ObjectiveTo investigate the impactsof different time-course electroacupuncture pretreatments on brain water content and blood-brain barrier permeability and assess their protecting effects on blood-brain barrier functionin cerebral ischemia rats. MethodClean-grade healthy male SD rats were randomly allocated to five groups (n=48): model control group, and one-day, three-day, seven-day and fifteen-day electroacupuncture pretreatment groups. A rat model of unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was made after electroacupuncture pretreatment was finished in various electroacupuncture groups. The water content of the brain and the amount of EB through blood brain barrier were measured at 12, 24 and 48 hrs after cerebral ischemia. ResultBoth brain water content and EB permeation amount were lower at 12 and 48 hrs than at 24 hrs after cerebral ischemia (P<0.05). There was a significant reducing effect on brain water content and EB permeation amount in the fifteen-day electroacupuncture pretreatment group at various time points after cerebral ischemia (P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusion The blood-brain barrier is impaired most severely at 24 hrs of the three time points 12, 24 and 48 hrs after cerebral ischemia. Electroacupuncture pretreatment can produce a protecting effect on blood-brain barrier function in cerebral ischemia rats by markedly reducing cerebral edema and blood-brain barrier permeability.

Objective To study the effect of rehabilitation in stroke patients with dysphagia. Methods 31 cases with dysphagia were randomly divided into rehabilitation group (17 cases) and control group (14 cases). Two groups were given same basic therapy on the whole, while the early rehabilitation was performed on the patients in rehabilitation group three times a day for 3 weeks. We compared assessment score of dysphagia by VFSS (videofluoroscopic swallowing study), and observed serum potassium, sodium, albumin levels and the incidence of inhalation-pneumonia in two groups before and after treatment. Results VFSS score (7.2?2.1) of rehabilitation group was markedly higher than before treatment (4.0?1.9) and control group (4.7?2.1)(all P0.05).Conclusions Rehabilitation has a remarkable effect on stroke patients with dysphagia.

The rat model of multi-infarct was adopted in this study to elucidate the protective mechanism of Sailuotong capsule (Sailuotong) in recovery period of multiple cerebral infarction. The effects of Sailuotong on levels of Glu, GABA and the expression of NMDA receptor subtypes including NR1, NR2A and NR2B, were detected. The multi-infarct model rats were established by injecting embolizing microsphere via internal carotid artery, and were given Sailuotong treatment (16.5 and 33.0 mg x kg(-1)) for 60 days. The pathological changes in brain ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscope. The levels of Glu and GABA in brain tissue were measured with high performance liquid chromatography. The expression of NMDA receptors including NR1, NR2A and NR2B in neurons was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Compared with the sham rats, abnormal changes were observed in ultrastructures of neurons, neuroglia cells and synapses of model rat brains. Moreover, significant decrease of Glu and GABA, as well as the elevated expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B were detected in brain tissues. Sailuotong (16.5 and 33.0 mg x kg(-1)) could improve ultrastructure of cerebral tissue, facilitate synthesis of Glu and GABA, and down-regulate expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B in neurons. The results demonstrated that Sailuotong could exert neuroprotective effects to some extent in the recovery phase of multiple cerebral infarction by promoting expression of NMDA receptors and synthesis of Glu and GABA.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and clinical significance of CD8+ T cells in bladder cancer tissues in situ.Methods Immunohistochemistry were used to examine the distribution of CD8+ T cells in bladder cancer tissues,which were obtained from January 2003 to December 2009 from 302 patients.Among all the patients,262 were male while 40 were female;mean age is 60 years;tumor size ≤ 3 cm was in 235 and tumor size ＞ 3 cm was in 67;Unifocal tumor was in 214 and multifocal tumors were in 88.Amount of tumor stage Ta-T1 was 212 and T2-T4 was 90.Sixteen patients have lymph node metastasis.Histological low grade was diagnosed in 175 and histological high grade was diagnosed in 127.According to the differences between anatomic structure and cellular composition,bladder tumor tissues can be classified to two localization patterns:(1) intratumoral regions,defined as tumor cell nests;(2) stromal regions,defined as stromal areas that lack direct contact with tumor cells.Therefore,we divided 302 bladder cancer patients into two groups based on the median frequency of intratumoral CD8+ T cells (median,3/× 400 high resolution) and stromal CD8+ T cells (median,37/× 400 high resolution),respectively.x2 analysis was used to evaluated the correlation between CD8+ T cell density and clinicalpathological variables.Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to estimate overall survival (OS).Results CD8+ T cells were predominantly located in the intratumoral regions (mean,14 ± 2/× 400 high resolution) rather than in associated stromal regions (mean,50 ± 3/× 400 high resolution,P ＜ 0.05).The density of intratumoral CD8+ T cells was inversely associated with age (P =0.026),tumor size (P ＜ 0.05) and tumor stage (P ＜ 0.05),and could represent a favorable prognostic predictor of OS (HR =0.427,P =0.003).However,the density of stromal CD8+ T cells was positively associated with age (P =0.004) and histological grade (P ＜ 0.01),and could represent an adverse prognostic predictor of OS (HR =2.206,P =0.009).Conclusions Our findings suggest that intratumoral/ stromal CD8+ T cells could potentially serve as favorable/ adverse prognostic markers for bladder cancer patients,respectively.

