Clinical Observation on Treatment of Female Delayed Acne Vulgaris with Qingre Cuochuang Tablet(清热痤疮片)

Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of Qingre Cuochuang tablet ( 清热痤疮片, QCT) in treating female delayed acne vulgaris (FDAV, with patients age more than 25 years old) , to objectively evaluate the clinical effect in patients and to assess the effect of QCT on sexual hormone. Methods: Sixty FDAV patients were randomly divided into the treated group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 20), they were treated with QCT and Western medicine (including an-tisterone, tetracycline and metronidazole) respectively. Besides, 10 healthy female subjects aged≥ 25 years were selected as normal control. Serum levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in all patients and healthy subjects as well as the clinical therapeutic effect of the treatments were observedand compared. Results: The total effective rate in the treated group and the control group was 92. 5% and 90.0% respectively, comparison between them showed insignificant difference. Serum level of T in the patients before treatment were     

Effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on toll-like receptors in patients with severe multiple trauma

This study examined the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid(ω-3PUFA) on the expression of toll-like receptor 2(TLR2),toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) and some related inflammatory factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) of patients with early-stage severe multiple trauma.Thirty-two patients who were admitted to the Department of Traumatic Surgery,Tongji Hospital(Wuhan,China) between May 2010 and November 2010,and diagnosed as having severe multiple trauma with a injury severity score(ISS) no less than 16,were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups at random(n=16 in each):ω-3PUFA group and control group in which routine parenteral nutrition supplemented with ω-3PUFA or not was administered to the patients in two groups for consecutive 7 days.Peripheral blood from these patients was collected within 2 h of admission(day 0),and 1,3,5 and 7 days after the nutritional support.PBMCs were isolated and used for detection of the mRNA and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by using real-time PCR and flow cytometry respectively,the levels of NF-κB by quantum dots-based immunofluorescence assay,the levels of TNF-α,IL-2,IL-6 and COX-2 by ELISA,respectively.The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in PBMCs was significantly lower in ω-3PUFA group than in control group 5 and 7 days after nutrition support(both P<0.05).The levels of TNF-α,IL-2,IL-6 and COX-2 were found to be substantially decreased in PBMCs in ω-3PUFA group as compared with control group at 5th and 7th day(P<0.05 for all).It was concluded that ω-3PUFA can remarkably decrease the expression of TLR2,TLR4 and some related inflammatory factors in NF-κB signaling pathway in PBMCs of patients with severe multiple trauma,which suggests that ω-3PUFA may suppress the excessive inflammatory response meditated by the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine for strengthening qi, nourishing yin, and removing stasis on serum osteopontin and quality of life of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine for strengthening qi, nourishing yin,and removing stasis on serum osteopontin(OPN) and quality of life(QOL) in patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome(pSS) and to study the correlation between OPN level and the disease.Methods:Sixtyeight pSS patients were randomly assigned to two groups:the treatment group(35 cases) treated by Chinese herbal medicine for strengthening qi,nourishing yin,and removing stasis combined with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablet(HCQ) and the control group(33 cases) treated by HCQ only.Both were treated for 3 months. Before and after treatment,immunoglobulin G(IgG) level,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and OPN level were measured.The QOL in patients was evaluated using the Short Form-36 Health Survey(SF-36) before and after treatment.Thirty healthy females were taken as the normal control.Results:Before treatment,levels of IgG,ESR,and OPN in patients were higher than those in the normal control.After 3 months of treatment, those in both treatment groups decreased but were lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (P<0.05).The scores of 8 dimensions of SF-36 were lower in the pSS patients than those in the normal control (P<0.05) and higher in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment(P<0.05).Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the levels of OPN and the levels of IgG and ESR,and a negative correlation between OPN levels and the overall score of SF-36(P<0.05).Conclusions:Chinese herbal medicine for strengthening qi,nourishing yin,and removing stasis could alleviate pSS disease and improve the QOL.In addition,the OPN level might be used as an evaluating index for pSS disease.     

