{"title":"Effects of Xinfeng capsule on the Fas/FasL-mediated apoptotic pathway in patients with rheumatoid arthritis","authors":"Sun Yue , Liu Jian , Cao Yonghe","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30893-8","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30893-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To observe the effects of Xinfeng capsule on the apoptosis of peripheral blood CD4 + T lymphocytes and changes in the Fas/FasL-mediated apoptotic pathway in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>A total of 28 RA patients were included in the study; they were randomly divided into the Xinfeng capsule (XFC) group (3 capsules, 3 per day) and the leflunomide (LEF) group (1 pellet, once per night). The treatment course in each groups was 12 weeks. The normal control (NC) group consisted of 10 healthy people. The apoptotic rate was examined using flow cytometry. Fas, FasL, caspase 8, caspase 3, bcl-2, and bax mRNA were examined using qRT-PCR. Apoptotic proteins Fas, FasL, caspase 8, and caspase 3 were examined using western blotting.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>After treatment, patients in the two groups all showed some trend of improvement. Disease activity indexes, joint morning stiffness time, joint swelling/tenderness number, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score, RA quality of life (RAQOL) questionnaire, and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), as well as all apoptotic related indicators were reduced in both groups after treatment with no significant difference between groups. But the improvement in terms of the self-rating depression scale (SDS) in the XFC group was better than in the LEF group. RA patients showed lower apoptotic rates in CD4+ T cells, lower bax, Fas, caspase 8, and caspase 3 mRNA, and less protein expression of Fas, caspase 8, and caspase 3 than in the NC group. These indicators increased after treatment. However, the level of Bcl-2 mRNA was higher in the XFC group than in the NC group before treatment, and it subsequently decreased. The XFC group expressed lower Bcl-2 mRNA than the LEF group. Negative correlations were found between ESR and the apoptotic rate in CD4+ T cells, Fas, and caspase 3; CRP and Fas; and, swollen joint count and Bax, while positive correlations were found between ESR and Bcl-2.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>XFC can regulate the Fas/FasL system and promote CD4+ T cell apoptosis and thus reduce the abnormal immune response, which can improve symptoms in RA patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 601-609"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30893-8","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44656279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yan Bin , Wang Jingbo , Zhang Hong , Tian Guoqing , Liu Yuqin
{"title":"Effect of icariin on apoptosis in hippocampal neurons cultured in high glucose","authors":"Yan Bin , Wang Jingbo , Zhang Hong , Tian Guoqing , Liu Yuqin","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30887-2","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30887-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To investigate effect of icariin on apoptosis in hippocampal neurons cultured in high glucose, and the possible mechanism behind the action.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>Hippocampus was obtained from newborn 24 h Sprague-Dawley rats and then primarily cultured. Then hippocampal neurons were divided into normal control group, high glucose group, icariin group, icariin + protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor group and Akt agonist group. After each group was cultured in different conditioned medium for 72 h, we detected the apoptosis of neurons with flow cytometry, and the expression of Akt, p-Akt, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) with western blot.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>Compared with the normal control group, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons increased significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.01), and p-Akt/Akt and Bcl-2/Bax decreased significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.01) in high glucose group. Compared with the high glucose group, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons decreased significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.01), and p-Akt/Akt and Bcl-2/Bax increased significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in icariin group and Akt agonist group. Compared with the icariin + Akt inhibitor group, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons decreased significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.01), and p-Akt/Akt and Bcl-2/Bax increased significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.01) in icariin group.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>Icariin could reduce the apoptosis of neurons cultured in high glucose, which may be achieved by increasing the phosphorylation of Akt protein in Akt signal pathway, then increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and inhibiting the expression of Bax.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 556-561"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30887-2","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42308157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cao Shan , Zhang Wenhao , Zhao Ziwei , Heng Mingli , Bu Huaien , Wang Hongwu , Liu Xinghui , Wang Zhong , Cai Yan , Ma Yuyan , Cui Shihong , Deng Jihong , Ding Guifeng , Ding Yajuan , Dong Linhong , Duan Zhentao , Fan Ling , Fan Yang , Fu Fen , He Jing , Zhou Jian