AIM: To study the effect of Rongban Tongmai Granules on hyperlipidemia and atheriosclerosis in rabbits. METHODS: The model of experimental atherosclerosis was prepared by feeding high cholesterol and lipid diet for weeks.After 4 weeks,hyperlipidemic rabbits were randomly divided into five groups,model group,high,medium and low doses of Rongban Tongmai Granules and Shujiangzhi group,taking medicine for 8 weeks.Their blood lipid levels(TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL-C,VLDL-C and TC/HDL-C) were measured before experiment,after treatment,for 4 weeks and for 8 weeks.After having been treated for 8weeks,lipid levels in aortic tissue and liver tissue were estimated,and pathologic changes in aortic and coronary arteries were also observed. RESULTS: The medicine could decrease TC,TG,LDL-C,VLDL-C and TC/HDL-C in serum,TC in liver tissue,and TC,TG in aorta tissue of atherosclerotic rabbits.It could also reduce aortic atherosclerotic plaque coverage of aortic initial surface,initial thickness,foam cells,and the average score representing the degree of coronary arteries stenosis. CONCLUSION: Rongban Tongmai Granules can lower lipid level in serum and related tissue,and prevent the formation of atherosclerosis.

AIM:To explore the dynamic changes of ET,NO,SOD and MDA in atherosclerosis obliterans(ASO) rabbits,as well as the effects of Tongxinluo Capsule(Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng,Hirudo,Scorpio,Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga,etc.)(TXL) and the candidate mechanisms. METHODS: Rabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups: sham,model,TXL(0.8,0.4,0.2 g/kg),Tongsaimai tablet(0.8 g/kg) and Laishike((0.002 g/kg)).The animal model of ASO was established with a combined method of mechanical trauma,immunologic injury and high fat fodder feeding.Rabbits were administrated the drugs for 8 weeks after surgery.The levels of ET,NO,SOD and MDA were determined at the time points below: pre-experiment,pre-drug administration,4 weeks after drug administration,8 weeks after drug administration,12 weeks after drug administration.The histopathological changes in iliofemoral artery were examined after opacification. RESULTS: TXL significantly extenuated the decrease in the caliber of the iliofemoral artery of the injured hind limb and decreased MDA content while increased SOD activity and NO content in serum. CONCLUSION: TXL might show effects on improving endothelial cell dysfunction,clearing free radicals and antagonizing lipid peroxidation,which might be the candidate mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of TXL for ASO.

Objective To study the potential role of PKC inhibitor Rottlerin in the treatment of asthma. Methods Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin(OVA) protein to construct murine experimental model of asthma. Then the mice were treated by means of injection of Rottlerin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) into the abdominal cavity. Changes of the total serum IgE, pulmonary eosinophils, cytokines and pulmonary inflammation were investigated. Results Injection of Rottlerin at the dose 0.3 mg/kg into the murine abdominal cavity could inhibit the infiltration of pulmonary eosinophils and pulmonary inflammation and significantly decrease the production of total serum IgE and Th 2 cytokines as well. Conclusion Rottlerin can inhibit murine experimental asthma.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effects of Rongban Tongmai granule on oxidative stress in atherosclerotic rabbits.

