Hericium Erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., A Medicinal Mushroom, Activates Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Objective

To study the ability of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus mushroom in the treatment of nerve injury following peroneal nerve crush in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods

Aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus was given by daily oral administration following peroneal nerve crush injury in Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression of protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways; and c-Jun and c-Fos genes were studied in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) whereas the activity of protein synthesis was assessed in peroneal nerves by immunohistochemical method.

Results

Peripheral nerve injury leads to changes at the axonal site of injury and remotely located DRG containing cell bodies of sensory afferent neurons. Immunofluorescence studies showed that DRG neurons ipsilateral to the crush injury in rats of treated groups expressed higher immunoreactivities for Akt, MAPK, c-Jun and c-Fos as compared with negative control group (P <0.05). The intensity of nuclear ribonucleoprotein in the distal segments of crushed nerves of treated groups was significantly higher than in the negative control group (P <0.05).

Conclusion

H. erinaceus is capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. Potential signaling pathways include Akt, MAPK, c-Jun, and c-Fos, and protein synthesis have been shown to be involved in its action.

     

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.     

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.     

Suppression of Oxidative Stress of Modified Gongjin-Dan (WSY-1075) in Detrusor Underactivity Rat Model Bladder Outlet Induced by Obstruction

Objective

To investigate the anti-oxidative stress and preventive effect of modified Gongjin-dan (WSY-1075) in a detrusor underactivity rat model.

Methods

Rats were randomly allocated to three groups: shamoperated (control), bladder outlet obstruction-induced detrusor underactivity (BOO-DU), and BOO-DU with WSY-1075 (WSY) groups. WSY-1075 was orally administrated to rats 200 mg daily for 2 weeks prior to the operation and 4 weeks after the operation. Bladder outlet obstruction was surgically induced in rats by ligation around the urethra avoiding total obstruction. Cystometrography was conducted on rats in each group for examination of bladders.

Results

Compared with the control group, bladder outlet obstruction led to a significant increase in oxidative stress with consequent changes to molecular composition, and decrease in maximal detrusor pressure (P<0.05). WSY-1075 treatment significantly suppressed oxidative stress and prevented degenerative and dysfunctional changes in bladder, as compared with BOO-DU group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

WSY-1075 had beneficial effect on prevention of BOO-DU.

     

Qualitative Analysis of A Sulfur-fumigated Chinese Herbal Medicine by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography and High-Resolution Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Using Colorized Fuzzy Difference Data Processing

Objective: To investigate the chemical transformation of volatile compounds in sulfur-fumigated Radix Angelicae Sinensis. Methods: A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography(GC×GC) and high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry(HR-TOF/MS) with colorized fuzzy difference(CFD) method was used to investigate the effect of sulfur-fumigation on the volatile components from Radix Angelicae Sinensis. Results: Twenty-five compounds that were found in sun-dried samples disappeared in sulfur-fumigated samples. Seventeen volatile components including two sulfur-containing compounds were newly generated for the first time in volatile oils of sulfur-fumigated Radix Angelicae Sinensis. Conclusion: The strategy can be successfully applied to rapidly and holistically discriminate sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Radix Angelicae Sinensis. GC×GC-HR-TOF/MS based CFD is a powerful and feasible approach for the global quality evaluation of Radix Angelicae Sinensis as well as other herbal medicines.     

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.     

Ethanol Extract of Phellinus merrillii Protects against Diethylnitrosamine- and 2-Acetylaminofluorene-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

Objective: To study whether the ethanol extract of Phellinus merrillii (EPM) has chemopreventive potential against liver carcinogenesis. Methods: Thirty male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, EPM control group, hepatocarcinoma control group, low-dose EPM group and high-dose EPM group, 6 in each group. Using the Solt and Farber protocol in a rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis, the chemopreventive effect of EPM on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated, 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) and partial hepatectomy (PH)-promoted liver carcinogenesis in rats was evaluated. Basic pathophysiological and histological examinations, together with the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (sGOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) were measured. Results: Treatment of EPM at the concentration of 2 g/kg body weight in the diet for 8 weeks clearly prevented the development of carcinogenesis and reduced the levels of sGOT, sGPT, and serum γ-GT of rats as compared with the hepatocarcinoma control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). These phenotypes were accompanied by a significant increase in natural killer cell activity. Conclusion: EPM showed a strong liver preventive effect against DEN+2-AAF+PH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in a rat model.     

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.

