Effects of Senegenin against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury in PC12 Cells

Objective:To investigate the effect and the potential mechanism of Senegenin(Sen) against injury induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) in highly differentiated PC12 cells.Methods:The cultured PC12 cells were treated with H/R in the presence or absence of Sen(60 μmol/L).Four groups were included in the experiment:control group,H/R group,H/R+Sen group and Sen group.Cell viability of each group and the level of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in culture medium were detected for the pharmacological effect of Sen.Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V/propidium iodide double staining were used to analyze the apoptosis rate.Moreover,mitochondrial membrane potential(△Ψm),reactive oxygen species(ROS) and intracellular free calcium([Ca~(2+)]i) were measured by fluorescent staining and flow cytometry.Cleaved caspase-3and activity of NADPH oxidase(NOX) were determined by colorimetric protease assay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,respectively.Results:Sen significantly elevated cell viability(P0.05),decreased the leakage of LDH(P0.05) and apoptosis rate(P0.05) in H/R-injured PC12 cells.Sen maintained the value of△Ψm(P0.05) and suppressed the activity of caspase-3(P0.05).Moreover,Sen reduced ROS accumulation(P0.05) and[Ca~(2+)]i increment(P0.05) by inhibiting the activity of NOX(P0.05).Conclusion:Sen may exert cytoprotection against H/R injury by decreasing the levels of intracellular ROS and[Ca~(2+)]_i,thereby suppressing the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis.     

Efficacy and Safety of Qiaoshao Formula(翘芍方) on Patients with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation of Gan(Liver) Depression and Shen(Kidney) Deficiency Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Qiaoshao Formula(翘芍方, QSF) on patients with lifelong premature ejaculation(LPE) of Gan(Liver) depression and Shen(Kidney) deficiency syndrome. Methods: A total of 60 LPE patients were randomly divided into treatment(QSF) and control(dapoxetine) groups. The treatment group received QSF twice a day and the control group received dapoxetine 1 to 2 h prior to planned sexual intercourse for 4 weeks. The outcomes included intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time(IELT), premature ejaculation diagnostic tool(PEDT), clinical global impression of change(CGIC), scores of Chinese medicine symptoms(CMSS), sex life satisfaction(SLS) and adverse events(AEs). Results: In the treatment group, the median IELT was 3 min vs. 1.5 min before and after treatment(P0.05). PEDT in the treatment group was reduced to 11.76±1.68 from 15.83±2.30 after treatment(P0.05). Besides, patient's SLS was improved from 1.30±0.05 to 6.30±0.04(P0.05), and spouse's SLS was increased from 1.30±0.08 to 6.10±0.06(P0.05); CMSS was decrease from 14.86±3.02 to 9.62±2.87(P0.05). In addition, no significant AE was observed in both groups. Conclusion: QSF may be effective and safe on LPE patients with Gan depression and Shen deficiency syndrome.     

Paeoniflorin Improves Regional Cerebral Blood Flow and Suppresses Inflammatory Factors in the Hippocampus of Rats with Vascular Dementia

Objective: To explore the delayed neuroprotection induced by paeoniflorin(PF), the principal component of Paeoniae radix prescribed in Chinese medicine, and its underlying mechanisms in rats subjected to vascular dementia(VD). Methods: A rat model of VD was induced by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion(BCCAO). Low-dose or high-dose PF(20 or 40 mg/kg once per day) was administrated for 28 days after VD. The behavioral analysis of rat was measured by water morris. Regional cerebral blood volume(r CBV), regional cerebral blood flow(r CBF) and mean transit time(MTT) were measured in the bilateral hippocampus by perfusion-weighted imaging(PWI). The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) were measured by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Protein levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. m RNA levels were evaluated by real time-polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to estimate p65 translocation. Results: The behavioral analysis showed that PF could decrease the escape latency time(P0.05), and increase the residence time of the original platform quadrant and the across platform frequency in water maze in VD rats(P0.05). Likewise, PF remarkably promoted the r CBV(P0.05), r CBF and decreased per minute MTT(P0.05) in hippocampus of VD rats. Furthermore, PF decreased the release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as inhibited the m RNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus of VD rats(P0.05 or P0.01). PF also could decrease the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the hippocampus of VD rats(P0.05 or P0.01). In addition, PF significantly inhibited the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) pathway in the hippocampus of VD rats. Conclusions: PF significantly attenuates cognitive impairment, improves hippocampus perfusion and inhibits inflammatory response in VD rats. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of PF might be due to inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. PF may be a potential clinical application in improving VD.     

