Tanshinone IIA prevents acute lung injury by regulating macrophage polarization

ObjectiveAcute lung injury (ALI) is a serious respiratory dysfunction caused by pathogen or physical invasion. The strong induced inflammation often causes death. Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) is the major constituent of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and has been shown to display anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of Tan-IIA on ALI.MethodsA murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI was used. The lungs and serum samples of mice were extracted at 3 days after treatment. ALI-induced inflammatory damages were confirmed from cytokine detections and histomorphology observations. Effects of Tan-IIA were investigated using in vivo and in vitro ALI models. Tan-IIA mechanisms were investigated by performing Western blot and flow cytometry experiments. A wound-healing assay was performed to confirm the Tan-IIA function.ResultsThe cytokine storm induced by LPS treatment was detected at 3 days after LPS treatment, and alveolar epithelial damage and lymphocyte aggregation were observed. Tan-IIA treatment attenuated the LPS-induced inflammation and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines released not only by inhibiting neutrophils, but also by macrophage. Moreover, we found that macrophage activation and polarization after LPS treatment were abrogated after applying the Tan-IIA treatment. An in vitro assay also confirmed that including the Tan-IIA supplement increased the relative amount of the M2 subtype and decreased that of M1. Rebalanced macrophages and Tan-IIA inhibited activations of the nuclear factor-κB and hypoxia-inducible factor pathways. Including Tan-IIA and macrophages also improved alveolar epithelial repair by regulating macrophage polarization.ConclusionThis study found that while an LPS-induced cytokine storm exacerbated ALI, including Tan-IIA could prevent ALI-induced inflammation and improve the alveolar epithelial repair, and do so by regulating macrophage polarization.     

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with hydrogel on the formation and changes in the glial scar in rats with spinal cord injuryOA

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) combined with oriented conductive bioprotein hydrogel(OCBH) on the recovery of nerve function in rats with complete spinal cord injury(SCI)and to explore its effect and mechanism on the formation and changes of glial scars.Methods: A total of 72 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups according to the treatment received. A rat model of complete SCI was constructed using a spinal cord transection.Behavioral assessment...     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris,Carum carvi or Medicago sativa,and their combination in a rat model

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris flowers or Carum carvi and Medicago sativa seeds, alone and in combination, which have been used in traditional Iranian medicine.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into 6 treatment groups: distilled water, sodium salicylate (SS), M. sylvestris extract (600 mg/kg), C. carvi extract (600 mg/kg), M. sativa extract (300 mg/kg) and combined extract (including 300 mg/kg M. sylvestris and C. carvi extracts, and 150 mg/kg M. sativa extract). The formalin pain model was used to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the treatments. For anti-inflammatory effect, acute (one hour after injection) and chronic (during a week after injection) paw inflammation was measured after subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin in the hindpaw. Finally, tissue samples from all groups were prepared for histopathological studies.ResultsThe combined extract significantly inhibited the nociception in the acute phase of the formalin test (P < 0.001). In the chronic phase, all the extracts and SS had significant analgesic effect (P < 0.001). Analgesic activity of the combined extract was significantly stronger than SS (P < 0.01). In the acute inflammation model, M. sylvestris, C. carvi and the combined drug had significant inhibitory effects against paw edema (P < 0.05). All extracts, individually and in combination, significantly alleviated chronic paw inflammation (P < 0.01). The combined extract had much more anti-inflammatory activity than SS (P < 0.05). Histopathological results indicated improvement and reduction of inflammatory factors in the treatment groups.ConclusionM. sylvestris, C. carvi and M. sativa have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Potentially, each of these extracts or a mixture of them might be a valuable alternative drug to control pain and inflammation.     

