Acupuncture ; Animals ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Research Design

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is one of thiol-disulfide oxidoreductases that mainly located in the endo?plasmic reticulum (ER). It is generally known that PDI caralyzes the formation,rearrangement,breakage of disulfide bonds, and this enzyme is effective in regulation of protein folding. Now it is also known as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Protein disulfide isomerase can reduce infarct size and myocardial apoptosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). PDI can also improve changes of cardiac vulnerability in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Further more, it is also shown that PDI play an important role in hypertension and thrombosis. Therefore, this paper review the effects of protein disulfide isomerase in cardiovascular diseases.

To offer the reference and method for salt damage in the cultivation of Marsdenia tenacissima, the seeds of M. tenacissima collected from Maguan city ( Yunnan province) were taken as the test materials to study the effects of different priming materials on improving germination and growth under high-level salt stress condition. Four different treatments, which were GA3, KNO3-KH2PO4, PEG-6000, NaCl, combined with ANOVA were applied to test the performance of germination energy, germination percentage, germination index, MDA, SOD, and CAT. The results showed that the seed germination was obviously inhibited under salt stress and the soaked seeds with different priming materials could alleviate the damage of salt stress. Under these treatments, the activities of SOD, CAT the content of soluble protein significantly increased. While the content of MDA significantly decreased. The maximum index was obtained when treated with 1.20% KNO3-KH2PO4, the germination percentage increased from 52.67% to 87.33% and the activity of SOD increased from 138.01 to 219.44 respectively. Comparing with the treatment of 1.20% KNO3-KH2PO4, the germination percentage of treating with 300 mg x L(-1) GA3 increased from 52.67% to 80.67%, while the activity of SOD increased from 138.01 to 444.61.
Germination ; drug effects ; physiology ; Marsdenia ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Nitrates ; pharmacology ; Polyethylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Potassium Compounds ; pharmacology ; Seeds ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Sodium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Stress, Physiological ; Xanthones ; pharmacology

Thermogravimetry (TG), TG-MS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM)-energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS) were adopted to investigate the pyrolysis characteristics of calamina. According to the findings of the qualitative and quantitative studies on the changes in the content of relevant elements, the whole shape, the functional groups, and the volatile components of calamina before and after being pyrolyzed, the 200-360, 580-750 degrees C were two sensitive temperature ranges related to the changes in effective component during calamina processing. Thermal weight loss was observed for ZnCO3, Zn(OH)2 and ZnCO3-2Zn(OH)2-H2O under 200-360 degrees C and for CaCO3 under 580-750 degrees C. The results of studies on chemical reaction kinetics showed good linear relations. This experiment integrated relevant methods and theories of physical chemistry and science of traditional Chinese medicine processing, and interpretes calamina processing techniques and mechanism, in order to provide a good example for modem studies on other traditional Chinese medicine processing.
Drug Combinations ; Drug Compounding ; methods ; Ferric Compounds ; chemistry ; Kinetics ; Temperature ; Zinc Oxide ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the modulation effect of Naomaitong on gelatinase system after cerebral ische-Focal cerebral I/R rat model was duplicated by method of the intralumimia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats.

METHODnal filament technique. Rats were randomly divided into the sham-operative group, the model group, the Naomaitong group and the Nimodipine group, the latter three groups were also divided into the 3 hrs after ischemia group, and 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs, 3 d, 6 d after IR groups. Immunohistochemical method and zymogram analysis method, etc. were adopted to observe the change of microvessel structure, gelatinase and its inhibitor expression.

RESULTSMMP-2 (IR 24 h-6 d)and MMP-9 (I/R 12 h-3 d) expression levels could be lowered and TIMP-1 expression level (IR 24 h-6 d) improved by Naomaitong. Besides, comparison of MMP-2 and MMP-9 content in zymogram analysis in each group showed that changes of its quantity were in accordance with the laws of immune expression.

CONCLUSIONThe protective effect of Naomaitong on cerebromicrovessel basement membrane injury in rats is related to its modulation on gelatinase system.

Animals ; Basement Membrane ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Brain Ischemia ; enzymology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gelatinases ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Microvessels ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury ; enzymology ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDMorbidity and mortality after resuscitation largely depend on the recovery of brain function. Ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest (VFCA) and asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA) are the two most prevalent causes of sudden cardiac death. Up to now, most studies have focused on VFCA. However, results from the two models have been largely variable. So, it is necessary to characterize the features of postresuscitation cerebral metabolism of both models.

METHODSForty-four Wuzhishan miniature inbred pigs were randomly divided into three groups: 18 for VFCA group, ACA group, respectively, and other 8 for sham-operated group (SHAM). VFCA was induced by programmed electric stimulation, and ACA was induced by endotracheal tube clamping. After 8 min without treatment, standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. Following neurological deficit scores (NDS) were evaluated at 24 h after achievement of spontaneous circulation, cerebral metabolism showed as the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Levels of serum markers of brain injury, neuron specific enolase (NSE), and S100β were quantified with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSCompared with VFCA group, fewer ACA animals achieved restoration of spontaneous circulation (61.1% vs. 94.4%, P < 0.01) and survived 24-h after resuscitation (38.9% vs. 77.8%, P < 0.01) with worse neurological outcome (NDS: 244.3 ± 15.3 vs. 168.8 ± 9.71, P < 0.01). The CPR duration of ACA group was longer than that of VFCA group (8.1 ± 1.2 min vs. 4.5 ± 1.1 min, P < 0.01). Cerebral energy metabolism showed as SUVmax in ACA was lower than in VFCA (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Higher serum biomarkers of brain damage (NSE, S100β) were found in ACA than VFCA after resuscitation (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSCompared with VFCA, ACA causes more severe cerebral metabolism injuries with less successful resuscitation and worse neurological outcome.