Chinese Medicine Yishen Jiangu Granules(益肾健骨颗粒)on Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Yishen Jiangu Granules(益肾健骨颗粒, YSJGG) on aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms(AIMSS). Methods: A single-arm, open-label study was conducted in 34 postmenopausal women with breast cancer who experienced AIMSS. Patients were treated with YSJGG for 12 weeks(12.4 g orally twice daily). The primary outcome was a change in the mean worst pain score of Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form(BPI-SF) over 12 weeks, and the second outcomes included changes in pain severity and pain-related interference of BPI-SF and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC), Modified Score for the Assessment of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands(M-SACRAH), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast(FACT-B), bone mineral density(BMD) and blood indices such as calcium(Ca), phosphate(P), and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). Results: Of 37 women recruited, 30 initiated the therapy and 24 were evaluable at 12 weeks. The primary outcome(BPI-SF worst pain scores) achieved a 2.17-point reduction compared with baseline(5.75±1.87 vs 3.58±2.15, P0.01). There were reductions in pain severity(decreased 1.65, P0.01) and pain-related interference(decreased 2.55, P0.01). The changes in WOMAC and M-SACRAH scores were similar to BPI-SF(P0.05). In the FACT-B, only physical wel-being and functional wel-being were improved compared with baseline(P0.05). No clinical differences were found in BMD, Ca, P and ALP. Conclusion: YSJGG is an effective and wel-tolerated agent to reduce AIMSS.     

Association of Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor Gene rs5938 (G/T) and rs313152 (T/C) Polymorphisms with Coronary Heart Disease and Blood Stasis Syndrome in A Chinese Han Population

Objective

To explore the association of the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms with coronary heart disease (CHD) and blood stasis syndrome (BSS) of CHD in Chinese Han population.

Methods

A total of 570 CHD patients (299 with BSS and 271 with non-BSS) and 317 controls were enrolled. The PAFR gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms were genotyped using the multiplex SNaPshot technology. The statistical analysis was conducted using a multiple variable logistic regression model.

Results

Significant differences were detected in the genotypes frequency distributions of the rs5938 (P<0.01), but not the rs313152 (P>0.05), between the controls and CHD patients. Individuals with an rs5938 or rs313152 mutated allele had a low risk for CHD [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23 to 0.56, P<0.01; aOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.91, P<0.05, respectively]. After the CHD patients were stratified as BSS or non-BSS according to their Chinese medicine patterns, the rs5938 polymorphism mutated alleles had a significant association with a low risk for BSS of CHD (aOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.57, P<0.01) and non-BSS of CHD (aOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.55, P<0.01). The rs313152 polymorphism was associated with a low risk for BSS (aOR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.79, P<0.01), but not for non-BSS (aOR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.85, P<0.05). Furthermore, the interaction effect of the rs5938 and rs313152 polymorphisms for BSS of CHD was significantly based on an aOR value associated with the combination of the rs5938 GT genotype with the rs313152 TC genotype of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.1 to 0.7, P<0.01).

Conclusion

The PAFR gene rs5938 or rs313152 polymorphisms might be a potential biomarker for susceptibility to CHD, especially to BSS of CHD in Chinese Han population.

     

Chinese Medicine for Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease: A Meta Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Chinese medicine(CM) adjunct to conventional medications for idiopathic Parkinson's disease(PD).Methods:Electronic English and Chinese databases including PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Chinese Medical Current Contents,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,China Science and Technology Journal Database,Wanfang Med Database,and Traditional Chinese Medical Database System were used for key words searching in a highly sensitive search strategy.The extracted data was analyzed by the Review Manager 5.0.Results:Twelve trials involving 869 participants were included in the meta-analysis.Unified PD Rating Scale(UPDRS) I,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ scores and UPDRS Ⅰ-Ⅳ total scores were used to be the primary outcomes,Parkinson Disease Question-39(PDQ-39) and Scores of Chinese Medical Symptoms were the secondary outcomes.CM adjunct therapy had greater improvement in UPDRS Ⅰ[2 trials;standardized mean difference(SMD)-0.40,95%confidence interval(CI)-0.71 to-0.09;Z=2.49(P=0.01)],Ⅱ[5 trials;SMD-0.47,95%CI-0.69 to-0.25;Z=4.20(P0.01)],Ⅲ[5 trials;SMD-0.35,95%CI-0.57 to-0.13;Z=3.16(P=0.002)],Ⅳ scores[3 trials;SMD-0.32,95%CI-0.60 to-0.03;Z=2.17(P=0.03)],UPDRS Ⅰ-Ⅳ total scores[7 trials;SMD-0.36,95%CI-0.53 to-0.20;Z=4.24(P0.05)].PDQ-39 and Chinese medical symptoms compared to the conventional medication only.Conclusion:CM adjunct therapy has potential therapeutic benefits by decreasing UPDRS scores and reducing adverse effect.     

