideration of technical research and practice operation, Li Shizhen's description of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Professor Jin Shiyuan's research on Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata dispensing technology were analyzed and collected. Li Shizhen recorded the nature identification and clinical application of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata by using pharmacological method state theory in Compendium of Materia Medica. National physician master Jin Shiyuan carries forward the essence of Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought with his own proficient knowledge structure in medicine, providing scientific pharmaceutical service for clinical application of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata Professor. Jin Shiyuan put forward the dispensing technology for the first time, including nature identification technology, clinical processing technology, clinical decocting technology, prescription coping technology, and class specifications of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. In this paper, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata was used as an example to analyze the key dispensing technology of traditional Chinese medicine, and apply the key dispensing technology of traditional Chinese medicine in various commonly used Chinese medicines in the future.

Preparation and antimicrobial assay of ceramic brackets coated with TiO2 thin films / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: Different methods have been utilized to prevent enamel demineralization and other complications during orthodontic treatment. However, none of these methods can offer long-lasting and effective prevention of orthodontic complications or interventions after complications occur. Considering the photocatalytic effect of TiO2 on organic compounds, we hoped to synthesize a novel bracket with a TiO2 thin film to develop a photocatalytic antimicrobial effect. METHODS: The sol-gel dip coating method was used to prepare TiO2 thin films on ceramic bracket surfaces. Twenty groups of samples were composed according to the experimental parameters. Crystalline structure and surface morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively; film thickness was examined with a surface ellipsometer. The photocatalytic properties under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation were analyzed by evaluating the degradation ratio of methylene blue (MB) at a certain time. Antibacterial activities of selected thin films were also tested against Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans. RESULTS: Films with 5 coating layers annealed at 700℃ showed the greatest photocatalytic activity in terms of MB decomposition under UV light irradiation. TiO2 thin films with 5 coating layers annealed at 700℃ exhibited the greatest antimicrobial activity under UV-A light irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide promising guidance in prevention of demineralization by increasing antimicrobial activities of film coated brackets.

Comparative analysis between origin of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder and modern formula granules / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the origin and causes of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder were reviewed, and a comprehensive analysis was made for the time background of modern traditional Chinese medicine formula granules and the future development trend, in order to provide reference for application and promotion of traditional Chinese medicine formula granules. By reference to ancient medical books of previous dynasties, a system review was conducted for infancy, formation, maturity and transition of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder, and a comprehensive analysis was made for the six factors of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder's maturity in the Song Dynasty. Efforts were made to collect domestic and foreign research literatures of modern formula granules, understand the detailed development, and conduct an objective analysis of the current clinical application of modern formula granules. According to the comparative analysis for the application characteristics of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder and modern formula granules, ①the popularity of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder in the Song Dynasty has six factors: soaring numbers of medical students and medical practitioners, high medical expenses due to huge army, rapid population growth, frequent epidemics and increasing diseases, and insufficient finances of central and local governments. ②On the basis of clinical application characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine formula granules, traditional Chinese medicine formula granules contain extracted and concentrated effective components, which guarantee the curative effect, meet modern people's demands for "quick, simple and convenience" traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, show a relatively high cost performance; however, formula granules are restricted by their varieties and lack unified quality control standards, and single-extract formula granules have not synergy and attenuation effects of combined traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, which also restricts its clinical application and promotion. ③Both have advantages in the process of clinical application, and shall be used based on syndromes. In conclusion, traditional Chinese medicine formula granules do not have disadvantages of "difficult, complicated, turbid and disorderly" cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder, and solve such problems as "inflexibility, expensiveness, restriction, disorder and inefficacy", which is the important basis for promoting traditional Chinese medicine formula granules.

