Effect of puerarin on matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human fetal scleral fibroblasts treated with low frequency electromagnetic fields

Objective

To study the effect of puerarin on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene and protein expression in human fetal scleral fibroblasts (HFSFs) exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF).

Methods

Cultured HFSFs were exposed to 0.2 mT ELF-EMF for 24 h. The experimental groups were divided into subgroups treated with 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 µM puerarin respectively. The expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction and western-blot analysis respectively.

Results

MMP-2 mRNA and protein expression increased by 0.793 and 1.130 folds respectively under the exposure of ELF-EMFs at 0.2 mT flux density for 24 h. Puerarin at the concentration of 0.1 μM reversed this effect by 8.53% in mRNA and by 17.97% in protein expression (P<0.05). The effect was more prominent at higher concentrations (1 and 10 μM, P<0.01).

Conclusion

Exposure to ELF-EMFs increased the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in HFSF cells. Puerarin reversed the action to some extent in a specific concentration range. Our results implied that the puerarin might protect scleral tissue from increased expression induced by exposure to ELF-EMFs.     

Effects of Ningdong granule on the dopamine system of Tourette's syndrome rat models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ningdong Granula (NDG) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation for the treatment of Tourette's syndrome (TS).

Aim of the study

To explore the effects of NDG on stereotyped behavior, homovanillic acid (HVA) in sera, dopamin (DA) and dopamin D2 receptor (DRD2) in striatum in TS rats.

Materials and methods

Sixty-four rats were randomly divided into control group and three experimental groups. TS rat models were induced by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of Apomorphine (Apo, 2 mg/kg) in the experimental groups. After Apo i.p., rats were intragastrically injected (i.g.) with NDG at 370 mg/kg (NDG + Apo group), haloperidol (Hal) at 1.0 mg/kg (Hal + Apo group), and normal saline (0.9%) at 10 ml/kg (control group and Apo group), respectively, once a day for 12 weeks. The behaviors of the rats were observed and recorded each day. After 12 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and sera and striatum were collected. The levels of HVA in sera, DA in striatum were examined by ELISA, and the expression of DRD2 mRNA in striatum was measured by RT-PCR.

Results

NDG could increase the HVA content in sera (P < 0.05), meanwhile downregulate the expression of DRD2 mRNA in striatum (P < 0.05), and inhibit the stereotyped behaviors induced by Apo (P < 0.01) in TS rats, the same effects with Hal. NDG could also reduce the DA content in striatum (P < 0.01), while Hal could not.

Conclusions

NDG could effectively inhibit the stereotyped behaviors in TS rats, and the mechanisms may be related to the suppression of DA system by increasing the content of HVA in sera, decrease the content of DA and repressing the expression of DRD2 mRNA in striatum.     

Protective effects of aqueous extract from Acanthopanax senticosus against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Acanthopanax senticosus, classified into the family of Araliaceae, has been known for thousands of years as a remedy and is used to treat various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine system including hypertension, ischemic heart disease and hepatitis.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to examine the protective effects of aqueous extract from Acanthopanax senticosus (ASE) on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity and its possible mechanisms, using PC12 cells as a suitable in vitro model of depression.

Materials and methods

In this paper, PC12 cells were treated with 200 μM of corticosterone in the absence or presence of ASE in varying concentrations for 24 h. Then, cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The release amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was quantified using LDH assay kit. Apoptosis of PC12 cells was measured by Annexin V-FITC and PI labeling. The intracellular Ca²⁺ content was tested by fluorescent labeling. The mRNA level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined by real-time RT-PCR, and the expression of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) was determined by western blotting.

Results

The results showed that treatment with 200 μM of corticosterone could induce cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. However, different concentrations of ASE (50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) significantly increased the cell viability, decreased the LDH release, suppressed the apoptosis of PC12 cells, attenuated the intracellular Ca²⁺ overloading, up-regulated the BDNF mRNA level and CREB protein expression compared with the corresponding corticosterone-treated group.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that ASE exerts a neuroprotective effect on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, which may be one of the acting mechanisms that accounts for the in vivo antidepressant activity of ASE.     

