Tectorigenin inhibits the inflammation of LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice

AIM： In a previous study, the anti-inflammatory effects of tectorigenin were disclosed. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of tectorigenin on acute lung injury using a lipopolysaccharide（LPS）-induced acute lung injury（ALI） mouse model were investigated. METHOD： The cell-count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid（BALF） was measured. The animal lung edema degree was evaluated by the wet/dry weight（W/D） ratio. The superoxidase dismutase（SOD） activity and myeloperoxidase（MPO） activity was assayed using SOD and MPO kits, respectively. The levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）, IL-1β, and IL-6 were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Pathological changes of lung tissues were observed through HE staining. The inflammatory signal pathway related protein nuclear factor NF-κB p65 mR NA expression was measured by real-time PCR, and the protein level of NF-κB p65 was measured using Western blotting analysis. RESULTS： The data showed that treatment with the tectorigenin markedly attenuated the inflammatory cell numbers in the BALF, decreased nuclear factor NF-κB p65 mR NA level and protein level in the lungs, and improved SOD activity and inhibited MPO activity. Histological studies showed that tectorigenin substantially inhibited LPS-induced neutrophils in lung tissue compared with the model group. CONCLUSION： The results indicated that tectorigenin had a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice.     

Protection of Total Flavonoid Fraction from Nervilia fordii on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Objective To investigate the effects of total flavonoid fraction(TFF) from Nervilia fordii on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI) in rats,and to explore their protective mechanism.Methods LPS-induced ALI model was established by LPS(5 mg/kg) injection via left cervical vein.Blood samples were collected from the cervical artery of all rats at 5 and 6 h after LPS challenge for arterial blood gas test and cytokines measurements,and pulmonary microvascular permeability(PMP),lung wet/dry weight ratio(W/D),and pathological features were observed.Results Phytochemical study showed that the TFF contained 67.3% of flavonoids expressed in rutin and three flavone glycosides.The TFF pretreatment(6.24 and 12.48 mg/kg) attenuated the partial arterial pressure of oxygen decline in blood significantly,and decreased the PMP and lung W/D in ALI rats.In addition,the TFF(6.24 and 12.48 mg/kg) also ameliorated the LPS-induced lung damages including alveolar edema,neutrophils infiltration,alveolar hemorrhage,and thickening of the alveolar wall.Furthermore,the treatment with the TFF(6.24 and 12.48 mg/kg) also down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),and up-regulated the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in serum of ALI rats simultaneously.Conclusion These results suggest that the TFF could protect LPS-induced ALI in rats,which may be mediated,at least in part,by adjusting the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α,IL-6,ICAM-1,and IL-10.     

Pyunkang-hwan (Pyunkang-Tang) ameliorates air pollutant-induced inflammatory hypersecretion of airway mucus and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Pyunkanghwan(Pyunkang-tang) extract(PGT) on secretion of airway mucin in an experimental animal model involving hyperplasia of goblet cells and mucus hypersecretion, and to test its effects on bleomycin(BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo.METHODS: The protective activity of orally administered PGT was assessed in two rat pulmonary disease models. Effects on hypersecretion of pulmonary mucin in sulfur dioxide(SO_2)-induced bronchitis in rats were assessed by quantifying the amount of mucus secreted and examining histopathology in the tracheal epithelium. In a rat model for BLMinduced pulmonary fibrosis, toxicity to the pulmonary system was examined by measuring levels of malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline,indicators of lipid peroxides and collagen,respectively, in lung tissue 28 days post-BLM treatment. Serial sections of lung tissue were stained with Masson trichrome to visualize collagen deposition. Effects of PGT on collagen synthesis were also assessed in vitro, in a cell culture model.RESULTS: PGT inhibited mucin secretion and normalized SO_2-induced increased muco- substances in goblet cells. In the BLM- induced model,PGT decreased the characteristic histopathological features of lung fibrosis and inhibited fibrotic lesions, as indicated by decreased hydroxyproline content. PGT also inhibited the BLM-induced increase in malondialdehyde levels, demonstrating its protective effect against lipid peroxidation in cell membranes of the lung. In MLg 2908 mouse lung fibroblast cells, PGT decreased transforming growth factor(TGF)-β-stimulated type I collagen synthesis.CONCLUSION: PGT can inhibit both hypersecretion of airway mucins and pulmonary fibrosis.     

