Medical Therapy of Hearing Impairment and Tinnitus with Chinese Medicine: An Overview / 中国结合医学杂志

The current review gives a comprehensive overview of the recent development in Chinese medicine (CM) for treating several kinds of acquired nerve deafness and tinnitus, as well as links the traditional principle to well-established pharmacological mechanisms for future research. To date, about 24 herbal species and 40 related ingredients used in CM to treat hearing loss and tinnitus are reported for the treatment of endocochlear potential, endolymph growth, lowering toxic and provocative substance aggregation, inhibiting sensory cell death, and retaining sensory transfer. However, there are a few herbal species that can be used for medicinal purposes. Nevertheless, clinical studies have been hampered by a limited population sample, a deficiency of a suitable control research group, or contradictory results. Enhanced cochlear blood flow, antiinflammatory antioxidant, neuroprotective effects, and anti-apoptotic, as well as multi-target approach on different auditory sections of the inner ear, are all possible benefits of CM medications. There are numerous unknown natural products for aural ailment and tinnitus identified in CM that are expected to be examined in the future utilizing various aural ailment models and processes.

Mechanism of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum in Treatment of Osteoarthritis Based on Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin in the treatment of osteoarthritis by network pharmacology. MethodThe active ingredients and the corresponding targets of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin were screened out by a Bioinformatics Analysis Tool of Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM）. The targets related to osteoarthritis were obtained through GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）. The targets corresponding to the active ingredients and those related to osteoarthritis were intersected to reveal the common targets， and STRING was adopted to build a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network. DAVID was used for gene ontology （GO） annotation and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment on the anti-osteoarthritis targets of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin， and R x64 3.6.3 was employed to produce the advanced bubble charts of GO terms and KEGG pathways. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to establish the “Chinese medicinal herb-active ingredient-target-signaling pathway” network. In vitro experiments were performed to detect the viability of RAW 264.7 cells exposed to oxidative stress and the tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α level in RAW 264.7 cells with inflammation under the treatment by Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin. ResultA total of 20 active ingredients of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum were obtained， of which ceramide， 6'-O-β-D-glucosylgentiopicroside， cerebroside， oleuropein， sphingomyelin， and cholesterol ferulate did not meet the screening conditions. Therefore， a total of 14 active ingredients were finally screened out， and 303 and 3 093 targets of active ingredients and osteoarthritis were respectively obtained. The two target sets were taken to intersect， which revealed 92 common targets. GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment showed that the targets were mainly involved in redox process， positive regulation of RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcription， inflammatory response， protein synthesis， osteoclast differentiation， TNF signaling pathway， signaling pathways in cancer， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， and cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） signaling pathway. The results of in vitro experiments showed that a certain concentration of protein in Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum significantly increased the viability of RAW 264.7 cells exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative damage （P<0.05， P<0.01） and reduced the level of TNF-α in the RAW 264.7 cells experiencing lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced inflammation （P<0.05）. ConclusionBased on the network pharmacology method， the mechanism of the multi-component， multi-target and multi-pathway treatment of OA by antler antler was explained， and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of antler antler were confirmed， which provided theoretical guidance and scientific basis for further research on the treatment of OA by antler antler.

