Effect of Xiaobailing Decoction on Melanocytes in Vitro

Objective: To observe the effect of Xiaobailing Decoction(消白灵汤)on murine melanocytes in vitro and to explore the mechanism of Xiaobailing Decoction in the treatment of vitiligo. Methods: B-16F10 murine melanoma cells were cultured in 1640 medium and treated respectively with different concentrations (1mg/ml, 2mg/ml, 3mg/ml) of the Chinese drug Xiaobailing Decoction and its main components, the drugs for replenishing the kidney-yang, and the drugs for nourishing blood and activating blood circulation, etc. for 7 days. MMT assay was used to determine the proliferation of B-16F10 murine melanoma cells. NaOH cleavage assay was adopted to measure the melanogenesis of melanocytes. Results: Xiaobailing Decoction, the drugs for replenishing the kidney-yang and the drugs for nourishing blood and activating blood circulation at different concentrations significantly improved the proliferation of B-16F10 murine melanoma cells from the 3rd day to the 5th day (P<0.05), with Xiaobailing Decoction at the concentrations of 1mg/ml having the most distinct action on promoting the proliferation of melanocytes on the 3rd day (P<0.001); And the drugs for replenishing the kidney-yang at the concentrations of 2mg/ml and 3mg/ml and the drugs for nourishing blood and activating blood circulation at 3mg/ml significantly increased melanogenesis of melanocytes (P<0.05). Conclusion: Xiaobailing Decoction can promote melanocytic proliferation and melanogenesis in vitro, and it is indicated that the drugs for replenishing the kidney-yang and the drugs for nourishing blood and activating blood circulation play an important role in treating vitiligo.     

Dahuang Zhechong Pill (大黄虫丸) containing serum inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation by inducing G1 arrest partly via suppressing protein kinase C α-Extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate effects of Dahuang Zhechong Pill（大黄（?）虫,DHZCP） on the cell cycle and the related signal pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells（VSMCs） stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor（PDGF） with the method of serum pharmacology.Methods:DNA synthesis in VSMCs was examined by detecting 5’-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine incorporation with the immunocytochemical method.The cycle of VSMCs was evaluated with flow cytometry.Expressions of cyclin D1,p27,protein kinase Cα（PKCα）,and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2（ERK1/2） were quantified by Western blot method. Results:DHZCP containing serum significantly inhibited DNA synthesis of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs,arrested the cells in G₁ phase,modulated the protein expressions of cyclin D₁ and p27,and suppressed the activation of PKCαand ERK1/2.Conclusion:DHZCP containing serum inhibits VSMCs proliferation via modulating the expressions of cell cycle proteins to arrest the cell in G₁ phase,which is attributed to,at least in part,suppressing PKCα-ERK1/2 signaling in VSMCs.     

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.     

改良补肾活血方对实验性骨关节炎兔子模型的控制代谢及抗氧化作用

Objective: To observe the metabolic, regulatory and anti-oxidative effects of modified Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BSHXD, 补肾活血方), a Chinese herbal medicine for Kidney (Shen)-reinforcement and blood-activation, on an osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. Methods: A rabbit model for knee joint OA was established by the classic Hulth''s method. The OA model rabbits were randomized into 5 groups: the model control group, the positive control group treated with glucosamine sulfate, and the three BSHXD treated groups treated respectively with low, moderate, and high doses of BSHXD. In addition, a normal control group and a sham-operated group were set up. Experimental animals were sacrificed after a 7-week treatment, and pathological changes in cartilaginous tissue were estimated using the Mankin criteria. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents in blood serum and urine, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and nitric oxide (NO) content in blood serum and knee joint synovial homogenates were detected. Results: Mankin scoring showed insignificant statistical differences between the various treatment groups (P>0.05), but all were better than the model control group (P<0.05). Serum and urinary contents of Hyp and MDA as well as serum and synovial levels of NO were significantly lower, but the SOD activity in blood serum and synovial tissue was higher in the BSHXD treated groups than in the model group (P<0.01); the effect of BSHXD was dose-dependent to some extent. Conclusion: The modified BSHXD shows an effect of improving cartilage metabolism in experimental rabbits with OA, and possesses osteo-chondric protective effects in antagonizing peroxidation injury.     

Steroid-resistant asthma immunologic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether persistent T lymphocyte activation is a feature of steroid-resistant (SR) asthma and to study the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone and other immuno-inhibiting agents on PHA-induced proliferation of peripheral blood T lymphocytes from SR and steroid-sensitive (SS) asthmatics.

METHODS 15 SR and 15 SS asthmatics were studied. Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were measured before and after prednisone therapy by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PHA-driven proliferative assay was performed to evaluate inhibition of T lymphocyte proliferation.

