To study the anti-inflammatory activity of glycyrrhizin acid, ligustrazine and puerarin. In the study, the liquichip-based high-throughput synchronous detection technique for 23 inflammatory factors, uniform design, comprehensive weight method were adopted to study the effect of different combined administration of glycyrrhizin acid, ligustrazine and puerarin in inhibiting the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264. 7 cells and multiple inflammatory cytokines. In the study, the uniform design table U₉ (9³) was adopted to design doses of glycyrrhizin acid, ligustrazine and puerarin. The liquichip technique was used to detect the effect of different combined administration of glycyrrhizin acid, ligustrazine and puerarin on the 23 cytokines expressed in LPS-induced mouse macrophage RAW264. 7 inflammation model. The traditional Chinese medicine component optimization software and the improved least angle regression algorithm were used to analyze the dose-effect relationship among the three components and the cytokine inhibition rate and produce the regression equation. The comprehensive weight method was applied to get the optimal dose ratio of glycyrrhizic acid, ligustrazine and puerarin with highest efficacy of 25:2:13 and verify the optimal dose ratio. The verification results were consistent with the prediction trend, indicating the accuracy of the mathematical model for predicting the experiment. The experimental results showed the multi-target and multi-level efficacies of glycyrrhizic acid, ligustrazine and puerarin and the high anti-inflammatory activity of their combined administration, which provides powerful basis for subsequent drug development.
Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Cytokines ; Glycyrrhizic Acid ; pharmacology ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; immunology ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; immunology ; Mice ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; immunology ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; RAW 264.7 Cells

Glycyrrhizin acid and licorice flavonoids are the component of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch root that has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional oriental medicine for thousands of years. Macrophages as a principal component of immune system play an important role in the initiation, modulation and final activation of immune response against pathogens. In the present study, glycyrrhizin acid and licorice flavonoids was investigated the anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage cell line of RAW264.7. Well-grown RAW264.7 cells were collected and randomly divided into the blank control group, the LPS(1 mg x L(-1)) group, the dexamethasone (5 mg x L(-1)) with LPS group, the glycyrrhizin acid (400, 80, 16 mg x L(-1)) with LPS group and the licorice flavonoids (200, 40, 8 mg x L(-1)) with LPS group. RAW264.7 cells were cultured in 24-well plates, pre-incubated for 4 h with different concentrations of dexamethasone, glycyrrhizin acid, or licorice flavonoids. Then cells were stimulated for 20 h with LPS. The supernatant of culture medium was collected from each well and determinated the concentrations of cytokines by means of BioPlex mouse cytokines assay. Compared with the control group, the LPS group could significantly induced relatively high levels of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor( GM-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1β), regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor (RANTES), tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (KC), eotaxin, interleukin(IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p40), IL-12 (p70), IL-13, and IL-17 secretion (P < 0.05). The glycyrrhizin acid significantly inhibited IL-1β, IL-3, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p40), IL-12 (p70), IL-13, Eotaxin and TNF-α secreted by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells (P < 0.05). The expression levels of IL-6 and Eotaxin were observably decreased in the licorice flavonoids with LPS group (P < 0.05). The data presented here suggested that the glycyrrhizin acid and licorice flavonoids modulate various cytokines secreted by macrophages and were important anti-inflammatory constituent of Licorice.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Cytokines ; genetics ; immunology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Glycyrrhiza ; chemistry ; Glycyrrhizic Acid ; pharmacology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; immunology ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; immunology ; Mice

Objective:To observe the impact of rehabilitation training,acupuncture-moxibustion combined with Danshen Chuanxiongqin acupoint injection on the patients with shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) after cerebral infarction (CI).Methods:82 patients with SHS after CI from March 2014 to March 2016 in our hospital were randomly divided into the group A and the group B (n=41).Patients in the group A received comprehensive drug therapy,acupuncture and rehabilitation training,the group B was given Danshen Chuanxiongqin acupoint injection therapy based on the group A.Before and after treatment,the upper limb movement function score (FMA),digital pain score (NRS),the degree of swelling in the shoulder joint,shoulder joint of motion (ROM),and neural function defect scale (CNFDS),daily life activities ability (MBI) and quality of life scores (WHOQOL) of patients in two groups were compared and analyzed.Results:After treatment,the scores of NRS,shoulder swelling,upper extremity CNFDS were significantly higher than those before treatment,the ROM,while the upper extremity FMA,MBI and WHOQOL of both groups were significantly decreased (P＜0.05),these index improved more significantly in group A than those of group B (P＜0.05).Conclusion:Rehabilitation training,acupuncture-moxibustion combined with Danshen Chuanxiongqin acupoint injection was more effective in the treatment of SHS after cerebral infarction than rehabilitation training and acupuncture-moxibustion.

Objective To study the X-ray signs of forearm and leg in skeletal fluorosis and its diagnostic value,aim at finding the easy examination parts.Methods One thousand four hundred and forty subjects were examined using developed shield,darkroom and other portable dedicated device combined with a small X-ray machine.A total of 384 cases were diagnosed skeletal fluorosis.All patients were divided into different groups and the time,degree and range of X-ray to the forearm and calf elbow,knee,and long bone were compared.Results The X-ray change in the forearm elbow was earlier than that of the leg knee,and trabecular bone change was the earliest indicator,197 cases and 157 cases,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =28.006,P ＜ 0.01).Membrane ossification of forearm backbone was earlier than that of the leg,and most of them were degree Ⅰ photos,213 cases and 126 cases respectively.The difference was statistically significant (x2 =17.626,P ＜ 0.01).The direction of the interosseous membrane ossification was from the forearm radius to the ulna,then to the fibula and tibia,and was accompanied by changes in the aggravation of forearm.A variety of indicators were observed,especially the membrane ossification in bone and joint trabecular bone and the long bone was the most active,and the forearm was more sensitive,obviously than that of the calf.Conclusion In the X-ray screening or detection of endemic fluorosis,the forearm radiography is a simple,economical,and effective diagnostic method.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the causes of non-improvement after different procedures of prostatectomy.