Effect of Artemisia annua Extract on Treating Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To investigate the effect and safety of the complementary use of the extract of Artemisia annua L. (EAA) on treating active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. All the 159 participates with active RA were randomly assigned to the control group (80 cases) and EAA group (79 cases) using concealed random allocation method. In the control group, patients were medicated with leflflunomide and methotrexate for 48 weeks; and patients in the EAA group were administrated with leflflunomide, methotrexate plus EAA (30 g/d). At the time points of 0, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, the clinical outcome measures, including objective pain score, tenderness score, number of painful joints, number of swollen joints, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score for quality of life, levels of serum rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies (CCP-Ab), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), visual analogue score for pain (VAS), and the overall effificacy were detected and recorded.

Results

The objective pain score, number of painful joints and ESR at 12 weeks, tenderness score and HAQ at 24 weeks, and the tenderness score, number of painfull joints, number of swollen joints, HAQ, CRP, RF and CCP-Ab at 48 weeks were signifificantly improved in the EAA group compared with the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). At 24 and 48 weeks, the overall effificacy of the EAA group was signifificantly higher than the control group (P<0.01). There were signifificantly higher withdrawal rate of corticosteroids within 12 weeks post-treatment and lower incidence rate of adverse effects in the EAA group compared with the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

Conclusion

EAA plus methotrexate and leflflunomide were more effective and safer than the routine use of methotrexate and leflflunomide in the treatment of active RA.

     

Chinese Medicine for Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Objective: To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine(CM) on survival of patients with stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ colorectal cancer(CRC). Methods: A total of 295 patients who received chemotherapy were assigned to Group 1. The other 171 patients received the same chemotherapy treatment combined with the usage of CM Jianpi Jiedu Formula(健脾解毒方, JPJD) for more than 3 months(Group 2). Patients' survival time, relapse and metastasis, and cause of death were observed. Cox proportional hazard regression models were established for the analysis of the effect of independent factors on the survival prognosis of patients with CRC. Results: The survival rate of patients in Group 2 was higher than that of Group 1(P0.05). Compared with Group 1, the mean survival time was prolonged by 5.594 months and the median survival time was prolonged by 6 months in Group 2(P=0.004). Cox regression analysis indicated that CM combined with chemotherapy provided significant protective effect, as observed with the improvements in the survival rates of CRC patients(P0.01). Conclusion: CM can improve the survival rate in patients with stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ CRC.     

Huoxue Anxin Recipe(活血安心方)Promotes Myocardium Angiogenesis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Rats by Up-Regulating miR-210 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Objective: To investigate the microR NAs(miR NAs) expression profile of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) rats and the regulating effects of Huoxue Anxin Recipe(活血安心方, HAR) on angiogenesis-related miR NAs and genes. Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups according to a random number table: sham, AMI, and AMI+HAR groups(15 in each group). AMI rats were established by ligation of the left descending coronary artery. HAR was intragastrically administered to rats of the AMI+HAR group for successive 21 days since modeling, meanwhile the same volume of 0.9% normal saline was administered to rats of the sham and AMI groups. Doppler echocardiography was used for noninvasive cardiac function test. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological change. miR NAs expression profile was detected by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(qR T-PCR). The mR NA and protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), and a target gene of miR-210 was further detected by qR T-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The microvessels density of myocardium was evaluated by CD31 immunostaining. Results: Compared with the sham group, ejection fraction(EF) and fractional shortening(FS) values were decreased significantly in the AMI group(P0.01), while the infarction area and the interstitial collagen deposition were increased obviously. As for the AMI+HAR group, EF and FS values were increased significantly(P0.05 vs. AMI group), and the infarction area was reduced and the interstitial collagen deposition were alleviated significantly. Total of 23 miR NAs in the AMI group expressed differently by at least 1.5 folds compared with those in the sham group; 5 miR NAs in the AMI+HAR group expressed differently by at least 1.5 folds compared with those in the AMI group. Among them, miR-210 was low in the AMI group and high in the AMI+HAR group. The relative mR NA and protein expressions of VEGF were decreased significantly in the AMI group(P0.05 vs. sham group), and increased significantly in the AMI+HAR group(P0.01 vs. AMI group). CD31 expression area and optical intensity were decreased significantly in the AMI group(P0.05 vs. sham group), and increased significantly in the AMI+HAR group(P0.01 vs. AMI group). Conclusions: HAR could reduce the infarction area, alleviate the interstitial fibrosis and improve the cardiac function of AMI rats. Those effects could be related to promoting myocardium angiogenesis of HAR by up-regulating miR-210 and VEGF.     

Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate Injection as Adjuvant Treatment for Unstable Angina Pectoris: A Meta-Analysis of 17 Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate Injection(STS) as one adjuvant therapy for treating unstable angina pectoris(UAP). Methods: Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of UAP treated by STS were searched in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database(CNKI), VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals(VIP), Wanfang Database, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM), Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Pub Med, which from inception to January, 2016. The Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the RCTs. The Review Manager 5.3 software was used to conduct the metaanalysis. Results: The results showed that 17 RCTs involving 1,372 patients were included. The meta-analysis indicated that the combined use of STS and Western medicine(WM) in the treatment of UAP can obviously improve the total effective rate [risk ratio(RR)=1.31, 95% confidence interval(CI)(1.24,1.39), P0.0001], and the total effective rate of electrocardiogram [RR=1.43, 95% CI(1.30,1.56), P0.0001], decrease the level of CRP [mean difference(MD)=–3.06, 95%CI(–3.85, –2.27), P0.00001], fibrinogen [MD=–1.03, 95% CI(–1.16, –0.89), P0.00001], and whole blood high shear viscosity [MD=–0.70, 95% CI(–0.92, –0.49), P0.00001]. Additionally, the occurrence of adverse drug reaction of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group [RR=3.57, 95% CI(1.28, 9.94), P0.05]. Conclusions: Compared with WM, the combined use of STS was more effective.     

Contribution of Water and Lipid Soluble Substances in the Relaxant Effects of Tymus Vulgaris Extract on Guinea Pig Tracheal Smooth Muscle in Vitro

Objective:To examine the relaxant effects of hydro-ethanolic,macerated aqueous(MA) and lipidfree macerated aqueous(LFMA) extract of Tymus vulgaris on tracheal chains of guinea pigs.Methods:The relaxant effects of five cumulative concentrations of each extract(0.4,0.8,1.2,1.6 and 2.0 g/100 mL) were compared with saline as negative control and five cumulative concentrations of theophylline(0.1,0.2,0.4,0.6 and 0.8 mmol/L) on precontracted tracheal smooth muscle of guinea pig with 60 mmol/L KCI(group 1) and 10 μmol/L methacholine(group 2,n=6 for each group).Results:In group 1 all concentrations of theophylline,three higher concentrations of hydro-ethanolic,two concentrations of LFMA and last concentration of MA extracts showed significant relaxant effects compared with that of saline(P0.05 or P0.01).Two lower concentrations of LFMA and all concentrations of MA except higher one caused contraction compared with saline(P0.05 or 0.01).In group 2 experiments,all concentrations of theophylline,hydro-ethanolic,MA and LFMA extracts showed significant relaxant effects compared to that of saline(P0.05 or P0.01).In both groups,the relaxant effect of all concentrations of hydro-ethanolic extract were significantly higher than most concentrations of others(P0.05 or P0.01).The relaxant effect of different concentrations of three extracts were significantly greater in group 2 compared with group 1 experiments(all P0.01).There were significantly positive correlations between the relaxant effects and concentrations for theophylline and ail extracts in both groups(P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusion:Hydro-ethanolic extract has a potent weaker relaxant effect for other extracts from Tymus vulgaris on tracheal chains of guinea pigs.     

