In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Fraction from Periploca forrestii Schltr.

Objective: To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. (EFPF) and to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying in vivo and in vitro models. Methods: The anti-inflammatory effects of EFPF were evaluated using the xylene-induced mouse ear edema and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema models in vivo. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were exposed to 0–800 μg/mL EFPF and the cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Then cells were treated with different concentrations of EFPF (100–400 μg/mL) and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/mL) for 24 h. The supernatant was analyzed for nitric oxide (NO) using the Griess reagent, and the levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) 6, and IL-10. The protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK were examined by Western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, EFPF significantly reduced mouse ear edema and rat paw edema rate (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, EFPF significantly inhibited the LPS-stimulated production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and increased the IL-10 production (P<0.05). EFPF also significantly inhibited LPS-induced protein expressions of iNOS and COX-2, suppressed the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB-α, decreased p65 level, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 and JNK (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: EFPF exerted anti-inflammatory effect by reducing protein expressions of iNOS and COX-2 and the production of the inflammation factors, including TNF-α, IL-6, NO and PGE2, mainly through inhibition of LPS-mediated stimulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.     

Contribution of Water and Lipid Soluble Substances in the Relaxant Effects of Tymus Vulgaris Extract on Guinea Pig Tracheal Smooth Muscle in Vitro

Objective:To examine the relaxant effects of hydro-ethanolic,macerated aqueous(MA) and lipidfree macerated aqueous(LFMA) extract of Tymus vulgaris on tracheal chains of guinea pigs.Methods:The relaxant effects of five cumulative concentrations of each extract(0.4,0.8,1.2,1.6 and 2.0 g/100 mL) were compared with saline as negative control and five cumulative concentrations of theophylline(0.1,0.2,0.4,0.6 and 0.8 mmol/L) on precontracted tracheal smooth muscle of guinea pig with 60 mmol/L KCI(group 1) and 10 μmol/L methacholine(group 2,n=6 for each group).Results:In group 1 all concentrations of theophylline,three higher concentrations of hydro-ethanolic,two concentrations of LFMA and last concentration of MA extracts showed significant relaxant effects compared with that of saline(P0.05 or P0.01).Two lower concentrations of LFMA and all concentrations of MA except higher one caused contraction compared with saline(P0.05 or 0.01).In group 2 experiments,all concentrations of theophylline,hydro-ethanolic,MA and LFMA extracts showed significant relaxant effects compared to that of saline(P0.05 or P0.01).In both groups,the relaxant effect of all concentrations of hydro-ethanolic extract were significantly higher than most concentrations of others(P0.05 or P0.01).The relaxant effect of different concentrations of three extracts were significantly greater in group 2 compared with group 1 experiments(all P0.01).There were significantly positive correlations between the relaxant effects and concentrations for theophylline and ail extracts in both groups(P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusion:Hydro-ethanolic extract has a potent weaker relaxant effect for other extracts from Tymus vulgaris on tracheal chains of guinea pigs.     

Effects of Senegenin against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury in PC12 Cells

Objective:To investigate the effect and the potential mechanism of Senegenin(Sen) against injury induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) in highly differentiated PC12 cells.Methods:The cultured PC12 cells were treated with H/R in the presence or absence of Sen(60 μmol/L).Four groups were included in the experiment:control group,H/R group,H/R+Sen group and Sen group.Cell viability of each group and the level of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in culture medium were detected for the pharmacological effect of Sen.Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V/propidium iodide double staining were used to analyze the apoptosis rate.Moreover,mitochondrial membrane potential(△Ψm),reactive oxygen species(ROS) and intracellular free calcium([Ca~(2+)]i) were measured by fluorescent staining and flow cytometry.Cleaved caspase-3and activity of NADPH oxidase(NOX) were determined by colorimetric protease assay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,respectively.Results:Sen significantly elevated cell viability(P0.05),decreased the leakage of LDH(P0.05) and apoptosis rate(P0.05) in H/R-injured PC12 cells.Sen maintained the value of△Ψm(P0.05) and suppressed the activity of caspase-3(P0.05).Moreover,Sen reduced ROS accumulation(P0.05) and[Ca~(2+)]i increment(P0.05) by inhibiting the activity of NOX(P0.05).Conclusion:Sen may exert cytoprotection against H/R injury by decreasing the levels of intracellular ROS and[Ca~(2+)]_i,thereby suppressing the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis.     

