Attitudes Toward Hepatitis B Virus among Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean Americans in the Houston Area, Texas.

J Community Health. 2012 Feb 1;

Authors: Hwang JP, Roundtree AK, Suarez-Almazor ME

Abstract
We explored attitudes about prevention, screening and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. We use qualitative methods in 12 focus groups (n = 113) of adults who self-reported their ethnicity to be Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. We use grounded theory (i.e., consensus-building between co-coders about recurring, emerging themes) for analysis. Diet, nutrition, fatigue and stress were misidentified as HBV causes. Improving hygiene, diet, exercise, and holistic methods were misidentified as viable HBV prevention methods. Common screening problems included not affording test and not understanding test results. Participants shared reasons for using complementary and alternative medicine-when Western medicine fails or becomes unaffordable. Participants sought information from medical providers and fellow community members, but also from the internet. Many of the attitudes and opinions that emerged may deter participation in HBV screening, prevention and treatment, insofar as community members may factor them into healthcare decision-making, choose alternative but ineffective methods of prevention and treatment, and undervalue the benefits of screening. More patient education in both traditional and new media is necessary for clarifying transmission, screening and treatment misunderstandings.

PMID: 22302653 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Identification of bioactive constituents of Ziziphus jujube fruit extracts exerting antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in human breast cancer cells.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Jan 24;

Authors: Plastina P, Bonofiglio D, Vizza D, Fazio A, Rovito D, Giordano C, Barone I, Catalano S, Gabriele B

Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ziziphus extracts have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the present study we have investigated the effects of Ziziphus jujube extracts (ZEs) on breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the effects of increasing concentrations of ZEs on ERα positive MCF-7 and ERα negative SKBR3 breast cancer cell proliferation using MTT assays. Apoptosis was analyzed by evaluating the involvement of some pro-apoptotic proteins, including Bax, Bad, Bid and PARP cleavage by immunoblotting analysis. Moreover, the effects of ZEs treatment on apoptosis were tested by both DNA fragmentation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. By using chromatographic techniques, we identified the constituents of the effective extracts. RESULTS: ZE1, ZE2, and ZE4 exerted significant antiproliferative effects on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positive MCF-7 (IC(50) values of 14.42, 7.64, 1.69μg/mL) and ERα negative SKBR3 (IC(50) values of 14.06, 6.21, 3.70μg/mL) human breast cancer cells. Remarkably, ZEs did not affect cell viability of both normal human fibroblasts BJ1-hTERT and nonmalignant breast epithelial MCF-10A cells. Treatment with ZEs induced cell death by apoptosis in both malignant breast cells. We found that the most effective extracts ZE2 and ZE4 shared a number of triterpenic acids, already known for their anticancer activities. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide a rational base for the use of Ziziphus extracts in the treatment of breast cancer in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

PMID: 22301448 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs in Jiangsu Province, eastern China.

J Parasitol. 2012 Feb 2;

Authors: Yongmei L, Quan L, Shumin L, Feng W, Hongtao J, Minghui Y

Abstract
Abstract There is a lack of epidemiological data on Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs from eastern China. In the present study, serum samples from 288 dogs were collected from Xuzhou, Huaiyin and Yianchen in Jiangsu Province, eastern China in August 2010, and detected T. gondii antibodies by a modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 62 of 288 (21.5%), with MAT titers of 1:25 in 21 dogs, 1:50 in 15 dogs, 1:100 in 11 dogs, 1:200 in 6 dogs, 1:400 and above in 3 dogs. The seroprevalence in dogs ≥3 year-old was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in dogs <3 year-old. The results of the present study indicated that infection with T. gondii in household dogs in Jiangsu Province is of public health concern.

PMID: 22300299 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Design and application of a new series of gallbladder endoscopes that facilitate gallstone removal without gallbladder excision.