{"title":"Post-marketing safety surveillance and reevaluation of Motherwort injection: A clinical study of 10 094 cases","authors":"Cao Shan , Zhang Wenhao , Zhao Ziwei , Heng Mingli , Bu Huaien , Wang Hongwu , Liu Xinghui , Wang Zhong , Cai Yan , Ma Yuyan , Cui Shihong , Deng Jihong , Ding Guifeng , Ding Yajuan , Dong Linhong , Duan Zhentao , Fan Ling , Fan Yang , Fu Fen , He Jing , Zhou Jian","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30896-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30896-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To investigate the safety profiles of Motherwort injection (MI).</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>A multi-center, prospective and drug-derived hospital intensive monitoring method was conducted to assess the safety of MI in real world applications. This study was based on a very large population after the injection was approved and marketed in China. All patients using the injection in participating hospitals were monitored to determine the incidence, pattern, severity and outcome of associated adverse events.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>The post-marketing surveillance was performed in 10 094 female patients from April to December, 2015. The incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was 0.79‰ (8/10 094). Among the 8 patients, the reported adverse events mainly included systemic abnormalities, such as fever, chills and eyelid edema; skin and appendages disorders, such as pruritus and rash; gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, abdominal distension and pain; heart rate and rhythm disorders, such as palpitation and increased heart rate. All of these ADRs were mild in severity.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>In this study the ADRs incidence rate of MI is very low, which supports that it is generally safe for use in obstetric and gynecological diseases. However, the total number of 8 ADRs recorded over a relatively short time span seems limited, and the low number of reports could not represent an absolute guarantee of safety.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 625-635"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30896-3","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91704316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alamgeer , Ambreen Malik Uttra , Haseeb Ahsan , Umme Habiba Hasan , Mueen Ahmad Chaudhary
{"title":"Traditional medicines of plant origin used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders in Pakistan: A review","authors":"Alamgeer , Ambreen Malik Uttra , Haseeb Ahsan , Umme Habiba Hasan , Mueen Ahmad Chaudhary","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30897-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30897-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To pool data on ethnobotanical medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders in Pakistan.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>We reviewed 237 research publications based on data from the six provinces in Pakistan (Punjab = 85, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa = 65, Sindh = 15, Balochistan = 8, Gilgit Baltistan = 22, Azad Jammu and Kashmir = 42) published until June 2015 in various journals. This was achieved using seven online databases: ScienceDirect, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, SpringerLink, and MEDLINE. Data were analyzed from different perspectives.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>People from Pakistan made use of 371 plant species belonging to 263 genera and 99 families for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Plants from the Asteraceae family were used most often. Herbs were the dominant growth form. Leaves were the plant parts used most often. Decoctions were the main preparation method. Nine plant species were used most frequently in the dwellers of most regions of Pakistan. A total of 111 plants were shown experimentally to have neither anti-arthritic nor anti-inflammatory activities, and 148 plant species were threatened. Eighty-four species had commercial importance. Twelve plant species were imported, and 25 plant species were exported, from Pakistan.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>This review provides baseline data for plant species in Pakistan that have potential anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic activities.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 636-656"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30897-5","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91704531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hong Minli , Huang Baopei , Hong Chunlin , Chen Huinuan , Chen Wenxi , Liu Chaohui , Li Xinjian , Li Candong
