The relationship of hs-CRP, vitronectin and NT-proBNP serum levels with the extent and severity of cardiac complications in patients with organophosphate pesticide poisoning.

Acute organophosphate poisoning kills tens of thousands of people annually around the world. These substances are widely used as insecticides in homes, industry, and agricultural environments. Due to the ease of access, they can cause accidental or intentional risks of exposure through the skin or respiratory contact. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of hs-CRP, Vitronectin, and NT-proBNP and their relationship with the extent and severity of cardiac complications in patients with organophosphate pesticide poisoning. In this descriptive-comparative study, 160 patients were studied with acute organophosphate poisoning. Also, for better comparison, 40 healthy individuals participated in this study. Diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning was based on clinical findings of serum butyrylcholinesterase levels. The hs-CRP measurement was performed by an autoanalyzer (Abbott, model Alcyon 300, USA) with the ELISA hs-CRP kit (The apDia Company, Belgium). Vitronectin (VN) measurements were performed by ELISA method and Glory science human VN kit with Catalog No: 11668. NT-ProBNP serum levels were analyzed by ProBNP assay kit (Roche, Germany) by ECLIA method using Elecsys 2010 Analyzer. The most important variables studied in this study were the electrical activity and conduction system of the heart, PR distance, QTC interval, and T-wave changes. In this study, most of the patients were women and girls (60.78%). The highest percentage of organophosphate poisoning was in the age group of 15-24 years (37.25%). In most cases (78.43%), poisoning was intentional or suicidal. Evaluation of electrophysiological abnormalities of the heart showed that 89 patients (55.62%) had long QTC interval (>450 msec), 43 cases (26.87%) had possible long QTC (431-450 msec), and 28 cases (17.5%) had normal QTC (<430 msec). Only 9.37% of cases (n = 15) showed an increase in P-R distance, which is characteristic of the first-degree ventricular atrial block. Sinus bradycardia occurred in 57 cases (35.62%) and sinus tachycardia in 43 cases (26.87%); in 60 cases (37.5%), the pulse rate was normal. Smooth T-wave changes were observed in 9.8% of patients and reverse T-wave was observed in 17.6%. A long T-wave was not reported in any case. In only two cases (1.25%) was grade 1 ventricular atrial block and grade 2 and 3 blocks were not observed. In general, there was a significant difference in the hs-CRP, vitronectin, and NT-proBNP serum levels between the patient and control groups in all studied variables. These parameters were also related to the extent and severity of the disease.

Resistance of different ecotypes of Gastrodia elata to tuber rot / 中国中药杂志

Tuber rot has become a serious problem in the large-scale cultivation of Gastrodia elata. In this study, we compared the resistance of different ecotypes of G. elata to tuber rot by field experiments on the basis of the investigation of G. elata diseases. The histological observation and transcriptome analysis were conducted to reveal the resistance differences and the underlying mechanisms among different ecotypes. In the field, G. elata f. glauca had the highest incidence of tuber rot, followed by G. elata f. viridis, and G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca×G. elata f. elata showed the lowest incidence. Tuber rot showcased obvious plant source specificity and mainly occurred in the buds and bottom of G. elata plants. After infection, the pathogen spread hyphae in host cortex cells, which can change the endophytic fungal community structure in the cortex and parenchyma of G. elata. G. elata f. glauca had thinner lytic layer and more sugar lumps in the parenchyma than G. elata f. elata. The transcription of genes involved in immune defense, enzyme synthesis, polysaccharide synthesis, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, hydroxylase activity, and aromatic compound synthesis had significant differences between G. elata f. glauca and G. elata f. elata. These findings suggested that the differences in resis-tance to tuber rot among different ecotypes of G. elata may be related to the varied gene expression patterns and secondary metabolites. This study provides basic data for the prevention and control of tuber rot and the improvement of planting technology for G. elata.

