As one of classical prescriptions, Xitong Pill was first recorded in Shihong Mao's "Ji Shi Yang Sheng Ji" in the fifty-sixth year of Emperor Qianlong (1791), with the functions of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, dispelling wind and relieving pain, to treat wind-damp-heat arthralgia syndrome, which clinically contains gout, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. Xitong Pill, as the Chinese Medicine prescription, is only consisted of two herbs, Siegesbeckia and Clerodendrum trichotomum, and widely used in clinic alone or combined with other classic prescriptions due to its precisely compatibility and significant curative effects. In this paper, herbological study and clinical application of Xitong Pill were reviewed, as well as research progresses of main chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of herbs in the formula, by analyzing ancient Chinese herbal medicine books and modern literatures, in order to provide a reference of Xitong Pill for clinical applications and further research on its pharmacological mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory role of the long non-coding RNA LINC00926 in pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the molecular mechanism. METHODS: HUVECs were transfected with a LINC00926-overexpressing plasmid (OE-LINC00926), a siRNA targeting ELAVL1, or both, followed by exposure to hypoxia (5% O2) or normoxia. The expression of LINC00926 and ELAVL1 in hypoxia-treated HUVECs was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the levels of IL-1β in the cell cultures was determined with ELISA. The protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1 and NLRP3) in the treated cells were analyzed using Western blotting, and the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1 was verified with RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. RESULTS: Exposure to hypoxia obviously up-regulated the mRNA expression of LINC00926 and the protein expression of ELAVL1 in HUVECs, but did not affect the mRNA expression of ELAVL1. LINC00926 overexpression in the cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased IL-1β level and enhanced the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins (all P < 0.05). LINC00926 overexpression further up-regulated the protein expression of ELAVL1 in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs. The results of RIP assay confirmed the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1. ELAVL1 knockdown significantly decreased IL-1β level and the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs (P < 0.05), while LINC00926 overexpression partially reversed the effects of ELAVL1 knockdown. CONCLUSION LINC00926 promotes pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced HUVECs by recruiting ELAVL1.
Humans ; Caspase 1 ; ELAV-Like Protein 1 ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Pyroptosis ; RNA, Messenger ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics* ; Cell Hypoxia

Objective To assess the value of magnetic source imaging (MSI) in localizing the linguistic center of auditory function of epileptic patients before operation. Methods Epileptic focus and the linguistic center of auditory function in 24 patients were localized with MSI before operation. And the relationship between epileptic focus and auditory language area was observed. Results The linguistic center of auditory function was localized in left temporal lobe in 14 patients, in right temporal lobe in 5 patients and in bilaterial temporal lobe in 5 patients. Epileptic focus was localized in left temporal lobe in 14 patients, in left temporal lobe and left parietal lobe in 1 patient, in right temporal lobe in 4 patients, in right temporal lobe and parietal lobe in 1 patient, in left frontal lobe and left temporal lobe in 1 patient, in right frontal lobe, right temporal lobe and parietal lobe in 1 patient, and in bilaterial temporal lobe in 2 patients. Epileptic focus was superimposed with the linguistic center of auditory function in 10 patients, while was not superimposed with the linguistic center of auditory function in 10 patients. The epileptic focus was localized in front of the linguistic center of auditory function in 3 patients, in behind of the linguistic center of auditory function in 1 patient. The lesion of the patient suffered from dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor was not excised completely because the epileptic focus was superimposed with the linguistic center of auditory function, and the patient appeared language functional disturbance after operation in short period, remaining auditory hallucination occasionally after operation. Conclusion Epileptic focus and the linguistic center of auditory function can be localized accurately and the relationship between them can be observed clearly with MSI. MSI is useful to reduce the occurrence of language disturbance after operation.

Idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)is a common macular area disease associated with age and characterized by symptoms of decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia. With the acceleration of aging population, the incidence of IMEM is also increasing year by year. At present, its exact pathogenesis is not clear, and there is no effective drug therapy. Vitrectomy is an effective treatment, but the improvement of postoperative visual function is very different. This article reviews the pathogenesis and factors related to prognosis in patients with IMEM, in order to adopt more accurate and effective preventive and therapeutic measures.

Objective: To establish a detection method based on Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) that can sensitively detect the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the cytoplasm. Methods: The eukaryotic expression vectors of CFTR and YFP-H148Q / I152L were constructed respectively. FRT cells co-expressing CFTR and YFP-H148Q / I152L were obtained by liposome transfection. The expression of CFTR and YFP-H148Q / I152L in FRT cells was observed by an inverted fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry was used to detect the purity of cells; The cell model was identified by the fluorescence quenching kinetics test. The validation of the cell model which could screen CFTR modulators was verified by the fluorescence quenching kinetics experiments. The radioimmunoassay was used to detect the cAMP concentration in cytoplasm after adding CFTR activator. Results: The results of the inverted fluorescence microscope showed that CFTR was expressed in the cell membrane and YFP-H148Q / I152L was expressed in the cytoplasm of FRT cells. The FRT cell model stably co-expressing ANO1 and YFP-H148Q / I152L was successfully constructed. The model could screen CFTR modulators, and the slope of fluorescence change and the concentration of CFTR modulators were in a dose-dependent manner. The slope of the fluorescence could reflect the cAMP concentration in the cytoplasm. The cell model could sensitively detect the intracellular cAMP concentration. Conclusion: The cell model could efficiently and sensitively detect the second messenger cAMP concentration in the cytoplasm, and it provided a simple and efficient method for the study of other targets associated cAMP signal.
Cyclic AMP ; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ; Cytoplasm ; Second Messenger Systems