RESULTS Serum levels of sIL-2R were elevated in both patients with SR and SS asthma as compared with normal controls (P < 0.001). After a 7-day course of prednisone (20 mg/day), serum levels of sIL-2R decreased significantly in SS asthmatics (P < 0.001) but not in SR asthmatics (P > 0.1). Proliferation of T lymphocytes from the sensitive but not the resistant asthmatics was significantly (P < 0.002) inhibited by dexamethasone (10 mol/L), reflecting a shift of the dose-response curve. In contrast, oxymatrine and thymus-derived immunosuppressors inhibited proliferation of T lymphocytes to a similar degree between SR and SS asthmatics.

CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that persistent T lymphocyte activation due to a relative insensitivity of the cells to glucocorticoids is a feature of SR asthma. Immuno-inhibiting agents other than glucocorticoids may be of therapeutic benefit in patients with SR asthma.

     

Exploration for drug therapy in endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effect of three drugs, i.e., hydroxyprogesterone caproate (HPC), Tamoxifen (TMX) and Aminoglutethimide (AG), in the treatment of endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS The patients were collected by double-blind method and classified into 6 groups (3 groups used single drug and 3 groups used combined drugs) at random. The patient was given assigned drug therapy for 10 days according to her group after being admitted to the hospital. Operations were performed 7-10 days after drug therapy. Plasma FSH, LH, E2 and P were measured by standard radioimmunoassay of WHO. ER and PR in cancer tissues were examined by enzyme linked histochemistry. Cancer tissues obtained before and after drug therapy were examined pathologically.

RESULTS The values of FSH, LH and E2 decreased and that of P increased after single drug therapy in the group treated with HPC; and the values of FSH, LH, E2 and P all decreased in the groups treated with TMX and AG respectively (P < 0.05). The values of FSH, LH and E2 decreased to different extent in the groups treated with combined drugs. The changes of FSH and E2 are remarkable (P < 0.05). The value of P increased a little with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). PR and ER usually increased after treatment with TMX, but decreased with HPC or AG, or combined drugs. The pathological changes indicate that the tumors responded to all of the three drugs. The response to TMX was most significant, following which was HPC.

CONCLUSIONS HPC and TMX are two drugs proved to be useful in endometrial carcinoma. AG also can be used to treat endometrial carcinoma. It adds a new drug to the drug therapy for endometrial carcinoma.

     

Measurement of serum TSH level by ultrasensitive method in inhabitants of endemic goiter area supplied with iodized salt for 25 years.

Recently, we surveyed thyroid function and TSH concentration of villagers in an endemic goiter area where iodized salt had been supplied for 25 years; it was found that the serum FT3 and TSH levels determined with immunoradiometric analysis (IRMA) were higher and the FT4 level was lower than that of the controls. It was shown that the inhabitants of the endemic goiter area had subclinical hypothyroidism based on the "ultrasensitive" method for TSH assay. We suggest that the best biochemical techniques for monitoring the iodized salt prophylaxis program and the physiological response of the villagers to iodine should be the periodical measurement of serum TSH level using ultrasensitive assay and determination of FT4 level.

     

PDGF-induced proliferation of smooth muscular cells is related to the regulation of CREB phosphorylation and Nur77 expression

This study examined the relationship between PDGF-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and Nur77 expression and the effect of atorvastatin on VSMC proliferation and Nur77 in PDGF-treated VSMCs. Rat VSMCs were isolated and cultured. After incubation with atorvastatin or Nur77 siRNA, the cells were stimulated with PDGF and detected for BrdU incorporation to measure the proliferation of the VSMCs. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the Nur77 protein and the CREB phosphorylation level, to observe their relations with PDGF-induced VSMC proliferation. Our results showed that PDGF increased the BrdU incorporation in VSMCs, suggesting that it induced the proliferation of the cells. The VSMC proliferation was associated with increased Nur77 expression and elevated CREB phosphorylation. Atorvastatin inhibited the PDGF-induced VSMC proliferation, suppressed Nur77 expression. After silencing of Nur77 gene, the PDGF-induced VSMC proliferation was decreased. It was concluded that PDGF-induced VSMC proliferation was related to the Nur77 expression and CREB phosphorylation. Atorvastatin reduced the Nur77 expression and, at the same time, inhibited the VSMC proliferation.     

