Treatment of 62 cases of infantile diarrhea by tuina

目的：观察推拿治疗婴幼儿腹泻的临床疗效。方法：将62例婴儿腹泻患者按照中医辨证分为5型,即伤食型、风寒型、湿热型、脾虚型和脾肾阳虚型,分别给予分手阴阳、揉总筋、推脾土,运外八卦、摩腹、按足三里、揉龟尾、捏脊等推拿手法治疗,每日一次。结果：共治疗62例患者,最短治疗3次,最长治疗30次,治愈35例,显效21例,有效6例。结论：小儿推拿疗法治疗婴幼儿腹泻有较好效果。     

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。     

Clinical Observation on Treatment of Infantile Diarrhea by Tuina ann Medications

目的：观察推拿结合药物治疗婴幼儿轮状病毒感染性腹泻的临床疗效。方法：将确认的55例患儿按就诊先后随机分为2组。药物组30例，采用静脉滴注利巴韦林、口服思密达治疗；推拿加药物组25例，进行补脾经、清大肠、顺时针摩腹揉脐、推上七节骨、揉龟尾、捏脊等推拿手法治疗。并配合与药物组相同的药物治疗。结果：推拿加药物组总有效率96％，与药物组相比，P〈0．01。结论：推拿对治疗轮状病毒感染的婴幼儿腹泻具有良好的治疗效果，对于缩短病程、提高疗效、降低医疗费具有重要意义。     

Effects of Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction drug serum on gastric antrum smooth muscle cells from rats with functional dyspepsia by regulating gastrointestinal hormones

ObjectiveTo observe the effect and mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction (XSLJZD) drug serum on gastric antrum smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD).MethodsGastric antrum SMCs from rats with FD were isolated, cultured, and then divided into six groups as follows: control, model, domperidone, low-dose XSLJZD (LXSLJZD), medium-dose XSLJZD (MXSLJZD), and high-dose XSLJZD (HXSLJZD). Each group was administered the corresponding drug serum for intervention. Drug serum intervention conditions and proliferative activity of SMCs were tested by cholecystokinin octapeptide. Ghrelin, gastrin, somatostatin, and substance P (SP) levels were measured by ELISA. Somatostatin and SP mRNA expression was measured by real-time PCR.ResultsA concentration of 10% drug serum for 24 h was decided to be the best intervention condition for later study. The mean optical density value in the model group was lower than that in the control group (P = .001). Optical density values in the domperidone and HXSLJZD groups were higher than those in the model group (P = .025, P = .032, respectively). Gastrin, SP, and ghrelin levels in the model group were lower (P = .007, P = .037, P = .005, respectively), but somatostatin levels were higher, compared with those in the control group (P = .031). Gastrin, SP, and ghrelin levels in the domperidone, MXSLJZD, and HXSLJZD groups were higher than those in the model group (all P<.05). Somatostatin levels in the four drug-treated groups were lower than those in the model group (P = .002, P = .007, P = .001, P = .009, respectively). SP mRNA levels in the model group were lower than those in the control, domperidone, MXSLJZD, and HXSLJZD groups (P = .037 P = .016, P = .025, P = .002, respectively). Somatostatin mRNA levels in the model group were higher than those in the control and MXSLJZD groups (P = .042, P = .035).ConclusionsXSLJZD and domperidone drug serum effectively promote proliferative activity of gastric antrum SMCs in an FD model. The mechanism of this activity may be regulated by gastrointestinal hormones.     

Seasonal photoperiodic influence of pineal melatonin on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor in male ratsOA

Background: Based on the effect of seasonal changes on human visceral function, this study investigated the impact of seasonal photoperiod of the pineal body on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor in rats, aiming to reveal the mechanism by which pineal gland melatonin regulates the seasonal secretion of hippocampal neurotransmitters.Methods: Vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, and winter solstice were selected as four experimental time points, and rats were rand...     

