Protective Effects of Xiongshao Capsule (芎芍胶囊) on Anti-inflammatory Function of High-Density Lipoprotein in An Atherosclerosis Rabbit Model

Objective: To observe the effects of Xiongshao Capsule(芎芍胶囊, XSC) on anti-inflammatory properties of high-density lipoprotein(HDL), myeloperoxidase(MPO) and paraoxonase 1(PON1) in serum of atherosclerosis(AS) rabbit model and explore the anti-inflammatory protective effects of XSC on HDL. Methods: Sixty rabbits were randomized into the control, the model, XSC low-, medium-and high-dose(Rhizoma Chuanxiong + Radix Paeoniae rubra : 0.6+0.3, 1.2+0.6, 2.4+1.2 g·kg-1·day-1, respectively), and simvastatin(1 g·kg-1·day-1) groups. The model rabbits were fed with high-fat diet and respective drugs for 15 weeks. The blood and thoracic aortas samples were collected at the end of 15 weeks. The levels of serum MPO and PON1 as well as total cholesterol(TC) and free cholesterol(FC) in aorta wall cells were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: TC and FC in the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P0.01). Compared with the model group, TC and FC in the XSC groups were significantly lower(P0.05 or P0.01), so was simvastatin group(P0.01). There was no significant difference in PON1 level between groups(P0.05), even between model and control groups(P0.05). The serum MPO level in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P0.05), which was significantly lower in XSC groups as well as simvastatin group(P0.05 or P0.01), and no difference was found between XSC groups and simvastatin group(P0.05). Conclusions: XSC can reduce the serum MPO level in AS rabbits to protect the anti-inflammatory function of HDL, maintaining the normal lipid transport function. TC and FC levels in aorta cells decline, and this process initiated by XSC plays an anti-AS role.     

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.

     

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.     

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.     

Puerarin Up-regulates Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 Phosphorylation in Hippocampus of Vascular Dementia Rats

Objective: To observe the effect of puerarin on methyl-CpG binding protein 2(MeCP2) phosphorylation(pMeCP2) in the hippocampus of a rat model of vascular dementia(VD). Methods: Thirty-six healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group, dementia group and puerarintreated group using a random number table(n=12 per group). The modified permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion method was used to establish the VD model. The sham-operated and dementia groups were given 2 m L/d of saline, while the puerarin-treated group was given 100 mg/(kg·d) of puerarin for 17 days. The learning and memory abilities were evaluated by the Morris water maze test. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical(IHC) staining and Western blot analysis were carried out to observe changes in neuron morphology and in level of pMeCP2 in the hippocampus, respectively. Results: The morphologies of rat hippocampal neurons in the puerarintreated group were markedly improved compared with the dementia group. The escape latency of the dementia group was significantly longer than the sham-operated group(P0.05), while the puerarin-treated group was obviously shorter than the dementia group(P0.05). Cross-platform times of the dementia group were significantly decreased compared with the sham-operated group(P0.05), while the puerarin-treated group was obviously increased compared with the dementia group(P0.05). IHC staining showed no significant difference in the number of MeCP2 positive cells among 3 groups(P0.05). The number of pMeCP2 positive cells in the CA1 region of hippocampus in the dementia group was significantly increased compared with the sham-operated group, and the puerarin-treated group was significantly increased compared with the dementia group(both P0.05). Western blot analysis showed no significant difference of MeCP2 expression among 3 groups(P0.05). The expression of pMeCP2 in the dementia group was significantly increased compared with the sham-operated group, while it in the puerarin-treated group was significantly increased compared with the dementia group(P0.05). Conclusion: Puerarin could play a role in the protection of nerve cells through up-regulating pMeCP2 in the hippocampus, improving neuron morphologies, and enhancing learning and memory ablities in a rat model of VD.     

Effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe (温化蠲痹方) on Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand, Osteoprotegerin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 14 in Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Objective: To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe(温化蠲痹方, WJR) on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14(TNFRSF14, also known as LIGHT) in rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods: CIA rats were generated by subcutaneous injection of bovine collagen type-Ⅱ at the tail base. Sixty CIA rats were randomly assigned(10 animals/group) to: model, methotrexate(MTX)-treated(0.78 mg/kg body weight), and WJR-treated(22.9 g/kg) groups. Healthy normal rats(n=10) were used as the normal control. Treatments or saline were administered once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed at day 28 post-treatment and knee synovium and peripheral blood serum were collected. Toe swelling degree and expression of RANKL, OPG, and LIGHT were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with the normal group, toe swelling degree was significantly increased in the model group(P0.01). After treatment, toe swelling degree decreased significantly in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P0.01). Compared with the normal group, expression of RANKL and LIGHT were significantly increased and OPG significantly decreased in peripheral blood and synovium of the model group(P0.01). Conversely, RANKL and LIGHT expression were significantly reduced and OPG increased in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P0.01). No statistically significant difference existed between WJR and MTX groups. Conclusion: WJR likely acts by reducing RANKL expression and increasing OPG expression, thus inhibiting RANKL/RANK interaction and reducing LIGHT expression, thereby inhibiting osteoclast formation/activation to block bone erosion.     

Effects of Ligustrazine on Airway Inflammation in A Mouse Model of Neutrophilic Asthma

Objective

To investigate the effects of ligustrazine (LTZ) on airway inflammation in a mouse model of neutrophilic asthma (NA).

Methods

Forty healthy C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into 4 groups using a random number table, including the normal control, NA, LTZ and dexamethasone (DXM) groups, with 10 rats in each group. The NA mice model was established by the method of ovalbumin combined with lipopolysaccharide sensitization. At 0.5 h before each challenge, LTZ and DXM groups were intraperitoneally injected with LTZ (80 mg/kg) or DXM (0.5 mg/kg) for 14 d, respectively, while the other two groups were given the equal volume of normal saline. After last challenge for 24 h, the aerosol inhalation of methacholine was performed and the airway reactivity was measured. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected. The Wright-Giemsa staining was used for total white blood cells and differential counts. The levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological change of lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin eosin staining.

Results

The airway responsiveness of the NA group was signifificantly higher than the normal control group (P<0.05), while those in the LTZ and DXM groups were signifificantly lower than the NA group (P<0.05). The neutrophil and eosinophil counts in the LTZ and DXM groups were signifificantly lower than the NA group (P<0.05), and those in the LTZ group were signifificantly lower than the DXM group (P<0.05). There were a large number of peribronchiolar and perivascular inflammatory cells in fifiltration in the NA group. The airway inflflammation in the LTZ and DXM groups were signifificantly alleviated than the NA group. The infifiltration in the LTZ group was signifificantly reduced than the DXM group. Compared with the normal control group, the IL-17 level in BALF was signifificantly increased and the IL-10 level in BALF was signifificantly decreased in the NA group (P<0.05). LTZ and DXM treatment signifificantly decreased IL-17 levels and increased IL-10 levels compared with the NA group (P<0.05), and the changes in the above indices were more signifificant in the LTZ group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

LTZ could alleviate the airway inflflammation in the NA mice model through increasing the IL-10 level and decreasing the IL-17 level.

     

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.

     

Fuzheng Huayu Formula (扶正化瘀方) Prevents Rat Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Induced by HgCl2 via Antioxidative Stress and Down-regulation of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Activity