清肠栓对LPS诱导Caco-2细胞损伤的保护作用

目的探讨清肠栓(QCS)含药血清对脂多糖(LPS)诱导Caco-2细胞损伤模型的保护作用。方法收集对数生长期细胞,分为5个组,即正常对照组、LPS组,以及QCS低剂量组(2.5%含药血清)、中剂量组(5%含药血清)、高剂量组(10%含药血清)。采用MTT法检测细胞活力;ELISA法测定培养细胞上清液IL-8、IL-17和PGE_2含量,以及MDA、GSH和SOD水平;划痕实验检测细胞体外迁移能力;Western blot技术检测RhoA、Rac1蛋白的表达。结果 QCS能拮抗LPS诱导的Caco-2细胞活性下降;与LPS组比较,QCS可显著减少LPS诱导的IL-8、IL-17和PGE_2分泌(P0.05),并减少LPS诱导的MDA释放,增加GSH和SOD的分泌(P0.01);划痕实验48 h时QCS组的划痕宽度明显变小,细胞迁移能力增强(P0.001),划痕的修复加快,且呈浓度依赖性改变;Western blot结果显示,QCS能有效逆转LPS所致RhoA、Rac1蛋白表达的抑制(P0.05)。结论 QCS含药血清对LPS诱导的Caco-2细胞损伤有保护作用,可通过抑制炎症因子、抗氧化应激和促进结肠上皮细胞迁移来提高Caco-2的生存率。     

Hepatic protective effects of Shenling Baizhu powder,a herbal compound,against inflammatory damage via TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

ObjectiveHigh-fat diet (HFD) and inflammation are two key contributors to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Shenling Baizhu powder (SLBZP), a classical herbal compound, has been successfully used to alleviate NAFLD. However, its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we assessed the anti-NAFLD effect of SLBZP in vivo.MethodsRats were fed an HFD with or without SLBZP or with probiotics. At the end of week 16, an echo magnetic resonance imaging (EchoMRI) body composition analyser was used to quantitatively analyse body composition; a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging system was used to evaluate whole body and liver fat; and the Moor full-field laser perfusion imager 2 was used to assess liver microcirculation, after which, all rats were sacrificed. Then, biochemical indicators in the blood and the ultrastructure of rat livers were evaluated. Protein expression related to the liver Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathway was assessed using Western blot analysis. Further, high-throughput screening of 29 related inflammatory factors in liver tissue was performed using a cytokine array.ResultsSLBZP supplementation reduced body weight, serum free fatty acid, and insulin resistance index (P < 0.05). It also ameliorated liver microcirculation and ultrastructural abnormalities. EchoMRI and micro-CT quantitative analyses showed that treatment with SLBZP reduced fat mass and visceral fat (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, SLBZP decreased the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway-related proteins and altered the expression levels of some inflammatory cytokines in liver tissues.ConclusionSLBZP can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and interleukin-1β release by suppressing LPS-induced TLR4 expression in rats with HFD-induced NAFLD. Thus, SLBZP may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory damage and associated diseases.     

Effects of Hominis placenta on LPS-induced cell toxicity in BV2 microglial cells

Ethonopharmacological relevance

Hominis placenta (HP) dried placenta extracted from pregnant women after delivery has been widely used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. HP has been reported to be effective to alleviate the arthritic symptoms by modulating the expression of inflammatory factors in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. However, the mechanism of action of HP is unknown. Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Activated microglia produce large amounts of toxic soluble factors, which can be responsible for the neurodegenerative disease. Chronic microglial activation leads to neuroinflammation, which contributes to neuronal dysfunction, injury and loss in these diseases. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is widely used for neuroinflammation caused by microglial activation of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and subsequent release of inflammatory or neurotoxic factors. In the present study, we investigated the effects and signaling pathway of HP in the LPS induced BV2 microglial cells.

Materials and method

BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with 50 μM HP for 2 h prior to 2 μg/ml LPS for 15 min. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The level of protein expression was analyzed by western blot. Immunofluorescence was performed with an anti-COX2 antibody in BV2 cells.

Results

HP decreased LPS-induced microglial cell death by 24% and inhibited LPS-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by 23% and p42/44MAP kinase (ERK) by 34% treatment of LPS. In addition, HP attenuated LPS-induced pro-inflammatory proteins such as iNOS and COX2 in microglial cells 34% and 28% respectively.