     

Short-andLong-Term Effects of Xuezhikang(血脂康),An Extract of Cholestin,on Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Levels

Objective:To investigate the short- and long-term effects of Xuezhikang(血脂康,XZK),an extract of Cholestin,on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9) level.Methods:Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups and were given saline,XZK 1,200 mg/kg or lovastatin 10 mg/kg respectively by daily gavage for 3 days(n=10 for each).Sixteen patients without previous iipid-lowering drug treatment for dyslipidemia received XZK 1,200 mg daily for 8 weeks.Fasting blood samples and liver tissue were collected at day 3 for rats,while the blood samples were obtained at baseline and week 8 from patients.The serum PCSK9 and lipid profile were measured.The expression of hepatic low density lipoprotein(LDL) receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein 2(SREBP-2) were measured by real time-PCR.Results:PCSK9 levels in rats were significantly increased in the XZK and lovastatin groups(P=0.002,P=0.003 vs.control) at day 3,while no significant differences were found in the levels of lipid parameters.PCSK9 levels in patients increased by34%(P=0.006 vs.baseline) accompanied by total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased by 22%and 28%(P=0.001,P=0.002 vs.baseline).The hepatic mRNA levels of LDL-receptor and SREBP-2 were significantly increased in the XZK and lovastatin groups.Conclusion:XZK has significant impact on PCSK9 in a short- and long-term manner in both rats and humans.Moreover,the data indicated that as lovastatin,XZK increased PCSK9 levels through SREBP-2 pathway.     

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.     

Lactic acid bacterial extracts as anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis>: a molecular approach

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, the main cause of chronic gastritis, increases gastric cancer risk. Antibiotics-based H. pylori eradication treatment is 90 % effective. However, it is expensive and causes side effects and antibiotic resistance. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) could present a low-cost, large-scale alternative solution to prevent or decrease H. pylori colonization.

Aim

This work aimed to study the inhibitory effects of LAB strains on the growth and pathogenic activity of H. pylori stains. To this end, we have selected the most virulent H. pylori strains (out of 20 mucosal antral biopsies) regarding cellular vacuolization and induction of apoptosis/necrosis.

Method

The selection of H. pylori pathogenic strains (clinically pre-isolated) were based on their impact of VacA activities on Hep-2 cell line, induction of apoptosis and necrosis in Caco-2 cell line. The Inhibitory effect of LAB strains on the invasion was carried out using the Caco-2 and Hela cell lines, where, they were co-cultured with the pathogenic H. pylori in the presence or absence of LAB extracts. The effect of LAB extracts on TNF-α secretion which induced by H. pylori-LPS was carried out by RT-qPCR.

Results

L. bulgaricus DSMZ 20080, L. acidophilus and L. plantarum (studied previously and reported as high antioxidant candidate strains) showed the highest anti-pylori activities with inhibition ranged from 51.46 to 88.19 %, they preventing the adhesion, invasion and DNA fragmentation of cell lines. In addition, they could reduce the TNF-α expression by 62.13 %.

Conclusion

LAB extracts could inhibit the bacterial adhesion and invasion, gastric inflammation and DNA fragmentation induced by Helicobacter pylori.

     

Effect of Jiaotai Pill (交泰丸) on Intestinal Damage in Partially Sleep Deprived Rats

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of Jiaotai Pill(交泰丸, JTW) on intestinal mucosal damage in rats with chronic partial sleep deprivation(PSD). Methods: Obesity resistant(OR) rats were selected, and underwent 4 h PSD by being exposed to environmental noise for 4 weeks. During the whole PSD period, JTW and estazolam were orally given to the rats respectively in the treating groups. Plasma concentration of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) which is the marker of gut-origin endotoxemia was examined. Intestinal morphology changes were observed by optical microscopy. The protein expression of occludin(Ocln) in the intestine was measured by immunofluorescence technique and Western blot. The expressions of circadian proteins cryptochromes(Cry1 and Cry2) in the intestine were also determined. Results: The treatment of JTW significantly decreased LPS level in OR rats with PSD(P0.05). JTW also attenuated insomnia-induced intestinal injury like shorter, sparse and incomplete villus, wide gap between the villus, mucosal swelling and congesting(P0.05). These changes were associated with the effect of JTW on up-regulating the expressions of Cry1 protein, Cry2 protein and Ocln protein in the intestine. Conclusions: JTW has the beneficial effect on improving intestinal mucosal damage caused by PSD. The mechanism appears to be related to the modulation of the expressions of circadian proteins and Ocln protein in the intestine, thereby attenuating inflammation and improving insulin resistance in insomnia rats.     