Comparative Study on Immunologic Effect of Composite Prescriptions of Tonifying Kidney, Invigorating Spleen and Promoting Blood Circulation Drugs in Mice

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Clinical study on therapeutic effect of shuwei decoction on functional dyspepsia

Objective

To explore the clinical effectiveness and therapeutic mechanism of Shuwei Decoction in treating functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods

A total of 124 FD patients were randomly divided into two groups: Shuwei Decoction group (60 cases) and the control group (64 cases) treated with cisapride. After one month treatment, all patients were examined with motilin and electrogastrography (EGG).

Results

The therapeutic effectiveness of Shuwei Decoction group was much better than that of the control group (P<0. 05), while the changes on motilin and EGG in the two groups were relatively similar (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Shuwei Decoction could effectively raise motilin level, promote gastric movement and improve the clinical symptoms in FD patients.     

Clinical and Experimental study on treatment of fatty liver of Phlegm-Dampness Stagnation type by Zhiganle capsule

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Zhiganle capsule ( , ZGLC) in treating fatty liver of Phlegm-Dampness Stagnation type. Methods: One hundred and forty-six patients were treated with ZGLC, the effects were observed and compared with those treated with Dongbao Gantai(DBGT, ) tablets as control. The effect of ZGLC on ethionine induced hyperlipemia model rats was also observed. Results: The effect of ZGLC was obviously better than those of DBGT in relieving or removing symptoms, normalizing the ultrasonic abnormal findings, lowering the serum levels of lipid and enzyme and improving hemorrheologic functions. Experimental study showed that ZGLC could reduce the blood lipids, inhibit the lipid deposition in liver. As compared with the model group, level of triglyceride in the ZGLC treatment group were much lowered (P < 0.01) and the effect was better than those in the control group. Conclusions: ZGLC has the effect of reducing blood triglyceride level, inhibiting lipid deposition in liver and improving hemorrheologic function.     

The circadian rhythm of Yin and Yang Syndrome on hypertension

Thecircadianvariationofbloodpressure(BP)inhypertensionpatientswasobservedtofindtherelationshipbetweenSyndromeDif-ferentiationofTCMandchrono-variationofBP.CLINICALSTUDYPatientsEight-fourinpatientsofXiyuanHospitalwithessentialhypertension(EH)ofYin-Defi-ciency(n=23)orofYang-Excess(n=61)Syndromewerestudied.Accordingtothecri-teriaissuedfromtheWorldHealthOrganiza-tio.(1'2),3(1maleand2females)ofthemwereclassifiedasstage1,61(29tnalesand32females)asstagelland2O(15malesandsfemales)asstagem…     

Effects of supplemented Taohe Chengqi Decoction in treating insulin resistance in rats with non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) in treating insulin resistance in rats with non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To investigate the effect of supplemented Taohe Chengqi Decoction ( , STHCQD) in treating non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).Methods: The model of rats with NIDDM was formed with injection of streptozotocin and fed on high calorie diet to study the effects of STHCQD on the release of insulin sensitivity.Results: (1) Fasting serum glucose, serum insulin, intake of food and water were significantly decreased (P < 0.05- 0.01) in STHCQD-treated diabetic rats as compared with untreated diabetic rats, while the insulin sensitivity was significantly increased (P < 0.05). (2) The liver cell membranes from STHCQD-treated diabetic rats released the quantity of insulin receptor which inhibited adenylate cyclase activity, but this effect was blunted in untreated diabetic rats (P < 0.05). (3) A significantly increased glucose oxidation in adipocyte of STHCQD-treated diabetic rats was found as compared with those of untreated diabetic rats (P < 0.05).Conclusions: STHCQD therapy increased sensitivity and responsiveness of target cells to insulin, i.e. it might decrease insulin resistance at receptor sites and post-receptor sites in rats with NIDDM, but could not reverse the insulin resistance.     

Clinical and experimental study on treatment of mid-late stage rheumatoid arthritis with Shuguan Granules ())

Objective: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Shuguan Granule ( , SGG) in treating mid-late stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: Based on the principle of reinforcing Kidney to treat arthritis, removing phlegm to relieve stasis, two SGG, Shuguan Wenjing (SW) and Shuguan Qingluo (SQ) were prepared and used to treat 44 and 43 mid-late stage patients of RA respectively. The clinical results were compared with those of Wangbi Granule. Animal experiments on the effect of these two SGG were conducted.Results: The total effective rate of the SW, SQ and control group was 88.64%, 93.02% and 73.17% respectively. Results of experimental studies in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis showed that the two SGG obviously raise the level of serum superoxide dismutase, and lowered the levels of serum interleukin-1, plasma prostaglandin E₂ and thromboxane B₂, as compared with the model group, the difference was significant (P < 0.05,P < 0.01).Conclusion: The two SGG have a comprehensive function of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidatory, antihypercoagulatory and immunoregulatory effect.     