Protective effect of diallyl trisulfide on liver in rats with sepsis and the mechanism

The protective effects of diallyl trisulfide on liver were examined in rats with sepsis. Sepsis was reproduced in rats by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP). Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (group S, n=8), sepsis model group (group C, n=24), diallyl trisulfide (DATS)-treated group (group D, n=24). Animals in groups C and D were further divided into three subgroups according to different observation time points, with 8 rats in each sub-group.Rats in group D and C were intravenously injected with normal saline or DATS respectively at a dose of 20 mg/kg after the establishment of sepsis model. Eight rats in groups C and D were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 24 h post-CLP and their livers were harvested for detection of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor associated kinase-4 (IRAK-4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), c-fos, c-jun, malondialdehydethhe (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and for pathological examination. The results showed that the levels of serum IRAK-4, NF-κB and TNF-α in hepatic tissues were higher in group C than group S (control group) (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the levels of IRAK-4 and NF-κB in the hepatic tissues and serum TNF-α in group D were lower than those in group C (P<0.05). The levels of c-fos and c-jun and MDA in the hepatic tissues were higher in group C than in group S (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the levels of c-fos and c-jun and MDA in the hepatic tissues were significantly lower in group D than in group C (P<0.05). When compared with group S group, concentration of SOD in the hepatic tissues in group C was significantly lower (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the concentration of SOD in the hepatic tissues was higher in group D than in group C (P<0.05). These findings suggested that treatment with DATS could ameliorate sepsis-induced liver injury in rats. The protective effect might be related to its ability to inhibit the signal pathway of IRAK-4 and NF-κB, thereby decreasing the production o     

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicines for Nourishing Yin, Supplementing Qi, and Activating Blood on Reproductive Endocrine Activity and Immune Functions in Patients with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome

Objective:To investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin,supplementing qi,and activating blood on the reproductive endocrine-immune network and its mechanisms in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome(pSS).Methods:Seventy pSS patients were randomly assigned to two groups using a randomized digital table:the integrative therapy group(36 cases) and the control group(34 cases).Thirty healthy subjects were taken as a normal group.The control group was treated with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets alone,and the integrative therapy group was treated by Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin,supplementing qi,and activating blood combined with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets.The treatment course was 6 months for both groups.Before and after treatment,serum estradiol(E2),testosterone(T),luteinizing hormone(LH),prolactin(PRL) by radioimmunoassay and immunoglobulin(IgG) by immunodiffusion,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) by Westergren,interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and interleukin-4(IL-4) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were determined.Results:E2 and T levels in all patients were lower than those of normal subjects before treatment(P0.05) and were increased significantly after 6-month treatment(P0.05).ESR,FSH,LH,IgG,IFN-γ,IL- 4 and ratios of E2/T,and IFN- 7/IL in the patients were higher than those of normal subjects before the treatments(P0.05),and were reduced significantly after the treatments(P0.05).The T and IFN-γ levels and E2/T ratio in the patients treated with integrative therapy were reduced significantly compared with the control group(P0.05).However,the PRL levels before and after treatment were not significantly changed in the two groups(P0.05).The ratios of E2/T and IFN-γ/IL-4,and levels of IgG and ESR were positively correlated before and after treatment(P0.05).Conclusions:The ratios of E2/T and IFN- γ /IL-4 might be used as indicators of pSS activity.Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin,supplementing qi,and activating blood combined with Western medicine could improve the therapeutic effect by regulating the reproductive endocrine-immune network in pSS patients.     