Conclusions

Our data shows that HP has a protective role against LPS stimulation through inhibition of MAPK signaling and suppression of inflammation caused by neurotoxin including LPS. These findings suggest that HP could be a potential therapeutic agent of neurodegenerative diseases which accompanied with microglial activation.     

Inhibitory Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Neuroinflammation Following Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Treatment in Mice

Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) is a major ingredient of ginseng and has a wide range of neuroprotection effects. Neuroinflammation is a feature of neurodegenerative conditions and is characterized by microglia activation and the expression of major inflammatory mediators. The present study investigated the modulatory effect of GRb1 on microglia activation, the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in the brain induced by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in C57BL/6 mice. Systemic LPS treatment induces immediate microglia activation in the brain. Based on this information, GRb1 was administered orally, at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, 1 h prior to the LPS (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) injection. At a dose of 20 mg/kg GRb1 attenuated Iba1 protein expression and morphological activation of microglia by LPS. GRb1 significantly reduced the upregulation of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 mRNA in the brain tissue at 4 h after LPS injection. In addition, the expression of COX‐2 mRNA and protein in the brain tissue were also attenuated at the 20 mg/kg dose of GRb1. These results indicate that GRb1 plays a modulatory role in microglia activation and neuroinflammation. This study shows that GRb1 attenuates microglia activation in the brain using an in vivo animal model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shenkang Injection protects against diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mice through enhancement of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and possible mechanisms of Shenkang Injection (SKI) on the diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced mice.MethodsSTZ with the feeding of high fat diet (HFD) was used to induce diabetic mice. The balb/c mice and diabetic mice were then randomly divided into five groups: (1) control group, (2) model group, (3) alprostadil (Alp, 1.5 μg/kg) group, (4) SKI (30 ml/kg) group, (5) Alp (1.5 μg/kg) + SKI (15 ml/kg) group. After six weeks' treatment, blood, urine and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical assay, ELISA assay, and pathological analysis.ResultsDiabetic mice exhibited evident manifestations of diabetic nephropathy (DN), as indicated by increased 24-h urine volume, urinary albumin and kidney weight index (P < 0.01), which could be attenuated by SKI treatment (P < 0.01). SKI was further found to improve abnormal morphology in glomerulus with increased glomerular volume and to decrease urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucpsaminidase (NAG), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and kidney injury molecules-1 (KIM-1) levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Plasma levels of anti-oxidant enzymes significantly reduced in the diabetic mice, and those decreases could be reversed by SKI and Alp treatments. Additionally, SKI obviously suppressed the diabetes-induced increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, SKI was found to effectively attenuate the diabetes-induced coagulation dysfunction, as evidenced by lengthening prothrombin and thrombin time, and decreasing plasma levels of fibrinogen (FIB), 6-K-PGF1α and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). With SKI and Alp combined treatment, the anti-oxidant activities and improvements of coagulation dysfunction were enhanced.ConclusionSKI possesses a remarkable property to prevent diabetic nephropathy. The improvements of kidney function and hypercoagulability by SKI were enhanced with Alp combined treatment. The molecular mechanisms underlying the protection of SKI against DN may be related to enhancing the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and improving the coagulation dysfunction.     

Hypercholesterolemia treated with medicinal pad-separated moxibustion: A randomized clinical trial隔药饼灸治疗高胆固醇血症-随机临床试验