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of action of Fuzheng Huayu Formula (扶正化瘀方, FZHY) against renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) relating to oxidative injury and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity. Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal group, model group and FZHY treatment group. The RIF model was induced by oral administration of HgCl2 at a dose of 8 mg/kg body weight once a day for 9 weeks. Meanwhile, rats in FZHY treatment group orally took FZHY at a dose of 4.0 g/kg rat weight for 9 weeks. The content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and collagen deposition in kidney were observed. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the content of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of kidney were tested. The expressions of inhibitor-κappa B (IκB), phospho-IκB (p-IκB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were analyzed by Western blot. α-SMA expression was also observed by immunofluorescent staining. MMP-2 activity was measured by gelatin zymography. NF-κB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results: Renal interstitial fibrosis was induced by HgCl2, demonstrated by remarkably increased Hyp contents and excessive collagen deposition in kidney (P<0.01). FZHY significantly inhibited renal interstitial collagen deposition and reduced Hyp content of the HgCl2-treated rats (P<0.01). GSH content decreased obviously, and MDA content increased significantly in HgCl2-treated rats compared with that of normal rats (P<0.01). FZHY significantly increased GSH content and decreased MDA content in the model rats (P<0.01). The expression α-SMA was increased in model rats compared with that of normal rats, FZHY significantly decreased its expression (P<0.01). The expressions of p-IκB and TNF-α and MMP-2, MMP-2 activity, and NF-κB activation were increased in model group compared with that in normal group (P<0.01), FZHY significantly decreased NF-κB activation, MMP-2 activity and p-IκB and TNF-α expressions (P<0.01). Conclusions: FZHY could protect kidney from oxidative injury intoxicated by HgCl2, and antagonized oxidative stress-stimulated NF-κB activity through inhibition of IκB phosphorylation in the interstitial fibrotic kidney, these effects importantly contributed to FZHY action mechanism against renal interstitial fibrosis.     

Effects of Modified Qing'e Pill (加味青娥丸) on Expression of Adiponectin, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 and Coagulation-Related Factors in Patients with Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head

Objective: To observe the regulation of Chinese herbal medicine, Modified Qing'e Pill(加味青娥丸, MQEP), on the expression of adiponectin, bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), osteoprotegerin(OPG) and other potentially relevant risk factors in patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH). Methods: A total of 96 patients with nontraumatic ONFH were unequal randomly divided into treatment group(60 cases) and control group(36 cases). The treatment group were treated with MQEP while the control group were treated with simulated pills. Both groups were given caltrate D. Six months were taken as a treatment course. Patients were followed up every 2 months. The levels of plasma adiponectin, BMP2, OPG, von Willebrand factor(vWF), von Willebrand factor cleaving protease(vWF-cp), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator(tPA), C-reactive protein(CRP), blood rheology, bone mineral density(BMD) of the femoral head and Harris Hip Score were measured before and after treatment. Results: After 6 months of treatment, compared with the control group, patients in the treatment group had significantly higher adiponectin and BMP2 levels(P0.01 and P=0.013, respectively), lower vWF, PAI-1 and CRP levels(P=0.019, P0.01 and P0.01, respectively), and lower blood rheology parameters. BMD of the femoral neck, triangle area and Harris Hip Score in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Moreover, plasma adiponectin showed a positive association with BMP2(r=0.231, P=0.003) and a negative association with PAI-1(r=–0.159, P0.05). Conclusions: MQEP may play a protective role against nontraumatic ONFH by increasing the expression of adiponectin, regulating bone metabolism and improving the hypercoagulation state, which may provide an experimental base for its clinical effects.     

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.     

Short-Term Efficacy of Treating Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Based on Cold Pattern Differentiation with Hot Herbs: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yinchen Zhufu Decoction(茵陈术附汤, YCZFD) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure caused by hepatitis B virus(HBV-ACLF) with cold pattern in Chinese medicine(CM). Methods: This is a multi-center randomized controlled trial of integrative treatment of CM and Western medicine(WM) for the management of HBV-ACLF patients. A total of 200 HBV-ACLF patients with cold pattern were equally randomly assigned to receive YCZFD and WM(integrative treatment) or WM conventional therapy alone respectively for 4 weeks. The primary end point was the mortality for HBV-ACLF patients. Secondary outcome measures included Model for End-Stage Liver disease(MELD) score, liver biochemical function, coagulation function and complications. Adverse events during treatment were reported. Results: The mortality was decreased 14.28% in the integrative treatment group compared with WM group(χ2=6.156, P=0.013). The integrative treatment was found to significantly improve the MELD score(t=2.353, P=0.020). There were statistically significant differences in aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, direct bilirubin and prothrombin time between the two groups(P0.05 or P0.01). The complications of ascites(χ2=9.033, P=0.003) and spontaneous bacteria peritonitis(χ2=4.194, P=0.041) were improved significantly in the integrative treatment group. No serious adverse event was reported. Conclusions: The integrative treatment of CM and WM was effective and safe for HBV-ACLF patients with cold pattern in CM. The Chinese therapeutic principle "treating cold pattern with hot herbs" remains valuable to the clinical therapy.(Trial registration No. Chi CTR-TRC-10000766)     

Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Mild-Warm Moxibustion on Brain-Gut Function in Patients with Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and mild-warm moxibustion (Mox) therapies for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS) patients.