Effects of intravenously infused lidocaine on analgesia and gastrointestinal function of patients receiving laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

To evaluate the effects of intravenously infused lidocaine on analgesia and gastrointestinal function of patients receiving laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Seventy-eight patients with cholelithiasis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group [n=39] that all had laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. The treatment group was intravenously infused with 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine by using a venous pump under anesthesia induction at the speed of 2 mg-kg[-1]-h[-1] until the end of surgy, while the control group was given normal saline with the same volume. All patients successfully completed the surgery, with similar surgical time, incision length and intraoperative blood loss. The required lidocaine concentrations of the treatment group were 2.64 +/- 1.23 pg/ ml, 1.14 +/- 0.4 microg/ml and 0.93 +/- 0.32 microg/ml respectively 2 hour, 12 hour and 48 hour after surgery. Pain score of the treatment group, which was significantly lower than that of the control group at the postoperative 2 hour [P<0.05], was similar to those of the control group at the postoperative 12 hour and 48 hour. With extended time, the pain score significantly decreased [P<0.05]. The treatment group had significantly shorter first anal exhaust time and first defecation time than those of the control group [P<0.05]. Adverse reactions, such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness, headache, subcutaneous emphysema and fat liquefaction of incision, occurred similarly in the two groups, which were alleviated by symptomatic treatment. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is a promising minimally invasive surgery for patients with cholelithiasis, during which intravenously infused lidocaine can rapidly recover the gastrointestinal function and exert short-term analgesic effects, with mild adverse reactions also

Sheng-Mai-San attenuates contractile dysfunction and structural damage induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in mice / 中国天然药物

Sheng-Mai-San (SMS), a well-known Chinese medicinal plant formula, is widely used for the treatment of cardiac diseases characterized by deficiency of Qi and Yin syndrome. A mouse chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) model was established to mimic the primary clinical features of deficiency of Qi and Yin syndrome. Mice experienced CIH for 28 days (nadir 7% to peak 8% oxygen, 20 min per day), resulting in left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and structure abnormalities. After administration of SMS (0.55, 1.1, and 5.5 g·kg(-1)·d(-1)) for four weeks, improved cardiac function was observed, as indicated by the increase in the ejection fraction from the LV on echocardiography. SMS also preserved the structural integrity of the LV against eccentric hypotrophy, tissue vacuolization, and mitochondrial injury as measured by histology, electron microscopy, and ultrasound assessments. Mechanistically, the antioxidant effects of SMS were demonstrated; SMS was able to suppress mitochondrial apoptosis as indicated by the reduction of several pro-apoptotic factors (Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase-3) and up-regulation of the anti-apoptosis factor Bcl-2. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that SMS treatment can protect the structure and function of the LV and that the protective effects of this formula are associated with the regulation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Pirfenidone effects on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts cultured in vitro / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that cytokine inhibitor pirfenidone can inhibit biological activity of fibroblasts by regulating a variety of cytokines. It has made good progress in the research and application of anti-fibrosis of internal organs, but the effect and mechanism for hypertrophic scars and skin fibroblasts are unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of pirfenidone on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. METHODS:Human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts were cultured using tissue culture method. Passages 3-6 cel s grew wel in the logarithmic growth phase were col ected. Cel s were divided into the control group (0 g/L pirfenidone), 0.15, 0.3 and 1 g/L pirfenidone groups according to different mass concentrations. Cel s were intervened for 12, 36 and 48 hours. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:MTT, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results demonstrated that compared with the control group, cel proliferation, transforming growth factorβ1 mRNA expression, types I and III col agen secretion were decreased in the 0.15, 0.3 and 1 g/L pirfenidone groups (P<0.05), and the decrease was most significant in the 1 g/L pirfenidone group (P<0.05). At 24, 48 and 72 hours after intervention, significant differences in inhibitory rate of cel proliferation and the secretion of types I and III col agen were detected among 0.15, 0.3 and 1 g/L pirfenidone groups (P<0.05). Results confirmed that pirfenidone apparently inhibited the secretion of col agen of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts cultured in vitro, transforming growth factorβ1 expression and cel proliferation and viability.