Rev Sci Instrum. 2012 Jan;83(1):015115

Authors: Qiao T, Huang WC, Luo XB, Zhang YD

Abstract
In recent years, some Chinese doctors have proposed a new concept, gallstone removal without gallbladder excision, along with transition of the medical model. As there is no specialized endoscope for gallstone removal without gallbladder excision, we designed and produced a new series of gallbladder endoscopes and accessories that have already been given a Chinese invention patent (No. ZL200810199041.2). The design of these gallbladder endoscopes was based on the anatomy and physiology of the gallbladder, characteristics of gallbladder disease, ergonomics, and industrial design. This series of gallbladder endoscopes underwent clinical trials in two hospitals appointed by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The clinical trials showed that surgeries of gallstones, gallbladder polyps, and cystic duct calculus could be smoothly performed with these products. In summary, this series of gallbladder endoscopes is safe, reliable, and effective for gallstone removal without gallbladder excision. This note comprehensively introduces the research and design of this series of gallbladder endoscopes.

PMID: 22299994 [PubMed - in process]

Preparation of AuPt alloy foam films and their superior electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of formic acid.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2011 Sep;3(9):3552-8

Authors: Liu J, Cao L, Huang W, Li Z

Abstract
AuPt alloy films with three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical pores consisting of interconnected dendrite walls were successfully fabricated by a strategy of cathodic codeposition utilizing the hydrogen bubble dynamic template. The foam films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Due to the special porous structure, the electronic property, and the assembly effect, the AuPt alloy foam films show superior electrocatalytic activity toward the electrooxidation of formic acid in acidic solution, and the prepared 3D porous AuPt alloy films also show high activity and long stability for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol, where synergistic effect plays an important role in addition to the electronic effect and assembly effect. These findings provide more insights into the AuPt bimetallic nanomaterials for electrocatalytic applications.

PMID: 21838240 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Bioadhesion and enhanced bioavailability by wheat germ agglutinin-grafted lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery of poorly water-soluble drug bufalin.

Int J Pharm. 2011 Oct 31;419(1-2):260-5

Authors: Liu Y, Wang P, Sun C, Zhao J, Du Y, Shi F, Feng N

Abstract
Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-grafted lipid nanoparticles has been prepared and its in vitro association with Caco-2 cells has been studied previously. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the potential of WGA-grafted lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery of bufalin, a poorly water soluble drug, by evaluating its ex vivo bioadhesion with intestinal mucosal segments and in vivo bioavailability. A significant higher adhesion between WGA-grafted lipid nanoparticles and intestinal mucosa was found compared with that of WGA-free lipid nanoparticles (p<0.05). The in vivo pharmacodynamic studies were performed by oral administration of WGA-grafted lipid nanoparticles and suspensions to fasted rats. Compared with suspensions, WGA-grafted lipid nanoparticles showed much larger AUC and C(max), and a 2.7-fold improvement in oral bioavailability. These results illustrate the potential utility of WGA-grafted lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery of a poorly water-soluble drug such as bufalin.

PMID: 21816211 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Pharmacokinetic parameters of morroniside in iridoid glycosides of Fructus corni processing based on back-propagation neural network.

Pharm Biol. 2011 Sep;49(9):989-93

Authors: Cao G, Shan Q, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Cai H, Cong X, Cai B

Abstract
CONTEXT: Fructus Corni is derived from the dry ripe sarcocarp of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (Cornaceae). Morroniside is an active constituent of Fructus Corni used in many traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). This article describes a sensitive and specific assay for the quantitation of morroniside in rat plasma after oral administration of iridoid glycosides from Fructus Corni.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this article, back-propagation (BP) neural network method was fist developed for the prediction of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of morroniside in Fructus Corni.
RESULTS: The results show that mean square error (MSE) of neural network model with 11 hidden neurons and 90% training data is 0.092.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This article provides a new method to calculate PK data, one do not need to figure out all the compartment parameters to acquire PK data of morroniside. Therefore, the BP neural network method would be useful for guiding the holistic PK study in consistence with the intrinsic theory and characteristics of TCM.

PMID: 21591872 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The difference of glutathione antioxidant system in newly weaned and young mice liver and its involvement in isoline-induced hepatotoxicity.