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of medicinal pad-separated moxibustion for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the patients with hypercholesterolemia.DesignClinical randomized controlled trial with blinding for outcome assessors and statisticians.SettingDepartment of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Department of Physical examination of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and three community health centers adjacent to the Hospital and University, from July 2015 to December 2017.Patients60 patients with hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL-C).InterventionsThe therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) was provided in both groups.In the experiment group, medicinal pad-separated moxibustion was applied using two groups of acupoints (Group No.1: Jùquē [巨阙CV14], Tiānshū [天枢ST25] and Fēnglóng [丰隆ST40]). Group No.2: Xīnshū [心俞BL15], Gānshū [肝俞BL18] and Píshū [脾俞BL20]) alternatively for 3–5 times a week. In the control group, Simvastatin tablets were administered orally by the patients in accordance with instructions in the medication guides (10 mg/d).Main outcome measuresChange of LDL-C after 12 weeks of treatment compared with the baseline.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, LDL-C was reduced in both the medicinal pad-separated moxibustion group and the simvastatin group compared with that at baseline (both P < 0.05). The difference on change of LDL-C was not significant between groups (P > 0.05). At week 4 of follow-up, LDL-C was reduced compared with that at baseline in the medicinal pad-moxibustion group (P < 0.05), and the difference on change of LDL-C was significant between groups (P < 0.05). At week 12 of follow-up, the difference on change of LDL-C was not significant when compared with the baseline in each group (both P > 0.05) and between groups (P > 0.05). In comparison with values before treatment, the values of triglyceride (TC) and triacylglycerol(TG) were reduced in both groups (all P < 0.05), while value of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased in the medicinal pad-separated moxibustion group after 12 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). The change of TG and HDL-C values were significantly different between groups (both P < 0.05). At week 4 of follow-up, values of TC and TG were lower (both P < 0.05) and HDL-C was higher (P < 0.05) when compared with that at baseline in the medicinal pad-separated moxibustion group; and value of TC was lower and HDL-C higher in the medicinal pad-separated moxibustion group compared with that in the simvastatin group (both P < 0.05). At week 12 of follow-up, compared with that at baseline, all blood lipid outcomes were not significantly different either within (P > 0.05) or between groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionMedicinal pad-separated moxibustion could reduce LDL-C and increase HDL-C in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, these results need to be further verified by study with large sample size.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT02269046.     

艾灸对轻度认知障碍患者认知注意网络功能的影响

ObjectiveTo explore the effect differences between moxibustion and donepezil hydrochloride on the attention network function of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsA total of 64 patients of MCI were randomly divided into the moxibustion group and donepezil hydrochloride group, 32 cases in each one. On the basis of conventional treatment, the patients in the moxibustion group were given moxibustion, 6 times a week, and the patients in the donepezil hydrochloride group were given donepezil hydrochloride orally, 5 mg / day. The course of treatment was 60 days for both of the groups. Cognitive attention network function and activities of daily living (ADL) score were examined before and after treatment.ResultsThe differences of alerting reaction time (RT), executive control RT, overall mean RT and accuracy of the moxibustion group after treatment were significantly higher than those of the donepezil hydrochloride group [alert: (60.3 ± 3.3) ms vs (48.3 ± 3.7) ms, P < 0.05; executive control: (81.2 ± 3.2) ms vs (91.7 ± 4.2) ms, P < 0.05; total reaction time: (500.4 ± 17.2) ms vs (536.2 ± 20.1) ms, P < 0.05; accuracy: (83.7 ± 4.6)% vs (77.4 ± 4.3)%, P < 0.05]. After treatment, the ADL scores of the both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment [the moxibustion group: (56.47±4.02) points vs (41.53±4.06) points, P < 0.05; the donepezil hydrochloride group: (50.75±4.05) points vs (40.84±3.67) points, P < 0.05], and the ADL score of the moxibustion group was significantly higher than that of the donepezil hydrochloride group [(56.47±4.02) points vs (50.75±4.05) points, P < 0.05].ConclusionCompared with donepezil hydrochloride, moxibustion has a better effect on the cognitive function of MCI patients.     

