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

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

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

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

Chinese Herbal Medicine Xingnaojing Injection (醒脑静注射液) for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Newborns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Xingnaojing Injection(醒脑静注射液) for newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HIE). Methods: Literature was identified by searching the Pub Med, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central, and four Chinese literature databases from the establishment of database to October in 2013. Relevant reference lists were also screened. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality of included studies. We also conducted the meta-analysis. Results: Thirteen trials involving 1,169 patients were included. There was no trial reported death or disability at the end of follow-up period. Meta-analysis of 4 trials(n=371) showed that there was no significant difference in the reduction of mortality [risk ratios(RR)=0.48, 95% confidence intervals(CI, 0.21, 1.13), P=0.09] between the Xingnaojing and control groups. Meta-analysis of 5 trials(n=359) showed that there was significant difference in reducing the major neurodevelopmental disability [RR=0.36, 95% CI(0.19, 0.66), P=0.001]. Meta-analysis of 6 trials(n=447) showed that there was a significant difference in the author self-defined symptom improvement [RR=1.25, 95% CI(1.14, 1.37), P0.01]. No fatal side-effects were reported. Conclusion: Based on the limited evidence, the routine use of Xingnaojing Injection for treatment of HIE in newborns is not recommended. Further well-conducted trials are justified.     

Antimicrobial Agents from Selected Medicinal Plants in Libya

Objective: To test the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of water and methanol extracts of 23 plant species that are commonly used in Libyan folk medicine. Methods: The antimicrobial activity was determined using the well-diffusion method. Four test microorganisms were used namely, Escherichia coli , Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis . The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for the high biologically active crude plant extracts. Results: Among 23 medicinal plants used in the study, only 5 methanolic extracts [Rosmarinus offcinalis L., Carduus marianium L., Lantana camara L., Rhus tripartite (ueria) Grande, and Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm (link)] showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella species, while 22 methanolic and aqueous extracts showed moderate to weak antimicrobial activity on all tested organisms. However 19 of the extracts showed no activity at all against Gram –ve and Gram +ve microorganisms. MIC was found to be 1.25 mg/mL (Thymus capitatus), 3 mg/mL (Rhus tripartite), 4 mg/mL (Carduus marianium), 5 mg/mL (Rosamarinus officinalis) and 5 mg/mL (Lantana camara), respectively. Conclusions: The present results revealed that, crude methanolic extracts of the investigated Libyan folk medicinal plants exhibited mild to high in vitro antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.     

Changes in Small Intestinal Motility and Related Hormones by Acupuncture Stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) in Mice

Objectives

To clarify the effects of acupuncture stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) on the hormonal changes.

Methods

Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice received acupuncture stimulation at acupoint ST 36 or Quchi (LI 11) once a day for 3 or 5 days in the acupuncture-stimulated groups, but not received in the normal group (n=6 in each group). On day 3 or 5, animals were given 0.1 mL of charcoal orally with a bulbed steel needle, 30 min after the last acupuncture stimulation. Ten minutes later, mice were anesthetized, and the intestinal transit and the concentrations of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), motilin, ghrelin and gastrin in the serum were measured.

Results

Compared to no acupuncture stimulation, acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days increased the intestinal transit and down-regulated the concentration of VIP and up-regulated the concentrations of motilin, ghrelin and gastrin (P<0.05 or 0.01), whereas acupuncture stimulation at LI 11 did not change them signifificantly (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days enhances the small intestinal motility and regulates the secretion of hormones related to small intestinal motility.

     

Evaluation of Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Aqueous Extract of Armadillidium vulgare Latreille

Objective

To assess the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of Armadillidium vulgare (AV).

Methods

The antinociceptive effect of AV (400, 600 and 800 mg/kg) was investigated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced nociceptive, and hot plate tests. Phlogogen-induced paw edema using carrageenan, dextran, or compound 48/80 as phlogogen was used as inflammatory models to evaluate AV's anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, the bioactive substances glucosamine (GLcN) and taurine in AV were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Oral treatment of the mice with AV (600 and 800 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (P<0.01) but not the hot plate test (P>0.05). All doses tested significantly inhibited paw-withdrawal during the second phase of the formalin-induced nociceptive model (P<0.01). AV demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory effect in all those inflammatory models (P<0.05).