光叶娃儿藤解热抗炎作用实验研究

目的:观察光叶娃儿藤的解热和抗炎作用.方法:SD大鼠随机分为生理盐水对照组,阿司匹林组(0.1 g·kg-1),光叶娃儿藤低、中、高剂量组(6,12,24 g·kg-1).分别采用酵母混悬液复制大鼠发热模型和角叉菜胶致大鼠足趾肿胀法,观察光叶娃儿藤的解热和抗炎作用,同时紫外分光光度法测定大鼠角叉菜胶致炎足渗出物中的前列腺素E2(PGE2)的含量.结果:与生理盐水组比较,光叶娃儿藤中、高剂量组(12,24 g·kg-1)能显著降低酵母菌致大鼠发热模型的体温(P＜0.05),并能显著抑制角叉菜胶致大鼠的足肿胀度(P＜0.05)和足组织中的前列腺素E2(PGE2)的合成(P＜0.05).结论:光叶娃儿藤具有明显的解热和抗炎作用,其机制可能与抑制PGE2等炎症介质合成有关.     

Ganjiang granule regulates cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in a rat model of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Ganjiang granule (GG) on cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in rats with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS–C).MethodsTwenty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, model, GG, and probiotics. Rats in the model, GG, and probiotics groups received 3 °C tap water intragastrically; rats in the GG group were treated with GG; rats in the probiotics group were treated with probiotics. For all rats, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetry were used to assess serum biochemical components related to gastrointestinal function; 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the cecal microflora.ResultsThe serum level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT) was higher in the model group than in the control group (Z = −2.082, P = .037). The model group exhibited changes in cecal microflora: the relative abundances of Lactobacillus decreased (Z = −2.882, P = .004) and Dorea increased (t = −3.030, P = .023), compared with the control group. The GG and probiotics groups exhibited normal serum levels of 5-HT. The GG and probiotics groups exhibited improved serum levels of gastrin; the probiotics group exhibited an improved serum level of vasoactive intestinal peptide. Compared with the model group, The GG group exhibited greater relative abundance of Ruminococcus (Z = −2.402, P = .016); the probiotics group exhibited greater relative abundance of SMB53 (Z = −2.823, P = .005) and lower relative abundances of Desulfovibrio (Z = −2.823, P = .005) and Facklamia (Z = −2.608, P = .009).ConclusionThe effects of GG on IBS-C may be related to regulation of the serum level of 5-HT, as well as elevated relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in cecal microflora.     

九头狮子草有效部位解热作用及其作用机制研究

目的:比较九头狮子草水提液,石油醚部位及水部位解热作用的差异,初步探讨石油醚部位的解热作用机制。方法:雄性SD大鼠,经筛选后随机分为正常对照组、模型对照组、石油醚组、水部位组和水提组(不同极性部分的剂量设定以水提物的大鼠剂量为基础,结合各个部位得膏率,按相同生药量8 g.kg-1换算成各极性部位剂量),采用干酵母皮下注射方法制备发热模型,于模型制备后5 h,分别ip石油醚部位(0.4 g.kg-1)、水部位(1.4 g.kg-1)、水提液(8 g.kg-1)后分别于各个时间点监测直肠温度,比较三者作用的差异性;采用放射免疫法测定大鼠血清白介素-1(IL-1)、白介素-6(IL-6)及下丘脑内环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)、前列腺素E2(PGE2)含量。结果:九头狮子草水提液,石油醚部位及水部位均能降低发热模型大鼠体温,三者对体温指数(TRI9)的影响分别为:(10.24±0.83),(10.08±0.47),(8.23±0.64)cm2,与模型组比较,差异具有显著性(P<0.05);放射免疫结果显示,石油醚组血清IL-6含量,下丘脑cAMP,PGE2含量低于模型组,其差异具有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:九头狮子草水提液,石油醚部位及水部位均具有解热作用,石油醚部位及水部位解热作用强于九头狮子草水提液;石油醚部位的解热作用可能是通过抑制IL-6的生成进而阻断PGE2,cAMP等中枢发热介质,或直接对抗IL-6的作用而发挥解热作用。     

