Matrine,oxymatrine, and compound Kushen injection from the roots of Sophora flavescens: an overview of their anticancer activities

In the present review, we updated current information on the chemistry, contents, and anticancer properties of matrine (MT), oxymatrine (OMT), and compound Kushen injection (CKI). The anticancer properties were focused on lung, breast, and liver cancer cells because they are most susceptible. Sources of information were from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, PubChem, J-Stage, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Reference was also made on botanical websites, such as Flora of China and World Flora Online. MT and OMT are dominant quinolizidine alkaloids from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Kushen) of the family Fabaceae. Against lung, breast, and liver cancer cells, MT and OMT inhibit cell proliferation; induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy; restrict angiogenesis; and inhibit cell metastasis, invasion, and migration. The processes involve various molecular targets and signaling pathways. CKI is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) composed of root extracts of S. flavescens and Smilax glabra (Baituling) of the family Smilacaceae. With MT and OMT as major components, CKI has been approved for the treatment of cancer in China more than 20 years ago. In recent years, systematic reviews and meta-analysis have been undertaken to evaluate the anticancer effects of CKI. When CKI is used alone and in combination with chemotherapy of western medicine, there is much to be learned concerning their interactions besides their individual and integrated efficacy. Some perspectives of MT, OMT, and CKI are discussed, and their suggestions for future research are provided.     

Review of clinical characteristics,immune responses and regulatory mechanisms of hepatitis E-associated liver failure

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute liver failure (LF) and one of the most common factors causing acute injury in acute-on-chronic LF (ACLF). When HEV-related LF occurs, a series of changes take place in both the intrahepatic environment and extrahepatic microenvironment. The changed types and distribution of immune cells (infiltrating macrophages and increased lymphocytes) in liver tissue, as well the increased proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the blood, indicate that the occurrence and progression of HEV-related LF are closely related to immune imbalance. The clinical features and immune reaction in the body during HEV-related acute LF (ALF) and ACLF are complicated. This review highlights recent progress in elucidating the clinical manifestations of HEV-associated ALF and ACLF and discusses the corresponding systemic immune changes and possible regulatory mechanisms.     

肝段或肝叶切除术对肝内胆管结石再次手术效果的影响

目的对比不同术式对肝内胆管结石再次手术效果，探讨肝段或肝叶切除术的优势。 方法回顾性分析2011年8月至2014年8月收治的79例肝内胆管结石再次手术患者资料，依据术式不同分为肝段(叶)切除术组(甲组，n＝38)和非肝段(叶)切除术组(乙组，n＝41)两组。应用SPSS 19.0软件对所有临床数据进行统计学分析，手术相关指标等以( ±s)的形式表示，组间比较采用独立t检验；术后并发症发生情况及预后情况等计数资料以例(%)的形式表示，采用χ²检验；P<0.05差异有统计学意义。 结果两组患者术中出血量、手术时间及术后住院时间相比，差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)；甲组患者的术后并发症发生率5.3%(2/38)显著低于乙组22.0%(9/41)(P<0.05)；甲组残留结石发生率、症状复发率2.6%(1/38)、 0(0/41)均显著低于乙组17.1%(7/41)、 12.2%(5/41)(P<0.05)，差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)；但两组患者的病死率2.6%(1/38)和0(0/41)相比，差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论肝段(叶)切除术能够有效改善肝内胆管结石再次手术效果，值得推广。     

难治性胃食管反流病临证研究

难治性胃食管反流病是临床疑难病,症状反复,缠绵难愈,治疗棘手。中医药治疗“反酸”“吞酸”证历久源远,充分挖掘古籍,深研病机,提炼治法,发挥中医药特色,对治疗本病意义深远。