Pioglitazone ameliorates experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B and cyclooxygenases-2 expression in rats

Background Pioglitazone is effective in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but the mechanism of action is not completely understood. This study was designed to investigate the impact of pioglitazone on hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) expressions in NASH rats. Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10), NASH group (n=10) and pioglitazone treatment group (n=10). Liver tissues were processed for histology by HE and Masson stained. Biochemical parameters of antioxidant enzyme activities, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the serum and hepatic samples were measured. The mRNA and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), NF-κB and COX-2 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results There were severe steatosis, moderate inflammatory cellular infiltration and fibrosis in the livers of the NASH models. After treatment, steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly improved compared with the NASH group (χ2＝20.40, P＜0.001; χ2＝20.17, P＜0.001; χ2＝13.98, P=0.002). The serum and hepatic levels of total anti-oxidation competence (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the NASH group were conspicuous disordered than those indicators in the control group. In the NASH group, the levels of serum TNF-α and PGE2 were significantly increased compared with the control group. Immunohistochemistry showed expressions of NF-κB and COX-2 in livers were significantly elevated, but PPARγ was decreased in the NASH group. Real-time PCR and Western blotting revealed mRNA and protein expressions of COX-2 were increased in the NASH group compared with the control group (0.57±0.08 vs 2.83±0.24; 0.38±0.03 vs 1.00±0.03, P＜0.001 and P=0.004, respectively). After pioglitazone intervention, all of those indicators markedly improved(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ). Conclusion Suppressing hepatic NF-κB and COX-2 expression, at least in part, is one of the possible therapeutic mechanisms of pioglitazone in NASH rats.     

Changes of sulfur dioxide, nuclear factor-κB, and interleukin-8 levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with bacterial inflammation

Background Bacterial inflammation is a common complication in patients with leukemia,and sulfur dioxide （SO2） is a bioactive molecule in modulating Gram-negative bacilli infection.This study aimed to examine the changes in SO2,nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）,and interleukin-8 （IL-8） levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia （ALL） with Gram-negative bacterial inflammation.Methods Fifty-five ALL children were enrolled in this study,including 30 males and 25 females,aged 3-13 years,and the median age was 7.8 years.All these children who accepted chemotherapy for ALL were divided into the control group （before chemotherapy）,the infection group （after chemotherapy with infection）,and the recovery group （the infection was controlled after 1 week）.The serum level of SO2 was detected using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence assay,and NF-κB and IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）.Human THP-1 cells were cultured,induced,and differentiated into macrophages,which were divided into five groups and each group was cultured with different stimulators：lipopolysaccharide （LPS） group,LPS＋L-aspartate-β-hydroxamate （HDX） group,LPS＋SO2 group,SO2,and control groups.NF-κB level and IL-8 protein contents by ELISA were examined in each group.Results In comparison with those of the control group,levels of serum SO2,NF-κB,and IL-8 of the infection group were significantly increased （P ＜0.05）,while those of the recovery group were significantly decreased （P ＜0.05）.A positive correlation was found between levels of serum SO2 and intracellular NF-κB/IL-8,and the correlation coefficients were 0.671 and 0.798 （P ＜0.05）,respectively.According to the results found in human THP-1 cells,levels of NF-κB and IL-8 in LPS group were significantly increased compared with those of the control group （P ＜0.05）; when compared with those in LPS group,levels of NF-κB in LPS＋HDX group further increased significantly （P ＜     

Regulatory effect of Langchuang serial recipes on T-lymphocyte subsets Th and Tc in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective： To study the principle of clearing Fei （肺）, cooling blood, and detoxification as well as nourishing yin and moisening Fei （abbr. as CCD-NM） in regulating the levels of peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets Th and Tc cells to explore its mechanism for lowering the incidence of infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus iSLE）. Methods： Sixty SLE patients without complicated infection were assigned to the treatment group and the control group, 30 in each group. The control group was treated with Western medicine alone, while the treatment group was treated with the same program of Western medicine, but additionally administered with either Langchuang No.1 （狼疮 Ⅰ号） or 2 （狼疮 Ⅱ 号）, serial concerted Chinese recipes, applied respectively in patients in the active stage or in the resting stage. The total time of treatment for both groups was 1 year. Further, a healthy control group was set up with 20 healthy subjects. The expressions of Thl, Th2, and Tcl and Tc2 cells in peripheral blood were detected and compared with those in the healthy control group. Results： （1） As compared with the healthy control group, ratios of Thl/Th2 and Tcl/Tc2 in SLE patients, whether complicated with infection or not, were significantly lower （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. （2） Comparison between patients with complications and those uncomplicated with infection showed that the two ratios and Thl expression were lower and Tc2 was higher in the former than those in the latter （all P〈0.05）. （3） Ratios of Thl/Th2 and Tcl/Tc2 increased after treatment in patients of both the treatment group and the control group （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01）, but the changes in the treatment group were more significant （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The principle of CCD-NM could regulate the Th and Tc subsets toward equilibrium in SLE patients, which might be one of the mechanisms of action for alleviating complicated infection.     