石膏剂量变化对麻杏石甘汤解热效应的量效关系研究

目的: 探讨麻杏石甘汤中石膏剂量与解热作用的量效关系。 方法: 以麻杏石甘汤原方用量为基础,维持方中麻黄、苦杏仁和炙甘草药量不变,仅改变方中石膏用量,另设麻杏石甘汤去石膏方。采用尾静脉注射脂多糖（LPS）造模,造模后每0.5 h记录1次体温,统计结果并计算出体温反应指数（TRI）;测定造模后6.0 h血浆前列腺素E₂（PGE₂）含量。 结果: 石膏用量变化的麻杏石甘汤及其去石膏方均能够降低LPS致热大鼠体温,同时降低血浆PGE₂水平。与无石膏方比较,石膏加入方中后,各组在降低大鼠体温、降低血浆PGE₂水平方面均有显著性意义（P<0.05,P<0.01）。半数有效量EC₅₀ 2.785 g·kg^-1;治疗窗为[D]₂₀~ [D]₈₀ 2.218~3.497 g·kg^-1;阈剂量 2.218 g·kg^-1。 结论: 麻杏石甘汤去石膏方具有弱的解热作用可能与汤剂中含有的甘草甜素、苦杏仁苷及麻黄的作用有关。当石膏加入方中,解热效应迅速增强,并在一定的剂量范围内达到最大效应,即使再增大石膏用量,解热效应持续维持在最大效应。     

Hemostatic mechanism of the effect of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue decoction on vascular factors in immune thrombocytopenia model miceOA

Objective: To explore the hemostatic mechanism of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue decoction(JYSD) by regulating vascular factors in an immune thrombocytopenia(ITP) mouse model.Methods: An ITP mouse model was established by the passive-immune modeling method, and interventional drugs used were prednisone tablets and JYSD. The platelet count; vascular activity-related factors v WF, VCAM-1, and TM; and VEGF and b FGF were used as observational indicators.Results: On the 8th day of administration, compared with ...     

配伍剂量变化对麻杏石甘汤解热作用的影响

目的：探讨麻杏石甘汤配伍对其解热作用的影响。方法：利用混料均匀设计,以麻黄（X1）、苦杏仁（X2）、炙甘草（X3）和石膏（X4）4个组分设计4因素12水平的麻杏石甘汤配比实验。将SD健康雄性大鼠随机分为15组,分别为麻杏石甘汤配比N1~N12组、临床常用方组、模型组、空白组。采用尾静脉注射脂多糖（LPS）造模,造模后每0.5 h记录1次体温,计算体温反应指数（TRI）;测定造模后6.0 h血浆前列腺素E₂（PGE₂）含量;对结果进行二次多项式回归分析。结果：各配伍组与模型组比较,均能不同程度的抑制LPS诱导的大鼠发热,具有极显著性意义（P<0.01）;经麻杏石甘汤干预后,血浆PGE₂有不同程度的下降;经麻杏石甘汤干预后,TRI有不同程度的下降。回归分析的结果表明,影响TRI的因素为石膏>麻黄>苦杏仁与炙甘草的交互作用。麻黄与体温反应指数为负相关。结论：4因素12水平的混料均匀设计实验结果表明：对于疗热,方中石膏为君药,最佳配比剂量为麻黄0.6 g,苦杏仁7.5 g,甘草7.5 g,石膏26.4 g。     

Cardioprotective effect of Yiqi Huoxue granule through regulation of mitophagy after myocardial infarction in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the cardioprotective effect of Yiqi Huoxue granule (YQHXG) in the regulation of autophagy in rats induced with myocardial infarction (MI).MethodsAn acute MI animal model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in Sprague-Dawley rats. Besides, 20 rats received sham operation were classified into a control group. The remaining 59 rats were randomly divided into MI model group (n = 19), YQHXG group (n = 20), and perindopril group (n = 20). Relevant indicators on days 7 and 28 were observed in each group. Left ventricular function was determined by echocardiography. The structure and morphology of mitochondria, and the number of autophagic vesicles, were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3, FUNDC1, Beclin-1, and BNIP3 were examined in the tissue of the MI marginal area.ResultsCompared with the MI model group, YQHXG showed obvious improvements in cardiac functions. Observing the microscopic morphology of the heart tissue, myocardial tissue damage attenuated, autophagic signs of autophagosomes and autolysosomes reduced, vacuolization in mitochondria mitigated, and mitochondria arranged in order. YQHXG could reduce the degree of tissue lesion after MI and regulate the expression of autophagy-related molecules at different stages. On Day 7, YQHXG significantly downregulated the expression of Fundc1, Becn1, Bnip3 mRNA and reduced the levels of FUNDC1, Beclin-1, BNIP3, and LC3 B proteins expression (all P < .001). On Day 28, YQHXG could upregulate the expression of Becn1, Fundc1 and Bnip3 mRNA and increased the levels of the corresponding proteins expression (all P < .001). Besides, it also increased LC3 B protein expression level (P = .0344).ConclusionYQHXG regulated the expression of mitochondrial autophagy-related factors in myocardial tissue and mitochondrial autophagic activity at different stages to protect the heart following MI.     