Danggui Buxue Tang ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats through inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang(DBT), a decoction from Traditional Chinese Medicine, on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and to propose the possible underlying mechanism.METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group,prednisone group and DBT group. Pulmonary fibrosis rat model was established by intratracheal injection with bleomycin. Body weight and lung index were monitored. Histopathologic examination and collagen deposition were determined using Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemistry staining was applied to observe the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). m RNA expression of α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were measured by realtime fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-q PCR). Inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) and IL-1β in serum were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Alkali hydrolysis method was conducted to investigate the content of hydroxyproline(HYP). Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),Smad3 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) protein level were examined by Western blot assay.RESULTS: DBT significantly reduced the severity of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation as indicated by minimizing the lost of weight, and by lowering the levels of lung index, inflammation score, Ashcroft score, collagen volume fraction(%), HYP, α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ,TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TGF-β1, Smad3 and PAI-1, consistent with the effect of prednisone.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that DBT is able to ameliorate the pulmonary fibrosis, the possible mechanism may involve inhibition of pulmonary inflammation and collagen deposition, possibly via suppressing TGF-β1/Smad3/PAI-1 signaling pathway.     

Acupuncture plus Chinese medicinal fumigation and washing for edema of the stroke-affected limb

Objective： To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture plus Chinese medicinal fumigation and washing in treating edema of the affected limb in post-stroke hemiplegia. Methods： Two hundred patients with edema of the stroke-affected limb from our hospital were randomized into two groups according to their visiting sequence. In the observation group, 100 subjects were intervened by acupuncture plus Chinese medicinal fumigation and washing in addition to oral administration of diuretics, while the other 100 subjects in the control group were only given diuretics. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after successive 2-week treatments. Results： The total effective rate was 90.0% in the observation group, significantly higher than 66.0% in the control group, indicating that there was a significant difference in comparing the overall therapeutic effect（P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Acupuncture plus Chinese medicinal fumigation and washing in addition to oral administration of diuretics is effective in treating edema of the affected limb in post-stroke hemiplegia.     

Protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A on MSCs against senescence induced by D-galactose

Objective To examine the protective effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) against the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by D-galactose (D-gal) in vitro, and investigate the potential mechanism involved. Methods Grouping experiment, Normal control (NC) group: conventional culture with complete medium; Senescence group: MSCs were cultured for 48 h with complete medium containing 10 g/L D-gal; HSYA group: on the basis of senescence induction, HSYA with the suitable concentration was used to protect MSCs. The key experimental indices associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cell senescence, proliferation and apoptosis were measured through chemical colorimetry, β-galactosidase staining, EdU incorporation and flow cytometry, respectively. The relative quantity (RQ) of proteins related closely to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and NF-κB signaling were measured by Western blotting. Results As compared with Senescence group, treatment with HSYA (120 mg/L) effectively ameliorated the adverse situation of MSCs. Oxidation stress and inflammation along with D-Gal induction was dramatically alleviated in MSCs; The β-Gal-positive staining indicated that MSC senescence was significantly mitigated; The proliferative capability of MSCs was significantly increased by up-regulating PCNA and inhibiting p16 expression; The anti-apoptotic effect on MSCs was exerted by down-regulating the RQ of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax; The activity of NF-κB signaling in MSCs was notably suppressed through inhibiting phosphorylation of IKKβ and p65. Conclusion HSYA (120 mg/L) significantly delayed the D-Gal-induced senescence process in MSCs through attenuating inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress, and suppressing the activity of NF-κB signaling.     