Qi-Dan Fang ameliorates adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome rat model by enhancing renal function and inhibiting podocyte injury

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome with a variety of causes, mainly characterized by heavy proteinuria. Podocyte injury plays a key role in proteinuria, one of the principal means for the control of NS is to prevent podocyte injury. Qi-Dan Fang consists of two of the most extensively applied herbal remedies among Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (Radix Astragali Mongolici and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, with a weight ratio of 5:1) which are specifically used for the treatment of various kidney diseases. In previous studies, we found that Qi-Dan Fang provides improvement to patients with adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome by alleviating proteinuria and serum lipid. The aim of this study is to study the efficiency of Qi-Dan Fang on NS model rat with renal dysfunction and podocyte injury, something which has not been carried out yet.

Materials and methods

The rats were divided into Normal, Model, Jin Gui Shen Qi Pill (4.12 g/kg), Qi-Dan Fang (3.09, 6.17 and 12.34 g/kg/d) groups, they were each given a single tail intravenous injection of Adriamycin (6.0 mg/kg) except for the Normal group and were orally administered dosages of Qi-Dian Fang and Jin Gui Shen Qi pills once daily for 7 weeks. Following the treatment, the content of cystation C (CysC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) were measured with an autobiochemical analyser. The pathomorphological changes to the glomeruli, the mRNA expressions of nephrin, podocin, CD2AP genes and p53, bax, bcl-2 proteins expressions were also carried out to probe the effects of Qi-Dan Fang.

Results

(1) Qi-Dan Fang treatment raised the level of CysC in blood serum while lowering the content of BUN and Scr in the adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome rat model; (2) Long-term administration of Qi-Dan Fang was able to ameliorate pathomorphological change of glomeruli and repair the organization structure of Glomerulus; (3) Qi-Dan Fang could increase the mRNA expression of nephrin, podocin and CD2AP genes, down-regulate the expression of p53, bax proteins, while increased bcl-2 protein to protect the podocyte and restore Glomerular selective filtration function.

Conclusions

Results of our present studies reveal that Qi-Dan Fang is able to enhance renal function, inhibit podocyte injury to provide improvements to the Adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome.     

Analgesic effect of different moxibustion durations in rheumatoid arthritis rats

Objective

To observe the influence of different moxibustion durations on hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and prodynorphin (PDYN) mRNA expressions and plasma β-endorphin (β-EP) content in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, to understand the mechanism of moxibustion analgesia and its dose-effect relationship.

Methods

Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly selected from 48 male Wistar rats as a normal control group. The RA model was created by raising rats in a windy (blowing with electric fan), cold (6°C ± 2°C), and wet (80%-90% humidity) environment for 20 days, 12 h each day. This was followed by injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (0.15 mL) into the ankle. Then, rats were randomly divided into a model group, moxibustion group I, and moxibustion group II, with 12 rats in each group. In moxibustion groups I and II, moxibustion was given at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) for 20 and 40 min, respectively, once daily for 15 days. Hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma β-EP content were determined.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the pressure pain threshold decreased, while the hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma β-EP content increased in the moxibustion groups (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the pressure pain threshold, hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma β-EP content in the moxibustion groups increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared the moxibustion group I, the pain threshold, hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma β-EP content in moxibustion group II significantly increased (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Moxibustion has an analgesic effect and increases hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma β-EP content in RA rats. The analgesic effect in moxibustion group II is better than that in moxibustion group I.     

Inhibitive effect on apoptosis in splenic lymphocytes of mice pretreated with Lingzhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) spores

Objective

To investigate how the pretreatment of mice with Ganoderma spores affected the apoptosis of their splenic lymphocytes induced by dexamethasone after 19 days treatment.

Methods

Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into six groups: blank control groupdrenched with normal saline; a drug control group drenched with 150 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; a model group treated with saline; a low dose group with 50 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; a moderate dose group with 100 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; and a high dose group with 150 mg/mL Ganoderma spores. The effect of Ganoderma spores on apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes was analyzed. All groups were treated for 19 days. On day 20, the model group and the 3 treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected dexamethasone to induce apoptosis. Splenic index and apoptosis indes were employed to measure cell apoptosis.