Effects of Propofol on The mRNA Expression of Toll-like Receptor 4 in BV-2 Cells During Mimic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury In Vitro

This study investigated the effects of propofol on the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) in BV-2 cells during mimic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in vitro. BV-2 cells, a mouse microglia line, were cultured and divided into 4 groups at random: control group (group C), ischemia/reperfusion group (group I/R), low-dose propofol (25 μmol/L) intervention group (group PF25) and high-dose propofol (100 μmol/L) intervention group (group PF100). The mRNA expression of TLR4 and NF-κB was measured by means of RT-PCR. TNF-α levels in the supernatants of BV-2 cells were detected by ELISA. The results showed that the mRNA expression of TLR4 and NF-κB was significantly higher in groups I/R, PF25 and PF100 than in group C (P<0.01). And the TNF-α level in the supernatants was elevated in groups I/R, PF25 and PF100 as compared with that in group C (P<0.01). After pre-treatment with propofol, the mRNA expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB and the TNF-α level were significantly decreased in groups PF25 and PF100 in comparison to those in group I/R (P<0.01). And the decrease in those indicators was more significant in group PF100 than in group PF25 (P<0.01). It was concluded that propofol exerted brain-protecting effects during I/R injury by suppressing the mRNA expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB and deceasing the TNF-α level.     

益气养阴活血中药对原发性干燥综合症患者外周血Th1/Th2免疫平衡的作用

Objective: To observe the effect of Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood on the expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)/interleukin-4 (IL-4) in peripheral blood and disease activity in primary Sjogren''s syndrome (pSS) patients, and to study the relationship between the immune balance of Th1/Th2 and the disease activity. Methods: A total of 66 pSS patients were randomized with tossing coins method into two groups: the integrative therapy group (34 cases) and the control group (32 cases); and 28 healthy subjects were taken as the normal group. The integrative therapy group was treated by Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood combined with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets and the control group was treated with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets. The treatment course was 3 months for both groups. The levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), IFN-γ and IL-4 in peripheral blood were measured before and after treatment. Results: Compared with the normal group, the levels of IgG, ESR, IFN-γ and IL-4 were signi?cantly increased in pSS patients (P<0.05). Remarkably, after 3 months of treatment, these levels were dramatically decreased in both the integrative therapy group and the control group, although still higher than the normal group. The levels of IgG, ESR, IFN-γ and IL-4 in the integrative therapy group were lower than the control group and the same group before treatment (P<0.05). The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 also signi?cantly decreased after treatment. Moreover, the level of IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 in the integrative theraphy group were signi?cantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). For all patients the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 before and after treatment was positive correlated with the levels of IgG and ESR. Conclusion: Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood can alleviate the disease activity of pSS by regulating the immune balance of Th1/Th2.     