Methods

Sixty C-IBS patients were assigned to 2 groups by simple randomized method, i.e. EA group (30 cases) and Mox group (30 cases). Both EA and Mox treatments were performed on bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) for 30 min each time, 6 times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks. The gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological symptoms of the two groups were scored before and after treatment. The effects on the corresponding functional brain areas, namely the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insular cortex (IC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were observed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after treatment.

Results

Compared with the Mox group, greater improvements in abdominal distension, defecation frequency, diffificulty in defecation and stool features were observed in the EA group (all P<0.01), both Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were signifificantly decreased in the EA group (all P<0.01). Finally, decreased activated voxel values were observed in the ACC, right IC and PFC brain regions of EA group with 150 mL colorectal distension stimulation (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

Conclusions

Both EA and Mox could signifificantly improve some of the most intrusive symptoms of C-IBS patients, and EA was more effective than Mox. The therapeutic effect of these two therapies might through modulating of the brain-gut axis function. (Registration No. ChiCTRTRC-11001349).

     

Effect of Two Administration Routes of Shenmai Injection (参麦注射液) on Pulmonary Gas Exchange Function after Tourniquet-Induced Ischemia-Reperfusion

Objective:To compare the effect between nebulized and intravenous administration of Shenmai Injection(参麦注射液) on pulmonary gas exchange function of patients following tourniquet-induced lower limb ischemia-reperfusion.Methods:Thirty-eight patients scheduled for lower extremity surgery were randomized into three groups using the closed envelop method:Shenmai Injection was administered 30 min before tourniquet inflation by nebulization[0.6 mL/kg in 10 mL normal saline(NS)]in the nebulization group or by intravenous drip(0.6 mL/kg dissolved in 250 mL of 10%glucose) in the intravenous drip group,and equal volume of NS was given intravenously in the NS group;15 in each group.Arterial blood gases were analyzed,serum levels of malonaldehyde(MDA) and interleukine-6(IL-6) and interleukine-8(IL-8) were determined using the method of thiobarbituric acid reaction and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay respectively just before tourniquet inflation(TO),and at 0.5 h(T1),2 h(T2),6 h(T3) after tourniquet deflation.Results:Compared with baselines at TO,MDA levels significantly increased at T2,T3 in the NS group and at T3 in the nebulization group,and IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly increased at T2,T3 in NS,the intravenous drip and the nebulization groups(P0.05).Arterial pressure of oxygen(PaO_2) at T3 was decreased,while alveolararterial oxygen tension showed difference(PA-aDO_2) at T3 in the NS group;RI at T3 in both intravenous drip and the nebulization groups were enhanced(P0.05).Compared with the NS group,MDA and IL-8levels at T2,T3,IL-6 at T3 in the intravenous drip group,and IL-8 at T3 in the nebulization group were all remarkably increased(P0.05).Additionally,MDA level at T3 in the nebulization group was higher than that in the intravenous drip group(P0.05).Conclusions:Intravenous administration of Shenmai Injection provided a better protective effect than nebulization in mitigating pulmonary gas exchange dysfunction in patients following tourniquet-induced limb ischemia-reperfusion.     

Lignans-Rich Extract from Herpetospermum caudigerum Alleviate Physical Fatigue in Mice

Objective

To ascertain anti-fatigue constituents and mechanisms of Herpetospermum caudigerum.