Results

The results showed that Ganoderma spores reduced the splenic index to different degrees in each group and the best effect was seen in the high dose group (P<0.05). Terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated 2′-Deoxyuridine 5′-Triphosphate nick end labeling staining revealed that the apoptotic index in all groups administered Ganoderma spores differed significantly from the model group, and a dose-response was observed. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that spleen lymphocyte apoptosis in the model group was extensive. Each dose of Ganoderma spores inhibited dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes, and a dose-response was observed as well. The highest dose of Ganoderma spores decreased Malondialdehyde content in serum induced by dexamethasone (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The findings imply that the pretreatment of the mice with Ganoderma spores could reduce the apoptosis rate induced by dexamethasone in their splenic lymphocytes.     

Scutellarin and caffeic acid ester fraction,active components of Dengzhanxixin injection,upregulate neurotrophins synthesis and release in hypoxia/reoxygenation rat astrocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Scutellarin (Scu) and caffeic acid ester fraction (Caf), the extracts from the traditional Chinese herb, Erigeron breviscapus, are known to ameliorate post ischemic neuronal dysfunction.

Aim of the study

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are essential for neuronal growth and survival. We explored the neuroprotective effect of Scu and Caf by synthesis and release of NGF, BDNF and GDNF in rat astrocytes exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation and MACO rats. And the neuroprotection of Scu and Caf was also explored.

Materials and methods

The primary rat astrocytes were cultured in vitro. The temporal mRNA and protein expression profile during hypoxia/reoxygenation were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of p-CREB, p-Akt, p-MAPKs and Bax were analyzed by western blotting. Cell viability of neuro-2A was measured using CCK-8 and cell cytotoxicity was measured with LDH release.

Results

During hypoxia/reoxygenation a similar decrease pattern of NTFs (NGF, BDNF and GDNF) was observed in both mRNA and protein; Scu and Caf enhanced the expressions of NGF, BDNF and GDNF mRNA and protein in astrocytes under hypoxia/reoxygenation condition. CREB and Akt, but not MAPKs ( p-JNK, p-ERK1/2 and p-38) may be involved in the expression of NTFs. Concomitantly, conditioned medium from astrocytes which was treated by Scu or Caf after hypo3 h/Reox24 h significantly reduced neurotoxicity compared with conditioned medium from hypo3 h/Reox24 h astrocytes alone, and they show the tendency of increased neurons viability accompanied with Bax changes.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the neuroprotective effect of Scu and Caf might be mediated, at least in part, via a stimulation of the production and release of NTFs through p-CREB and p-Akt signaling. Furthermore, Scu and Caf could antagonistic the hypoxia induced toxicity through astrocytes conditioned medium. Those results suggested that Scu and Caf might have therapeutic potential for stroke.     

The memory-enhancing effects of Euphoria longan fruit extract in mice

Aim of the study

The fruit of Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud. (Sapindaceae) is sweet and edible. Dried Euphoria longan fruit is prescribed as a tonic and for the treatment of forgetfulness, insomnia, or palpitations caused by fright in traditional Chinese medicine. The effects of aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit (ELE) on learning and memory and their underlying mechanisms were investigated.

Materials and methods

Aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit (ELE) was administered to ICR mice for 14 days. Piracetam was used as a positive control for its known memory-enhancing effects. Memory performances were assessed using the passive avoidance task. The expressions of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) 1/2, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), doublecortin (DCX) and the incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 regions were investigated using immunohistochemical methods.

Results

The step-through latency in the ELE-treated group was significantly increased compared with that in the vehicle-treated controls (P < 0.05) in the passive avoidance task. Piracetam-treated group also showed enhanced cognitive performaces in the passive avoidance task. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the number of cells immunopositive for BDNF, pCREB, or pERK 1/2 was significantly increased in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 regions after ELE treatment for 14 days (P < 0.05). DCX and BrdU immunostaining also revealed that ELE significantly enhanced immature neuronal survival, but not neuronal cell proliferation in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that subchronic administration of aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit enhances learning and memory, and that its beneficial effects are mediated, in part, by BDNF expression and immature neuronal survival.     