Effects of Osthole on the Right Ventricle Remodeling in Monocrotaline-Treated Rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of Osthole(Ost) on the right ventricle remodeling in monocrotaline-treated rats,and to explore the mechanisms. Methods:200~220 g male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group(Control,n=8),model group(Model,n=8),low dose of Ost treatment group(Ost-L,10 mg·kg~(-1),n=8),high dose of Ost treatment group(Ost-H,20 mg·kg~(-1),n=8) and sildenafil treatment group(Sildenafil,25 mg·kg~(-1),n=8).All rats were given a single dose of MCT 50 mg·kg~(-1) subcutaneously to establish the right ventricle remodeling except normal control group. Then the rats in the Ost and sildenafil treatment group were gavaged once daily from 1 day to 28 days. The other rats in the model group and normal control group were given the same amount of dd H_2O with 0.5% be tween 80. After 28 days of administration,the right ventricular pressure were measured by right heart catheterization. Right ventricle(RV) and left ventricle plus septum(LV+SEP) were weighed separately. RV hypertrophy index(RVHI) were measured by the relative weight ratio of RV to LV+SEP. The morphological change of the RV were executed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope.The cardiomyocytes apoptosis were detected by Td T mediated nick d UTP end-labeling(TUNEL) method using the paraffin-embedded right ventricular tissues. The m RNA expression of Bcl-2,Bok and p53 were examined by real time RT-PCR. The protein expression of Bcl-2,Bax,Bok,IκB,IL-6,TNF-α and the levels of Cleaved caspase 3,p-NF-κB(p65) were detected by western blotting. Results:Compared with the control group,the right ventricular pressure and RVHI were increased obviously(P<0.05),myocardial hypertrophy,structure disorders,mitochondrial swelling and cardiomyocytes apoptosis(P<0.05) were observed in model group. The m RNA expression of Bok and p53 in right ventricular tissues were up-regulated(P<0.05),and the m RNA expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated in model group(P<0.05).The protein expression of Bax,Bok,IL-6,TNF-α and the levels of Cleaved caspase 3,p-NF-κB(p65) were up-regulated(P<0.05),and the protein expression of Bcl-2 and IκB were down-regulated significantly in model group(P<0.05). Compared with the model group,the right ventricular pressure and RVHI were decreased(P<0.05),myocardial hypertrophy,structure disorders,mitochondrial swelling and cardiomyocytes apoptosis(P<0.05) were improved significantly in Ost and sildenafil treatment group. The m RNA expression of Bok and p53 were downregulated(P<0.05),while the m RNA expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated(P<0.05) in Ost and sildenafil treatment group. The protein expression of Bax,Bok,IL-6,TNF-α,and the levels of Cleaved caspase 3,p-NF-κB(p65) were down-regulated(P<0.05),and the protein expression of Bcl-2 and IκB were upregulated significantly in Ost and sildenafil treatment group(P<0.05). Conclusions:Ost can resist the RV remodeling induced by MCT in rats,which may be related to these possible mechanisms:(1) Ost inhibits cardiomyocytes apoptosis by regulating Bax/Bcl-2 pathways;(2) Ost attenuates inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB pathway.     

Effect of Liangxue Huoxue Xiaoyin Tang on Serum Levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ and IL-6 in Psoriasis of Blood-Heat Type

To explore the effect of Liangxue Huoxue Xiaoyin Tang (LHXT 凉血活血消银汤 Decoction of Removing Heat from the Blood and Promoting Blood Flow to Eliminate Psoriasis) on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in psoriasis of blood-heat type. Blood samples from both the treatment group (N=33) and control group (N=30) were taken before and after treatment, and the serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 were determined by radio-immunoassay and ELISA. The total effective rate achieved in the treatment group was 90.91%. The remarkably high serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 in patients before treatment (P＜0.01) were obviously decreased after one course of treatment (P＜0.05) and were close to those of healthy subjects after two course of treatment (P＞0.05). The data demonstrate that LHXT has the actions of reducing serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 in psoriasis of blood-heat type, and may exert a pharmacological effect targeting at the cytokines.     