Ethanol Extract of Magnolia officinalis Prevents Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Memory Deficiency via Its Antineuroinflammatory and Antiamyloidogenic Effects

Magnolia bark contains several compounds such as magnolol, honokiol, 4‐O‐methylhonokiol, obovatol, and other neolignan compounds. These compounds have been reported to have various beneficial effects in various diseases. There is sufficient possibility that ethanol extract of Magnolia officinalis is more effective in amyloidogenesis via synergism of these ingredients. Neuroinflammation has been known to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether the ethanol extract of M. officinalis (10 mg/ kg in 0.05% ethanol) prevents memory dysfunction and amyloidogenesis in AD mouse model by intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 250 µg/ kg/day for seven times) injection. We found that ethanol extract of M. officinalis prevented LPS‐induced memory deficiency as well as inhibited the LPS‐induced elevation of inflammatory proteins, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2, and activation of astrocytes and microglia. In particular, administration of M. officinalis ethanol extract inhibited LPS‐induced amyloidogenesis, which resulted in the inhibition of amyloid precursor protein, beta‐site amyloid‐precursor‐protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 and C99. Thus, this study shows that ethanol extract of M. officinalis prevents LPS‐induced memory impairment as well as amyloidogenesis via inhibition of neuroinflammation and suggests that ethanol extract of M. officinalis might be a useful intervention for neuroinflammation‐associated diseases such as AD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intervention of the Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction on immune imbalance in atopic dermatitis-like model mice

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of intervention on the immune imbalance of atopic dermatitis (AD) by studying the effects of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction (MLCD) on skin damage and inflammation factors in an AD-like mouse model.MethodsNinety-six male BALB/c mice were divided into normal, model, positive control (mometasone furoate), and traditional Chinese medicine treatment (MLCD) groups by a random number table. 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene was used to induce AD-like mice in all groups except the normal group. The treatment or intervention was administered for seven consecutive days on days 4, 18, 32, and 39. The mRNA relative expressions of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and the TSLP receptor (TSLPR) were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the serum immunoglobulin E, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsCompared with the normal group, the hematoxylin-eosin staining of the skin lesions of the mice in the model group was significantly thickened on days 11, 25, and 39. Compared with the model group, the epidermal thickness of the positive control group was significantly alleviated on day 39 (P < .001), and that of the MLCD group was significantly improved on days 25 and 39 (P < .001). Compared with the four observation time points, MLCD had the best treatment effect on day 39 of the experiment and significantly improved the skin damage performance and relieved pathological lesions. On day 39, compared with the model group, MLCD downregulated the skin mRNA relative expressions of IL-4 (P = .009), TSLP (P = .030), and TSLPR (P < .001), and reduced the mouse serum levels of IL-4 (P = .003). For other serum indicators, no significant difference was observed between the model and MLCD groups.ConclusionMLCD improved AD-like mice skin damage by regulating the Th1/Th2 immune imbalance.     

Effect of electroacupuncture on knee osteoarthritis and relevant inflammatory factors: A randomized clinical trial: 电针治疗膝骨关节炎以及对相关炎症因子水平的影响