Chaiqinchengqi decoction regulates necrosis-apoptosis via regulating the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and caspase-3 in rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Objective

To explore the effect and the mechanism of Chaiqinchengqi decoction (CQCQD) on the apoptosis-necrosis switch of pancreatic acinar cells in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) in rats.

Methods

Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into the control group, the ANP group and the CQCQD group. The acute pancreatitis (AP) model was induced by intraperitoneal injections of 4 g/kg 8% L-Arginine (PH 7.0) twice with a 1 h interval. Rats in the CQCQD group were intragastrically administered CQCQD (20 mL/kg every 2 h, 3 times, then 20 mL/kg every 6 h, 3 times). Rats were killed at the 6 and 24 h after the induction of AP. The pancreatic tissues were collected for pathology and to isolate pancreatic acinar cells and mitochondria.

Results

CQCQD significantly ameliorated the severity of ANP by reducing the pancreatic histopathology score, indicated by lactate dehydrogenase levels at the 6 and 24 h. The CQCQD group promoted the apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells by raising the apoptosis index compared with the ANP group and the control group. Mitochondrial cytochrome c at the 6 and 24 h in the ANP group were lower than that in the control group or the CQCQD group (0.67±0.13 vs 1.54±0.03 vs 0.81±0.09; 0.71±0.08 vs 1.55 ± 0.09 vs 0.89 ± 0.16, P<0.01). The cytochrome c levels in the cytoplasm at the 6 and 2 h in the CQCQD group were higher than in the control group (1.36±0.15 vs 0.67±0.04, 1.46±0.08 vs 0.59± 0.09, P<0.01), or the ANP group (0.96±0.13, P>0.05; 0.97±0.09, P<0.05). CQCQD increased caspase-3 activity over the ANP group at the 6 h.

Conclusion

CQCQD can induce apoptosis and relieve the necrosis of pancreatic acinar cells via promoting the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and increasing pancreatic caspase-3 activity in ANP rats.     

Antitumor effect of blister beetles: An ethno-medicinal practice in Karbi community and its experimental evaluation against a murine malignant tumor model

Ethnopharmacological importance

The blister beetles Epicauta hirticornis and Mylabris cichorii are used as a folk medicine by the Karbi tribe in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India for the treatment of different human ailments, including cancer cases.

Aim of the study

It includes field survey related to zoo-therapeutic aspects of two blister beetles in Karbi community, isolation of bio-active compound and evaluation of its antitumor potential with possible mode of action against murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC).

Materials and methods

The main bio-active compound of blister beetles was isolated from ethyl acetate extract and the structure was confirmed as cantharidin using NMR, IR, Mass and X-ray diffractometer. The effect of cantharidin on apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy and the apoptosis related signaling pathways were determined using different bioassays, including cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential, western blot analysis of cytochrome c, caspases 9, 3/7 assays, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay.

Results

Cantharidin induced apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy cell death in EAC cells. The decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed, which may help to release cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Cantharidin treatment caused up-regulation of caspases 9 and −3/7 and a decrease in LDH activity in EAC cells.

Conclusion

The major bioactive compound of these blister beetles is cantharidin which induces severe apoptosis in EAC cells involving mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Cantharidin-mediated inhibition of LDH activity may lead to short supply of NAD⁺ and cut off energy and anabolic supply to cancer cells.     

Effectiveness of external Sanjierupi Gao on mastalgia caused by mammary gland hyperplasia: a placebo controlled trial

Objective

To evaluate the curative effect of external application of the Chinese drug, Sanjierupi Gao, on mastalgia caused by mammary gland hyperplasia.

Methods

This randomized, double-blinded, and placebo controlled study enrolled 260 patients with mammary gland hyperplasia from five hospitals. Patients were randomly and equally divided into a Sanjierupi Gao treatment group and a placebo control group. An adhesive plaster was applied to the most painful area on either breast for 7 h a day. Treatment lasted for two menstrual cycles without application during menstruation. Mastalgia was used as the main index of curative effect. The change before and after treatment in days of mastalgia, the time to alleviate pain, pain extent, and severe pain scores were observed.

