OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential therapeutic effect of the sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore tablet "Xianzhi No.3" from the perspective of immunomodulation and cardioprotection. METHODS Chemical components of the sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore tablet "Xianzhi No.3" were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and colorimetric methods. Examined tablet’s effects on zebrafish models of macrophage reduction, heart failure, H2O2-induced oxidative stress in myocardial and endothelial cells, and a microglial inflammation model induced by lipopolysaccharide. Immune regulation and cardioprotective effects were evaluated through multiple indicators, including macrophage formation and phagocytosis abilities, anti-neuroinflammation ability, cardiac systolic and diastolic functions, and anti-oxidative stress injury ability in myocardial and endothelial cells. RESULTS The sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore tablet "Xianzhi No.3" improved macrophage formation and phagocytosis, cardiac systolic and diastolic functions, reduced neuroinflammation, and alleviated oxidative stress in myocardial and endothelial cells, resulting in immunomodulatory and cardioprotective effects. CONCLUSION The sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore tablet "Xianzhi No.3" maybe a potential therapeutic agent for regulating the immune system and protecting cardiac function.

Objective    To summarize the clinical experience of surgical resection of synchronous multiple ground-glass nodules (SMGN), and explore the individualized diagnosis and treatment strategy of SMGN. Methods    Clinical data of 84 patients with SMGN who underwent thoracic surgery in Anhui Chest Hospital from July 2016 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively, including 18 males (21.4%) and 66 females (78.6%), aged 32-80 (55.6±10.3) years. The results of operation and the information of GGNs were analyzed. Results    Except for 1 patient who was converted to thoracotomy due to extensive dense adhesion of thoracic, other patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery successfully. All patients recuperated successfully after operation, without severe perioperative complications or death. Finally, 79 patients were diagnosed as malignant tumors (94.0%), and 5 patients of benign lesions (6.0%). A total of 240 GGNs were removed, among which there were 168 pGGNs, including 68 benign lesions (40.5%) and 100 malignant tumors (59.5%), and 72 mGGNs, including 2 benign nodules (2.8%) and 70 malignant tumors (97.2%). Nodules diameter (P<0.001), consolidation/maximum diameter of nodule ratio (P<0.001), vacuole sign (P<0.001), air bronchograms sign (P=0.001), spine-like process (P=0.001), pleural indentation sign (P<0.001), lobulation sign (P<0.001), and vascular convergence (P=0.002) were correlated with malignant tumor. Conclusion    Analysis of the imaging features of GGNs by thin-section CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction is of great value in predicting the benign and malignant nodules, which can guide the surgical decision-making and preoperative planning. Through reasonable preoperative planning and following certain principles, simultaneous surgical treatment for SMGN is safe and feasible.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) capsule for replenishing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood on Notch/Hes1 signaling pathway in the renal tissue and vascular endothelial CD34 and CD144 expressions in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Rat models of early-stage diabetic nephropathy were established by left nephrectomy and high- fat and high- sugar feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of STZ. The rats were randomized into model group, benazepril group, and high-, moderate-, and low-dose TCM capsule groups for corresponding treatments, with 6 normal rats as the control group. After 8 weeks of drug treatment, blood glucose and 24-h urinary albumin of the rats were measured, and the renal histopathology was observed with HE staining; Hes1 expression in the renal tissue was detected with immunohistochemical staining, and the renal expressions of CD34 and CD144 were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the rat models of diabetic nephropathy showed obvious abnormalities in 24- h urinary albumin and expressions of Hes1, CD34 and CD144d. The TCM capsule at both the high and moderate doses significantly reduced 24-h urinary albumin in the rats; the renal expressions of Hes1 and CD34 was significantly reduced in all the dose groups, and the expression of CD144 was significantly reduced in the high- dose group. Compared with benazepril group, the TCM capsule obviously reduced CD34 expression at all the 3 doses and lowered CD144 expression at the low dose. Histopathologically, the rats in the model group showed glomerular hypertrophy, increased mesenteric matrix, thickening and widening of the mesenteric membrane, and nodular hyperplasia. These pathologies were obviously alleviated by treatment with the TCM capsule at the high and moderate doses. CONCLUSIONS The Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) capsule for replenishing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood can reduce Hes1, CD34 and CD144 in kidney tissue of model rats, play a protective role on kidney function and delay the development of DN.
Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Qi ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Transcription Factor HES-1