Conclusions

AV has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, providing scientific evidence of the efficacy of its traditional use in pain treatment. Furthermore, GLcN and taurine contribute, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory activity of AV.

     

Hot Compress with Chinese Herbal Salt Packets Reducing PICC Catheter Complications: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To explore the preventive effect of applying hot compress with Chinese herbal salt packets(CHSP) to puncture vessels under aseptic conditions during peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC) on postoperative phlebitis. Methods: A total of 720 hospitalized patients undergoing first PICC were assigned to treatment and control groups(360 cases each group) according to a random number table. The control group received conventional catheterization and nursing care. The treatment group was first given hot compress with CHSP(which consisted of honeysuckle 30 g, Semen brassicae 30 g, Salvia miltiorrhiza 30 g, Angelica dahurica 30 g, Semen raphani 30 g, Evodia rutaecarpa 30 g, and coarse salt 20 g) on the punctured vessel under aseptic conditions for 5–10 min before conventional catheterization. The main efficacy indices were the vessel diameters before and during catheterization and the success rate of a single catheter, and the secondary efficacy indiex was the incidence of superficial phlebitis within 1 week after catheterization. Results: The vessel diameter during catheterization of the treatment group was remarkably increased compared with the control group [(7.96±0.42) mm vs.(4.39±0.54) mm, P0.01]. The success rate of the single catheter of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group [94.00%(329/350) vs. 73.72%(244/329), P0.01]. The incidence of superficial phlebitis within 1 week after catheterization in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group(P=0.007). There was no adverse event with CHSP. Conclusion: Hot compress with CHSP during PICC is applicable as it can effectively improve the success rate of a single catheter and reduce the incidence of superficial phlebitis after catheterization(Trial registration No. ChiCTR-ONC-17010498).     

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

Background

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

Aim

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

Method

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

     

Alterations of Gefitinib Pharmacokinetics by Co-administration of Herbal Medications in Rats

Objective: To evaluate the potential pharmacokinetic interactions of the anticancer agent gefitinib(Iressa?) and the oriental medications Guipi Decoction(归脾汤, GPD, Guibi-tang in Korean) and Bawu Decoction(八物汤, BWD, Palmul-tang in Korean). Methods: Methylcellulose(MC, control), GPD(1,200 mg/kg), or BWD(6,000 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats either as a single dose or multiple doses prior to gefitinib administration. To examine the effects of a single dose of the herbal medicines, gefitinib(10 mg/kg) was orally administered after 5 min or 1 h of MC or the herbal medicine pretreatments. To examine the effects of the multiple doses of the herbal medicines, gefitinib(10 mg/kg) was orally administered following 7 consecutive days of the administration of MC or each herbal medicine. The plasma concentrations of gefitinib were determined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. The plasma concentration-time profiles of gefitinib were analyzed with a noncompartmental analysis. Results: Gefitinib was rapidly absorbed and showed a monoexponential decline with an elimination half-life of 3.7–4.1 h. The pharmacokinetics of gefitinib was not affected by GPD pretreatment. However, a significantly lower maximum plasma concentration(Cmax, P0.05) and area under the curve(P0.05), and a delayed time to reach Cmax(Tmax, P0.01) were observed in both single-and multipledose BWD-pretreated rats compared with the control rats. Conclusions: BWD and not GPD might delay and interfere with gefitinib absorption. Further evaluations of the clinical significance of these findings are needed.     

Effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens Flower Extract on Proliferation and Molecular Regulation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Stressed C57BL/6 Mice

Objective: To investigate the hair growth-promoting effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (MSP) flower extracton on in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: MSP flower extract was extracted in 99.9% methanol and applied to examine the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro at the dose of 3.92–62.50 μg/mL and hair growth of C57BL/6 mice in vivo at the dose of 1000 μg/mL. The expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), β-catenin, substance P was measured by relative quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Results: MSP (7.81 μg/mL) down-regulated TGF-β1 and up-regulated HGF and β-catenin in hDPCs (P<0.01). MSP (1000 μg/mL)-treated mice showed the earlier transition of hair follicles from the telogen to the anagen phase. The number of mast cells was lower in the MSP-treated mice than in other groups (P<0.05 vs. NCS group). Substance P and TGF-β1 were expressed in hair follicles and skin of the MSP group lower than that in negative control. Stem cell factor in hair follicles was up-regulated in the MSP-treated mice (P<0.01). Conclusion: The MSP flower extract may have hair growth-promotion activities.     