Relations between resistin and hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease subjects / 中国医师杂志

Objective To evaluate the relationship between resistin and hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) subjects.Methods Serum resitin and Interleukin (IL)-18's concentrations were measured in 144 subjects (70 NAFLD pa-tients and 74 healthy controls) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and their serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, triglyceride (TG), total-cholesterol (TC), low density lip-oprotein ( LDL) , high density lipoprotein ( HDL) , homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR) , hyaluronic acid , IVcollagen, height, body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were also measured .Their waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass indes (BMI) were calculated.Results There were higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), WHR, BMI, TG, ALT, AST, HOMA-IR, hyaluronic acid, IV collagen, resistin, and IL-18 in the NAFLD patients than those of the healthy controls ( P <0.05 ) .The serum resistin level was significantly and positively correlated with WHR , BMI, ALT, HOMA-IR, TG, IV collagen , and IL-18 ( r =0.231 , 0.341 , 0.223 , 0.264 , 0.213 , 0.315 , and 0.669 , P <0.05 ) .After adjustment for body fat and IL-18 , the serum resistin level was still significantly and positively correlated with ALT and IV collagen ( r =0.222 , 0.0.326 , P <0.05 ) . Conclusions Resistin might take part in the development of NAFLD insulin resistance and its pro -inflammation.

Comparison of antioxidant activity between two species of chamomiles produced in Xinjiang by TLC-bioautography / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the antioxidant active components from two species of chamomile-matricaria and Roman chamomile produced in Xinjiang.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The TLC-bioautography was used, with 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical as the experimental model. The peak areas of various antioxidant components were obtained by TLC-scanning for analyzing antioxidant active components contained in volatile oil extracts and flavone extracts from the two species of chamomiles. The total peak area was taken as the indicator for comparing the antioxidant capacities of the two types of extracts, and comparing them with the total antioxidant activity of flavone extracts of the two species of chamomiles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to the result of TLC-bioautography in volatile oil extracts from the two species of chamomiles, volatile oil extracts from chamomile showed four white antioxidant spots, including en-yne-dicycloether, and volatile oil extracts from Roman chamomile showed only one white antioxidant spot. The TLC-scanning result showed that the peak area of antioxidant spots of volatile oil extracts from chamomile was significantly larger than that of volatile oil extracts from Roman chamomile. According to the test on the antioxidant activity of the two species of chamomiles with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, the concentration of chamomile after scavenging 50% of DPPH radicals was 0.66 g x L(-1), whereas the figure for Roman chamomile was 0.33 g x L(-1). According to the result of TLC-bioautography in flavone extracts from the two species of chamomiles, flavone extracts from chamomile showed seven yellowish antioxidant spots, including apigenin and apigenin-7-glucoside, and flavone extracts of Roman chamomile showed eight yellowish antioxidant spots, including apigenin and apigenin-7-glucoside. The TLC-scanning results showed that the peak area of antioxidant spots of flavone extracts from Roman chamomile was significantly larger than that of flavone extracts from chamomile.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Volatile oil extracts from the two species of chamomiles have significant difference in the antioxidant activity in TLC-bioautography. Specifically, the antioxidant activity of volatile oil extracts from chamomile is stronger than volatile oil extracts from Roman chamomile; the known antioxidant active components in volatile oil extracts from chamomile is en-yne-dicycloether, while all of the other three antioxidant active components as well as antioxidant active components in volatile oil extracts from Roman chamomile are unknown components and remain to be further determined. Considering the significant difference in the number of antioxidant active spots in volatile oil extracts from the two species of chamomiles, the result can be applied to distinguish the two species of chamomiles. The antioxidant activity determination result for flavone extracts from two species of chamomiles was consistent with the result of TLC-bioautography, showing that flavone extracts from chamomile and Roman chamomile are more antioxidant active, while that of Roman chamomile is stronger than chamomile. Flavone extracts from both of the two species of chamomiles contain apigenin and pigenin-7-glucoside, which are known, while all of the other five antioxidant active components contained in flavone extracts from chamomile and the other six antioxidant active components contained in flavone extracts from Roman chamomile are unknown and remain to be further identified. The method lays a foundation for further identification of antioxidant active components contained in chamomile.</p>