RESUMO
Background: Qiweiqiangxin Ð granules (QWQX Ð) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation based on the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine, which produces a good curative effect in treating chronic heart failure (CHF). However, its pharmacological effect and potential mechanism for CHF remain unknown. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study is to clarify the efficacy of QWQX Ð and its possible mechanisms. Materials and methods: A total of 66 patients with CHF were recruited and randomly assigned to the control or QWQX Ð groups. The primary endpoint was the effect of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 4 weeks of treatment. The LAD artery of rats was occluded to establish the model of CHF. Echocardiography, HE and Masson staining were performed to evaluate the pharmacological effect of QWQX Ð against CHF. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) untargeted metabolomics was to screen endogenous metabolites in rat plasma and heart and elucidate the mechanism of QWQX Ð against CHF. Results: In the clinical study, a total of 63 heart failure patients completed the 4-week follow-up, including 32 in the control group and 31 in QWQX Ð group. After 4 weeks of treatment, LVEF was significantly improved in QWQX Ð group compared with the control group. In addition, the patients in QWQX Ð group had better quality of life than the control group. In animal studies, QWQX Ð significantly improved cardiac function, decreased B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and inhibited collagen fibril rate. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 23 and 34 differential metabolites were screened in the plasma and heart of chronic heart failure rats, respectively. 17 and 32 differential metabolites appeared in plasma and heart tissue after QWQX Ð treatment, which were enriched to taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and linolenic acid metabolism by KEGG analysis. LysoPC (16:1 (9Z)) is a common differential metabolite in plasma and heart, which is produced by lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hydrolyzes oxidized linoleic acid to produce pro-inflammatory substances. QWQX Ð regulates the level of LysoPC (16:1 (9Z)) and Lp-PLA2 to normal. Conclusion: QWQX Ð combined with western medicine can improve the cardiac function of patients with CHF. QWQX Ð can effectively improve the cardiac function of LAD-induced CHF rats through regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism and linolenic acid metabolism-mediated inflammatory response. Thus, QWQX I might provide a potential strategy for CHF therapy.
RESUMO
An investigation of the process involved in the production of and dyeing with indigo based on a CO2/O2 sensor device and a cellphone-camera is reported. The former involves transforming indican to indigo, and the latter the process by which indigo and indigo-white are produced. During the process of indigo production, a clear and positive correlation can be observed between the concentration of gas levels (either the production of CO2 or the consumption of O2) and the final yield. The authors found that for the first time that the change in the concentration levels of CO2/O2 can be used as important parameters for indigo dyeing. The optimal time required to produce indigo can be decided by the change of CO2/O2 concentration level. It is no long should depending on the experience of a craftsperson. Furthermore, the optimal time needed to produce indigo also can be decided by the concentration levels of glucose. The color analysis of indigo dyeing can be performed by using a camera and by calculating the RGB and HSV (hue, saturation, value) values.