Brucine Inhibits Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing Jagged1/Notch1 Signaling Pathways

Objective: To examine the effects of brucine on the invasion, migration and bone resorption of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand(RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. Methods: The osteoclastogenesis model was builded by co-culturing human breast tumor MDA-MB-231 and mouse RAW264.7 macrophages cells. RANKL(50 ng/m L) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor(50 ng/m L) were added to this system, followed by treatment with brucine(0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mmol/L), or 10 μmol/L zoledronic acid as positive control. The migration and bone resorption were measured by transwell assay and in vitro bone resorption assay. The protein expressions of Jagged1 and Notch1 were investigated by Western blot. The expressions of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) and Hes1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the model group, brucine led to a dose-dependent decrease on migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption of RAW264.7 cells(P 0.01). Furthermore, brucine decreased the protein levels of Jagged1 and Notch1 in MDA-MB-231 cells and RAW264.7 cells co-cultured system as well as the expressions of TGF-β1, NF-κB and Hes1(P0.05 or P0.01). Conclusion: Brucine may inhibit osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Jagged1/Notch1 signaling pathways.     

Synchronous Dynamic Research on Respiratory and Intestinal Microflora of Chronic Bronchitis Rat Model

Objectives

To investigate the mechanism of the Chinese medicine theory that Fei (Lung) and Dachang (Large Intestine) are exteriorly and interiorly related via synchronous observation on the dynamic changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflora.

Methods

Forty specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into blank (10 rats) and chronic bronchitis model groups (30 rats). The blank group rats were put into the smoke-free environment and the model group rats were put into the smoke environment in order to establish pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis) model. Then the corresponding changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflflora of the model on 20th, 50th and 70th days were synchronously observed.

Results

The respiratory tract microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic and Staphylococcus aureus and reduced anaerobic amount signifificantly on 20th day in the respiratory tract microflflora (P<0.05 or 0.01). On 50th day, total aerobic, total anaerobic amount and bififidobacterium signifificantly increased (P<0.05). On 70th day, Staphylococcus aureus reduced and lactobacillus increased signifificantly (P<0.01). The intestinal microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic, Clostridium perfringens, enterobacter and enterococcus significantly increased on 20th day (P<0.05 or 0.01). Staphylococcus aureus on 50th day increased significantly (P<0.05). Total aerobic and enterococcus increased, total anaerobic and Clostridium perfringens reduced signifificantly on 70th day (P<0.05 or 0.01).

Conclusion

The microecosystem of respiratory tract and intestine of rat model during the pathological process showed a dynamic disorder, indicating an interaction between the lung and large intestine which may be one of the connotations as they exteriorly and interiorly related.

     

Effect of Bushen Yisui Capsule(补肾益髓胶囊) on Oligodendrocyte Lineage Genes 1 and 2 in Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Objective: To study the effects of Bushen Yisui Capsule(补肾益髓胶囊, BSYSC) on the oligodendrocyte lineage genes(Olig) 1 and Olig2 in C57BL/6 mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) in order to explore the remyelination effect of BSYSC. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into normal control(NC), EAE model(EAE-M), prednisone acetate(PA, 6 mg/kg), BSYSC high-dose(3.02 g/kg) and BSYSC low-dose(1.51 g/kg) groups. The mice were induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(MOG) 35-55. The neurological function scores were assessed once daily. The pathological changes in mice brains were observed with hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM). The protein expressions of myelin basic protein(MBP), Olig1 and Olig2 in brains were measured by immunohistochemistry. The m RNA expressions of Olig1 and Olig 2 was also determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compared with the EAE-M mice,(1) the neurological function scores were significantly decreased in BSYSC-treated mice on days 22 to 40(P0.01);(2) the inflammatory cells and demyelination in brains were reduced in BSYSC-treated EAE mice;(3) the protein expression of MBP was markedly increased in BSYSC-treated groups on day 18 and 40 respectively(P0.05 or P0.01);(4) the protein expression of Olig1 was increased in BSYSC(3.02 g/kg)-treated EAE mice on day 40(P0.01). Protein and m RNA expression of Olig2 was increased in BSYSC-treated EAE mice on day 18 and 40(P0.01). Conclusion: The effects of BSYSC on reducing demyelination and promoting remyelination might be associated with the increase of Olig1 and Olig2.     