Effect of Acupuncture on Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in Brain Tissues of Rats with Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in brain tissues of rats with traumatic brain injuny.Methods:Thirty SD rats were randomly and equally allocated to the sham-operated,the model and the acupuncture groups.The traumatic brain injury model was established by the free drop method.For the rats in the acupuncture group,acupuncture was applied once a day for 7 days.Brain histotomy was carried out when treatments were completed.Immunohistochemical techniques were adopted to detect the cells that express nestin,neurofilament proteins(NF)-200 and glial fibrillary acidic proteins(GFAP),the markers of neural stem cells,neurons,astrocytes respectively.Results:Compared to the sham-operated group,the number of nestin-positive cells and NF-200-positive cells in brain tissues was decreased significantly in the model group(P<0.01),whereas the number of GFAP-positive cells was significantly increased (P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the positive cells of nestin,NF-200,GFAP in brain tissues in the acupuncture group were increased obviously(P<0.01).Conclusions:Acupuncture can significantly increase the number of nestin-positive cells,NF-200-positive cells and GFAP-positive cells,indicating the significant increase of neural stem cells,neurons and astrocytes in number.Acupuncture can improve neuranagenesis by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in brain tissues.This might be one of the mechanisms for acupuncture to treat traumatic brain injury and to promote the repair of nervous function.     

Effect of new zhengtian pill on expression of whole blood platelet membrane adhesion molecules in patients of migraine

Objective

To investigate the effect of New Zhengtian Pill (NZTP) on expression of whole blood platelet membrane adhesion molecules (PMAM) in patients of migraine.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients were divided into two groups, the 35 patients in the treated group treated by NZTP orally and the 33 patients in the control group treated by Fuguiqin Capsule with a therapeutic course of 30 days for both groups. Changes of PMAM GP II b/III a (CD₄₁) and P-selectin (CD₆₂P) were observed by flow-cytometry and compared with those in healthy persons.

Results

The markedly effective rate and total effective rate in the treated group was higher than those in the control group respectively (P<0.05 andP<0.01). The PMAM expression was also higher in patients, both at onset stage and intermittent stage, than in healthy persons (P<0.01), NZTP treatment could reduce their increased expression significantly (P<0.01).

Conclusion

NZTP could reduce the PMAM expression and inhibit the activation of platelet.     

利用SPECT脑血流显像评价电针治疗儿童孤独症疗效

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture(EA)in the treatment of childhood autism(CA)and evaluate its effectiveness using single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT).Methods:A total of 55 CA patients(4.52±2.73 years)were enrolled in this study.All patients received EA treatments and were examined by SPECT before and after treatments.Results:Following treatment,the intracerebral multiple focal radioactivity distribution defect areas of CA patients were observed to be partially filled.Specifically,significant differences in the ratios of regional cerebral blood flow and global cerebral blood flow before(Fb)and after(Fe)EA treatment in different lesions were observed(in the left prefrontal cortex,t=5.01,P0.01;in the right prefrontal cortex,t=2.32,P0.05;in the left temporal lobe,t=4.54,P0.01;in the right temporal lobe,t=2.90,P0.05;in the left Broca's area,t=5.82,P0.01).After EA treatment,the patients exhibited symptomatic relief.Conclusion:EA is useful to treat CA and SPECT can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment.     

温化蠲痹方对于胶原蛋白性关节炎大鼠滑膜细胞增殖和凋亡的作用

Objective: To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe (温化蠲痹方, WJR) on proliferation and apoptosis of synoviocytes in rats with collagen-inducing arthritis (CIA). Methods: A CIA model was induced by intradermal injection of bovine collagen type Ⅱ emulsion at the base of rat tails. Thirty modeled healthy Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups (10 per group): the model group, the methotrexate (MTX)-treated group (0.78 mg/kg) and the WJR-treated group (22.9 g/kg). A group of 10 healthy rats was used as normal control. Treatments or normal saline for the control group were administered by oral gavage once daily. Rats were sacrificed after 30-day treatment and subjected to the following examinations: arthritis index (AI) was estimated, inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferation in synovial membrane were evaluated by microscopy, the synoviocyte apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay, and the cell apoptosis index was calculated. Results: AI was lowered significantly in the WJR group compared to the model group (P<0.01). The pathological findings observed in the model group were reversed in the WJR group, including increase in inflammatory cell infiltration and synoviocyte proliferation in synovial membrane and reduction in cell apoptosis index (all P<0.01). Conclusions: Synoviocyte proliferation and apoptosis reduction were present in CIA rats. WJR was effective in treating the rat model of CIA. The therapeutic effect might be exerted through inducing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation of synoviocytes.