Efficacy of Aidi Injection (艾迪注射液) on Overexpression of P-Glycoprotein Induced by Vinorelbine and Cisplatin Regimen in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Aidi Injection(艾迪注射液) on overexpression of P-glycoprotein(P-gp) induced by vinorelbine and cisplatin(NP) regimen in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), and study the difference between intravenous administration and targeting intratumor administration of Aidi Injection with thoracoscope. Methods:Totally 150 patients with NSCLC were randomly assigned to the control group, the intravenous group and the intratumor group by the random envelope method, 50 cases in each group. The patients were treated with NP regimen(2 cycles), NP regimen(2 cycles) plus Aidi intravenous injection, or NP regimen(2 cycles) plus Aidi intratumor injection with thoracoscope, respectively for 6 weeks. The clinical efficacy was observed based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST) rules, the expression of P-gp in the tumor tissue was tested before, 3 and 6 weeks after treatment, the safety was evaluated by monitoring the toxicity in the process of treatment, and the progressionfree survival(PFS) was measured. Results:Fifteen cases dropped out because of the irreconcilable conditions which had no relationship with the treatment, 4 in the control group, 5 in the intravenous group, and 6 in the intratumor group, respectively. Compared with the control group, the response rates(complete remission + partial response) and the disease control rates(complete remission + partial response + stable disease) were significantly higher, the P-gp expressions were significantly decreased after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of PFS were significantly longer in the intravenous and intratumor groups(P0.05 or P0.01), and the intratumor group showed better effects than the intravenous group(P0.05 or P0.01). Compared with the control group, the occurrences of rash, nausea and leukocytopenia were significantly decreased in the intravenous and intratumor groups(P0.05), but without significant difference between the intravenous and intratumor groups(P0.05). Conclusion:Aidi Injection not only improves the efficacy of NP regime, but also has the function of reducing adverse events and preventing against overexpression of P-gp induced by chemotherapy of NP regimen.     

Synchronous Dynamic Research on Respiratory and Intestinal Microflora of Chronic Bronchitis Rat Model

Objectives

To investigate the mechanism of the Chinese medicine theory that Fei (Lung) and Dachang (Large Intestine) are exteriorly and interiorly related via synchronous observation on the dynamic changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflora.

Methods

Forty specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into blank (10 rats) and chronic bronchitis model groups (30 rats). The blank group rats were put into the smoke-free environment and the model group rats were put into the smoke environment in order to establish pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis) model. Then the corresponding changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflflora of the model on 20th, 50th and 70th days were synchronously observed.

Results

The respiratory tract microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic and Staphylococcus aureus and reduced anaerobic amount signifificantly on 20th day in the respiratory tract microflflora (P<0.05 or 0.01). On 50th day, total aerobic, total anaerobic amount and bififidobacterium signifificantly increased (P<0.05). On 70th day, Staphylococcus aureus reduced and lactobacillus increased signifificantly (P<0.01). The intestinal microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic, Clostridium perfringens, enterobacter and enterococcus significantly increased on 20th day (P<0.05 or 0.01). Staphylococcus aureus on 50th day increased significantly (P<0.05). Total aerobic and enterococcus increased, total anaerobic and Clostridium perfringens reduced signifificantly on 70th day (P<0.05 or 0.01).

Conclusion

The microecosystem of respiratory tract and intestine of rat model during the pathological process showed a dynamic disorder, indicating an interaction between the lung and large intestine which may be one of the connotations as they exteriorly and interiorly related.

     

Efficacy of Xuebijing Injection (血必净注射液) on Cardiopulmonary Bypass-Associated Pulmonary Injury: A Prospective, Single-center, Double Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Xuebijing Injection (血必净注射液, XBJ) on the lung injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: Fifty patients undergoing CPB were randomized to either the saline group or XBJ group according to a random number table (25 cases in each group). The patients in the saline group received saline and patients in XBJ group received XBJ at 12 h prior to the operation, at the beginning of the operation, and at 12 h after the second injection. The PaO2/FiO2 at extubation 3 days post-operation, duration of ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU), and lengths of stay in the ICU and hospital were recorded. The levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma were measured. The neutrophil count and elastase neutrophil elastase in BALF were also measured. In addition, adverse events were monitored. Results: The PaO2/FiO2 in the XBJ group was higher than that in the saline group from 12 to 72 h post-operation (all P<0.05). The blood levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and CRP in the XBJ group from 12 to 72 h were all significantly lower than those in the saline group (all P<0.05). In contrast, the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly higher in the XBJ group than in the saline group (P<0.05). In addition, 4 patients presented with atelectasis in the saline group and none in the XBJ group. Ten patients experienced mild acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during hospitalization, and 5 patients with mild ARDS were in the XBJ group (P<0.05). Conclusion: XBJ shows protective potential against lung injury in patients who undergo CPB surgery, possibly through the downregulation of inflammatory mediators, reduction in neutrophil infiltration, and upregulation of IL-10 (Trial registry: ChiCTR-TRC-14004628).     