Animals ; Asphyxia ; complications ; physiopathology ; Brain ; metabolism ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Heart Arrest ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Swine ; Ventricular Fibrillation ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and influence factors on knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury through retrospectively study.

METHODSFrom March 2002 to November 2007 31 patients with knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury were treated, including 24 males and 7 females with a mean age of 41 years (range from 21 to 62 years). Definite diagnosis of vascular injury by combining colored ultrasonic, CTA, operative exploration with clinical signs, fixing fractures and/or dislocations with fixators, plates and screws, reconstructing blood circulation based on the condition of the vascular injury by vascular repair, homograft vein or artificial vascular grafting separately and analysing the effects of PSI, diagnosis and treatment methods on salvage lower extremities.

RESULTSSuccessful reconstruction was carried out in 31 cases, however there were 1 death because of mult-fractures and brain injury and 6 amputation, 24 cases successful salvage followed up mean 24.2 months, 6 cases bone nonunion and infected bone defect were cured by delayed bone planting or bone transportation. Ligaments repair reconstruction of 7 cases knee joint dislocation were done in delayed 3 or 4 weeks after first operation, the good functional rate was 71.4%.

CONCLUSIONSThe patients of PSI under 10 grades in knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury should been carried out treatment, early definite diagnosis and blood circulation reconstruction are the key factors of successful salvage treatment.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Bone ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Knee Dislocation ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Knee Injuries ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Popliteal Artery ; injuries ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Vascular Grafting ; Vascular System Injuries ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEThis study investigates the efficacy and tolerability of capecitabine plus thalidomide in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who previously underwent gemcitabine-based therapy.

METHODSSixty-one patients with unresectable or metastatic PC who had progressed on single-agent Gem or a Gem-containing regimen were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group (31 patients) was treated with capecitabine alone, and another group was treated with capecitabine plus thalidomide. Capecitabine was administered orally twice a day at a dose of 1, 250 mg/m(2) for 14-day followed by 7-day rest and oral thalidomide 100 mg was given daily without interruption until disease progression or occurrence of unacceptable toxicity.

RESULTSThe PFS was 2.8 months (95%CI 2.4 - 3.2) vs. 3.1 months (95%CI 2.6-3.6, P < 0.05) and the OS was 6.1 months (95%CI 5.3 - 6.9) vs. 6.3 months (95%CI 5.2 - 7.4, P = 0.426). In the capecitabine alone group, one patient experienced a partial response (PR), 10 patients showed stable disease (SD) and 20 patients had progressive disease (PD). The another group, two patients experienced a partial response (PR), 11 patients SD, and 17 patients PD. The disease control rates were 35.5% and 43.3%, respectively. The major adverse reaction in the two groups was grade 3 diarrhea.

CONCLUSIONCapecitabine plus thalidomide regimen is marginally effective and well tolerated in the second-line setting in patients with gemcitabine-refractory advanced pancreatic cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Capecitabine ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Diarrhea ; chemically induced ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Remission Induction ; Survival Rate ; Thalidomide ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects

This study focused on the intestinal absorption of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) to reveal the scientific connotation of the compatibility of TCM pairs. The single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) was used in rats to compare the absorption of single extracts from Puerariae Lobatae Radix, single extracts from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, combined extracts from Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma mixture in rats. The content of puerarin, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 in liquid were tested by HPLC. The speed constant (Ka) and apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) were calculated and compared. Specifically, the order of puerarin Ka and Papp values from high to low was Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix mixture > single extracts from Puerariae Lobatae Radix > combined extracts from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix; the order of ginsenosides Ka and Papp values from high to low was Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix mixture > single extracts from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma > combined extracts from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix. The combined administration of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix may improve the absorption in the intestinal tract.
Animals ; Ginsenosides ; pharmacokinetics ; Intestinal Absorption ; Isoflavones ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Panax ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacokinetics ; Pueraria ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhizome

OBJECTIVETo develop an HPLC method to determine vitexin-rhamnoside in plasma of Beagle dogs and study the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of Yixintong sustained release tablets in Beagle dogs.

METHODA newly-developed HPLC method using C18 column and methanol-acetonitrile-tetrahydrogenfuran-0.5% acetic acid (1:1:19.4:78.6) as mobile phase was validated, and then was employed to determine vitexin-rhamnoside in plasma of Beagle dogs after oral administration of Yixintong sustained release tablets and general tablets. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by pharmacokinetic program 3p87. The non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters were also calculated on basis of the statistic moment theory.

RESULTThe pharmacokinetic profiles of Yixintong sustained release tablets and the general tablets were fitted to a one-and two-compartment open model, respectively. The T1/2, Tmax, AUC0-infinity and MRT for Yixintong sustained release tablets were 5.22 h, 4.0 h, 6,792.75 ng x h x mL(-1) and 8.4 h, respectively, compared with 8.94 h, 1.0 h, 5,880.4 ng x h x mL(-1) and 6.1 h for the general tablets. The relative bioavailability of the Yixintong sustained release tablets was 115.5% in Beagle dogs.

CONCLUSIONThe sustained-release characteristic of Yixintong sustained release tablets were confirmed by pharmacokinetic study.

Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Apigenin ; chemistry ; Biological Availability ; Dogs ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Male ; Plasma ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Tablets ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics