Jinmaitong(筋脉通)Alleviates the Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inducing Autophagy

Objective:To observe the deregulation of autophagy in diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) and investigate whether Jinmaitong(筋脉通i,JMT) alleviates DPN by inducing autophagy.Methods:DPN models were established by streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and Schwann cells(SCs) cultured in high glucose medium.The pathological morphology was observed by the improved Bielschowsky's nerve fiber axonal staining and the Luxol fast blue-neutral red myelin staining.The ultrastructure was observed by the transmission electron microscopy.Beclinl level was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The proliferation of cultured SCs was detected by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide.Results:Diabetic peripheral nerve tissues demonstrated pathological morphology and reduced autophagic structure,accompanied with down-regulation of Beclinl.JMT apparently alleviated the pathological morphology change and increased the autophagy[in vivo,Beclinl integral optical density(IOD) value of the control group 86.6±17.7,DM 43.9±8.8,JMT 73.3 ±17.8,P0.01 or P0.05,in vitro Beclinl IOD value of the glucose group 0.4710.25 vs the control group 0.88 ±0.29,P0.05].Consequently,inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine resulted in a time- and concentrationdependent decrease of the proliferation of SCs(P0.05,P0.01).Conclusions:Down-regulation of autophagy in SCs might contribute to the pathogenesis of DPN.JMT alleviates diabetic peripheral nerve injury at least in part by inducing autophagy.     

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.     

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.     

Electrical Signal Propagated across Acupoints along Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian in Rats

Objective: To investigate the electrical signals propagated along Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian(BL) in a rat model. Methods: The experiments were performed on Dark-Agouti(DA), DA.1U and Sprague Dawley(SD) rats. The antidromic electrical stimulation was applied on the nerve innervating "Pishu"(BL 20) to mimic the acupoint electro-acupuncture(EA). The activities recording from adjacent nerve innervating acupoint "Danshu"(BL 19) or "Weishu"(BL 21) were recorded as indics for acupoint, including the mechanical threshold and discharge rate. Results: After mimic EA on BL 20, C and Aδ units from adjacent BL 19 or BL 21 were sensitized including the decrease in mechanical threshold and increase in discharge rates in DA, DA.1U and SD rats, especially in DA rats. The average discharge rate increased from 2.40±0.26 to 6.06±0.55 and from 1.92±0.42 to 6.17±1.10 impulse/min(P0.01), and the mechanical threshold decreased from 0.52±0.12 to 0.24±0.05 and from 0.27±0.02 to 0.16±0.01 mmol/L(P0.01) in C(n=15) and Aδ(n=18) units in DA rats. The net change in discharge rates from C units were 152.5%, 144.7% and 42.4% in DA, DA.1U and SD rats, respectively, among which DA rat's was the highest(P0.05). In Aδ units, the net change in DA rats were also the highest(221.5%, 139.2% and 49.2% in DA, DA.1U and SD rats). Conclusions: These results showed that mimic acupoint EA activated adjacent acupoints along BL in three rat strains, which might be related to propagated sensation along meridians(PSM). In addition, DA rats were more sensitive and might be a good model animal for PSM research.     

Effects of Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills (芪参益气滴丸) in Reducing Myocardial Injury and Preserving Microvascular Function in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Randomized Study

Objectives:To evaluate the effect of treatment with Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills(芪参益气滴丸,QSYQ) on myocardial injury and myocardial microvascular function in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:Eighty patients undergoing elective PCI were randomly assigned to QSYQ and control groups.The QSYQ group received QSYQ at a dosage of 0.5 g 3 times daily(3–7 days before PCI and then daily for 1 month) and regular medication,which comprised of aspirin,clopidogrel,statin,β-blocker,and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker in the absence of contradiction.The control group received only the regular medication.The index of microcirculatory resistance(IMR) was measured at maximal hyperemia after PCI.The fractional flow reserve was measured before and after the procedure.Troponin Ⅰ levels were obtained at baseline and 20–24 h after the procedure.Results:Pre-PCI troponin Ⅰ levels between the two groups were similar(0.028±0.05 vs.0.022±0.04 ng/m L,P=0.55).However,postPCI troponin Ⅰ levels in the QSYQ group were significantly lower than that in the control group(0.11±0.02 vs.0.16±0.09 ng/m L,P0.01).IMR values were significantly lower in the QSYQ group as compared to the control group(16.5±6.1 vs.31.2±16.0,P0.01).Multivariate analysis identified QSYQ treatment as the only independent protective factor against IMR 32(odds ratio=0.29,95% confidence interval:0.11–0.74,P=0.01).Conclusion:The present study demonstrated the benefit of QSYQ in reducing myocardial injury and preserving microvascular function during elective PCI.     