Isolation, identification, and pathogenicity research of brown rot pathogens from Gastrodia elata / 中国中药杂志

Brown rot is a common disease in the cultivation and production of Gastrodia elata, but its pathogens have not been fully revealed. In this study, the pathogenic fungi were isolated and purified from tubers of 77 G. elata samples with brown rot. Pathogens were identified by the pathogenicity test and morphological and molecular identification. The pathogenicity of each pathogen and its inhibitory effects on Armillaria gallica were compared. The results showed that 119 strains of fungi were isolated from tubers of G. elata infected with brown rot. Among them, the frequency of separation of Ilyonectria fungi was as high as 42.01%. The pathogenicity test showed that the pathogenicity characteristics of six strains of fungi were consistent with the natural symptoms of brown rot in G. elata. The morphological and molecular identification results showed that the six strains belonged to I. cyclaminicola and I. robusta in the Nectriaceae family of Sordariomycetes class, respectively. Both types of fungi could produce pigments, conidia, and chlamycospore, and the growth rate of I. cyclaminicola was significantly higher than that of I. robusta. The comparison of pathogenicity showed that the spots formed by I. cyclaminicola inoculation were significantly larger than those of I. robusta inoculation, suggesting I. cyclaminicola was superior to I. robusta in pathogenicity. The results of confrontation culture showed that I. cyclaminicola and I. robusta could signi-ficantly inhibit the germination and cordage growth of A. gallica. A. gallica also inhibited the growth of pathogens, and I. cyclaminicola was less inhibited as compared with I. robusta. The results of this study revealed for the first time that I. cyclaminicola and I. robusta were the pathogens responsible for G. elata brown rot.

Correlation analysis between continuous cropping obstacle of Gastrodia elata and Ilyonectria fungi and relieving strategy / 中国中药杂志

The continuous cropping obstacle of Gastrodia elata is outstanding, but its mechanism is still unclear. In this study, microbial changes in soils after G. elata planting were investigated to explore the mechanism correlated with continuous cropping obstacle. The changes of species and abundance of fungi and bacteria in soils planted with G. elata after 1, 2, and 3 years were compared. The pathogenic fungi that might cause continuous cropping diseases of G. elata were isolated. Finally, the prevention and control measures of soil-borne fungal diseases of G. elata were investigated with the rotation planting pattern of "G. elata-Phallus impudicus". The results showed that G. elata planting resulted in the decrease in bacterial and fungal community stability and the increase in harmful fungus species and abundance in soils. This change was most obvious in the second year after G. elata planting, and the soil microbial community structure could not return to the normal level even if it was left idle for another two years. After G. elata planting in soils, the most significant change was observed in Ilyonectria cyclaminicola. The richness of the Ilyonectria fungus in soils was significantly positively correlated with the incidence of G. elata diseases. When I. cyclaminicola was inoculated in the sterile soil, the rot rate of G. elata was also significantly increased. After planting one crop of G. elata and one to three crops of P. impudicus, the fungus community structure in soils gradually recovered, and the abundance of I. cyclaminicola decreased year by year. Furthermore, the disease rate of G. elata decreased. The results showed that the cultivation of G. elata made the Ilyonectria fungi the dominant flora in soils, and I. cyclaminicola served as the main pathogen of continuous cropping diseases of G. elata, which could be reduced by rotation planting with P. impudicus.