Arch Toxicol. 2011 Oct;85(10):1267-79

Authors: Liang QN, Sheng YC, Jiang P, Ji LL, Xia YY, Min Y, Wang ZT

Abstract
Cellular glutathione antioxidant system plays important roles in counteracting hepatotoxins-induced oxidative stress injury. The present study was designed to observe the differences of this system in newly weaned and young mice liver and its involvement in the susceptibility to isoline-induced liver injury. Our results showed that liver reduced glutathione (GSH) amounts were higher in newly weaned mice than young mice. Glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) activity was higher in newly weaned mice due to the higher expression of catalytic subunit of GCL (GCLC) protein and mRNA. However, the activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were higher in young mice liver, which might be due to the higher expression of GR, GPx-1, and GST-Pi proteins. Next, the results of AST analysis and histopathological evaluation showed that newly weaned mice demonstrated more severe liver injury induced by isoline. Furthermore, liver GSH amounts and the activities of GR, GPx, and GST were all lower in newly weaned mice than young mice after treated with isoline. Depletion of cellular GSH by D,L -buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine (BSO) aggravated isoline-induced cytotoxicity, while N-acetyl-l cysteine (NAC) ameliorated such cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the inhibitors of GR, GPx, and GST all aggravated isoline-induced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the differences of glutathione antioxidant system between newly weaned and young mice liver. Meanwhile, our results also revealed age-dependent liver injury induced by isoline for the first time, which might be due to the different responses of glutathione antioxidant system to isoline between newly weaned and young mice.

PMID: 21327617 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dehydrocorydaline inhibits breast cancer cells proliferation by inducing apoptosis in mcf-7 cells.

Am J Chin Med. 2012;40(1):177-85

Authors: Xu Z, Chen X, Fu S, Bao J, Dang Y, Huang M, Chen L, Wang Y

Abstract
Dehydrocorydaline is an alkaloid isolated from traditional Chinese herb Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang. We discovered that it possessed anti-tumor potential during screening of anti-tumor natural products from Chinese medicine. In this study, its anti-tumor potential was investigated with breast cancer line cells MCF-7 in vitro. The anti-proliferative effect of dehydrocorydaline was determined by MTT assay and the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ Ψ m) was monitored by JC-1 staining. DNA fragments were visualized by Hoechst 33342 staining and DNA ladder assay. Apoptotic related protein expressions were measured by Western blotting. Dehydrocorydaline significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation in a dose- dependent manner, which could be reversed by a caspase-8 inhibitor, Z-IETD-FMK. Dehydrocorydaline increased DNA fragments without affecting ΔΨm. Western blotting assay showed that dehydrocorydaline dose-dependently increased Bax protein expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, dehydrocorydaline induced activation of caspase-7,-8 and the cleavage of PARP without affecting caspase-9. These results showed that dehydrocorydaline inhibits MCF-7 cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis mediated by regulating Bax/Bcl-2, activating caspases as well as cleaving PARP.

PMID: 22298457 [PubMed - in process]

An improved acute gouty arthritis rat model and therapeutic effect of rhizoma dioscoreae nipponicae on acute gouty arthritis based on the protein-chip methods.

Am J Chin Med. 2012;40(1):121-34

Authors: Yao L, Dong W, Lu F, Liu S

Abstract
Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae (RDN) is an herbal medicine. In the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the function of RDN is to expel wind and remove dampness. Inflammatory mechanisms play an important role in the pathological process and prognosis of acute gouty arthritis (AGA). The aim of this study was to determine the specially expressed proteins through testing the proteins of the synovium in rats with AGA. The animal model of AGA was set up by Monosodium urate crystal (MSU) combined with hypoxanthine (HX), which was ameliorated in our previous experiment. Blood samples for measurement of serum uric acid were collected prior to sacrifice. Outcomes were assessed (two days after injection) by histological stain and protein quantitation. Three chips of RayBio(Ⓡ) Human Label-based Antibody Array I were applied to detect 90 proteins in the synovium tissue of AGA rats. 14 differently expressed proteins were found in the synovium of AGA rats, and nine of them were first found in this model. There were seven up-regulated and seven down-regulated proteins, both TRAIL and Neuropilin-2 could be identified as key contributors to the pathomechanism of AGA.

