Qiguiyishen decoction reduced the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the kidneys of rats with adriamycin-induced nephropathy

Objective

To investigate the effect of Qiguiyishen decoction (QGYS) on the severity of nephropathy.

Methods

Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups (I, II, III, IV) according to the random number table. Group I as control group did not establish nephropathy model. Groups II, III, and IV were intravenously administered Adriamycin (7.5 mg/kg) through the tail vein to establish nephropathy model. QGYS was prepared with the extracts of Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici), Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Niuxi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), and Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong). Group IV was administered QGYS (2 mL · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹), group III was administered benazepril (10 mL · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹), and group I, II was administered water (2 mL · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹) once daily for eight weeks.

Results

QGYS reduced the excretion of urinary protein and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and alleviated the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in renal tissue. Additionally, QGYS effectively regulated the levels of transforming growth factor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, and matrix metalloproteinases in the kidney of the rats.

Conclusion

QGYS may reduce the accumulation of ECM in the kidneys of rats with Adriamycin-induced nephropathy.     

Chemical composition,cytotoxicity and in vitro antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial activity of the essential oils of four Cymbopogon species from Benin

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cymbopogon species are largely used in folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases some of which related to parasitical diseases as fevers and headaches. As part of our research on antiparasitic essential oils from Beninese plants, we decided to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal activities of essential oils of four Cymbopogon species used in traditional medicine as well as their cytotoxicity.

Materials and methods

The essential oils of four Cymbopogon species Cymbopogon citratus (I), Cymbopogon giganteus (II), Cymbopogon nardus (III) and Cymbopogon schoenantus (IV) from Benin obtained by hydrodistillation were analysed by GC/MS and GC/FID and were tested in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Plasmodium falciparum respectively for antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial activities. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro against Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and the human non cancer fibroblast cell line (WI38) through MTT assay to evaluate the selectivity.

Results

All tested oils showed a strong antitrypanosomal activity with a good selectivity. Sample II was the most active against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and could be considered as a good candidate. It was less active against Plasmodium falciparum. Samples II, III and IV had low or no cytotoxicity, but the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (I), was toxic against CHO cells and moderately toxic against WI38 cells and needs further toxicological studies. Sample I (29 compounds) was characterised by the presence as main constituents of geranial, neral, β-pinene and cis-geraniol; sample II (53 compounds) by trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, trans-carveol, trans-p-mentha-2,8-dienol, cis-p-mentha-2,8-dienol, cis-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, limonene, cis-carveol and cis-carvone; sample III (28 compounds) by β-citronellal, nerol, β-citronellol, elemol and limonene and sample IV (41 compounds) by piperitone, (+)-2-carene, limonene, elemol and β-eudesmol.

Conclusions

Our study shows that essential oils of Cymbopogon genus can be a good source of antitrypanosomal agents. This is the first report on the activity of these essential oils against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Plasmodium falciparum and analysis of their cytotoxicity.     

Therapeutic effect of acupuncture and massage for shoulder-hand syndrome in hemiplegia patients: a clinical two-center randomized controlled trial

Objective

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and massage for shoulder-hand syndrome in hemiplegia patients.

Methods

One hundred and twenty hemiplegia patients with stage I shoulder-hand syndrome were randomly divided into a group treated with standardized electric acupuncture and massage, and a group treated with rehabilitation therapy for 6 weeks. The primary indices evaluated were pain on passive movement of the shoulder using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and the number of patients with shoulder-hand syndrome at Steinbrocker stage II or III after treatment. The secondary indices were Fugl-Meyer evaluation of functional movement of the upper limb and hand using the modified rankin scale (MRS).

Results

At post-treatment evaluation and a 12-week follow-up visit, NPRS score, number of patients with stage II or III shoulder-hand syndrome, and MRS score were all improved in the acupuncture-massage group compared with the rehabilitation group (P<0.05). On Fugl-Meyer evaluation, functional movement of the upper limb was also improved in the acupuncture-massage group compared with the rehabilitation group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Standardized acupuncture-massage therapy may have curative effects on shoulder-hand syndrome in hemiplegia patients.     