Therapeutic Efficacy Observation on Acupoint Sticking for Edema Due to Chronic Cardiac Failure

Objective： To evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupoint sticking with Chinese herbs for edema due to chronic cardiac failure. Methods： One hundred and seventy patients in conformity with the diagnostic criteria of edema due to chronic cardiac failure were randomly divided into two groups, 85 cases in each group. The observation group was treated by oral administration of diuretics plus acupoint sticking with Chinese herbs. The control group was treated just by oral administration of diuretics same as the observation group. The therapeutic effects were evaluated after continuous intervention for 14 d. Results： The total effective rate was 90.6% in the observation group, remarkably higher than 67.1% in the control group. The difference of overall therapeutic effect between the two groups was statistically significant （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： The therapeutic effect of acupoint sticking with Chinese herbs plus oral administration of diuretics is better than simple oral administration of diuretics in treatment of edema due to chronic cardiac failure.     

Protection of Astragaloside Derivate on Oxidative Stress and Hypertrophy in Cardiomyocytes

Objective The astragaloside IV(ASI)has been proved to play an important role in protecting against cell death on cardiovascular diseases.This study aims to investigate the effect of the astragaloside derivate(ASId)on confronting oxidative stress and hypertrophy in myocardial cells.Methods Following exposure embryonic rat cardiac H9c2 cells to hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)and angiotensin II for developing oxidative stress and hypertrophy,ASId at final concentrations (0.1,1,and 10μmol/L)was added to study its role in protecting cardiomyocytes by biochemical detection and cell size measurement.In addition,the mitochondrial permeability transition pore(mPTP)opener atractyloside(20μmol/L)and inhibitor cyclosporin A(CSA)(1μmol/L)were employed to investigate the possible mechanisms for anti-oxidation.Results ASId at 1 and 10μmol/L in cultures suppressed oxidative stress at different degrees,which induced the decrease in LDH activity and MDA content,and also the increase in SOD activity in comparable with the model group;The mPTP opener atractyloside and inhibitor CSA weakened and strengthened the role of ASId,respectively.ASId at 10μmol/L inhibited cell hypertrophy,and the cell diameter,surface area,and protein content were all decreased in comparable of those cells in model group.Conclusion ASId is involved in the cytoprotective effects on oxidative stress through a pathway mediated by mPTP,and also has a protective effect against hypertrophy.     

Effect of Daiqin phlegm-expelling pill on development of inflammation in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by lipopolysaccharide and smoke

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Daiqin phlegm-expelling pill, prepared with Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), on the development of inflammation in Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and smoke, and to identity the possible underlying mechanism.METHODS: Sixty male rats were divided into 6 groups(healthy control group, untreated group,Daiqin phlegm-expelling pill low, middle and high dose, and ambroxol hydrochloride tablet group).COPD was established in SD rats by sootiness and tracheal instillation with LPS. The rats were treated with Daiqin phlegm-expelling pill at the indicated doses for 28 d, the inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-8 and IL-6 in blood and the inflammation in lung were evaluated.RESULTS: The number of inflammatory cells in the BALF and TNF-ficantly redα, IL-8 and IL-6 level in plasma were signiuced in rats with COPD when treated with Daiqin phlegm-expelling pill or ambroxol hydrochloride tablet, compared with those without any treatment. The Daiqin phlegm-expelling pill treated rats with COPD had a attenuated inflammation in lung tissue, compared with the untreated group.CONCLUSION: Daiqin phlegm-expelling pill can significantly restrain the airway inflammation in rats with LPS-smoke induced COPD.     

微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定脉络宁注射液中25种矿物质元素

目的建立微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)直接稀释测定脉络宁注射液中25种矿物质元素(Mg、Ca、Fe、Cu、Zn、Mn、Al、B、Ba、Co、Cr、K、Li、Mo、Na、Ni、P、Pb、Sr、Th、Ti、V、As、Cd和Hg)的方法。方法分别对微波消解条件和测试条件进行考察;样品经微波消解后,采用电感耦合质谱仪测定25种矿物质元素,并对测定方法学进行考察。结果确定最佳消解条件为3步缓慢升温:400 W 80℃升温10 min,保留5 min;600 W 120℃升温10 min,保留5 min;900 W 200℃升温20 min,保留20 min;25种矿物质元素在各自的线性范围内线性关系良好,r≥0.999 6,精密度、稳定性和重复性试验的RSD均符合定量分析要求;加标回收率为94.7%~106.1%,RSD在0.34%~2.79%。脉络宁注射液中检测出Mg、Ca、Fe、Cu、Zn、Mn、Al、B、Ba、Co、Cr、K、Li、Mo、Na、Ni、P、Pb、Sr、Th、Ti、V,未检出As、Cd和Hg。结论该方法简便、迅速、准确,适用于脉络宁注射液中25种矿物质元素的同时测定。     