PMID: 22298453 [PubMed - in process]

2 Hz Electro-Acupuncture at Yinlingquan (SP9) and Ququan (LR8) Acupoints Induces Changes in Blood Flow in the Liver and Spleen.

Am J Chin Med. 2012;40(1):75-84

Authors: Chou WC, Liu HJ, Lin YW, Cheng CY, Li TC, Tang NY, Hsieh CL

Abstract
According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, channels and collaterals within the body provide pathways through which qi and blood travel, and each channel or collateral is linked with a specific organ. The Yinlingquan (spleen 9, SP9) and Ququan (liver 8, LR8) acupoints represent the sea points of the spleen and liver meridians, respectively, from which qi and blood flow into their specific visceral organs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in blood flow/perfusion in the liver and spleen resulting from the application of 2 Hz electro-acupuncture (EA) to the Yinlingquan (SP9) or Ququan (LR8) acupoints. A total of 18 Spragrue-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups of six rats each as follows: sham group receiving sham EA; Yinlingquan (SP9) group receiving 2 Hz EA, applied at bilateral Yinlingquan (SP9) acupoints; and Ququan (LR8) groups receiving 2 Hz EA, applied at bilateral Ququan (LR8) acupoints. The mean blood flow/perfusion of the spleen and liver was recorded using a laser Doppler blood flow monitor prior to EA (representing the baseline), during EA, and post-EA. Each measurement period lasted ten minutes. Nitric oxide levels were also measured from the right femoral arterial blood, following the conclusion of each series of blood flow/perfusion recordings. The results indicate that the sham EA did not increase the mean blood flow/perfusion in the liver or spleen; 2 Hz EA at bilateral Yinlingquan (SP9) acupoints increased the mean blood flow/perfusion in the spleen, but not in the liver. In contrast, 2 Hz EA at bilateral Ququan (LR8) acupoints increased the mean blood flow/perfusion in the liver, but not in the spleen. Nitric oxide levels showed no significant difference between any of the groups at any stage of the measurements. According to the results, we conclude that EA at the Yinlingquan (SP9) and Ququan (LR8) acupoints can increase the blood flow in the spleen and liver, respectively.

PMID: 22298449 [PubMed - in process]

Clinical outcomes of traditional chinese medicine compound formula in treating sleep-disordered breathing patients.

Am J Chin Med. 2012;40(1):11-24

Authors: Wu YH, Wei YC, Tai YS, Chen KJ, Li HY

Abstract
Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) is a prevalent affliction, which can range from simple snoring to severely obstructive sleep apnea. Compared to current treatment options of SDB, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a noninvasive way to relieve SDB-related symptoms and deaths. The purpose of this retrospective study was to observe the progression of adult SDB patients who had taken compound formula SZ + NUH (concentrated herbal granules) for four weeks. Depending on subjects' individual needs, minor additions of formulas or single herbs were allowed. We found a significant amount of relief from snoring among the 118 enrolled subjects, according to before-after scores observed through the Snore Outcome Survey (SOS). Furthermore, as projected from the moderate linear correlation in before-after scores, we inferred that those cases with more severe snoring at baseline had greater improvement after treatment. Excessive daytime sleepiness was also significantly improved according to the results of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Assessment, using the SF-36 (Taiwanese version) revealed possible benefits of SZ + NUH in improving multiple facets of subjects' quality of life. During treatment, no significant side effects occurred. In conclusion, the TCM compound formula based on SZ + NUH could be a safe and effective option for SDB treatment.

PMID: 22298445 [PubMed - in process]

Microfiltration Process by Inorganic Membranes for Clarification of TongBi Liquor.