Correlation of gut microbiota and neurotransmitters in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of gut microbiota on a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and explore the correlation of gut microbiota with behavior and neurotransmitters.MethodsWe established a single prolonged stress (SPS) model to examine the pathogenesis of PTSD on rat behavior, gut microbiota, and neurotransmitter levels. Rats were separated into control and model groups, and neurotransmitter levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Then, 16 S rRNA sequencing was used to compare the gut microbiota between the control and model groups.ResultsCompared with those in the control group, freezing time significantly increased, while number of standing upright, crossing frequency, time spent in the central arena, and total distance traveled were significantly reduced in the model group after exposure to SPS (all P < .05). Meanwhile, serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, levels in the brain in the model group were significantly lower than those the control group (P = .0332). In addition, changes were observed in the gut microbiota diversity and relative abundances of bacterial phyla, orders, families, and genera in the model group. Especially, changes in Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria levels were most pronounced after SPS exposure. Correlation analysis showed that the strongest positive correlation was found between Bacteroidaceae and 5-HT (P = .0009). Moreover, RF32 abundance was the most negatively related to 5-HT (P = .0009), crossing frequency (P = .0007), and total distance (P = .0003).ConclusionOur results suggest that SPS model rats showed differences in behavior, neurotransmitter levels, and gut microbiota with control rats. Moreover, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria were most relevant to the exhibited fear-like and anxiety-like behaviors and significant serotonin content reduction in SPS model rats.     

Tea polyphenols inhibit the growth and angiogenesis of breast cancer xenografts in a mouse model

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of tea polyphenols (TP_S) on breast cancer and normal tissues in a mouse model.MethodsBreast cancer was successfully implanted into 48 BALB/c mice, which were then randomly divided into a TP oral gavage group, a TP local injection group, a ginsenoside Rg3 group, and a model control group according to a random number table. The tumor inhibitory rates of each group were calculated, while microvessel density (MVD) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-2) were detected by immunohistochemistry.ResultsTPs could inhibit the growth of breast cancer xenografts in the mouse model. The tumor inhibition rates of the TP oral gavage and TP local injection groups were 37.43% and 40.94%, respectively. Compared with the model control group, MVD and VEGF and bFGF expression was downregulated (all P < .05), whereas TIMP-2 expression was elevated in the TP oral gavage and TP local injection groups (P = .015 and P = .032). TPs showed no significant effect on MVD and VEGF and TIMP-2 expression in the heart, brain, and kidney of the mouse model.ConclusionTPs can restrict the growth of breast cancer by specifically inhibiting the angiogenesis of breast tumor tissue while having little effect on the normal tissue of important organs including the heart, brain, and kidney.     

Hewei Jiangni granule alleviates visceral hypersensitivity in a rat model of non-erosive reflux disease via transient receptor potential channel signaling