Effect of Fufang Huangbai Fluid Paint on Virulence and Biofilm of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the virulence and biofilm inhibition effect of Fufang Huangbai Fluid Paint （FFHBFP） on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus （MRSA）， and to explore the antibacterial effect of FFHBFP on MRSA， which provides a theoretical basis and reference for clinical medication. MethodFirstly， the microdilution method and time–growth curve were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration （MIC） of FFHBFP and vancomycin （VAN） against MRSA and the effect on bacterial growth. The effects of FFHBFP and VAN on the inhibition of MRSA virulence factor lipase and restoration of hydrogen peroxide （H2O2） sensitivity were detected under sub-minimum inhibitory concentration （sub-MIC）. The inhibitory effect of FFHBFP and VAN on MRSA biofilm formation and maturation was detected by the microplate method. The morphological changes of mature biofilms before and after administration were observed under a scanning electron microscope （SEM）. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was utilized to detect the effect of 50.600 g·L-1 concentration of FFHBFP on the expression of MRSA virulence gene crtM and biofilm-forming genes fnbA and icaA. Finally， molecular docking technology was used to predict the mechanism of potential antibacterial active ingredients of FFHBFP in inhibiting the virulence and biofilm of MRSA. ResultThe MIC of VAN was 2 mg·L-1， and VAN below 1 mg·L-1 exerted no effect on MRSA growth. The MIC of FFHBFP was not determined， while the 101.200-202.400 g·L-1 original solution inhibited MRSA growth. Compared with the blank group and the VAN group， sub-MIC （25.300-50.600 g·L-1 original solution） inhibited lipase and recovered MRSA sensitivity to H2O2 （P<0.01）. The results of the microplate method showed that FFHBFP （25.300-202.400 g·L-1 original solution） inhibited biofilm formation and maturation （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The SEM exhibited that FFHBFP made the structure of biofilm loose and the size of the bacteria varied. FFHBFP at 50.600 g·L-1 concentration can inhibit the expression of related virulence genes and biofilm-forming genes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and molecular docking results also showed that the main antibacterial active ingredients in FFHBFP have good binding ability to the target. ConclusionFFHBFP that cannot directly kill MRSA exerts clinical efficacy by impairing virulence expression， biofilm formation， and other pathogenic properties.

Study on antidepressant effect of total alkaloids of Fibraurea recisa / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of total alkaloids of Fibraurea recisa in HT22 cells damaged by corticosterone (CORT) in vitro and in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) as well as the underlying mechanisms.In cellular experiments,the viability of CORT-damaged HT22 cells was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8),and the cell apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33258 staining.In animal experiments,C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,low (100 mg·kg~(-1)),medium (200 mg·kg~(-1)) and high (400 mg·kg~(-1))-dose of total alkaloids of F.recisa groups,and positive control group.After 21 days of CUMS exposure,their depressive behaviors were observed in behavioral and Morris water maze tests.The serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT),dopamine (DA),and norepinephrine (NE) were assessed by ELISA.The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2,Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in HT22 cells and mouse hippocampus were detected by Western blot.The results suggested that total alkaloids of F.recisa alleviated the damage of HT22 cells induced by CORT in a dose-dependent manner.The Hoechst 33258 staining uncovered that total alkaloids of F.recisa better reduced the blue spots and inhibited cell apoptosis.The results of animal experiments showed that total alkaloids of F.recisa significantly improved the depression-like behaviors of mice and increased the serum levels of 5-HT,DA and NE as compared with those in the model group.The Western blot assays revealed a significant up-regulation of Bcl-2 protein expression,but an obvious reduction in Bax and cleaved caspase-3protein expression in the total alkaloids of F.recisa group.In conclusion,total alkaloids of F.recisa inhibited depression possibly by regulating the apoptosis-related protein expression or elevating the monoamine neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Research progress on mechanism of gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol on central nervous system / 中国中药杂志

Gastrodin(GAS) and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol(HBA) are extracts of dried tubers of Gastrodia elata, which is the material basis for its efficacy and belongs to phenolic compounds. Modern pharmacology studies have shown that they have significant effects on central nervous system diseases, such as insomnia, convulsions, depression, ischemic stroke, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, and these diseases are closely related to neurotransmitters and cytokines. This paper described various mechanisms of GAS and HBA monomer components on the central nervous system. They alleviate hippocampal neuronal toxicity mainly by regulating a variety of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, glutamic acid(GLU), γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA), serotonin(5-HT), dopamine(DA), norepinephrine(NE), 5-indoleacetic acid(5-HIAA), high vanillic acid(HVA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid(DOPAC), pro-inflammatory cell growth factors, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and relevant receptor functions, and exert neuropharmacological effects by effectively increasing mRNA expressions of brain neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF and GDNF, and further inhibiting the apoptosis of damaged neurons. This paper summarized various mechanisms on the central nervous system, which provides a scientific basis for the further research of the neuropharmacological mechanism of GAS and HBA and the development of new drugs and functional food.