In recent years,microRNAs(miRNAs)have been detected at different stages of follicular development and in different cells of follicles.Extracellular vesicle(EV)-derived miRNAs have also been detected in the follicular fluid of mature follicles.miRNAs participate in the regulation of normal follicular development,and the regulation disorder may lead to the occurrence of some ovarian diseases.In order to further systematically elucidate the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs on follicular development and find suitable EV-derived miRNAs that can predict oocyte development,we reviewed the functions of miRNAs in follicular development from the perspectives of granulosa cell development,oocyte development,and hormone synthesis.
Female ; Follicular Fluid ; Granulosa Cells ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Oogenesis ; Ovarian Follicle

To assess the efficacy and safety of pregabalin during short-term treatment in adults with neuropathic pain. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trials databases. Twelve eligible articles were finally selected. Efficacy outcomes included change in Daily Pain Rating Scale score (DPRS; 0 = ‘no pain’ to 10 = ‘worst possible pain’) and sleep interference score (0 = ‘pain does not interfere with sleep’ to 10 = ‘completely interferes’). Safety was based on adverse events, serious adverse events (SAEs) and the incidence of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) .The authors used the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool to assess the risk of bias in included trials. Review Manager 5.3 was used for all statistical analyses. Data from 12 articles including 3,169 patients (pregabalin, n = 1,677; placebo, n =1,492) were analyzed. Mean changes in the daily pain rating scale score [MD=-0.65, 95%CI(-0.88,-0.41), P<0.001] and daily sleep interference score in patients that received pregabalin were compared to those that received placebo [MD=-0.81, 95%CI(-1.16,-0.46), P<0.001]. The incidence of any TEAE was significantly increased in patients that received pregabalin [OR=1.70, 95%CI (1.44,2.01), P<0.001]. Serious adverse events (SAEs) rate in the pregabalin group was higher than the placebo group [OR=2.09, 95%CI (1.49,2.93), P<0.001], while there was no significant difference in the incidence rate of discontinuation [OR=1.29, 95%CI (0.79,2.11), P = 0.31]. Comparative results revealed pregabalin (150-600 mg/day) significantly reduced the symptoms of neuropathic pain in adults and its safety was acceptable

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus Paroxetine in treating depression due to liver-qi stagnation, for seeking a more effective treatment for this disease.Method Sixty patients with depression due to liver-qi stagnation were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture plus Paroxetine, while the control group was by Paroxetine alone, successively for 8 weeks. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Chinese medicine syndrome and sign score, and central neurotransmitters were observed before and after the treatment, for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy.Result The total effective rate was 96.6% in the treatment group versus 71.4% in the control group, and the treatment group was superior to the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus Paroxetine is an effective method in treating depression due to liver-qi stagnation.

BACKGROUND: Naked plasmid DNA cannot transfect cells effectively because of negative charge and the degradation of nuclease. Chitosan is a biodegradable natural cationic polysaccharide. It can provide effective protection against DNases and enhance transfection efficiency.OBJECTIVE: To prepare chitosan nanoparticles loaded with pcDNA3.1(-)/MAGE-3-HSP70 by complex coacervation method and to research its characteristics.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A controlled experiment was performed at the Key Laboratory of Nano-biotechnology, National Ministry of Public Health of China from February to August 2009.MATERIALS: pcDNA3.1 (-)/MAGE-3-HSP70 was constructed at the Key Laboratory of Nano-biotechnology, National Ministry of Public Health of China. Chitosan, deacetylation degree > 90.0%, viscosity < 100 cps, batch number 060306, was obtained from Shanghai Bio Life Science & Technology Co., Ltd. B16 cells were presented by the Institute of Oncology, Central South University. METHODS: Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with pcDNA3.1(-)/MAGE-3-HSP70 were prepared by complex coacervation method. Then the naparticles were transfected into B16 cells, and the level of MAGE-3-HSP70 mRNA was tested using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl (MTT) assay.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Particle diameter and Zeta potential were determined by ZetaSizer 1000HSA. Efficiency of the encapsulation was measured with a spectrophotometer. The combination manner was observed by gel retardation test. The ability to protect plasmid DNA from Dnase I degradation was evaluated by DNase Ⅰ protection test. RESULTS: The mean diameter of chitosan plasmid DNA nanoparticles was 223 nm, its zeta potential was 16 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of DNA was 92.3%. The transfection efficiency of chitosan plasmid DNA nanoparticles by B16 cells was about equivalent to that of the Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. Chitosan plasmid DNA nanoparticles were much less cytotoxlc when compared with Lipofectamine 2000-pDNA complexes.CONCLUSION: Chitosan plasmid DNA nanoparticle were nontoxic to cultured cells and plasmid DNA can be efficiently transferred into B16 cells by chitosan nanoparticles.