Heijiangdan Ointment(黑绛丹膏)Relieves Oxidative Stress from Radiation Dermatitis Induced by ~(60)Co γ-Ray in Mice

Objective:To investigate the effects of Heijiangdan Ointment(黑绛丹膏,HJD) on oxidative stress in ~(60)Co γ-ray radiation-induced dermatitis in mice.Methods:Female Wistar mice with grade 4 radiation dermatitis induced by ~(60)Co γ-rays were randomly divided into four groups(n=12 per group);the HJD-treated,recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF)-treated,Trolox-treated,and untreated groups,along with a negative control group.On the 11 th and 21 st days after treatment,6 mice in each group were chosen for evaluation.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) were detected using spectrophotometric methods.The fibroblast mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The expressions of fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF-2) and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) were analyzed by western blot.Results:Compared with the untreated group,the levels of SOD,MDA and LDH,on the 11 th and 21 st days after treatment showed significant difference(P0.05).TEM analysis indicated that fibroblast mitochondria in the untreated group exhibited swelling and the cristae appeared fractured,while in the HJD group,the swelling of mitochondria was limited and the rough endoplasmic reticulum appeared more relaxed.The expressions of FGF-2 and TGF-β1 increased in the untreated group compared with the negative control group(P0.05).After treatment,the expression of FGF-2,rhEGF and Trolox in the HJD group were significantly increased compared with the untreated group(P0.05),or compared with the negative control group(P0.05).The expression of TGF-β1 showed significant difference between untreated and negative control groups(P0.05).HJD and Trolox increased the level of TGF-β1 and the difference was marked as compared with the untreated and negative control groups(P0.05).Conclusion:HJD relieves oxidative stress-induced injury,increases the antioxidant activity,mitigates the fibroblast mitochondrial damage,up-regulates the expression of growth factor,and promotes mitochondrial repair in mice.     

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

Objective

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

     

Potent Therapeutic Effects of Shouwu Jiangqi Decoction(首乌僵芪汤)on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Insulin Resistance in Rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of Shouwu Jiangqi Decoction(首乌僵芪汤,SJD) on polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) with insulin resistance(IR) in rats and to explore the underlining molecular mechanisms.Methods:A total of 51 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:control group(n=7),model group(n=8),SJD high-dose group(n=9),SJD medium-dose group(n=9),SJD low-dose group(n=9) and DMBG group(n=9).Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH) and testosterone concentrations and qRT-PCR and western blot were used to examine the expression levels of mRNA and protein respectively of insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS-1)and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases(PI3K) p85α in different groups.Results:FSH level significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal control(P0.01),and high-dose SJD and DMBG can significantly increase FSH level(P0.01).LH level showed a mild increase without statistic significance in the model group compared with the control and different dosages of SJD had no significance effect on LH level,while DMBG can significantly decrease LH level(P0.01).Testosterone level significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group(P0.01),and high-dose SJD and DMBG can significantly decrease testosterone level(P0.01).The expression of IRS-1 as well as PI3Kp85α were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal control group at both mRNA(P0.001) and protein(P0.01) level,and both high-dose SJD and DMBG can enhance IRS-1 and PI3 K expression(P0.05).Conclusions:SJD has potent therapeutic effects on PCOS with IR in rats.The therapeutic effects of SJD on IR and ovulatory dysfunction are probably achieved through correcting the defective insulin signaling transduction.     

Paeoniflorin Improves Regional Cerebral Blood Flow and Suppresses Inflammatory Factors in the Hippocampus of Rats with Vascular Dementia

Objective: To explore the delayed neuroprotection induced by paeoniflorin(PF), the principal component of Paeoniae radix prescribed in Chinese medicine, and its underlying mechanisms in rats subjected to vascular dementia(VD). Methods: A rat model of VD was induced by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion(BCCAO). Low-dose or high-dose PF(20 or 40 mg/kg once per day) was administrated for 28 days after VD. The behavioral analysis of rat was measured by water morris. Regional cerebral blood volume(r CBV), regional cerebral blood flow(r CBF) and mean transit time(MTT) were measured in the bilateral hippocampus by perfusion-weighted imaging(PWI). The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) were measured by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Protein levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. m RNA levels were evaluated by real time-polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to estimate p65 translocation. Results: The behavioral analysis showed that PF could decrease the escape latency time(P0.05), and increase the residence time of the original platform quadrant and the across platform frequency in water maze in VD rats(P0.05). Likewise, PF remarkably promoted the r CBV(P0.05), r CBF and decreased per minute MTT(P0.05) in hippocampus of VD rats. Furthermore, PF decreased the release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as inhibited the m RNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus of VD rats(P0.05 or P0.01). PF also could decrease the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the hippocampus of VD rats(P0.05 or P0.01). In addition, PF significantly inhibited the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) pathway in the hippocampus of VD rats. Conclusions: PF significantly attenuates cognitive impairment, improves hippocampus perfusion and inhibits inflammatory response in VD rats. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of PF might be due to inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. PF may be a potential clinical application in improving VD.     