Die Lateralität und Lateralitätsinstabilität in der Diagnostik und Therapie

The disturbance and instability of laterality are obstacles to diagnostics and therapy. Correction prior to starting therapy is required. They also predispose toward defined health problems and unspecific diseases. Numerous research activities provide evidence of the relevance of undisturbed laterality in diagnostics and therapy. Techniques of testing and therapeutic corrections will allow for optimized therapy success.     

Yerba Mate or Paraguay Tea

正Beverages based on Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.are used in the south Brazil and other Latin American countries located at the so-called southern cone.It is known as chimarro or mate in south and southeast Brazil,tererêin     

Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science Instructions for Authors

The Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, a journal with an international scope （IS SN 1672-3597, CN 31-1908/R, Bimonthly）, is embodied by ＇Springer Verlag＇ Database, Index Copernicus （IC） and Chinese Scientific and Technical Paper and Citations Data （CSTPCD）. You can search full text on http：//www, springerlink, com/content/1672 -3597.     

Ethnopharmacologic study of chinese rhubarb

This paper deals with an interdisciplinary study covering historic, botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical aspects of rhubarb and related species, to lay stress on the correlation between plant phylogeny, chemical constituents and purgative activity.

It was found that the official rhubarbs were exclusively restricted in the Sect. Palmata e.g. Rheum palmatum R. palmatum var. tanguticum R. officinale; the following criteria may serve as their standard, viz., the presence of sennoside derivatives and rhein, the occurrence of the reduced form of rhein and aloe-emodin, the leaves with any kind of palmate incision. Comprehensive multivariate analyses showed that there is a very close relationship between the leaf incision, existence of sennosides or rhein and purgative activity.     

基于ICP-MS法的加味左金丸中无机元素分析

目的 通过电感耦合等离子体质谱（inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,ICP-MS）法建立加味左金丸中Cd、Pb、As、Hg、Co、V、Ni、Cu、Li、Sb、Ba、Mo、Sn、Cr、Na、Mg、Al、Ca、Ti、Mn、Fe、Zn、Ga、Se、Sr、Tl共计26种无机元素的测定方法。方法 加味左金丸通过微波消解法处理后,根据相对分子质量的大小选择内标物,其中⁷Li、²³Na、²⁴Mg、²⁷Al、⁴⁰Ca、⁴⁸Ti、⁵¹V、⁵²Cr、⁵⁵Mn、⁵⁶Fe、⁵⁸Ni、⁵⁹Co、⁶³Cu、⁶⁶Zn、⁷⁰Ga、⁷⁵As、⁷⁷Se、⁸⁶Sr以⁷²Ge作为内标;⁹⁵Mo、¹¹⁴Cd、¹¹⁸Sn、¹²¹Sb、¹³⁷Ba以¹¹⁵In作为内标;²⁰²Hg、²⁰⁵Tl、²⁰⁸Pb以²⁰⁹Bi作为内标。对标准品溶液、空白溶液与供试品溶液进行分析,采用标准曲线法进行定量分析。通过ICP-MS法进行测定。结果 26种无机元素线性的相关系数r ≥ 0.999 6,检出限为0.001~1.500μg/L,定量限为0.01~5.00 μg/L,精密度与重复性试验的RSD均小于5%,平均回收率在82.64%~106.44%,RSD均小于5%。对3个厂家的12批样品进行了测定,26种元素的含量差异较大,其中Na、Mg、Ca、Fe 4种元素的含量比较高,均大于500 μg/g,Cd、Pb、As、Hg、Co、Li、Sb、Mo、Sn、Cr、Se、Tl的含量比较低,均小于1 μg/g。由结果可知,人体的常量元素,如Na、Mg、Ca的含量比较高,Cd、Pb、As、Hg等有害元素含量比较低。根据《中国药典》2020年版一部的要求,本品中Cd、Pb、As、Hg与Cu均符合规定。结论 该方法快速、准确,可以用于加味左金丸中无机元素的测定。     