METHODThe experimental rabbits were randomly divided into control group and hyperlipidemic group. The model of experimental atherosclerosis was prepared by feeding high cholesterol and lipid diet for weeks. After 4 weeks, hyperlipidemic rabbits were randomly divided into five groups, model group, high, medium and low doses of Rongban Tongmai granule and Shujiangzhi group, taking medicine for 8 weeks. The level of NO, ox-LDL, LP(a), SOD and MDA in the serum was measured before experiment, after treatment, treated for 4 weeks and for 8 weeks. After treated for 8 weeks, the level of MDA, GSH and NO, as well as activity of SOD and GSH-Px in the liver of rabbits was determined, meanwhile, the pathologic morphology of aortas was observed by light microscope.

RESULTCompared with control group, aortic intima of rabbits in model group had obviously thickened and developed atherosclerotic plaque. The serum level of MDA and LP(a) in model group had increased (P < 0.01) at 12 weeks after feeding high cholesterol and lipid diet, but the activity of SOD and level of NO were decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). At the same time, the level of MDA in the liver had been elevated (P < 0.01), but the activity of SOD, GSH and NO was decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) in 12 weeks. Rongban Tong-mai granule could inhibit atherosclerotic lesion in aorta, decrease the level of MDA and LP(a) (P < 0.05), increase the activity of SOD and NO (P < 0.05) after treated for 8 weeks in serum, moreover, the activity of SOD, GSH and NO content in the liver were increased (P < 0.05), as well as MDA was decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONRongban Tongmai granule can prevent atherosclerosis by antioxidative stress and correcting unbalance of redox.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; administration & dosage ; Atherosclerosis ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Glutathione ; blood ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

OBJECTIVEAnimal model of Qi deficiency and blood stasis was established by muti-factor stimulation in rats.

METHODHealthy SD rats were chronically stimulated randomly by muti-factor methods (chronic sleep deprivation and feed with moderately high lipid and sugar food). Then the indices of hemorheology, plasma total lipids, vasoactive molecules, blood pressure (BP) and ventricular pressure (VP) were measured.

RESULTThe results as well as the analysis of etiology and pathology suggested that model rats could objectively reflect the clinical characteristics of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Blood viscosity at low level, plasma content of angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin (ET) significantly increased in model rats, while BP and VP significantly decreased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, Buyang Huanwu decoction could lower down the level of AngII in serum and blood viscosity at low level in rats induced by some stimulus, whereas BP and VP elevated significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAnimal model of Qi deficiency and blood stasis induced by muti-factor stimulation including chronic sleep deprivation and feed with moderately high lipid and sugar food could facilitate further study on blood stasis syndrome and screening of Chinese herbal drugs in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

Animals ; Blood Circulation ; drug effects ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Blood Viscosity ; drug effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Hemorheology ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Qi ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Yin Deficiency ; blood ; drug therapy ; etiology ; physiopathology

An improved everted gut sac method was applied to the study of prescription compatibility effect on the major components in Danshen extracts. With the separation and detection by HPLC-ECD, 5 major peaks could be detected in intestinal absorbed solution after prescription administration. Following the identification by HPLC-MS/MS, peak 2, 3, 4, and 5 were rosmaric acid, lithospermic acid, salvianolic acid B, and salvianolic acid A, respectively, which also confirmed with reference standards of those components. Through paralleling substance identification, peak 2, 3, 4, and 5 could be found as the major components in Danshen extracts, except Salvianolic acid E which is undetectable in intestinal solution. The contents of peak 2, 3, and 4 did not show difference before and after compatible prescription administrated, where the peak 5 had a significant increase in the same process. Those results revealed that peak 5, salvianolic acid A, might lead to an increasing pharmacological effect after prescription compatibility.