Hot Compress with Chinese Herbal Salt Packets Reducing PICC Catheter Complications: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To explore the preventive effect of applying hot compress with Chinese herbal salt packets(CHSP) to puncture vessels under aseptic conditions during peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC) on postoperative phlebitis. Methods: A total of 720 hospitalized patients undergoing first PICC were assigned to treatment and control groups(360 cases each group) according to a random number table. The control group received conventional catheterization and nursing care. The treatment group was first given hot compress with CHSP(which consisted of honeysuckle 30 g, Semen brassicae 30 g, Salvia miltiorrhiza 30 g, Angelica dahurica 30 g, Semen raphani 30 g, Evodia rutaecarpa 30 g, and coarse salt 20 g) on the punctured vessel under aseptic conditions for 5–10 min before conventional catheterization. The main efficacy indices were the vessel diameters before and during catheterization and the success rate of a single catheter, and the secondary efficacy indiex was the incidence of superficial phlebitis within 1 week after catheterization. Results: The vessel diameter during catheterization of the treatment group was remarkably increased compared with the control group [(7.96±0.42) mm vs.(4.39±0.54) mm, P0.01]. The success rate of the single catheter of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group [94.00%(329/350) vs. 73.72%(244/329), P0.01]. The incidence of superficial phlebitis within 1 week after catheterization in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group(P=0.007). There was no adverse event with CHSP. Conclusion: Hot compress with CHSP during PICC is applicable as it can effectively improve the success rate of a single catheter and reduce the incidence of superficial phlebitis after catheterization(Trial registration No. ChiCTR-ONC-17010498).     

Impact Evaluation of CONSORT and STRICTA Guidelines on Reporting Quality for Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture Conducted in China

Objective:To evaluate and compare the reports' qualities of acupuncture randomized controlled trials(RCTs) conducted in China before and after the implementation of two guidelines,i.e.,the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials(CONSORT) statement and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture(STRICTA).Methods:Proportions of studies that reported CONSORT and STRICTA items were compared for the years before and after implementation of these two guidelines.In addition,the total score of each item's reporting were calculated and reported differences during different date ranges were compared.Results:For CONSORT items(maximum score 8),there was evidence of a slight improvement in reporting between 1994-1995 and 1999-2000 combined(2.5 + 0.6) and 2004-2005 and2009-2010 combined(3.0 ±0.9;difference 0.4,95%confidence interval,0.3 to 0.6,P0.01).For STRICTA items(maximum score 17),there was evidence that a slight improvement in reporting between 1994-1995 and 1999-2000 combined(8.6±2.1) and 2004-2005 and 2009-2010 combined(10.1 ±1.8;difference1.5,95%confidence interval,1.1 to 1.9,P0.01).Conclusion:Quality of reporting for RCTs of acupuncture treatment conducted in China have generally improved since the introduction of the STRICTA and CONSORT guidelines.     

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.     

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.

     

Xuebijing Injection (血必净注射液) Increases Early Survival Rate by Alleviating Pulmonary Vasopermeability in Rats Subjected to Severe Burns

Objective: To investigate the effects of Xuebijing Injection(血必净注射液, XBJ) on survival rate and pulmonary vasopermeability in a rat model of severe scald injury. Methods: Rats were divided into two experiments: experiment 1 was monitored for 12 h post-injury for survival analysis after severe burns; in experiment 2, rats were killed for determination of pulmonary vascular permeability and pro-inflammatory mediators. In both experiments, rats were subject to third-degree 50% total body surface area(TBSA) burns or sham injury followed by XBJ or normal saline(NS) treatment. In addition, rat pulmonary microvascular endothelium cells(PMECs) were pretreated with either XBJ or phosphate buffer saline(PBS), and then subjected to sham serum or scald serum stimulation for 2 or 6 h, followed by transwell examination for the permeability of PMECs. Meanwhile, pro-inflammatory mediators in PMECs culture supernatant were also investigated. Results: The average survival time in the scald+XBJ group was 582.1±21.2 min, which was significantly longer than that in the scald + NS group(345.8±25.4 min, P0.01). Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), E-selectin, interleukin-6(IL-6), vascular permeability and water content of lung tissues were significantly increased in animals after severe burns(P0.01). However, administration of XBJ significantly decreased these levels in plasma and lung tissue. In in vitro cell experiments, XBJ markedly attenuated permeability in PMECs monolayer and reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and soluble E-selectin after stimulation with scald serum(P0.01). Conclusions: XBJ increases early survival rate by alleviating pulmonary vasopermeability and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators in rats subjected to lethal scald injury. XBJ may be a potent drug in treatment of severe burns.     