Protective Effects of Danlou Tablet (丹蒌片) against Murine Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury In Vivo

Objective: To observe the in vivo effect of Danlou Tablet (丹蒌片, DLT) on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: DLT effects were evaluated in mouse heart preparation using 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 24-h reperfusion and compared among sham group (n=6), I/R group (n=8), IPC group (ischemia preconditioning, n=6) and DLT group (I/R with DLT pretreatment for 3 days, 750 mg?kg-1?day-1, n=8). The effects of DLT were characterized in infarction size (IS) compared with risk region (RR) and left ventricle using the Evans blue/triphenyltetrazolium chloride double dye staining method in vivo. Furthermore, the dose-dependent effect of DLT on I/R injury was evaluated by double staining method. Five different concentrations of DLT (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 g?kg-1?day-1) were chosen in this study, and dose-response curve of DLT was obtained on these data. Results: The ratio of IS to left ventricle was significantly smaller in the DLT and IPC groups than the I/R group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the ratio of IS to RR was also reduced in the DLT and IPC groups (P<0.01), while there were no differences in RR among the four groups (P>0.05). Experiments showed incidence of arrhythmias was reduced in the DLT group (P<0.01). Furthermore, DLT produced a dose-dependent inhibitory effect with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 1.225 g?kg-1?day-1. Conclusions: Our research concluded that DLT was effective in reducing I/R injury in mice, and provided experimental supports for the clinical use of DLT.     

Effect of Bushen Yisui Capsule(补肾益髓胶囊) on Oligodendrocyte Lineage Genes 1 and 2 in Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Objective: To study the effects of Bushen Yisui Capsule(补肾益髓胶囊, BSYSC) on the oligodendrocyte lineage genes(Olig) 1 and Olig2 in C57BL/6 mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) in order to explore the remyelination effect of BSYSC. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into normal control(NC), EAE model(EAE-M), prednisone acetate(PA, 6 mg/kg), BSYSC high-dose(3.02 g/kg) and BSYSC low-dose(1.51 g/kg) groups. The mice were induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(MOG) 35-55. The neurological function scores were assessed once daily. The pathological changes in mice brains were observed with hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM). The protein expressions of myelin basic protein(MBP), Olig1 and Olig2 in brains were measured by immunohistochemistry. The m RNA expressions of Olig1 and Olig 2 was also determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compared with the EAE-M mice,(1) the neurological function scores were significantly decreased in BSYSC-treated mice on days 22 to 40(P0.01);(2) the inflammatory cells and demyelination in brains were reduced in BSYSC-treated EAE mice;(3) the protein expression of MBP was markedly increased in BSYSC-treated groups on day 18 and 40 respectively(P0.05 or P0.01);(4) the protein expression of Olig1 was increased in BSYSC(3.02 g/kg)-treated EAE mice on day 40(P0.01). Protein and m RNA expression of Olig2 was increased in BSYSC-treated EAE mice on day 18 and 40(P0.01). Conclusion: The effects of BSYSC on reducing demyelination and promoting remyelination might be associated with the increase of Olig1 and Olig2.     

Clinical Observation of Shuanghuang Shengbai Granule(双黄升白颗粒) on Prevention and Treatment of Myelosuppression Caused by Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of Shuanghuang Shengbai Granule(双黄升白颗粒, SSG), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on myelosuppression of cancer patients caused by chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 330 patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group(220 cases, analysed 209 cases) and the control group(110 cases, analysed 102 cases) with a 2:1 ratio by envelope method. The patients in the treatment group at the first day of chemotherapy started to take SSG for 14 days, while the patients in the control group took Leucogon Tablets. The changes of the blood routine, clinical symptoms and immune function in both groups were observed for safety and efficacy evaluation. Results: At the 7th day of chemotherapy, the white blood cells(WBCs) level in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P0.05). After treatment, the WBCs rate in the normal range accounted for 50.2% in the treatment group, the myelosuppression of WBCs and neutrophil were mainly grade Ⅰ, while 8.1% and 5.7% of patients emerged grade Ⅲ and grade Ⅳ myelosuppression, respectively. The incidence of myelosuppression of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P0.05). The total effective rate of Chinese medicine syndrome in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(84.2% vs. 72.5%, P0.05). The immune cell levels in both groups were maintained in the normal range. Compared with that before treatment, the levels of CD3~+ and CD4~+ cells were significantly increased in the treatment group after treatment(P0.05). The discrepancy of CD3~+ and CD4~+ cell activity before and after treatment in both groups were significantly different(P0.05). No obvious adverse event occurred in both groups. Conclusion: SSG had a protection effect on bone marrow suppression, and alleviated the clinical symptoms together with clinical safety.