Short-term Effect of Combined Therapy with Jinlong Capsule(金龙胶囊)and Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization on Patients with Primary Hepatic Carcinoma and Its Influence on Serum Osteopontin Expression

<正>Objective:To observe the clinical combination effect of Jinlong Capsule(金龙胶囊,JLC) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) on the patients with primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC) and JLC's influence on serum osteopontin(OPN) expression and elucidate the correlation between the serum OPN level and curative effect of JLC and TACE.Methods:A total of 98 patients with PHC were observed in a randomized controlled trial(RCT).They were assigned to the Chinese medicine(CM) group(53 patients who were treated with TACE and JLC) and the intervention group(45 patients who were treated with TACE only).The serum OPN levels were measured before and after treatment by quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Forty healthy people were assigned to the control group.The clinical efficacy was observed and Karnofsky score(KPS) was graded.Results:The clinical efficacy of the CM group(60.38%) was better than that of the intervention group(40.00%),and the KPS(84.35±12.19) was higher than the intervention group(69.86±11.58)(P0.05).The serum OPN levels before and after treatment in the patients with PHC were significantly elevated compared with those in the control group(P0.01).After treatment,the OPN levels in CM group(117.69±78.50) were significantly lower compared with those in intervention group(151.09±83.90,P0.05).The OPN levels of responders were remarkably lowered than the non-responders after treatment,and the level of OPN in the CM group was lower than the intervention group(P0.05).Conclusions:The short-term clinical efficacy and the quality of life of patients with PHC can be improved by combining JLC with TACE.The serum OPN levels in PHC patients can reflect the curative effect of treatment and the prognosis of the disease.     

Role of liver X receptors alpha agonist on expressions of LPS-induced inflammatory response associated factor IRAK-4 and NF-kappaB in Kupffer cells

Objective： To explore the role of activated liver X receptor α （LXRα） on the expressions of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase-4 （IRAK-4） and NF-kappaB （NF-κB） in the inflammatory response which induced by LPS in the Kupffer cells and to investigate the possible mechanisms of LXRα negative regulation of inflammatory response. Methods： The Kupffer cells were isolated from male Kunming mice by collagen perfusion in situ. And these cells were divided into 4 groups： normal control group, LPS treatment group, LXRct agonist T0901317 treatment group, LPS and T0901317 combined treatment group. The LPS treatment group were treated with a final concentration of 1 μg/ml LPS in RPMI 1640 and cultured for 6 h, the T0901317 treatment group were treated with a final concentration of 5 μg/ml in RPMI 1640 and cultured for 24 h, and the combined treatment group received pre-culture for 24 h with a final concentration of 1μg/ml T0901317 in RPMI 1640 and then cultured for 6 h with a final concentration of 5 μg/ml LPS in RPMI 1640. All groups were cultured for 30 h. The expression of LXRα, IRAK-4 and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting, and the TNF-α and IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA. Results： The levels of LXRα mRNA and protein were highest in T0901317 group, and lowest in LPS group （P〈0.05）. The level of IRAK4 and NF-κB mRNAs and proteins were evidently lower in the Combined-treated group than in LPS group （P〈0.05）. And the level of TNF-α and IL-1 were observed highest in LPS group （P〈0.05）, but no difference among the Control group, T0901317 group and Combined-treated group （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： These date suggest that the LXR agonists can effectively up-regulate the expressions of LXRα mRNA and protein and inhibit the inflammatory response. This may be via down-regulating the expressions of IRAK4 and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels.     

Effect of detoxification, removing stasis and nourishing yin method on corticosteroid-induced hyperlipidemia in patients with systemic lupus rythematosus