A quantification model of Traditional Chinese Medicine syndromes in children with idiopathic precocious puberty and early puberty

Objective

To establish a quantification model of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes by sampling patients undergoing idiopathic precocious puberty (IPP) and early puberty.

Methods

A questionnaire for classifying and quantifying TCM syndromes was designed and administered. All the results were analyzed; the relationship between 3 types of syndrome and 47 symptoms were summated. Meanwhile, the frequency distribution of each symptom or sign was aggregated. Fuzzy mathematics was used to develop a quantification model of TCM syndromes.

Results

We found that precocious puberty had 3 types of syndrome, including hyperactivity of fire due to Yin deficiency (Syndrome I), depressed liver Qi transforming into fire (Syndrome II), and end retention of damp heat (Syndrome III). In the IPP group, Syndrome I was the most common principal syndrome (100%). Forty-six patients (43.81%) were diagnosed with Syndrome I accompanied by Syndrome II and 11 (10.48%) were diagnosed with Syndrome I accompanied by Syndrome III. In the early puberty group, Syndrome I was also the main syndrome (98.39%). The degrees of most symptoms were mild to moderate. Reddened tongue was the most common tongue manifestation (62.86% prevalence) in the IPP group. The most common pulse manifestations were slippery pulse, thread pulse, and taut pulse. The Asymptotic Normalization Coefficient (ANC) method was used to quantify the TCM syndromes in 167 cases. Diagnostic accuracy rate reached 91%, comparable to expert diagnosis.

Conclusion

We find that there are 3 types of syndrome in the IPP group and in the early puberty group. Syndrome I (hyperactivity of fire due to Yin deficiency) is the main syndrome in the two groups. ANC may be an appropriate for quantification model of TCM syndromes.     

Protective effects of astragaloside IV on porcine-serum-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats and in vitro effects on hepatic stellate cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Astragaloside IV is the primary pure saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, one of the valuable traditional medical herbs. Antifibrotic activities of Astragalus membranaceus have been extensively proved.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of astragaloside IV on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by porcine-serum (PS).

Materials and methods

Liver fibrosis was induced by PS injection (0.5 ml, twice a week) for 12 weeks. Astragaloside IV (2.0, 4.0 mg kg⁻¹) was administered intragastrically. Liver samples were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical studies. In vitro effects of astragaloside IV on primary cultured HSCs were detected by incorporation assays.

Results

Astragaloside IV delayed the formation of liver fibrosis and decrease the serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PCIII) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver. The levels of transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) in serum and expression in liver were significantly decreased by astragaloside IV. Collagen synthesis and proliferation were significantly inhibited by astragaloside IV (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 and 24.0 mg L⁻¹) in HSCs.

Conclusion

The results showed that astragaloside IV displays antifibrotic effects in rats induced by PS, the mechanism by which might be associated with its inhibitory effects on collagen synthesis and proliferation in HSCs.     

Effect of Tangnaikang on TGF-β1-induced transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells

Objective

To explore the function of Tangnaikang (TNK) in the prevention and treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis through transdifferentiation of the human renal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 induced by transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁).

Methods

HK-2 cells cultured in dulbecco's modified eagle medium/F12 (1:1) with 10% fetal calf serum were divided into six groups: blank control group, TGF-β₁ group (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL), serum control group (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 10% serum), treatment group 1 (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 5% TNK serum), treatment group 2 (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 10% TNK serum), and treatment group 3 (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 20% TNK serum). Cell proliferation was detected by 4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin were observed by immunohistochemical assay. The contents of collagen I (Col I), collagen III (Col III), and fibronectin (FN) in the culture medium supernatant were detected by ELISA.

Results

E-cadherin was expressed and α-SMA was not expressed in normal HK-2 cells. In HK-2 cells cultured with TGF-β₁ α-SMA expression significantly increased, HK-2 cells significantly proliferated, and secretion of Col I, Col III, and FN significantly increased compared with the blank control group (all P<0.05). In the HK-2 cells cultured with TGF-β₁ and TNK serum, the expression of α-SMA significantly decreased, the expression of E-cadherin significantly increased, and the cell proliferation and the secretion of Col I, Col III and FN were significantly inhibited compared with the TGF-β₁ group (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

TNK can inhibit cell proliferation and reduce secretion of Col I, Col III, and FN. This indicates that TNK can inhibit transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cells induced by TGF-β₁, with the effect of preventing and treating renal interstitial fibrosis.     