Establishment of a New Evaluation Method for Identification of Drug Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Based on Rapid Identification System of Microorganisms / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To explore the feasibility of the rapid identification system(MALDI-Biotyper System) of microorganisms for rapid identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and clinical isolation of Staphylococcus aureus. Method::Identification quality control and clinical isolation were conducted for drug resistance of S. aureus by microbial rapid identification system and broth dilution method. The scores of microbial rapid identification system were compared with the MIC value of broth dilution method. The drug resistance of P. aeruginosa was simultaneously identified to determine the accuracy and applicability of the rapid identification system of microorganisms. Result::The scores of the microbial rapid identification system showed that the score of sensitive quality control strain S. aureus was higher than 2.000, and the that of resistant strain of methicillin-resistant S. aureus(methicillin-resistant S. aureus, MRSA)was between 1.700 and 2.000.The score of clinically isolated S. aureus was between 1.700 and 2.000, which suggested the drug resistance and was consistent with the MIC value of the broth dilution method. At the same time, the systemic identification value of the P. aeruginosa, which is independent of the quality control sensitive strain, was greater than 2.000, showing sensitivity and it was a sensitive strain itself, which was consistent with the results. Conclusion::The microbial rapid identification system scoring method can be used for the rapid identification of the drug resistance of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

Effect of Tanreqing Injection and Antibiotics on Multi-drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Efflux Pump / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the interaction between Tanreqing injection and commonly used antibiotics against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) and the effect on bacterial efflux pump. Method:Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed with bacteria. Paper diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer, KB) combined with efflux pump inhibitor (50 mg·L-1) was used to measure the diameter of the inhibition zone, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect gene expression of efflux pump Positive efflux pump strain. KB method was used to observe the changes of Tanreqing (final concentration 3 g·L-1) and antibiotics on the diameter of the zone of inhibition. Strains were co-cultured with Tanreqing and antibiotic sub-inhibitory concentrations for Real-time PCR detection. KB method was used to observe the effect of Tanreqing on the diameter of bacteriostatic ring after the continuous use of efflux pump-positive bacteria. Result:Two MDR-PA efflux pump-positive strains were identified and screened. Tanreqing has synergistic antibacterial effect with aloxicillin, aztreonam, meropenem, ceftazidime, cefoperazone, and Shupushen. In inhibiting the expression levels of bacterial efflux pump genes, the four drugs were compared by the effect: cefoperazone>Tanreqing>ceftazidime>Shupushen. After Tanreqing continued to act on efflux pump-positive strains, it could have a better effect in combination with ceftazidime, cefoperazone, and Shupushen. Conclusion:Tanreqing, ceftazidime, cefoperazone, and Shupushen can reduce the drug resistance of bacteria by down-regulating the expressions of bacterial efflux pump genes, and reducing the clinical dose of antibiotics, and thus play a bacteriostatic effect.

Synthesis of Echinocystic Acid Derivatives and Inhibitory Effect on Lipase / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:Echinocystic acid(EA)is a kind of oleanolic pentacyclic triterpenoid compound,due to its main structural features of stability and less active sites,the structures of EA were modified in this paper to synthesize a series of EA derivatives, improve their bioavailability, and investigate their inhibitory effect on lipase. Method:In this study,EA derivatives were designed and synthesized from EA,which is a natural lipase inhibitor. Their inhibitory effects on lipase were tested by using 2,4-dinitrophenyl butanoate(PNPB) method. Result:Nine compounds were synthesized,and their structures were characterized by infrared spectrum (IR), ultraviolet spectrum (UV), mass spectrum (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (1H-NMR and 13 C-NMR),all of which were identified as new compounds. Further experiments on the inhibitory effect on lipase showed that compounds 1-9 had higher inhibitory effects than EA,IC50=7.03,2.05,2.14,3.65,3.24,0.28,0.34,0.46,and 0.39 g·L-1. Compounds 6-9 had higher inhibitory effect than Orlistat(IC50=0.53 g·L-1). Inhibition rates were as follows:6 > 7 > 9 > 8 > Orlistat> 2 > 3 > 5 > 4 > 1 >EA. Conclusion:It is feasible to design and synthesize derivatives with EA as the lead compound to improve the inhibitory effect on lipase.