ObjectiveTo explore the treatment effects of electroacupuncture (EA), acupuncture with filiform needle, and western medication for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).MethodsIt was a randomized, controlled trial with the blinding of outcome assessors and statistician. 90 outpatients were diagnosed as KOA in Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Using the random number table, they were divided into a medication group, an acupuncture group and an EA group, 30 cases in each one. In the medication group, routine medication was provided with oral administration of celebrex for 21 days. Regular acupuncture was applied in the remaining groups, at Liángqiū (梁丘ST34), Xuèh?i (血海SP10), Dúbí (犊鼻ST35), Nèixīy?n (内膝眼EX-LE4), Yánglíngquán (阳陵泉GB34), Hèd?ng (鹤顶EX-LE2) and Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP6) and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the EA group, electric stimulation with low-frequency pulse current and dense wave was applied for 30 min on the basis of the treatment of the acupuncture group. The treatment was applied once daily at 1-day intervals after each 6-day treatment for a total of 21 days. Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analogy scale (VAS) scores and levels of serum inflammatory factors (interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]) were used to assess the clinical therapeutic effect.ResultsFollowing treatment, there were significant differences in the WOMAC score in the medication, acupuncture, and EA groups after treatment (all P < 0.01). In the comparison among groups, after treatment, the WOMAC score in the EA group was lower than that in either the acupuncture or medication group (both P < 0.01). Compared to before treatment, VAS scores were significantly different in the medication group (3.95 ± 0.55 vs 5.75 ± 1.40), the acupuncture group (2.78 ± 0.38 vs 5.78 ± 1.44) and EA group (1.72 ± 0.38 vs 5.78 ± 1.39) separately after treatment (all P < 0.01). In the comparison among groups, after treatment, the VAS score in the EA group was lower than that in either the acupuncture or medication group (both P < 0.01). Compared to before treatment, IL-1β levels were significantly different in the medication group (31.53 ± 6.84 vs 63.33 ± 10.25), acupuncture group (31.70 ± 7.54 vs 63.90 ± 9.96) and the EA groups (23.43 ± 3.94 vs 63.10 ± 10.66) separately after treatment (all P < 0.01). IL-1β levels were significantly lower in the EA group than in the acupuncture and medication groups (both P < 0.01). Compared to before treatment, TNF-α levels were significantly different in the medication group (40.20 ± 6.09 vs 68.77 ± 11.13), the acupuncture group (39.60 ± 7.55 vs 68.33 ± 11.51) and the EA groups (22.17 ± 5.72 vs 68.97 ± 10.52) separately after treatment (all P < 0.01). TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the EA group than in the acupuncture and medication groups (both P < 0.01). After treatment, there were no significant differences in TNF-α and IL-1β levels between the acupuncture and medication groups (both P > 0.05). The total effective rates were 86.67% (26/30), 73.33% (22/30) and 70.00% (21/30) in the EA, acupuncture, and medication groups, respectively. The total effective rate was higher in the EA group than in either the acupuncture or medication group (both P < 0.05). In the whole process of trial, the adverse events occurred in three groups. In consideration of the potential association between these adverse events and acupuncture treatment, the acupuncture physiotherapists and experts classified the adverse events into the treatment relevance or non-treatment relevance within 24 h of occurrence.ConclusionAll three therapeutic methods alleviated clinical symptoms of KOA and reduced levels of relevant inflammatory factors in serum. EA with dense wave is more advantageous than the traditional acupuncture technique and routine medication and is therefore worthy of clinical application.     

Effect of pediatric tuina on hypothalamic metabolites in young rabbits using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometryOA

Objective: To investigate the changes in the hypothalamic metabolites of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) febrile young rabbits after the treatment with pediatric tuina.Methods: A total of 30 young rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: the normal group, the model group, and the tuina group. Both the model group and the tuina group were injected intravenously with LPS. “Six antipyretic manipulations”(pushing Tianmen, pushing Kangong, kneading Taiyang,kneading Erhougaogu, clearing Tianheshui, a...     

Tangshenping granule inhibits pyroptosis in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy via the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway

ObjectiveTo explore the inhibitory effect of Tangshenping (TSP) on pyroptosis in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) rat model.MethodsDN was established in Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were randomly divided into DN (model group), irbesartan, and TSP low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, besides the control group. The 24 h albuminuria content, and serum content of TC, TGs, Scr, IL-1β, UREA, LDLs, and IL-18 were assessed. Hematoxylin & eosin and Mallory staining were performed to examine pathological changes in the kidney. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, caspase 1, and GSDMD in the kidney were also examined.ResultsThe 24 h albuminuria content was obviously lower in the treatment groups compared to the model group (all P < .01). Levels of TC, TGs, Scr, UREA, LDLs, and IL-18 after drug interventions were obviously lower compared to the model group (all P < .05). The serum content of IL-1β in the TSP medium- and high-dose groups were much lower compared to the model group (P = .013 and P = .001, respectively). Through immunohistochemistry and western blotting, we observed that the protein expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 were lower after drug interventions compared to the model group (all P < .05). Using qPCR, we observed that the mRNA expressions of caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD after drug interventions were significantly lower compared to the model group (all P < .05). The mRNA expressions of NLRP3 in the TSP medium- and high-dose groups were both lower compared to the model group (all P < .05).ConclusionTSP downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. Our findings demonstrate that the beneficial effects of TSP on renal function are at least partly mediated by the inhibition of micro-inflammation and modulation of the expression of pyroptosis-related factors.     