Bryonia dioica aqueous extract induces apoptosis through mitochondrial intrinsic pathway in BL41 Burkitt's lymphoma cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bryonia dioica Jacq. is a climbing perennial herb with tuberous roots which is widely used in traditional medicine in Algeria for the treatment of cancers; it belongs to the genus Bryonia (Cucurbitaceae).

Aim of the study

To investigate the cytotoxic and apoptogenic activities, the phytochemical composition and acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Bryonia dioica roots growing in Algeria.

Materials and methods

Dried roots of Bryonia dioica were extracted with water (decoction). The cytotoxic effects of the aqueous extract in the Burkitt's lymphoma BL41 cell lines were evaluated by flow cytometry. Apoptosis induction was assessed by two corroborative assays; propidium iodide (PI) staining of cell DNA and flow cytometric light scatter analysis. The mitochondria membrane potential was investigated using a fluorescent dye DIOC6. The expression of caspases-3, -8, -9 and PARP was assessed by Western blot. The phytochemical screening of the roots of Bryonia dioica was performed using qualitative phytochemical standard procedures.

Results

The Bryonia dioica aqueous extract induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 of Bryonia dioica aqueous extract was estimated to be approximately 15, 63 μg/ml. This was accompanied by induction of apoptosis, activation of caspase-3 and -9, cleavage of PARP and loss of mitochondria membrane potential. Furthermore, the phytochemical screening of roots of Bryonia dioica showed the presence of various bioactive such as polyphenols, sterols and triterpenes, alkaloids, c-heterosides, carbohydrates and saponins.

Conclusion

The aqueous extract of Bryonia dioica induces apoptosis in the Burkitt's lymphoma BL41 cell lines via the mitochondrial pathway. The flavonoids, sterols and triterpens detected could be responsible for the cytotoxic and apoptogenic activities of the aqueous extract of Bryonia dioica. These findings suggest that Bryonia dioica could be considered as a promising source for developing novel therapeutics against Burkitt's lymphoma.     

Rehmannia glutinosa ameliorates the progressive renal failure induced by 5/6 nephrectomy

Aim of the study

Rehmannia glutinosa, the steamed root of the Scrophulariaceae family, has been widely used in Asian countries for the treatment of renal diseases. In this study, we evaluated the renoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Rehmannia glutinosa in progressive renal failure.

Materials and methods

The effects of Rehmannia glutinosa on renal function, 24-h proteinuria, and the expression of angiotensin II, angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) receptor, TGF-β1, and type IV collagen in renal cortex were analyzed in progressive renal failure rats induced by 5/6 nephrectomy.

Results

Rehmannia glutinosa reduced the serum creatinine level, 24-h urinary protein excretion, and glomerulosclerosis, and it also inhibited the expression of angiotensin II, AT₁ receptor, TGF-β1 and type IV collagen in the renal cortex.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the renoprotective effect of Rehmannia glutinosa might be mediated by suppressing the expression of angiotensin II and AT₁ receptor and by regulating TGF-β1 and type IV collagen expression.     

Mechanism research on combination of decoction for reinforcing lung Qi and argon helium lancet in treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Objective

To observe the effect of decoction for reinforcing lung Qi on T-lymphocytic function, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung cancer after operation with argon helium lancet in order to explore its mechanism.

Methods

A total of 76 patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer without surgical indication were randomly divided into a treatment group treated with decoction for reinforcing lung Qi and argon helium lancet and a control group treated with argon helium lancet only to observe lymphocytic proliferation, detect the percentage of positive cells in the T-lymphocyte CD₂₈ with flow cytometry and detect the expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in peripheral blood with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Proliferation of T-lymphocytes and expression of CD₂₈, IL-2 and TNF-α in peripheral blood after treatment in the treatment group were more obviously strengthened than those before treatment and those in the control group (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

The mechanism of using decoction for reinforcing lung Qi and argon helium lancet to treat lung cancer may be realized through promoting T-lymphocytic proliferation, up-regulating expression of CD₂₈, IL-2 and TNF-α, and activating T-cells.