Wirksamkeit der Akupunktur bei der Therapie von idiopathischen Schmeckstörungen: Eine randomisierte Placebo-kontrollierte Studie

Background

At present, the state-of-the-art medication in treating idiopathic taste disorder (gustatory dysfunction) is zinc. If zinc medication was unsuccessful, not tolerated or if it is contraindicated the persons affected can hardly be helped.

Objectives

In a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial an attempt was made to determine the efficacy of acupuncture.

Methods

The treatment group was treated with acupuncture needles, the placebo group with an inactive acupuncture-laser. Endpoints of the study were changes in the taste test, the quality of life and the severity of symptoms of depression (BDI) as well as mood changes (ZMS). Satisfaction with the success of the respective therapy was also evaluated. Data were collected before and after therapy and again for the treatment group 10 weeks after completion of the treatment period.

Findings

Treatment with real acupuncture showed a significant improvement in gustatory function as well as a significant improvement in psychological symptoms. Greater satisfaction with the treatment results was evident in the treatment group. The treatment results of acupuncture remained stable over a period of ten weeks after completion of the treatment.

Conclusion

Acupuncture was effective in the therapy of idiopathic taste disorders and therefore it is an effective alternative when zinc medication is not tolerated or unsuccessful. But it is also suitable as a therapy of first choice. Acupuncture can be considered as an extension of the therapeutic spectrum in the difficult treatment of taste disorders.     

Erstaunliches Ergebnis einer Schädelakupunktur nach Yamamoto bei Hemihypsarrhythmie rechts

A girl, three and a half years old at the respective date, premature in 25th week of gestation, had been presented. On day three after birth, she had had a IVH III° right and left with severe involvement of parenchyma and other multiple complications, e. a. infant respiratory distress syndrome up to the 42nd day postpartum, and epileptic attacks with apnoeic events.     

Veränderungen der Herzratenvariabilität (HRV) während Low Level Lasernadelakupunktur: Placebokontrollierte Studie an 19 herzgesunden Probanden

Background

Experimental and clinical studies postulate a neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture by modulating central pain systems, neurohormones and -transmitters. It seems to be quite likely that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important mediating role in this neuromodulation.

Aim

In measuring heart rate variability (HRV), as a non-invasive approach to the ANS-function, the object of this study was to monitor probable acupuncture-induced changes of autonomic balance. The innovative technology of laser-needle acupuncture offers for the first time a stimulation method which fulfils the demands on a placebo-controlled acupuncture trial not requiring controversial sham acupuncture.

Method

19 healthy voluntary subjects underwent 3 treatments in randomized sequence, consisting of placebo-, 1-point- (PC 6) and simultaneous 3-point- (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3) laser-needle-stimulation over 20 minutes. Before, during and after placebo-/verum laser-needle acupuncture, HRV-data for normalized HF(high frequency)- and LF(low frequency)-Power (nHF, nLF) and their quotient nLF/nHF obtained by power spectrum analysis (FFT), were measured and analyzed statistically at 5 different time points (ANOVA repeated measures, p < 0,05).

Results

During both verum applications, the 1-point- (PC 6) as well as the simultaneous 3-point- (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3) laser-needle stimulation, significant changes of the ANS-activity were found in comparison to the placebo application. The most significant modification of HRV was an increase of nHF (p < 0,05 (PC 6), p < 0,0001 (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3)) as an expression of growing vagal activity during acupuncture.

Conclusion

Laser-needle acupuncture causes in 1-point-stimulation (PC 6) as well as in simultaneous 3-point-stimulation (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3) significant changes in HRV in comparison to placebo application. HRV-monitoring seems to be a suitable approach in exploration of acupuncture-induced changes of ANS and could possibly be established in combination with laser needle acupuncture as a standard for further scientific and clinical acupuncture investigations which are greatly needed.