Effects of Shenfu Injection (参附注射液) on Cerebral Metabolism in A Porcine Model of Cardiac Arrest

Objective:To investigate the effects of Shenfu Injection(参附注射液,SFI) on cerebral metabolism in a porcine model of cardiac arrest(CA).Methods:Thirty Wuzhishan minipigs were randomly assigned to the control group(n=6),epinephrine group(EP group,n=12) and SFI group(n=12).After8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation(VF),pigs in the EP group or SFI group were administered with either EP(0.02 mg/kg) or SFI(1.0 mL/kg),respectively.After successful resuscitation,cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) levels of glucose,pyruvate,lactate,glutamate and glycerol were measured at 1,6,12 and 24 h after recover from spontaneous circulation(ROSC).In addition,neurologic deficit score(NDS) was calculated at 24 h after ROSC.Surviving pigs were killed at 24 h after ROSC,and the brain tissue was obtained for ultra-microstructure examination.Results:Compared with the EP group,CSF glucose and pyruvate levels were higher(all P0.01),and lactate levels were lower in the SFI group(P0.01).Meanwhile,CSF glutamate and glycerol levels in the SFI group were lower in comparison to the EP group(all P0.05).In addition,SFI decreased NDS at 24 h after ROSC(P0.01),and alleviated the histopathological damage of the brain.Conclusions:SFI could alleviate brain injury after CA,which may be associated with improving cerebral metabolism.     

Efficacy and Safety of Qiaoshao Formula(翘芍方) on Patients with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation of Gan(Liver) Depression and Shen(Kidney) Deficiency Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Qiaoshao Formula(翘芍方, QSF) on patients with lifelong premature ejaculation(LPE) of Gan(Liver) depression and Shen(Kidney) deficiency syndrome. Methods: A total of 60 LPE patients were randomly divided into treatment(QSF) and control(dapoxetine) groups. The treatment group received QSF twice a day and the control group received dapoxetine 1 to 2 h prior to planned sexual intercourse for 4 weeks. The outcomes included intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time(IELT), premature ejaculation diagnostic tool(PEDT), clinical global impression of change(CGIC), scores of Chinese medicine symptoms(CMSS), sex life satisfaction(SLS) and adverse events(AEs). Results: In the treatment group, the median IELT was 3 min vs. 1.5 min before and after treatment(P0.05). PEDT in the treatment group was reduced to 11.76±1.68 from 15.83±2.30 after treatment(P0.05). Besides, patient's SLS was improved from 1.30±0.05 to 6.30±0.04(P0.05), and spouse's SLS was increased from 1.30±0.08 to 6.10±0.06(P0.05); CMSS was decrease from 14.86±3.02 to 9.62±2.87(P0.05). In addition, no significant AE was observed in both groups. Conclusion: QSF may be effective and safe on LPE patients with Gan depression and Shen deficiency syndrome.     