Objective:To observe the effect of TCM therapy for detoxification,removing stasis,and nourishing yin on corticosteroid-induced hyperlipemia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),and to investigate its mechanism.Methods:One hundred and seventy patients with SLE were randomly assigned to the integrative medicine group (IM group) and the Western medicine group (WM group),85 in each group.Also,30 healthy subjects selected from blood donors were enrolled in the normal control (NC) group.All patients were treated mainly with prednisone, while those in the IM group were given TCM therapy additionally,and the therapeutic course for both groups was 6 successive months.The changes of serum total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-G),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and apolipoprotein A (ApoA) were determined and observed.A 2-year follow-up study was carried out in 16 patients of the WM group and 25 of the IM group.Results:Before treatment,no significant difference had been found among the three groups in the serum levels of lipids and lipoproteins.After the 6-month treatment,as compared with the WM group,the IM group showed lower levels of TC,TG,LDL-C,and VLDL-C (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and higher levels of HDL-C and ApoA (P<0.05).A similar effect was also shown by the follow-up study in the IM group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:TCM therapy for detoxification,removing stasis,and nourishing yin can effectively regulate the levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins in preventing and treating SLE patients with corticosteroid- induced hyperlipemia.     

Clinical Observation on the Effect of Zengse Pill (增色丸) in Treating Patients with Vitiligo of Qi-stagnancy and Blood-stasis Syndrome Type

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Zengse Pill(增色丸,ZSP)on patients with vitiligo of qi-stagnancy and blood-stasis syndrome type(V-QB),and to preliminarily explore its mechanism of action.Methods:Sixty-five V-QB patients,with their diagnosis confirmed by clinical examination,were randomized by digital table method into two groups,with 31 patients in the control group and 34 in the treatment group.Cobamamide(2 tablets)was administered orally to all patients,and Psoralea tincture(a self-formulated preparation)was applied externally thrice a day.In addition,for patients in the treatment group,ZSP was given orally,at 5 pills per dose,3 times every day.The therapeutic course for both groups was 3 months.Patients were re-examined every half-month,and changes in the skin lesions were observed and recorded.The levels of lymphocyte subsets,serum immune globulin,and complement C3 and C4 in patients were determined before and after the therapeutic course and compared with the corresponding indexes determined in 21 healthy subjects.Results:The total effective rate in the treatment group was 82.4%,which was markedly higher than that in the control group(54.8%),showing a significant difference(P<0.05).After treatment,CD_4~ percentage,CD_4~ /CD_8~ ratio,and blood levels of C3 and C4 increased,while CD_8~ percentage decreased in the treatment group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).All these indexes remained unchanged in the control group,and the respective comparisons between groups showed significant differences(P<0.01).Conclusion:ZSP has a definite clinical effect on the treatment of V-QB but with no evident adverse reactions,and it can increase the CD_4~ percentage,CD_4~ /CD_8~ ratio,and the levels of serum C3 and C4,thus regulating the immunity of the organism,which might be one of its mechanisms of action.     

Clinical study of western medicine combined with Chinese medicine based on syndrome differentiation in the patients with polarized hypertension

<正>Objective:To investigate the effects and safety of Western medicine combined with Chinese medicine(CM) based on syndrome differentiation in the treatment of elderly polarized hypertension(PHPT),or isolated systolic hypertension with low diastolic blood pressure(DBP).Methods:A total of 125 elderly patients with PHPT were randomly assigned to two groups:59 in the control group treated by Western medicine and 66 in the intervention group treated by Western medicine combined with CM treatment.Based on syndrome differentiation,the patients in the intervention group were further divided into subgroups of yang-qi deficiency and yin-qi deficiency.All subjects were treated with Western medicine of Amlodipine Besylate Tablets and Irbesartan Tablets(or Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets),to decrease their systolic blood pressure (SBP) slowly to 125-135 mm Hg in 2-6 weeks.In the intervention group,Shiyiwei Shenqi Capsule(十一味参芪胶囊) was given additionally to the subgroup of yang-qi deficiency at the dosage of 3-5 capsules,thrice a day, while Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule(灯盏生脉胶囊) was given additionally to the subgroup of yin-qi deficiency at the dosage of 2 capsules,2-3 times per day.For all subjects,SBP,pulse pressure(PP),and DBP were measured before treatment and at the terminal of a 6-week treatment.For subjects in the intervention group, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) was also recorded.Results:After a 6-week treatment,the SBP in the two groups and the PP in the intervention group decreased significantly compared to those before treatment (P0.05),while the PP in the control group showed no significant difference between prior and post-treatment (P0.05).After treatment,the DBP in the control group decreased(P0.05),while the DBP and LVEF in the intervention group showed an increase tendency although it had no statistical significance(P0.05).When subjects in the intervention group were classified further by the course of disease,the DBP and LVEF of subjects whose course of disease were less than 2 years,increased significantly after treatment(P0.05). Conclusion:Western medicine combined with CM treatment based on syndrome differentiation was safer and more effective than Western medicine alone in the treatment of elderly PHPT,because it not only reduced SBP but also improved DBP,which might lower the incidence of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.     