Protective Effects of Radix Astragali Injection on Multiple Organs of Rats with Obstructive Jaundice

Objective: To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Radix Astragali Injection on multiple organs of rats with obstructive jaundice(OJ). Methods: A total of 180 rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model control and treated groups(60 in each group). On 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after operation, the serum contents of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), r-glutamyl transpeptidase(r-GT), total bilirubin(TBil), direct bilirubin(DBil), blood urine nitrogen(BUN), and creatinine(CREA) were determined. And the pathological changes of livers, kidneys and lungs, and protein expressions of toll-like receptor-4(TLR-4) of livers, intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) of lungs, Bax and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), as well as apoptotic indexes of multiple organs were observed, respectively. Results: The pathological severity scores of multiple organs(including livers on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, kidneys on 14 and 28 days, and lungs on 14 days), serum contents of ALT(14 and 21 days), AST(14 days), TBil(7, 14, 21 and 28 days), DBil(14 and 21 days), BUN(28 days), protein expressions of TLR-4(in livers, 28 days), Bax(in livers and kidneys, 21 days), and apoptotic indexes in livers(7 and 21 days) in the treated group were significantly lower than those in the model control group(P0.05 or P0.01). Conclusion: Radix Astragali Injection exerts protective effects on multiple organs of OJ rats by improving the pathological changes of lung, liver and kidney, decreasing the serum index of hepatic and renal function as well as inhibiting the protein expression of TLR-4 and Bax in the livers and Bax in the kidneys.     

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Some Traditional Persian Medicinal Plants on Pathogenic Fungi

Objective

To investigate the antifungal activities of the extracts and sub-fractions of Phlomis olivieri, Verbascum speciosum, Sambucus ebulus and Erigeron hyrcanicus, four Persian medicinal plants used in Iranian folk medicine.

Methods

Evaluation of the antifungal activity was performed on the clinical isolates of pathogenic fungi including Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. verrucosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum, and the yeast Candida albicans. The susceptibility tests were done by agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of active extracts and sub-fractions were measured using method of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).

Results

Only P. olivieri sub-fractions were found to have fungicidal activity among the other investigated plants. The MIC and MFC was found to be high in petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions (100 and 200 mg/mL) against the studied pathogenic fungi and the yeast Candida albicans. P. olivieri sub-fractions significantly inhibited the growth of all pathogenic fungi and the yeast studied.

Conclusion

If the antifungal activity of P. olivieri is confirmed by in vivo studies and if the responsible compound (s) is isolated and identified, it could be a good remedy for mycotic infections.

     

Text Mining of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus to Understand the Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine in Different Diseases with Same Treatment

Objective

To identify the commonalities between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) to understand the mechanisms of Chinese medicine (CM) in different diseases with the same treatment.

Methods

A text mining approach was adopted to analyze the commonalities between RA and DM according to CM and biological elements. The major commonalities were subsequently verified in RA and DM rat models, in which herbal formula for the treatment of both RA and DM identified via text mining was used as the intervention.

Results

Similarities were identified between RA and DM regarding the CM approach used for diagnosis and treatment, as well as the networks of biological activities affected by each disease, including the involvement of adhesion molecules, oxidative stress, cytokines, T-lymphocytes, apoptosis, and inflammation. The Ramulus Cinnamomi-Radix Paeoniae Alba-Rhizoma Anemarrhenae is an herbal combination used to treat RA and DM. This formula demonstrated similar effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with collagen-induced arthritis, which supports the text mining results regarding the commonalities between RA and DM.

Conclusion

Commonalities between the biological activities involved in RA and DM were identified through text mining, and both RA and DM might be responsive to the same intervention at a specific stage.