Molecules. 2012;17(2):1319-34

Authors: Li B, Huang M, Fu T, Pan L, Yao W, Guo L

Abstract
Membrane separation is an alternative separation technology to the conventional method of filtration. Hence, it has attracted use in the purification and concentration of Chinese Herbal Medicine Extracts (CHMEs). The purpose of this work was to study the process of microfiltration of Tongbi liquor (TBL), a popular Chinese herbal drink, using ceramic membranes. Zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide membranes with pore mean sizes of 0.2 μm and 0.05 μm, respectively, are used for comparisons in terms of flux, transmittance of the ingredients, physical-chemical parameters, removal of macromolecular materials and fouling resistance. The results show that 0.2 μm zirconium oxide membrane is more suitable. The stable permeate flux reaches 135 L·h-1·m-2, the cumulative transmittance of the indicator is 65.53%. Macromolecular materials, such as starch, protein, tannin, pectin and total solids were largely eliminated in retentate after filtration using 0.2 μm ZrO(2) ceramic membrane, resulting in clearer TBL. Moreover, this work also reveals that continuous ultrasound could strengthen membrane process that the permeate flux increases significantly. This work demonstrates that the purification of CHME with ceramic membranes is possible and yielded excellent results.

PMID: 22298116 [PubMed - in process]

Simultaneous determination of stilbenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthraquinones in Radix polygoni multiflori by LC-MS/MS.

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2011 Nov 12;

Authors: Zhu ZW, Li J, Gao XM, Amponsem E, Kang LY, Hu LM, Zhang BL, Chang YX

Abstract
A simple and sensitive method was developed for the simultaneous determination of stilbenes, phenolic acid, flavonoids and anthraquinones in Radix polygoni multiflori by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The separation was completed on an Eclipse Plus C(18) (50mm×3.0mm, 1.8μm) column using 0.05% (v/v) formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phases. The correlation coefficients of all the calibration curves were higher than 0.9990. The recoveries ranged from 95.9% to 106%. Relative standard deviations of intra and inter-day precisions were lower than 6.51%. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify stilbenes, phenolic acid, flavonoids and anthraquinones, which provided a new basis for overall assessment on quality of Radix polygoni multiflori.

PMID: 22296653 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Application of an in vitro DDASS to evaluate oral absorption of two chemicals simultaneously: establishment of a level A in vitro - in vivo correlation.

Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2012 Feb 1;

Authors: Hou J, He X, Xu X, Shi X, Xu Y, Liu C

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral absorption of two chemicals simultaneously using a drug dissolution/absorption simulating system (DDASS), and to establish a correlation between DDASS and in vivo absorption to clarify the prediction of this in vitro model. Ferulic acid (FA) and tetrahydropalmatine (THP), the components of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Corydalis Yanhusuo Rhizoma, respectively, were chosen as model compounds. Three groups including FA, THP, and FA and THP together (FA + THP) were studied in DDASS. The corresponding in vivo pharmacokinetics study was performed in rats. Then the correlation was analysed between DDASS permeation in vitro and rat absorption data in vivo. A strong level A correlation (r > 0.84) was obtained after a correlation coefficient test (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Moreover, when FA and THP were used together in DDASS, the cumulative permeation of FA increased by 38.5%, while THP permeation decreased by 25.8%. In rats, the area under the concentration-time curve from time to infinity for FA increased 2.6-fold, while THP decreased 19.6%. The changes in rat intestinal permeation modeled by the DDASS were consistent with the absorption changes in rats. We conclude that DDASS is a valid in vitro model to evaluate oral absorption of two drug components simultaneously and reflect the in vivo characteristics of drug absorption accurately.

PMID: 22296178 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Two methyl-migrated 16,17-seco-dammarane triterpenoid saponins from the seeds of Hovenia acerba.

J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2012 Feb;14(2):135-40

Authors: Xu FF, Zhang XQ, Zhang J, Liu B, Jiang J, Wang WJ, Gao MH, Jiang RW, Ye WC

Abstract
Two new methyl-migrated 16,17-seco-dammarane triterpenoid saponins, named acerboside A (1) and acerboside B (2), were isolated from the seeds of Hovenia acerba. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and hydrolysis.

PMID: 22296154 [PubMed - in process]

[Diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic semen quality abnormalities].