Phonopheresis Associated with Nanoparticle Gel from Phyllanthus amarus Relieves Pain by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Proinflammatory Markers in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: To determine the changes in serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidant levels among the knee osteoarthritis(OA) patients after treatment with Phyllanthus amarus(PP) by nanoparticle gel phonophoresis. Methods: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-control, parallel-group, clinical trial involving 30 subjects with mild-to-moderate degree of knee OA. The patients were allocated to two groups using a computer-generated random numbers, and received conventional ultrasound therapy(control group, 15 cases) and PP(treatment group, 15 cases) once daily for 10 sessions. The pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay(ELISA). Nitric oxide(NO) was determined by modified Griess reagent. The antioxidant effects, including superoxide dismutase(SOD) and total antioxidant capacity(TAC), were also measured by ELISA assay. Results: The VAS score was significantly decreased in the treatment group compared with the control group after treatment(P0.01). The serum concentrations of TNF-α and NO were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with the control group(P0.01) after treatment. However, the serum concentrations of SOD and TAC in the treatment group were significantly higher after treatment compared with the control group(P0.01). Conclusion: PP could alleviate knee pain and significantly reduce systemic antiinflammatory effects in knee OA patients.     

Effect of Chinese Medicine Treatment Based on Pattern Identification on Cellular Immunophenotype of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Objective:To observe the influence of treatment based on Chinese medicine pattern identification on cellular immunophenotype of the myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).Methods:Sixty patients with MDS were randomly and equally assigned to the treatment group and the control group using a randomized digital table.Thirty patients in each group included 3 risk levels(low,moderate and high risks) with each level 10 patients according to the international prognostic scoring system.The control group was given conventional therapy which was also used in the treatment group.While the treatment group was given Zuogui Pill(左归丸) and Yougui Pill(右归丸) for low risk patients;Qingwen Baidu Decoction(清瘟败毒饮) and Bazhen Decoction(八珍汤) for moderate risk patients;Gexia Zhuyu Decoction(膈下逐瘀汤) and Qinghao Biejia Decoction(青蒿鳖甲汤) combined with Shiquan Dabu Decoction(十全大补汤) for high risk patients.After the treatment,the differences of overall response rate and immunophenotype(CD13,CD14,CD15,CD33 and CD34) of each group were analyzed.Results:The overall response rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than the control group in low risk and moderate risk patients(P=0.029),there was no statistical differences of overall response rate between the treatment group and the control group in high risk patients(P=0.089).The expressions of CD13,CD14,CD33 and CD34 in all three risk levels of the treatment group were obviously decreased after the treatment,while CD15 in all three risk levels of the treatment group was obviously increased after the treatment(P0.05 or P0.01).Meanwhile,the difference values of CD13 and CD33 in low risk level of the treatment group,CD33 and CD34 in moderate risk level of the treatment group as well as CD34 and CD15 in high risk level of the treatment group,were all greater than the control groups and they were statistically significant(P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusions:It shows a better therapeutic effect if the MDS patients treated with Chinese medicine pattern identification in addition to conventional therapy.Since the treatment may inhibit the malignant clones and improve the dysmaturity of granulocyte differentiation,it is a feasible option in clinical practice.