Influence of Musa Sapientum L. on Pharmacokinetic of Metformin in Diabetic Gastroparesis

Objective

To investigate the effect of Musa sapientum L. (MS) bark juice in diabetic gastroparesis and its effect on pharmacokinetic of metformin (MET).

Methods

Diabetes was induced in rats by administering alloxan (120 mg/kg) saline solution and maintained for 8 week. All the 18 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n =6 in each group): normal control, diabetic control and MS bark juice. Assessment of diabetes was done by glucose oxidase-peroxidase method on the 3rd day of alloxan administration. The effects of MS bark juice (100 mL/kg) on gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, contractility of fundus and pylorus as well as gastric acid secretion in chronic diabetic rats were observed after 8 weeks of alloxan administration. The effect of MS bark juice on the pharmacokinetic of orally administered single dose of MET (350 mg/kg) was evaluated on the 57th day of protocol. Any drugs that may reduce the blood glucose level or influence the fibrinolytic system were not used in this study.

Results

The MS bark juice significantly reduced the blood glucose level in the diabetic rats (P<0.01). There was significant decrease in the pylorus motility and increase in the gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, contractility of fundus, gastric acid secretion in the MS bark juice treated group (P<0.01). There was significant decrease in the time at which drug at a maximum concentration, half life of drug and increase in the maximum concentration of drug in the plasma of MET in MS bark juice treated group as compared to diabetic control group (P<0.01).

Conclusion

MS bark juice effectively manages diabetic gastroparesis and thereby improves the bioavailabilty of MET when administered with MS bark juice.

     

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.     

Cyclovirobuxinum D Alleviates Cardiac Hypertrophy in Hyperthyroid Rats by Preventing Apoptosis of Cardiac Cells and Inhibiting the p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway

Objective: To investigate the underlying mechanisms of cyclovirobuxinum D(Cvb-D) on alleviating cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group; levothyroxine-induced cardiac hypertrophy group(model); levothyroxine-induced cardiac hypertrophy + Cvb-D group(Cvb-D); levothyroxine-induced cardiac hypertrophy + captopril group(captopril); levothyroxine-induced cardiac hypertrophy + SB203580 group(SB203580), n=10 for each group. Rats were daily administered the respective drugs continuously for14 days by gastric gavage. A rat model of cardiac hypertrophy was established by intraperitoneal injection of levothyroxine to investigate whether Cvb-D protects against cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway and preventing apoptosis of cardiac cells. Results: Treatment with Cvb-D significantly deceased left ventricle hypertrophy, improved the histopathology, hemodynamic conditions, and cardiac function in rats with cardiac hypertrophy. Compared with the normal control group, in rats with cardiac hypertrophy, expression of bax in the heart and phospho-p38 MAPK protein levels were significantly up-regulated(P0.01 or 0.05), whereas the bcl-2 protein level was downregulated(P0.01). In contrast, Cvb-D treatment reversed the changes in bax and phospho-p38 MAPK protein levels but increased the bcl-2 protein level(P0.01 or 0.05), and these effects were similar to those of captopril and SB203580(a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor) treatment. Furthermore, both Cvb-D, captopril and SB203580 reduced m RNA expression of p38α, p38β, c-fos, and c-jun m RNA, and Cvb-D had a stronger effect(P0.01). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that Cvb-D protects against cardiac hypertrophy, which is possibly mediated by prevention of cardiac cell apoptosis and inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.     

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.     

Comparative Effect of Propolis of Honey Bee and Some Herbal Extracts on Candida Albicans

Objective: To determine the effect of propolis on Candida albicans and to compare it with the effects of some other herbal extracts and antibiotics on this pathogenic fungi. Methods: The extracts of propolis, Thymus vulgaris, Caryophillium aromaticus, Echinophora platyloba, Allium cepa and Cinnamomum zeylanicum were prepared and the antifungi effects of the extracts were examined on Candida albicans ATCC10231 using disc-diffusion assay and micro-broth dilution. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as well as inhibition zone were evaluated and the anti fungi effects of herbal extracts were compared with amphotricin B and nystatin at the times of 24, 48 and 72 h. Data analysis was performed using t test. Results: Obtained results showed that propolis extract with MIC90 and MFC equal to 39 and 65 μg/mL, respectively, possess the highest antifungal activity when compared with other studied extracts. The extracts of Allium cepa and Thymus vulgaris, with MFC of 169 and 137 μg/mL, respectively, showed the lowest effects on the fungi. Also nystatin and amphotricin B yielded better effects on the tested fungi compared with the effects of all studied extracts on Candida albicans. Conclusions: Propolis extract is effective in controlling Candida albicans. However, the issue requires further investigation on samples in animals and performing toxicological examinations.