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture at Zusanli, Guanyuan for Sepsis Patients and Its Mechanism through Immune Regulation

Objective:To evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture on Zusanii(ST 36),Guanyuan(RN 4)in patients with sepsis,and explore its mechanism in term of immune regulation.Methods:In this prospective randomized controlled trial,60 patients with sepsis were randomly assigned to the control group and the intervention group equally by block randomization.Patients in the control group received routine treatment and those in the intervention group received electro-acupuncture at bilateral Zusanii and Guanyuan in addition to routine treatment,respectively.The mortality at 28 days,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)-Ⅱ score were compared to evaluate the effect,and the levels of T cell subsets(CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+) and monocytes of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-DR using flow cytometry were compared to explore the mechanism of this combined treatment.Results:Fifty-eight patients completed the trial with29 in each group.There was no significant difference of mortality in the 28 th day between the two groups,with 5 death of 29 patients in the intervention group(17.2%) and 9 of 29 in the control group(31.0%).After treatment,APACHE- II score of both groups was significantly decreased,however,score of the intervention group was lower than the control group(13.28 ±7.07 vs.17.10 ±5.83;P0.01).The levels of CD3+,CD4+,CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of the intervention group improved after treatment and were higher than the control group(59.71%±11.94%vs.52.54%± 11.86%;36.46%±7.60%vs.31.58%±10.23%;18.40%±8.82%vs.23.07%±7.30%;2.38±1.14 vs.1.54±0.80,respectively;all P0.05).The expression of HLA-DR significantly increased after treatment in the intervention group than that in the control group(7.28%± 9.26%vs.1.27%±7.00%;P0.01).Conclusion:Electro-acupuncture at Zusanii and Guanyuan could improve clinical curative effect in patients with sepsis,which might be achieved by regulation of the immune system.     

Effects of Shenfu Injection (参附注射液) on Cerebral Metabolism in A Porcine Model of Cardiac Arrest

Objective:To investigate the effects of Shenfu Injection(参附注射液,SFI) on cerebral metabolism in a porcine model of cardiac arrest(CA).Methods:Thirty Wuzhishan minipigs were randomly assigned to the control group(n=6),epinephrine group(EP group,n=12) and SFI group(n=12).After8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation(VF),pigs in the EP group or SFI group were administered with either EP(0.02 mg/kg) or SFI(1.0 mL/kg),respectively.After successful resuscitation,cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) levels of glucose,pyruvate,lactate,glutamate and glycerol were measured at 1,6,12 and 24 h after recover from spontaneous circulation(ROSC).In addition,neurologic deficit score(NDS) was calculated at 24 h after ROSC.Surviving pigs were killed at 24 h after ROSC,and the brain tissue was obtained for ultra-microstructure examination.Results:Compared with the EP group,CSF glucose and pyruvate levels were higher(all P0.01),and lactate levels were lower in the SFI group(P0.01).Meanwhile,CSF glutamate and glycerol levels in the SFI group were lower in comparison to the EP group(all P0.05).In addition,SFI decreased NDS at 24 h after ROSC(P0.01),and alleviated the histopathological damage of the brain.Conclusions:SFI could alleviate brain injury after CA,which may be associated with improving cerebral metabolism.     