Huoxue Anxin Recipe(活血安心方)Promotes Myocardium Angiogenesis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Rats by Up-Regulating miR-210 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Objective: To investigate the microR NAs(miR NAs) expression profile of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) rats and the regulating effects of Huoxue Anxin Recipe(活血安心方, HAR) on angiogenesis-related miR NAs and genes. Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups according to a random number table: sham, AMI, and AMI+HAR groups(15 in each group). AMI rats were established by ligation of the left descending coronary artery. HAR was intragastrically administered to rats of the AMI+HAR group for successive 21 days since modeling, meanwhile the same volume of 0.9% normal saline was administered to rats of the sham and AMI groups. Doppler echocardiography was used for noninvasive cardiac function test. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological change. miR NAs expression profile was detected by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(qR T-PCR). The mR NA and protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), and a target gene of miR-210 was further detected by qR T-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The microvessels density of myocardium was evaluated by CD31 immunostaining. Results: Compared with the sham group, ejection fraction(EF) and fractional shortening(FS) values were decreased significantly in the AMI group(P0.01), while the infarction area and the interstitial collagen deposition were increased obviously. As for the AMI+HAR group, EF and FS values were increased significantly(P0.05 vs. AMI group), and the infarction area was reduced and the interstitial collagen deposition were alleviated significantly. Total of 23 miR NAs in the AMI group expressed differently by at least 1.5 folds compared with those in the sham group; 5 miR NAs in the AMI+HAR group expressed differently by at least 1.5 folds compared with those in the AMI group. Among them, miR-210 was low in the AMI group and high in the AMI+HAR group. The relative mR NA and protein expressions of VEGF were decreased significantly in the AMI group(P0.05 vs. sham group), and increased significantly in the AMI+HAR group(P0.01 vs. AMI group). CD31 expression area and optical intensity were decreased significantly in the AMI group(P0.05 vs. sham group), and increased significantly in the AMI+HAR group(P0.01 vs. AMI group). Conclusions: HAR could reduce the infarction area, alleviate the interstitial fibrosis and improve the cardiac function of AMI rats. Those effects could be related to promoting myocardium angiogenesis of HAR by up-regulating miR-210 and VEGF.     

Chinese Medicine Yishen Jiangu Granules(益肾健骨颗粒)on Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Yishen Jiangu Granules(益肾健骨颗粒, YSJGG) on aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms(AIMSS). Methods: A single-arm, open-label study was conducted in 34 postmenopausal women with breast cancer who experienced AIMSS. Patients were treated with YSJGG for 12 weeks(12.4 g orally twice daily). The primary outcome was a change in the mean worst pain score of Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form(BPI-SF) over 12 weeks, and the second outcomes included changes in pain severity and pain-related interference of BPI-SF and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC), Modified Score for the Assessment of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands(M-SACRAH), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast(FACT-B), bone mineral density(BMD) and blood indices such as calcium(Ca), phosphate(P), and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). Results: Of 37 women recruited, 30 initiated the therapy and 24 were evaluable at 12 weeks. The primary outcome(BPI-SF worst pain scores) achieved a 2.17-point reduction compared with baseline(5.75±1.87 vs 3.58±2.15, P0.01). There were reductions in pain severity(decreased 1.65, P0.01) and pain-related interference(decreased 2.55, P0.01). The changes in WOMAC and M-SACRAH scores were similar to BPI-SF(P0.05). In the FACT-B, only physical wel-being and functional wel-being were improved compared with baseline(P0.05). No clinical differences were found in BMD, Ca, P and ALP. Conclusion: YSJGG is an effective and wel-tolerated agent to reduce AIMSS.     

Effect of Health Education Based on Integrative Therapy of Chinese and Western Medicine for Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To investigate the effects of health education based on integrative therapy of Chinese and Western medicine for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) from the aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP), health-related quality of life(HRQo L), body mass index(BMI) and glucose control. Methods: Patients were individually randomized into intervention group(receiving integrative education, n=120) and control group(receiving usual education, n=120). The primary outcome was the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) levels after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from baseline. Hierarchical linear models(HLMs) were used to assess within-group changes in outcomes over time and between-group differences in patterns of change. Secondary outcomes were KAP scores, HRQo L scores and BMI after 6 and 12 months, paired-sample t test was used to assess within-group changes in outcomes in 6 and 12 months, independent-sample t test was used to assess between-group differences in patterns of change. Results: HbA1c decreased statistically from baseline to 3 months, from 3 to 6 months, from 6 to 9 months and from 9 to 12 months in the intervention group(all P0.01); and decreased significantly from baseline to 3 months, and from 3 to 6 months in the control group(P0.01). There were significant between-group differences from baseline to 3 months(P=0.044), from 6 to 9 months(P0.01) and from 9 to 12 months(P0.01). Significant improvements in the intervention group along with significant between-group differences were found in KAP and HRQo L scores respectively(all P0.05). The number in the intervention group of normal weight increased from 56 at baseline to 81(6 months), 94(12 months), the number in the control group were 63(baseline), 69(6 months), 70(12 months), the χ~2 of hierarchical analysis of BMI were 6.93(P=0.075), 10.31(P=0.016), 15.53(P0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Health education based on integrative therapy of Chinese and Western medicine is beneficial to the control of T2DM and should be recommended for T2DM.