Intermedin improves renal structure and function and microvascular injury in IgA nephropathy rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the hepatotoxicity of rutecarpine(RUT)by using high-content screening technology.Methods HepG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of RUT for different time, then cell viability was detected by MTT method.Cell count, nucleus injury, mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP), reactive oxygen species(ROS), internal flow of calcium, cell membrane integrity(DIR)were measured by high-content screening technology.The activation of MAPK, NF-κB and JAKs-STATs was assayed by high-content screening technology.The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Results The viability was significantly reduced by 100 μmol·L-1 RUT(P<0.01)after HepG2 cell exposure to RUT for 24 h, the nuclear area decreased and the nuclear morphology was uneven, and after 48 h, the cell count was significantly reduced(P<0.01), the early apoptosis was detected(P<0.01).After HepG2 cell exposure to RUT for 6 h, the levels of ROS and internal flow of calcium significantly increased(P<0.01), and the cell membrane integrity was obviously damaged(P<0.01).After exposure to 100 μmol·L-1 RUT for 24 h, the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, STAT3 and p38 significantly increased(P<0.01, P<0.05), but there was no significant change in total protein level.The expression of c-Jun and c-Fos was up-regulated at 3 h(P<0.01), and at 3h time point, the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 significantly increased(P<0.01), but nuclear translocation was not significant.Conclusions Under certain conditions, RUT shows cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells, and its toxic mechanism is mainly related to injury caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Resveratrol inhibits progression of IgA nephropathy in rats by inhibiting proliferation of mesangial cells and down regulating expression of PDGF-B and TGF-β1 / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of SirTl agonist resveratrol on IgA nephropathy rats and its mechanisms. Methods An IgA nephropathy rat model was established. The rats were divided into four groups randomly: control group, IgA nephropathy group, control treated with Res group and IgA nephropathy treated with Res group. The urine protein was detected by Ponceau S; the biochemical indexes were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer; the pathological changes of kidney were observed by PAS and Masson staining; IgA deposition was observed by immunofluorescence; the expressions of PDGF-B and TGF-fil were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with IgA nephropathy group, the volume of 24-hour urinary protein and the expression of BUN and Scr in Res group decreased significantly, and the fluorescence of IgA in glomerulus was less in resveratrol group; mesangial cells and matrix proliferated and glomerular volume increased in IgA nephropathy group at the later stage, and both of them were significantly inhibited. Resveratrol could significantly reduce the high expression of PDGF-B and TGF-β1 in IgA nephropathy group. Conclusions Res can inhibit the deposition of IgA immune complex in mesangial region of IgA nephropathy rats and reduce glomerulosclerosis by down-regulating the expression of PDGF-B and TGF-β1, in turn it suppresses cell proliferation in mesangial region. It suggests that resveratrol plays an important role in slowing down the progression of IgA nephropathy.

Chinese registry of rheumatoid arthritis: IV. Correlation and consistency of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity indices in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Disease activity indices (DAIs) including disease activity score 28 (DAS28), simplified disease activity index (SDAI), and clinical disease activity index (CDAI) have been widely used in clinical practice and research studies of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of our study was to evaluate the correlation and concordance among different DAIs in Chinese patients with RA.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional study, including patients enrolled in the Chinese registry of rheumatoid arthritis from November 2016 to August 2018, was conducted. The correlations were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficient and concordance with Bland-Altman plots, quadratic weighted kappa, and discordance rates in the crosstab. For other indices, the optimal cutoff points corresponding to SDAI remission were explored through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 30,501 patients were included, of whom 80.46% were women. Most individuals were with moderate disease activity or high disease activity. High correlations among DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and DAS28-C-reactive protein (CRP), SDAI and CDAI were observed. Similarly, the weighted kappa value among the indices was high. In Bland-Altman plots, a positive difference between DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP was observed, with an absolute difference of >1.2 in 3079 (10.09%) patients. In crosstab, approximately 30% of the patients were classified into different groups. Concordance values between SDAI remission and the optimal cutoff points of DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, and CDAI were 3.06, 2.37, and 3.20, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although DAIs had high correlations and weighted kappa values, the discordance between DAIs was significant in Chinese patients with RA. The four DAIs are not interchangeable.