{"title":"Efficacy of Chaihu Jisang decoction on post-infection cough and its effect on cough reflex sensitivity","authors":"Hong Minli , Huang Baopei , Hong Chunlin , Chen Huinuan , Chen Wenxi , Liu Chaohui , Li Xinjian , Li Candong","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30894-X","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30894-X","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To investigate the efficacy of Chaihu Ji Sang Decoction (CJSD), (a modification of Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Decoction of Bupleurum) was evaluated in patients with post-infection cough (PIC). Its effect on cough reflex sensitivity (CRS) was also described.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>One hundred and eighteen patients with PIC were enrolled and randomly divided into an experimental group and control group (54 patients in each group). The experimental group was given CJSD orally, and the control group was given cetirizine hydrochloride for 7 d. Cough symptom scores and TCM symptom scores were compared before and after treatment. Efficacy, cough onset time, recurrence, and adverse drug reactions were additionally evaluated. Finally, CRS was evaluated before and after treatment of PIC patients in the experimental group.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>Fifty-two patients in the experimental group and fifty control patients completed the study. Cough symptom scores and the TCM symptom scores of the two groups were significantly improved after treatment, however cough symptoms in the experimental group 1 (0, 2) were significantly lower than the control group 2 (1, 2) after treatment (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Similarly, TCM symptom scores 4 (0, 7) in the experimental group were significantly lower than the control group 6 (3, 12) (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Overall, the effective rate of the experimental treatment (84.60%) was significantly higher than that of the control treatment (68.00%) (<em>P</em> < 0.01). The onset time of efficacy of the experimental treatment was one day faster than the control treatment [2 (2,3) d vs 3 (2,3) d, <em>P</em> < 0.01]. The relapse rate in the experimental group (9.09%) was lower than that of the control group (29.41%) (<em>P</em> < 0.05). 39 PIC patients in the experimental group completed a capsaicin cough challenge test before treatment. The lgC2 and lgC5 of the experimental group prior to treatment was 1.19 (0.59, 1.49) and 1.80 (1.49, 2.10), respectively. The lgC2, lgC5 of the healthy control group was 1.49 (0.89, 2.40) and 2.70 (2.40, 3.00), respectively. The differences in lgC2 and lgC5 between experimental group and healthy groups were significant at this time point (both <em>P</em> < 0.01). After treatment, 34 patients in the experimental group received re-examination. lgC5 increased from 1.80 (1.49, 2.10) to 2.10 (1.49, 3.00). CRS after treatment/re-examination was significantly lower than those of baseline in the experimental group (<em>P</em> <0.05).</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>CJSD could effectively improve the clinical symptoms of PIC patients, with demonstrable low recurrence and safety. CJSD also significantly decreased the CRS in patients with PIC.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 610-617"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30894-X","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41432405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wang Chunli , Zhang Liang , Wu Meimei , Jing Yuntiao , Lai Xiaoping , Huang Song , Zhang Xiaojun
{"title":"Antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities of the ethyl acetate fraction separated from the fruit of Livistona chinensis","authors":"Wang Chunli , Zhang Liang , Wu Meimei , Jing Yuntiao , Lai Xiaoping , Huang Song , Zhang Xiaojun","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30884-7","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30884-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To examine the antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities of the effective fraction separated from the fruit of Livistona chinensis (FLC) and to explore the possible mechanism.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>The antioxidative activities of the various fractions separated from FLC were analyzed by <em>in vitro</em> DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2, 2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl, DPPH) radical and superoxide anion free radical (O<sup>2 −</sup>) scavenging assays. The potential hepatoprotective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction separated from FLC (EFLC) were examined in LO<sub>2</sub> cells and mice. LO<sub>2</sub> cells were incubated with EFLC and exposed to H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced oxidative stress. BABL/C mice were orally administered EFLC for consecutive 7 d, and fulminant hepatitis was induced by cauda vein injection of ConA on day 7.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>EFLC showed prominent antioxidative effects in DPPH <sup>-</sup> and O2 <sup>-</sup> scavenging assays. EFLC pretreatment effectively protected LO<sub>2</sub> cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress by decreasing apoptosis and raising the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, EFLC protected mice against ConA-induced fulminant hepatitis by markedly reducing the serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, attenuating histological damage of the mouse liver, and elevating the levels of glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase, while decreasing the contents of methane dicarboxylic aldehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β in the mouse liver. Furthermore, EFLC pretreatment downregulated the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein, caspase-3, caspase-8, Fas, and FasL, while upregulating the protein expression of Bcl-2 in the mouse liver.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>These findings revealed that EFLC effectively protected against <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> liver injury, and the mechanism is closely associated with its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 523-534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30884-7","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41561098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Liu Defang , Yan Jiao , Guo Mingyang , Luo Yong , Yang Mei , Yang Min , Zou Longfu , Hu Yonghe , Li Wan, Zhong Xiaolong, Liu Tao