Results

Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly fewer days of mastalgia (P<0.01), a significantly lower severe pain score (P<0.01), and significantly less subjective pain and tenderness (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Three days before the follow-up visit, the pain score in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). A non-parametric test was used to compare the time to alleviate mastalgia between the two groups and found no statistical difference (Z=−0.313, P=0.754).

Conclusion

Application of Sanjierupi Gao can decrease mastalgia duration in patients with mammary gland hyperplasia during menstruation and alleviate the extent of mastalgia. The time to alleviate pain is psychologically influenced.     

Immunosuppressive activity of ethanolic extract of seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam. in experimental immune inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditionally, the plant Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is used for the treatment of ascites and rheumatism, while the dried seeds of the plant are used as an ‘anti-allergic’ agent.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of ethanolic extract of seeds from Moringa oleifera Lam. in experimental immune inflammation.

Materials and methods

Circulatory and splenic leukocyte counts, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and humoral antibody responses were measured in mice using SRBC as the antigen. In addition, macrophage phagocytosis was measured by the carbon clearance test.

Results

The extract dose-dependently (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) inhibited spleen weight as well as circulatory leukocyte and splenocyte counts. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction was significantly inhibited (P < 0.01) by decreasing the mean foot pad thickness at 48 h. The production of the humoral antibody titer was significantly ameliorated at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the extract caused a down-regulation of macrophage phagocytosis due to carbon particles.

Conclusion

Taken together, the above findings suggest that the seeds of Moringa oleifera have immunosuppressive activity.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Bowdichia virgilioides (sucupira)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth (Leguminosae Papilonoideae) is a plant with anti-inflammatory activity used in folk medicine. The importance of this plant promoted its inclusion in Brazilian Pharmacopoeia.

Aim of the study

In order to evaluate the actions of this plant, studies were performed on antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

The aqueous extracts (AE) of Bowdichia virgilioides inner bark and leaves were used at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Antinociceptive activity of plant extract was evaluated by writhing, hot-plate and formalin tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using paw oedema and peritonitis methods.

Results

Oral treatment with the AE of inner bark or leaves elicited inhibitory activity (P < 0.01) on acetic acid effect at 200 and 400 mg/kg, and reduced the formalin effect at the second-phase (200 and 400 mg/kg, P < 0.01), however it did not elicit any inhibitory effect on hot-plate test. The indomethacin inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing and the formalin effect at the second-phase (P < 0.001), and the morphine reduced the both phases of formalin test (P < 0.001). Carrageenan-induced oedema formation and neutrophil migration into the peritoneal cavity were reduced with the AE of inner bark or leaves at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05), and by the reference compounds aspirin (P < 0.001) and dexamethasone (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The AE of Bowdichia virgilioides shows antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.     

Hypercoagulability in cancer patients grouped by syndromes differentiated with the theory of abnormal hilit in traditional Uyghur medicine

Objective

To investigate the relationship in malignant-neoplasm patients of hypercoagulability between syndromes differentiated with the theory of abnormal hilit in traditional Uyghur medicine (TUM).

Methods

A total of 248 patients with malignant tumors were enrolled. Based on the theory of TUM they were divided into two groups: abnormal Savda and abnormal Non-Savda (including abnormal Khan, abnormal Sepra and abnormal Belghem types); fifty healthy volunteers were selected as controls. Platelet (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), plasma fibrinogen (FIB), thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and D-Dimer (D-D) were measured in both groups.

Results

Compared with the control and abnormal Non-Savda groups, in the abnormal Savda group the PLT count increased (P<0.05), the PT was lengthened (P<0.01), and the FIB significantly increased (P<0.01). D-Ds in the three groups were significantly different (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in TT and aPTT values (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Hypercoagulability existed in patients with malignant tumors in the different types of TUM syndromes, especially in the abnormal Savda group; this was characterized by increased blood viscosity, platelet aggregation and thrombosis. D-D appears to be a significant predictor for the therapeutic effect of TUM in relation to malignant tumor therapies.     

Paeonol,the main active principles of Paeonia moutan, ameliorates alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice

Aim of study

Paeonol, a major phenolic component of Moutan Cortex, is traditionally used as a Chinese herbal medicine in various diseases including hepatitis. Evidence shows that paeonol has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-atherosclerosis effects. However, the effect of paeonol on alcoholic liver injury remains obscure. The present investigation was designed to determine the effects of paeonol on alcohol-induced hepatic injury in mice.