通腑调神针法治疗便秘型肠易激综合征:随机对照试验（英文）

目的:观察通腑调神针法对便秘型肠易激综合征(const ipat ion-predominant irritable bowel syndrome,IBS-C)患者的便秘、焦虑、抑郁症状及血清神经肽Y (NPY)含量的影响。方法:将42例IBS-C患者随机分为通腑调神针刺组(针刺组)和枸橼酸莫沙必利药物组(药物组),每组21例。治疗过程中,药物组剔除1例,实际观察20例,针刺组实际观察21例。观察两组患者治疗前、治疗后、随访时(治疗后1个月)的便秘量表(CCS)评分、焦虑自评量表(SAS)评分和抑郁自评量表(SDS)评分,并比较两组患者治疗前、治疗后血清NPY含量变化。结果:(1)CCS总评分:治疗后,针刺组和药物组的CCS总评分分别为(4.76±2.10)分和(5.60±1.88)分,均低于各自本组治疗前,差异有统计学意义(both P<0.05),而针刺组和药物组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访时,针刺组和药物组的CCS总评分分别为(4.19±1.69)分和(6.35±2.06)分,药物组高于本组治疗后(P<0.05),而针刺组和药物组比较,差异无统计...     

Chinese herbal medicine for chronic heart failure: a multicenter,randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients according to syndrome differentiation.MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 220 CHF patients were assigned to receive CHM or placebo granules without decoction according to syndrome differentiation in addition to their standard western treatment for 4 weeks. The change in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was the primary outcome, and the changes in the TCM syndrome scores (TCM-SS) and New York Heart Association functional classification (NYHA-FC) were the secondary outcomes.ResultsAfter 4 weeks of treatment, the mean changes in the LVEF (13.1 ± 9.78 vs. 7.34 ± 7.40, P < 0.001) and the TCM syndrome scores (−34.2 ± 24.6 vs. −23.5 ± 25.2, P = 0.002) were better in the CHM group than in the placebo group. After two weeks of treatment, the mean changes in the LVEF (9.26 ± 7.83 vs. 4.72 ± 5.60, P < 0.001) and the TCM syndrome scores (−23.5 ± 18.6 vs. −14.0 ± 15.9, P < 0.001) were better in the CHM group than in the placebo group. In addition, repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant time course effects of CHM versus placebo in the LVEF and TCM syndrome cores (P < 0.001 for all). The distention of the jugular vein (P = 0.021), expectoration (P = 0.044), abdominal distention (P = 0.004), and rib pain (P = 0.005) were significantly less in the CHM group than in the placebo group after two weeks of treatment. Fatigue (P = 0.001), less gas and lazy words (P = 0.001), dizziness (P = 0.003), gasping for breath (P = 0.027), abdominal distention (P = 0.011), nausea (P = 0.001) and emesis (P = 0.012) were significantly less in the CHM group than in the placebo group after treatment for four weeks. After four weeks of treatment, the change in the NYHA functional classification in the CHM group was better than that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). There was one death in the placebo group, and one patient in the CHM group experienced atrial fibrillation.ConclusionCHM treatment according to syndrome differentiation effectively improved the LVEF, TCM-SS, and NYHA-FC in patients with CHF and also appeared to be safe. Thus, CHM treatment could be used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of CHF (Clinical trial registration: NCT01939236).     

Integrated network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the mechanism of Sangqi Qingxuan formula against hypertensive vascular remodelingOA

Objective: To investigate the bioactive components of Sangqi Qingxuan formula(SQQX), predict the pharmacological targets, and explore the mechanism of hypertensive vascular remodeling(HVR).Methods: Network pharmacology was adopted to predict how SQQX acts in HVR. The effectiveness was assessed by blood pressure measurements and pathological morphology observation based on a spontaneously hypertensive rat model, while the mechanism of SQQX on HVR was validated by immunohistochemistry(IHC) and wes...