Methods

The 80% ethanol extracts of Herpetospermum caudigerum were partitioned with chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. Male Kunming mice were divided into 13 groups with 16 mice in each group: a control group fed with water, 9 groups treated with 3 fractions of Herpetospermum caudigerum (chloroform fraction, ethyl acetate fraction and n-butanol fraction) at dose of 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg for the low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group, 3 herpetrione (HPE) treated groups fed with HPE at dose of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg for the low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group. All animals were treated once per day for 30 days. Anti-fatigue activity was assessed through the forced swimming test and serum biochemical parameters including blood lactic acid (BLA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic glycogen (HG), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) determined following the recommended procedures provided by the commercial kits.

Results

Compared with the control group, the lignans extract (ethyl acetate fraction) of Herpetospermum caudigerum and HPE could signifificantly prolonged the exhaustive swimming time (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and also increased the HG levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx and LDH, P<0.05 or P<0.01); BLA and MDA levels were decreased considerably in lignans extract and HPE treated groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HPE also could significantly decrease the BUN contents compared with the control group (P<0.05). The chloroform and n-butanol fraction showed no effect on swimming time and biochemical parameters.

Conclusions

The lignans extract had antifatigue activities and HPE may be partly responsible for the anti-fatigue effects of Herpetospermum caudigerum. The possible mechanisms of anti-fatigue activity were related to the decrease of BUN and BLA, the increase of the HG storage and protecting corpuscular membrane by preventing lipid oxidation via modifying several enzyme activities.

     

Icariin Improves Cognitive Impairment after Traumatic Brain Injury by Enhancing Hippocampal Acetylation

Objective

To examine the effect of icariin (ICA) on the cognitive impairment induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice and the underlying mechanisms related to changes in hippocampal acetylation level.

Methods

The modifified free-fall method was used to establish the TBI mouse model. Mice with post-TBI cognitive impairment were randomly divided into 3 groups using the randomised block method (n=7): TBI (vehicle-treated), low-dose (75 mg/kg) and high-dose (150 mg/kg) of ICA groups. An additional sham-operated group (vehicle-treated) was employed. The vehicle or ICA was administrated by gavage for 28 consecutive days. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted. Acetylcholine (ACh) content, mRNA and protein levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and protein levels of acetylated H3 (Ac-H3) and Ac-H4 were detected in the hippocampus.

Results

Compared with the sham-operated group, the MWM performance, hippocampal ACh content, mRNA and protein levels of ChAT, and protein levels of Ac-H3 and Ac-H4 were signifificantly decreased in the TBI group (P<0.05). High-dose of ICA signifificantly ameliorated the TBI-induced weak MWM performance, increased hippocampal ACh content, and mRNA and protein levels of ChAT, as well as Ac-H3 protein level compared with the TBI group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

ICA improved post-TBI cognitive impairment in mice by enhancing hippocampal acetylation, which improved hippocampal cholinergic function and ultimately improved cognition.

     

Bawu Decoction (八物汤) Ameliorates Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Bawu Decoction(八物汤,BWD,Palmul-tang in Korean)against benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Methods:Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups,with 6 rats in each group.The 4 study groups included sham-operated group(CON),BPH model group,finasteride-treated group,and BWD-treated group.All the groups except CON group received a subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg of testosterone,while CON group received saline.Finasteride at a dose of 5 mg/kg was administered to the finasteride-treated group for a period of 4 weeks.BWD group received BWD at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 4 weeks.The prostatic weight,prostate weight to body weight ratio,relative prostate weight ratio,serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone(DHT)level,and histological analysis of prostatic tissue were analyzed.Results:Compared to BPH model group,BWD administration was associated with reductions in prostatic weight,prostate and relative prostate weight ratio weight to body weight ratio(P0.05).The concentration of serum testosterone and DHT were higher in BPH group compared with CON group(P0.05).Administration of finasteride and BWD suppressed the elevation of serum testosterone and DHT levels significantly(both P0.05).In addition,BWD suppressed the growth of prostatic tissue(P0.05).Conclusion:BWD has suppressant effects on development of BPH through inhibition of serum testosterone and DHT.