ObjectiveTo uncover the underlying mechanism of Hewei Jiangni granule (HWJNG) on non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) treatment by examining histological changes, gastrointestinal neurochemicals release and visceral hypersensitivity-related receptor expression in NERD model rats.MethodsA NERD rat model was established via a combination of basal sensitization and acid perfusion. HWJNG treatments at different doses were then administered. Pathological changes to tissues, mast cell (MC) activation, serum levels of esophageal visceral hypersensitivity-related neurochemicals, and transient receptor potential (TRP) receptor mRNA and protein levels were investigated.ResultsCompared with the control group, the expression of tryptase in MCs, the changes of intercellular space, and the serum levels of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) and proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) increased in the model group (all P < .05). The expression of TRP vanilloid 1 (Trpv1) mRNA decreased in esophagus and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the model group (P = .030 & P = .013), and the expression of TRP melastatin channel subfamily member 8 (Trpm8) mRNA decreased in the esophagus of model group (P < .01). The level of esophageal TRPV1 protein increased in the model group (P < .01) and the level of TRPM8 protein decreased in esophagus and DRG of the model group (both P < .05). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of SP, CGRP, and PAR2 in the medium-dose HWJNG group showed significant decreases (all P < .05). The expression of Trpv1 mRNA in esophagus and DRG of the HWJNG groups and the Omeprazole group remarkably decreased (all P < .05), as was the expression of Trpm8 mRNA in esophagus of the HWJNG groups (all P < .05).ConclusionHWJNG alleviated visceral hypersensitivity in NERD model rats by regulating TRP-mediated signaling. Our results indicate that HWJNG has potential as a therapeutic agent for NERD.     

Effects of a combination of Japanese Raisin Tree Seed and Flower of Lobed Kudzuvine against acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice

ObjectiveThe Flower of Lobed Kudzuvine [Pueraria lobata (Willd.)Ohwi; Gehua in Chinese; GH] and Japanese Raisin Tree Seed (Hovenia dulcis Thunnb.; Zhijuzi in Chinese; ZJZ) are herbs that have been used in China for the treatment of alcohol intoxication and liver diseases. We aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of a combination of these in mice with acute alcohol-induced liver injury, and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.MethodsMale ICR mice were randomly allocated to six groups: a control group, an alcohol-administered group, and groups that were administered alcohol and one of silibinin, the GH, the ZJZ or a GH-ZJZ combination (at a ratio of 2:1). Animals were orally administered 56% alcohol (Er Guo-tou white spirit, 0.12 mL/10 g/d) for 10 days and at the end of this period, hepatic biochemical indicators, antioxidant parameters, alcohol metabolic enzymes, and histopathologic changes were evaluated. Moreover, the expression of the signaling molecules KEAP1, NRF2, and AQP9 were measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting.ResultsCompared with the model group, GH-ZJZ (2:1) had lower serum ALT (12.15 ± 0.39, P = .003), AST (104.07 ± 1.03, P = .001), and ALP (148.09 ± 2.55, P = .010) activities, and lower TC (1.97 ± 0.05, P = .001) and TG (1.54 ± 0.07, P = .002) concentrations. GH-ZJZ (2:1) also significantly increased the hepatic activities of SOD and GSH (4.24 ± 0.25 and 1.57 ± 0.06, respectively; both P < .01), reduced the ROS and MDA concentrations (97.50 ± 3.00 and 2.39 ± 0.19, respectively; both P < .01), and upregulated Nrf2 expression (P < .01). GH-ZJZ (2:1) significantly reduced the expression of KEAP1 and AQP9 in the liver, compared with alcohol-administered mice (P < .01). Importantly, the GH-ZJZ combination caused a more marked improvement in acute liver injury than GH or ZJZ alone.ConclusionWe have demonstrated protective effects of GH-ZJZ (2:1) against acute alcohol-induced hepatic injury, and shown that these effects may be associated with improvements in lipid and alcohol metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation.     

Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules reduce atherogenesis and promote the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in rabbit atherosclerotic plaque macrophages and the liver

ObjectiveATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is an integral membrane protein that plays a key role in cellular lipid metabolism, preventing the accumulation of lipids that contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules are a Chinese herbal compound that is capable of treating atherosclerosis. This study was designed to explore the potential pharmacological mechanism by which Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules protect against atherosclerosis.MethodsForty-nine male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into seven groups: normal control group, normal diet; model groups 1 and 2: balloon injury and high-fat diet for 6 or 12 weeks; statin groups 1 and 2: balloon injury and high-fat diet plus atorvastatin for 6 or 12 weeks; and Chinese herb groups 1 and 2: balloon injury and high-fat diet plus Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules for 6 or12 weeks. The granules were administered at a dose of 1.14 g/kg/d, with atorvastatin (1.14 mg/kg/d) serving as positive control. Serum lipid profiles and liver function indices were measured. Atherogenesis was viewed after H&E staining and quantified by thickened intimal area percentage and maximal intimal thickness percentage. The ABCA1 protein expression in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages of the common carotid arteries (CCA), thoracic aortae (TA), and liver tissues were observed by immunohistochemical staining and evaluated using mean optical density (OD) value in macrophages and ABCA1-positive hepatocyte number.ResultsCompared with model group 1 at week 6, Chinese herb group 1 and statin group 1 displayed significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.027, 0.012) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.039, 0.028) levels, as well as marked increases in ABCA1-positive hepatocyte numbers (P all <0.001), and only statin group 1 displayed a markedly reduced maximal intimal thickness percentage in the CCA (P = 0.018). Compared with model group 2 at week 12, Chinese herb group 2 and statin group 2 all presented significant reductions in TC (P = 0.011, 0.003), LDL-C (P = 0.017, 0.010) and thickened intimal area percentage in the CCA (P = 0.001, 0.022), as well as prominent increases in the ABCA1 OD value of both the CCA (P = 0.001, 0.039) and TA (P = 0.001, 0.025) and positive hepatocyte number (P all <0.001). Chinese herb group 2 had a markedly reduced maximal intimal thickness percentage compared with model group 2 (P = 0.006) and a higher positive hepatocytes number than statin group 2 (P = 0.001).ConclusionsTiaozhi Tongmai Granules appear to have an anti-atherogenic effect that is most likely mediated by simultaneously upregulating the protein expression of ABCA1 in rabbit atherosclerotic plaque macrophages and in the liver.     

Clinical observation on treatment of endometriosis with acupuncture plus herbs

目的:比较针药并用与西药达那唑治疗子宫内膜异位症(EMT)的临床疗效.方法:将78例患者随机分为针药并用治疗组(n=40)和西药对照组(n=38),观察治疗后两组患者临床症状、体征、血清CA125值、血清β-EP含量、PGE2、PGF2α的变化以及药物的不良反应.结果:两组总疗效相似,但治疗组在腰骶痛、肛门坠胀、月经不调、不孕等症状的改善方面显著优于对照组(P＜0.05),且治疗组治疗后血清CA125值较治疗前显著降低,血清β-EP含量显著升高,PGE2、PGF2α显著降低(P＜0.05).结论:针药并用治疗EMT临床疗效显著,其不良反应明显低于西药组.     

Calcarea carbonica treatment rescues lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in human mononuclear cells via downregulation of inducible cyclooxygenase pathway

ObjectiveProlonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with severe side effects and toxicity. Therefore, we studied the anti-inflammatory role of Calcarea carbonica which had minimal toxicity at the low doses.MethodsTHP-1 human mononuclear cells were treated with C. carbonica to evaluate the 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC₅₀) and 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀). Cell survival was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated C. carbonica-treated cells. Nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of C. carbonica. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression was determined by Western blotting analysis, and the interaction of C. carbonica with the COX-2 protein was evaluated using molecular docking simulation.ResultsThe CC₅₀ and EC₅₀ of C. carbonica were found to be 43.26 and 11.99 µg/mL, respectively. The cell survival assay showed a 1.192-fold (P = 0.0129), 1.443-fold (P = 0.0009) and 1.605-fold (P = 0.0004) increase in cell survival at 24, 48 and 72 h after initiating C. carbonica treatment, respectively. C. carbonica-treated cells showed a reduction in NO levels by 2.355 folds (P = 0.0001), 2.181 folds (P = 0.0001) and 2.071 folds (P = 0.0001) at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The treated cells also showed a reduction in TNF-α levels by 1.395 folds (P = 0.0013), 1.541 folds (P = 0.0005) and 1.550 folds (P = 0.0005) at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. In addition, a 1.193-fold reduction (P = 0.0126) in COX-2 protein expression was found in C. carbonica-treated cells. The molecular docking showed interaction of C. carbonica with the phenylalanine 367 residue present in active site of Cox-2.ConclusionC. carbonica exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells by significantly reducing NO production and TNF-α level through downregulation of the COX-2 protein. This effect is probably mediated through interaction of C. carbonica with the phenylalanine 367 residue present in active site of Cox-2.     

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.