{"title":"Effect of methotrexate combined with Sanhuang Yilong decoction on serum and synovial fluid aquaporin levels in rheumatoid arthritis dampness-heat blockage syndrome","authors":"Liu Defang , Yan Jiao , Guo Mingyang , Luo Yong , Yang Mei , Yang Min , Zou Longfu , Hu Yonghe , Li Wan, Zhong Xiaolong, Liu Tao","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30895-1","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30895-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To study the effect of methotrexate (MTX) combined with Sanhuang Yilong decoction (SYD) on aquaporin (AQP) expression, and to explore the role of AQPs in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>A total of 118 dampness-heat blockage type RA patients who were hospitalized in the General Chengdu Military Hospital between January 2014 and December 2016 were selected as subjects in this study (30 patient of these patients with knee joint effusion were assigned to the RA synovial fluid group). For the pre-treatment control groups, 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the healthy control group and 30 osteoarthritis (OA) patients with knee joint effusion were included as OA synovial fluid control group. The RA dampness-heat blockage syndrome treatment groups were divided into 45 cases in the combined group and 45 cases in the MTX group. The combined group received MTX combined with SYD treatment while the MTX group received MTX alone. AQP1, AQP2 and AQP3 expressions were detected in the serum and synovial fluid.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>AQP1 had the highest expression, followed by AQP3, and AQP2. The serum levels of AQP1, AQP2 and AQP3 were all significantly lower than those in the healthy volunteers (<em>P</em> < 0.05), while the synovial fluid AQP1, AQP2 and AQP3 expression in the RA group were comparable to these in the OA groups (<em>P</em> > 0.05). After treatment for 2 weeks, serum AQP1, AQP2, AQP3 were significantly increased and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, disease activity score of 28 joints were decreased in the combined group (<em>P</em> < 0.05).</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>Abnormal expression of AQPs inhibits water metabolism in RA dampness-heat blockage syndrome, so liquid is accumulated at the joint, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. MTX combined with SYD for the treatment of RA can effectively increase AQP expression.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 618-624"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30895-1","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42739937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhang Lu , Wu Lili , Liu Ximing , Yoshitomi Hisae , Ikeda Katsumi , Negishi Hiroko , Pan Yajing , Sun Wen , Qin Lingling , Li Juan-E , Xu Tunhai , Liu Tonghua , Gao Ming
{"title":"Trans-cinnamaldehyde promotes nitric oxide release via the protein kinase-B/v-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene -endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway to alleviate hypertension in SHR. Cg-Leprcp/NDmcr rats","authors":"Zhang Lu , Wu Lili , Liu Ximing , Yoshitomi Hisae , Ikeda Katsumi , Negishi Hiroko , Pan Yajing , Sun Wen , Qin Lingling , Li Juan-E , Xu Tunhai , Liu Tonghua , Gao Ming","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30886-0","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30886-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To evaluate whether endothelial dysfunction and hypertension are prevented by trans-cinnamaldehyde (tCA) through the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured <em>in vitro</em> and stimulated with tCA to determine cell viability using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The effect of tCA on nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by diaminofluorescein-dyes in the absence or presence of inhibitors of eNOS, AMPK, PKA, and AKT. The effect of tCA on blood pressure was determined by the tail-cuff method in obesity spontaneous hypertension (SHR. Cg-Leprcp/NDmcr) rats. The phosphorylation of eNOS and protein expression of the insulin-signaling pathway (InsR-IRS1-PI3K-AKT) were measured by western blot.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>tCA at concentrations less than 100 did not affect cell viability in cultured HUVECs. Stimulation with tCA promoted NO release in a time-dependent manner compared with the control group. tCA-treated HUVECs also significantly increased AKT-Ser473 and eNOS- Ser1177 phosphorylation. In SHR-CP rats, treatment with tCA at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks markedly reduced the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, increased the phosphorylation of AKT and eNOS, and increased urinary nitric oxidation.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>tCA attenuated endothelial dysfunction and reduced blood pressure in SHR-CP rats. The underlying mechanisms may involve the increase in AKT and eNOS phosphorylation and the release of eNOS-derived NO.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 548-555"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30886-0","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43033731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wang Yingying , Xu Dongsheng , Bai Wanzhu , Yang Jinsheng