Materials and methods

The degree of alcoholic liver injury was evaluated biochemically by measuring serum markers and pathological examination. Real-time PCR and ELISA methods were used to check the expression of cytokines. Western blotting was used to check CYP 450 expression.

Results

Treatment with paeonol significantly attenuated the level of serum aminotransferase, reduced the severe extent of hepatic cell damage, steatosis, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in a model of alcoholic liver injury (P < 0.05). Interestingly, paeonol markedly decreased hepatic mRNA expression of lipogenic genes (P < 0.05) while had no effect on protein expression of hepatic CYP2E1. Furthermore, paeonol significantly decreased serum and tissue inflammatory cytokine levels, tissue lipid peroxidation, neutrophil infiltration and inhibited the apoptosis of hepatocytes (P < 0.05). Kupffer cells isolated from ethanol-fed mice produced high amounts of tumor necrosis factor alpha, whereas Kupffer cells from paeonol treatment ethanol-fed mice produced less tumor necrosis factor alpha (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that paeonol may represent a novel, protective strategy against alcoholic liver injury by attenuating hepatic steatosis, inflammatory response and apoptosis.     

Effect of hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules in diabetic patients with deafness and toxicological assessment in rats

Objective

Through experiment on animals and clinical trials to explore the safety and efficacy of hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules on diabetic patients with deafness.

Methods

Total 296 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were randomly divided into two groups. A treatment group of 164 patients (208 ears) was treated with hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules based on TCM syndrome differentiation. A control group of 132 patients (184 ears) was treated with glibenclamide and conventional drug treatment for deafness. The following were observed: hearing, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), 24 h urine glucose (24hUG), improvement of main symptoms, platelet function, and changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxide (LPO) levels. In animal studies, Kunming mice, weighing 18-22 g were used. Half of the mice were males and half were females. Wistar rats, weighing 80-120 g were used. Half of the rats were males and half were females. Male Wistar rats, weighing 200-220 g, were also used. Their acute and chronic toxicity was studied.

Results

The hearing improvement was 56.7% in the treatment group and 26.6% in the control group. FPG, 2hPG, and 24hUG were improved significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively) in the treatment group and 2hPG and 24hUG improved significantly in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.05). The improvement in 2hPG and 24hUG in the treatment group was significantly greater than that in the control group P<0.01). There was no significant difference in FPG between the two groups (P<0.05). Main symptoms in the treatment group were significantly more improved than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the treatment group, platelet adhesion and aggregation, SOD, and LPO were all significantly improved from before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). However, in the control group, except LOP (P<0.05), there were no significant differences from before treatment to after (P<0.05). In animal studies, no obvious acute or long-term toxicity was observed from capsule administration.

Conclusion

Through experiment on animals and clinical trials, we can found that hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules could decrease blood glucose and serum triglycerides of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This herbal capsule is effective for safely treating diabetic patients with deafness.     

Effect of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves extract on blood glucose and plasma lipid levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Aim of the study

To investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves (VBTL) extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Materials and methods

After administration of VBTL extract for 4 weeks, the body weight, organ weight, blood glucose (BG), insulin and plasma lipid levels of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were measured.

Results

Body weights of diabetic mice treated with VBTL extract were partly recovered. The BG levels of AEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL aqueous extract) were reduced to 91.52 and 85.82% at week 2 and week 4, respectively (P < 0.05), while those of EEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL ethanolic extract) were reduced slightly (P > 0.05). The insulin levels of AEG and EEG were obviously higher (P < 0.05) than those of MC (diabetic mice in model control group). Comparing with MC, AEG and EEG had significantly lower (P < 0.05) TC or TG levels and similar HDL-cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol levels. In comparison with non-diabetic control mice, AEG had similar plasma lipid levels except higher LDL-cholesterol level, while EEG had higher TC, TG and LDL-cholesterol levels and lower HDL-cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

Both aqueous and ethanolic extract of VBTL possess a potential hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.