Anaphylaxis effect and substance basis of honeysuckle extract / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To explore the anaphylaxis effect and anaphylaxis substances of honeysuckle. Methods: Rat peritoneal mast cells (PMC) were separated and purified, the cells were incubated with compound 48/80 (0.02 g/L), physiological saline and honeysuckle extract (120 g/L) at 37 °C for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. Degranulation were observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope. Annexin V positive cell rate was detected by flow cytometry to reflect the degranulation rate of PMC. SD rats were supplied with honeysuckle extract by intravenous injection at a dose of 2.25 g/L. After administration, different parameters were analyzed, including the symptoms, histamine (HIS) and tryptase (MCT) levels, which were determined to explore the effect of anaphylaxis. Regression analysis was used to calculate the relationships between the peaks and the pharmacological effects to explore potentially anaphylactoid components. Results: The percentage of Annxin V positive cells and the degranulation ratio were markedly elevated in PMC treated with honeysuckle extract for more than 15 min (P < 0.05). HIS and MCT level were significantly elevated after injection of honeysuckle extract for more than 15 min. Morphology of PMC and systemic symptoms were also changed compared with the controlled group (P < 0.05). Regression analysis was used to calculate the relationship between peaks and pharmacological effects, and to determine peaks 7, 10 and 13 as possible anaphylactoid ingredients. Conclusion: This study established a prospective method to clarify the anaphylactoid components of honeysuckle extract, which would provide guidance for screening anaphylactoid components in traditional Chinese medicine injections containing honeysuckle in the prescription.

Effect of Gastrodia elata Planting on Soil Microbial Community Structure / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To analyze the changes of soil microbial community structure before and after planting Gastrodia elata in different producing areas，and to investigate the response of soil microorganisms to the planting of G. elata. Method:ITS and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technologies were used to detect fungal and bacterial community compositions in the soil，including the soil without planting G. elata（CK1，CK2），the soil around G. elata（GE1，GE2）before harvesting, and the soil around the rhizomorph of Armillaria（AGE1，AGE2） in Dafang, Guizhou and Jinzhai, Anhui respectively. Result:Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the soil microorganisms changed significantly after G. elata planting as compared with the control soil. The sequencing results showed that the planting of G. elata increased the OTUs number of fungi and bacteria. As compared with the control soil，the diversity and abundance of fungal and bacterial communities showed an increase trend after the cultivation of G. elata in soil of Dafang, Guizhou， such changes of fungal communities were not significant, but the abundance of soil bacteria communities increased in Jinzhai, Anhui as compared with the control soil. The abundance of genera Ilyonectria and Nitrospira increased，while genera Russula decreased significantly both in the soil of Guizhou and Anhui. Furthermore，the abundance of Fusarium and Mortierella increased significantly in the soil of Dafang, Guizhou. Conclusion:The soil microorganisms were out of balance after planting of G. elata, and the abundance of pathogenic microorganisms such as Ilyonectria and Fusarium increased，which may be related to the plant diseases and insect pests of G. elata.

Analysis on Application of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Related Health Food / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the improvement of living standard and enhancement of health consciousness, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, as a common medicinal material that can be widely used in health food, is focused an increasing number of scholars′ attention at home and abroad. Based on Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma health food published by the food website of National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), this paper combs and analyzes their dosage forms, functional components, health-care functions and prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Meanwhile, the Apriori algorithm module in SPSS Modeler 15.0 is used to explore the formulation rules of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma health food. The results showed that capsules was the most common (about 55.34%), and the infusions and beverages were rare. In the aspect of health-care function, it is mainly used to auxiliary hypolipidemic, auxiliary protective function to chemical liver injury, enhance immunity and dispel chloasma. Among 92 cases of the health food with auxiliary hypolipidemic, the common combination of TCM was Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gynostemmatis Pentaphylli Herba-Puerariae Lobatae Radix. Among 55 cases of the health food with auxiliary protective function to chemical liver injury, the common combination of TCM was Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Puerariae Lobatae Radix-Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. Among 54 cases of the health food with immune-enhancing, the common combination of TCM was Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Astragali Radix-Lycii Fructus. Among 46 cases of the health food with dispelling chloasma, the common combination of TCM was Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix-grape seeds. The selection of prescription compatibility of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma health food with different health-care functions is basically consistent with the TCM treatment with syndrome differentiation theory and modern medical theory. This article interprets the application of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma health food from the perspective of dosage forms, functional components, health-care functions and compatibility of prescriptions, which can provide a basis and reference for precise and efficient research and development of this kind of health food.