{"title":"Effects of Guasha on histomorphology of scraped skins and on expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in rats","authors":"Wang Yingying , Xu Dongsheng , Bai Wanzhu , Yang Jinsheng","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30888-4","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30888-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>To reveal the effects of Guasha (scraping therapy) on the histomorphology of scraped skins and on the expressions of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP).</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>50 rats, as experimental subjects, were randomly divided into 5 groups according to different observation time points. Dorsal setae were shaved for the exposure of skin on both sides of the spine. Even reinforcing and reducing method was applied to the rats in Guasha groups on the site equivalent to bladder meridian of human body on one side of the spine, and the skin was scraped from top to bottom until rash of measles occurred. The skin tissues with rash of measles were taken down after perfusion. The corresponding sites of rats in group A were also taken down as control. The tissues were made to sections and used for immunofluorescence histochemical staining and HE staining of antibodies such as SP and CGRP.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>After Guasha, there were significant differences in appearance, hair follicle and blood vessel on local skin scraped on the back of rats when compared with control; In different time points, the differences reduced. There was no significant difference in expression of CGRP and SP when compared local skin scraped on the back of rats in different time points.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>Guasha didn't significantly change the morphology of nerve fibers inside local skin, and the histomorphology of hair follicle, blood vessel and etc. However, after Guasha they basically returned to normal level within five days.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 562-569"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30888-4","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43734781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lu Yu , Niu Tingli , Chen Tianyu , Gao Lujiao , Ma Liangxiao , Li Haiyan , Zhu Qingwen , Yang Xuezhi , Niu Xin
{"title":"An innovative method to evaluate the severe level of general Qi deficiency","authors":"Lu Yu , Niu Tingli , Chen Tianyu , Gao Lujiao , Ma Liangxiao , Li Haiyan , Zhu Qingwen , Yang Xuezhi , Niu Xin","doi":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30891-4","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30891-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>The study aim was to use existing relevant indexes to establish an index series for the quantitative measurement of <em>Qi</em> deficiency pattern (QDP) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>Seventeen indexes of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO<sub>2</sub>), TCM pulse diagnosis, heart rate, and blood pressure were integrated into an index series, and 94 selected subjects were divided into a healthy control group, a mild QDP group, and a typical QDP group. All three groups were then synchronously given a breath-holding (BH) test and index detections using TCM apparatus for auxiliary diagnosis and treatment and a photoplethysmograph. The detections were carried out repeatedly until there was no monotonic change in the value of the minimal SaO<sub>2</sub> during a BH measurement (SaO<sub>2MIN</sub>) or in the duration of BH during a BH measurement (T<sub>BH</sub>).</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS</h3><p>BH measurement and index detection data from 380 eligible cases were analyzed and a significant intergroup difference was found for 12 indexes.</p></div><div><h3>CONCLUSION</h3><p>An index series for quantitative QDP measurement could comprise the 12 effective indexes: RSaO<sub>2d</sub> (rate of decline of SaO<sub>2</sub> during a BH measurement), RSaO<sub>2r</sub> (recovery rate of SaO<sub>2</sub> after a BH measurement), SaO<sub>2min,</sub> BFV (blood flow velocity), TSaO<sub>2d</sub> (the time at which SaO<sub>2</sub> started declining during a BH measurement), T<sub>BH</sub>, TSaO<sub>2min</sub> (the time of occurrence of the minimal SaO<sub>2</sub> during a BH measurement), TSaO<sub>2max</sub> (the time of occurrence of the maximal SaO<sub>2</sub> after a BH measurement), PTP (pulse-touching pressure), SBP (systolic blood pressure), PWV (pulse wave velocity), and DBP (diastolic blood pressure). Of the indexes, RSaO<sub>2d</sub> could play a key role in quantitative QDP measurement; RSaO<sub>2r</sub> and SaO<sub>2min</sub> could be used to differentiate the QDP symptom of shortness of breath and as early-warning indexes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. BFV, TSaO<sub>2d,</sub> and T<sub>BH</sub> could be used to quantitatively assess the QDP symptoms of spontaneous perspiration and shortness of breath.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":17513,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine","volume":"38 4","pages":"Pages 585-592"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/S0254-6272(18)30891-4","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47524646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}