Synthesis of Fibrauretin Derivatives and Their Inhibition on Acetylcholinesterase Activity / 分析化学

The structure of fibrauretin made by our lab was modified. Fibrauretin was demethylated at 9-site under high temperature pyrolysis at 160℃-180℃ and was reacted with a series of acid chlorides. Twele derivatives of fibrauretin were obtained. The structure of each derivative was determined by1H-NMR and13C-NMR. The derivatives were 9-O-benzoyl-fibrauretin, 9-O-( 2-methylbenzoyl)-fibrauretin, 9-O-( 4-methylbenzoyl)-fibrauretin, 9-O-(3, 5-dimethylbenzoyl)-fibrauretin, 9-O-(4-(chloromethyl) benzoyl)-fibrauretin and other derivatives. The 12 derivatives are all new chemical compounds. Taking ATCI as substrate,the inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from the head of flies of the fibrauretin and its derivatives were screened. The results showed that most of the derivatives had improved their inhibitory activity on AChE through esterification reaction. Compounds 9-O-(4-methylbenzoyl)-fibrauretin, 9-O-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-fibrauretinand 9-O-(4-(chloromethyl)benzoyl)-fibrauretin had significant inhibitory effect on AChE,and the inhibitory activity was stronger than the that of donepezil.

Pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of palmatine and jatrorrhizine in Huangteng in rats / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the total alkaloids of Huangteng were given to the rats by the methods of intragastric administration and tail vein. After the concentration changes of palmatine and jatrorrhizine in the plasma of rats were determined by RP-HPLC, pharmacokinetic parameters and oral bioavailability were calculated by 3P97 software. After the rats were pre-treated with total alkaloid 60 mg•kg⁻¹ by the methods of intragastric administration and tail vein, the main pharmacokinetic parameters were determined as follows： in the intragastric administration group, the Cmax of palmatine and jatrorrhizine were (0.91±0.06), (0.70±0.08) mg•L⁻¹; tmax of palmatine and jatrorrhizine were (35.24±0.83), (47.76±1.24) min; t1/2 of palmatine and jatrorrhizine were (187.03±1.53), (105.64±16.99) min, AUC of palmatine and jatrorrhizine were (280.30±18.69), (144.36±1.06) mg•min•L⁻¹; in the intravenous injection group, the t1/2 of palmatine and jatrorrhizine were (172.18±12.38), (147.26±1.82) min; AUC of palmatine and jatrorrhizine were (2 553.14±214.91), (328.83±10.81) mg•min•L⁻¹. The oral bioavailability of palmatine was 10.98% and jatrorrhizine was 43.90%.

Study on early screening of high saponin ginseng lines / 中国中药杂志

The study aims at screening the specific bands by PCR, quickly and accurately evaluating the quality of ginseng seeding, accelerating the process of ginseng breeding. Based on the correlation of genetic differences and saponin content between individuals, a pair of specific primer GC1 was screened by PCR. According to the experiment by L16 (45) orthogonal test, a PCR system most suitable for GC1 was established, which came out total 25 μL reaction system containing DNA 2.60 mg•L⁻¹, Mg²⁺ 1.44 mmol•L⁻¹, dNTP 0.19 mmol•L⁻¹, primer 0.32 μmol•L⁻¹ and Taq enzyme concentration 0.076 U•μL⁻¹. By comparing the saponin content and the GC1 PCR electrophoretogram of samples, the ginseng, with 1 200 bp specific band by PCR of GC1, the contents of 9 monosodium saponins and their additions were higher than others, which provided a reliable method for accelerating the process of ginseng breeding. The sequence was sequenced and 99% homologous to glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

The proarrhythmic effects of autoantibody against beta1 adrenergic receptor / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the distribution characteristics of autoantibody against beta1 adrenergic receptor (beta1 AR) in the sera of arrhythmia patients and whether the autoantibody could induce arrhythmia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Healthy subjects and patients with arrhythmia or coronary artery disease were chosen. The autoantibody against beta1 AR in the sera was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG in the positive autoantibody sera from arrhythmia patients were purified and administrated to normal rats; then the ECGs were dynamic monitored.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of autoantibody against beta1 AR in arrhythmia patients was 52.8%, which was significantly higher than that in coronary heart disease group (24%, P < 0.01) and healthy people group (5%, P < 0.01), respectively. Moreover, the autoantibody against beta1 AR could lead to the occurring of arrhythmia in normal rats, most of which were ventricular arrhythmia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In the sera of arrhythmia patients, the autoantibody against beta1 AR has a high titer and it could lead to the arrhythmia of rats in vivo.</p>