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2012 Jan;18(1):3-10

Authors: Lu JC, Huang YF

Abstract
Idiopathic semen quality abnormalities include idiopathic oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, teratospermia, azoospermia and idiopathic abnormal semen liquefaction. The possible causes of idiopathic semen quality abnormality include age, non-inflammatory function changes of subsidiary gonadal organs, infection, genetic abnormalities, sperm mitochondrial changes, effects of environmental pollutants, and subtle hormonal changes. The diagnosis of idiopathic oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, teratospermia and azoospermia require detailed inquiry of the case history, physical examination, semen analysis, determination of reproductive hormones, genetic and immunological examinations, and so on, to exclude possible known causes. The treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia may involve the use of Western medicines, such as clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, recombinant FSH, Andriol, compound zinc and selenium, L-carnitine, recombinant growth hormone and pentoxifylline, the application of traditional Chinese drugs, or the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Idiopathic azoospermia can be treated by assisted reproductive technology based on the medication of spermatogenesis-promoting drugs, and idiopathic abnormal semen liquefaction can be managed with traditional Chinese drugs, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, or in vitro semen processing technology. With the development of diagnostic technology, it is expected that more specific therapeutic methods will be established for idiopathic semen quality abnormalities and their incidence will be reduced.

PMID: 22295841 [PubMed - in process]

[Review on hospital infection administration of acupuncture manipulation with filiform needles].

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2012 Jan;32(1):89-91

Authors: Gang SK, Li L, Yi XL, Wei DX, Hou M

Abstract
To analyze the relevant documents of hospital infection administration of acupuncture manipulation with filiform needles and acupuncture aseptic technique with filiform needles. The current situation is that acupuncturists have understanding insufficiency in hospital infection management, lack the sterile concepts and consciousness of disinfection and isolation. Aseptic technic principles aren't strictly followed; disinfection and isolation systems are unsound; sanitary condition of hand of medical staff is unsatisfied; and there is shortness in traditional long filiform needle manipulation. In future, we should explore the new model of hospital infection administration of acupuncture manipulation with filiform needles from implementations of relevant rules of hospital infection administration, establishment and supervision of sound corresponding system, further research of manipulation of filiform needles and formulation of septic technic criterion of filiform needles.

PMID: 22295838 [PubMed - in process]

[Effect of Pulsatilla Decoction on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease].

Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi. 2011 Nov;27(4):416-9

Authors: Yu Z, Liu HJ, Dun HH, Dong Q, Liang C

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by Pulsatilla Decoction.
METHODS: Forty Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups( n = 8)control group, model group, model + positive control group (mesalazine), Pulsatilla Decoction treatment group, in addition, the Pulsatilla Decoction treatment group was divided into middle and high dose group. Intragastric administration was used in the positive control group and Pulsatilla Decoction treatment group. The expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were detected by real time PCR after extraction of RNA from colons.
RESULTS: Compared with the model group, positive medicine and Pulsatilla Decoction group, especially high-dose group, could effectively inhibit the expression of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha.
CONCLUSION: Pulsatilla Decoction could exert its effect in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

PMID: 22295514 [PubMed - in process]

[Luteolin reduces cardiac dysfunctions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats].

Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi. 2011 Nov;27(4):409-14

Authors: Qian LB, Lu JF, Ye ZG, Wang HP, Xia Q

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of luteolin (Chinese Traditional Medicine) on cardiac functions and mitochondrial oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a luteolin control group, a diabetic group, and diabetic groups orally administered with a low dose (10 mg/(kg x d)) or a high dose of luteolin (100 mg/ (kg x d)) for eight weeks. The body weight, blood glucose, cardiac functions, left ventricular weight, myocardial collagen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assayed. The cardiac mitochondrial ROS level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the mitochondrial swelling were measured.
RESULTS: Treatment with luteolin had no effect on the blood glucose but reduced the losing of body weight in diabetic rats. High dose of luteolin markedly reduced the ratio of ventricular weight and body weight, increased the left ventricular develop pressure, and decreased the left ventricular end diastolic pressure in diabetic rats. The myocardial levels of ROS and collagen, the cardiac mitochondrial ROS level, and the mitochondrial swelling in diabetic rats were all markedly reduced by high dose of luteolin. Furthermore, high dose of luteolin significantly increased the mitochondrial SOD activity in diabetic rat hearts.
CONCLUSION: Treatment with luteolin for 8 weeks markedly improves the cardiac function, which may be related to reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial swelling in diabetic rats.

PMID: 22295512 [PubMed - in process]