     

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

Objective

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

     

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.     

Effects of Modified Qing'e Pill (加味青娥丸) on Expression of Adiponectin, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 and Coagulation-Related Factors in Patients with Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head

Objective: To observe the regulation of Chinese herbal medicine, Modified Qing'e Pill(加味青娥丸, MQEP), on the expression of adiponectin, bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), osteoprotegerin(OPG) and other potentially relevant risk factors in patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH). Methods: A total of 96 patients with nontraumatic ONFH were unequal randomly divided into treatment group(60 cases) and control group(36 cases). The treatment group were treated with MQEP while the control group were treated with simulated pills. Both groups were given caltrate D. Six months were taken as a treatment course. Patients were followed up every 2 months. The levels of plasma adiponectin, BMP2, OPG, von Willebrand factor(vWF), von Willebrand factor cleaving protease(vWF-cp), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator(tPA), C-reactive protein(CRP), blood rheology, bone mineral density(BMD) of the femoral head and Harris Hip Score were measured before and after treatment. Results: After 6 months of treatment, compared with the control group, patients in the treatment group had significantly higher adiponectin and BMP2 levels(P0.01 and P=0.013, respectively), lower vWF, PAI-1 and CRP levels(P=0.019, P0.01 and P0.01, respectively), and lower blood rheology parameters. BMD of the femoral neck, triangle area and Harris Hip Score in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Moreover, plasma adiponectin showed a positive association with BMP2(r=0.231, P=0.003) and a negative association with PAI-1(r=–0.159, P0.05). Conclusions: MQEP may play a protective role against nontraumatic ONFH by increasing the expression of adiponectin, regulating bone metabolism and improving the hypercoagulation state, which may provide an experimental base for its clinical effects.     

Icariin Improves Cognitive Impairment after Traumatic Brain Injury by Enhancing Hippocampal Acetylation

Objective

To examine the effect of icariin (ICA) on the cognitive impairment induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice and the underlying mechanisms related to changes in hippocampal acetylation level.

Methods

The modifified free-fall method was used to establish the TBI mouse model. Mice with post-TBI cognitive impairment were randomly divided into 3 groups using the randomised block method (n=7): TBI (vehicle-treated), low-dose (75 mg/kg) and high-dose (150 mg/kg) of ICA groups. An additional sham-operated group (vehicle-treated) was employed. The vehicle or ICA was administrated by gavage for 28 consecutive days. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted. Acetylcholine (ACh) content, mRNA and protein levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and protein levels of acetylated H3 (Ac-H3) and Ac-H4 were detected in the hippocampus.

Results

Compared with the sham-operated group, the MWM performance, hippocampal ACh content, mRNA and protein levels of ChAT, and protein levels of Ac-H3 and Ac-H4 were signifificantly decreased in the TBI group (P<0.05). High-dose of ICA signifificantly ameliorated the TBI-induced weak MWM performance, increased hippocampal ACh content, and mRNA and protein levels of ChAT, as well as Ac-H3 protein level compared with the TBI group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

ICA improved post-TBI cognitive impairment in mice by enhancing hippocampal acetylation, which improved hippocampal cholinergic function and ultimately improved cognition.

     

Chinese Medicine for Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Objective: To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine(CM) on survival of patients with stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ colorectal cancer(CRC). Methods: A total of 295 patients who received chemotherapy were assigned to Group 1. The other 171 patients received the same chemotherapy treatment combined with the usage of CM Jianpi Jiedu Formula(健脾解毒方, JPJD) for more than 3 months(Group 2). Patients' survival time, relapse and metastasis, and cause of death were observed. Cox proportional hazard regression models were established for the analysis of the effect of independent factors on the survival prognosis of patients with CRC. Results: The survival rate of patients in Group 2 was higher than that of Group 1(P0.05). Compared with Group 1, the mean survival time was prolonged by 5.594 months and the median survival time was prolonged by 6 months in Group 2(P=0.004). Cox regression analysis indicated that CM combined with chemotherapy provided significant protective effect, as observed with the improvements in the survival rates of CRC patients(P0.01). Conclusion: CM can improve the survival rate in patients with stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ CRC.