Antifibrotic Effect of Total Flavonoids of Astmgali Radix on Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Cirrhosis in Rats

Objective: To study the effect of total flavonoids of Astmgali Radix (TFA) on liver cirrhosis induced with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats, and the effect on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Methods: Fifty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (10 rats) and a DMN group (43 rats). Rats in the DMN group were given DMN for 4 weeks and divided randomly into a model group (14 rats), a low-dosage TFA group (14 rats) and a high-dosage TFA group (15 rats) in the 3rd week. Rats were given TFA for 4 weeks at the dosage of 15 and 30 mg/kg in the low- and high-TFA groups, respectively. At the end of the experiment blood and liver samples were collected. Serum liver function and liver tissue hydroxyproline content were determined. hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Sirus red and immunohistochemical stainings of collagen Ⅰ, smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was conducted in paraffinembedded liver tissue slices. Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was adopted to determine PPARγ, UCP2 and FXR mRNA levels. Western blot was adopted to determine protein levels of collagen Ⅰ, α-SMA, PPARγ, UCP2 and FXR. Results: Compared with the model group, TFA increased the ratio of liver/body weight (low-TFA group P<0.05, high-TFA group P<0.01), improved liver biochemical indices (P<0.01 for ALT, AST, GGT in both groups, P<0.05 for albumin and TBil in the high-TFA group) and reduced liver tissue hydroxproline content (P<0.01 in both groups) in treatment groups significantly. HE staining showed that TFA alleviated liver pathological changes markedly and Sirus red staining showed that TFA reduced collagen deposition, alleviated formation and extent of liver pseudolobule. Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA immunohistochemical staining showed that staining area and extent markedly decreased in TFA groups compared with the model group. TFA could increase PPARγ, it regulated target UCP2, and FXR levels significantly compared with the model group (in the low-TFA group all P<0.05, in the high group all P<0.01). Conclusions: TFA could improve liver function, alleviate liver pathological changes, and reduce collagen deposition and formation of liver pseudolobule in rats with liver cirrhosis. The antifibrotic effect of TFA was through regulating PPARγ signal pathway and the interaction with FXR.     

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.

     

Evaluation of Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Aqueous Extract of Armadillidium vulgare Latreille

Objective

To assess the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of Armadillidium vulgare (AV).

Methods

The antinociceptive effect of AV (400, 600 and 800 mg/kg) was investigated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced nociceptive, and hot plate tests. Phlogogen-induced paw edema using carrageenan, dextran, or compound 48/80 as phlogogen was used as inflammatory models to evaluate AV's anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, the bioactive substances glucosamine (GLcN) and taurine in AV were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Oral treatment of the mice with AV (600 and 800 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (P<0.01) but not the hot plate test (P>0.05). All doses tested significantly inhibited paw-withdrawal during the second phase of the formalin-induced nociceptive model (P<0.01). AV demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory effect in all those inflammatory models (P<0.05).

Conclusions

AV has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, providing scientific evidence of the efficacy of its traditional use in pain treatment. Furthermore, GLcN and taurine contribute, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory activity of AV.

     

Effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol(宽胸气雾剂)on Patients with Angina Pectoris:A Non-inferiority Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect and safety of Kuanxiong Aerosol(宽胸气雾剂, KA) on patients with angina pectoris. Methods: Block randomization was performed to randomly allocate 750 patients into KA(376 cases) and control groups(374 cases). During an angina attack, the KA group received 3 consecutive sublingual sprays of KA(0.6 m L per spray). The control group received 1 sublingual nitroglycerin tablet(NT, 0.5 mg/tablet). Log-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier estimations were used to estimate the angina remission rates at 6 time-points after treatment(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 5 min). Logistic regression analysis was performed to observe the factors influencing the rate of effective angina remission, and the remission rates and incidences of adverse reactions were compared for different Canadian Cardiovascular Society(CCS) classes of angina. Results: The 5-min remission rates in the KA and control groups were not significantly different(94.41% vs. 90.64%, P0.05). The angina CCS class significantly influenced the rate of remission (95% confidence interval = 0.483–0.740, P0.01). In the CCS subgroup analysis, the 3-and 5-min remission rates for KA and NT were similar in the CCSⅠ and Ⅳ subgroups(P0.05), while they were significantly better for KA in the CCSⅡ and Ⅲ subgroups(P0.05 or P0.01). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the KA group than in the control group for the CCSⅡ and Ⅲ subgroups(9.29% vs. 26.22%, 10.13% vs. 20.88%, P0.05 or P0.01). Conclusions: KA is not inferior to NT in the remission of angina. Furthermore, in CCSⅡ and Ⅲ patients, KA is superior to NT, with a lower incidence of adverse reactions.     

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.     

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.