METHODSUsing the urodynamics and other techniques, we examined 84 non-improved patients who had undergone different procedures of prostatectomy.

RESULTSIn the TURP group, the main causes of non-improvement included bladder outlet obstruction (84.9%), weak contractility of the detrusor (30.4%), and detrusor instability (DI) (18.2%). In the open group, however, the main causes of non-improvement included detrusor weak contractility (52.9%), DI (35.2%), and bladder outlet obstruction (33.3%). There was significant difference between the two groups according to the Pearson Chi-square test (P = 0.000). The re-obstruction rate in the TURP group was much higher than that in the open group, suggesting that the level of the TURP should be improved.

CONCLUSIONSDifferent operative procedures yield different non-improvement after prostatectomy gradually. When BPH patients are diagnosed with detrusor weak contractility and DI, prostatectomy should be carefully considered.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; adverse effects ; Urodynamics

OBJECTIVEComparing with the classic immuno-supressors, to probe in the in vitro effect of Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) on the differentiation, maturation and function of dentritic cells (DCs), and further to explore its mechanism.

METHODSMice myeloid DCs were cultured respectively with extraction of Bailing Capsule (CSE), a Chinese medical preparation made of CS, Rapamycin and Tacrolimus, and the effect of various drugs on phenotype of DCs was analyzed with flow cytometer. Then, using as the stimulator, the DCs cultured with different drugs were mixed and cultured with heterogenous lymphocytes for observing the stimulating capacity of DCs on cell proliferation.

RESULTSCSE showed no in vitro effect on phenotype markers and co-stimulation molecules of DCs, the difference between CSE and Tacrolimus was insignificant, while Rapamycin could reduce the two parameters. CSE showed a marked suppressive effect on DCs in stimulating leucocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONCSE could affect the stimulating capacity of DCs on cell proliferation, which is probably by means of inhibiting the function of antigen presentating cells to block the presentation of extrinsic signal, and make the low immune response condition, thus to obtain the effect of immunosuppression.

Animals ; Capsules ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cordyceps ; chemistry ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

INTRODUCTIONBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common form of adult congenital heart disease. When compared to patients with a normal trileaflet aortic valve, dilatation of the aortic root and the ascending aorta (Asc Ao) are the common findings in patients with BAV, with consequent higher risk of developing aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and rupture. We aim to determine the site of the Asc Ao where maximum dilatation occurs in Asian adult patients with BAV.

MATERIALS AND METHODSAll subjects underwent full echocardiography examination. The diameter of the Asc Ao was measured at 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm from the level of aortic annulus to the Asc Ao in 2D from the parasternal long-axis view.

RESULTSA total of 80 patients (male/female: 45/35; mean age: 45.3 ± 16.2 years) with congenital BAV and 30 normal control group (male/female: 16/14; mean age: 45.9 ± 15.1 years) were enrolled. The indexed diameters of the Asc Ao were significantly larger than the control group. In patients with BAV, maximum dilatation of Asc Ao occurred around 6 cm distal to the aortic annulus.

CONCLUSIONIn patients with BAV, dilatation of Asc Ao is maximal at the mid Asc Ao region around 6 cm distal to the aorta annulus.

Adult ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; epidemiology ; Aorta ; diagnostic imaging ; Aortic Aneurysm ; epidemiology ; Aortic Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Aortic Rupture ; epidemiology ; Aortic Valve ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Case-Control Studies ; Comorbidity ; Dilatation, Pathologic ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo study a new and practical method to prevent the superficial bladder tumor recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-Bt).

METHODSWe had chosen 68 patients with superficial bladder tumor randomly. After TUR-Bt, we inserted special stainless steel injection needle through the operation hole, and then injected anti-tumor drugs (pirarubicin) submucously; in the control group, 74 patients were given traditional perfusion therapy for carcinoma in bladder with the same anti-tumor drug (pirarubicin) after TUR-Bt. The effects were evaluated according to recurrence ratio.

RESULTSThe recurrence rate of injection group was 11.8% (8/68), and that of the control group was 29.7% (22/74). There is a very significant difference between the two groups (chi(2) = 0.013, P < 0.01). The overall median recurrence interval period of injection group was obviously longer than that of the control group, but there was no significant difference about single and multiple occurrences between the two groups (chi(2) = 0.719, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe injection method used to prevent tumor recurrence after TUR-Bt has the following virtues: simple and safe, less side effect, more economical. We demonstrated that submucosal injection is a practical method to prevent tumor recurrence and is worth popularizing.

Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell ; drug therapy ; surgery ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Cystectomy ; methods ; Electrosurgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Injections, Intralesional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; prevention & control ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; surgery ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differential diagnosis of type III prostatitis and interstitial cystitis so as to improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of the two diseases.

METHODSBased on the clinical data of 4 cases of type III prostatitis and 3 cases of interstitial cystitis, we analyzed the characteristics of the two diseases in such aspects as clinical symptomatology, urodynamics, prostatic fluid microscopy, microbiology and treatment.

RESULTSThe common clinical characteristics of type III prostatitis and interstitial cystitis were indisposition or pain in the subabdomen and/or pelvic floor, but their differences were quite obvious. In interstitial cystitis, longer urine accumulation could cause worse pain in the subabdomen, which could be relieved after micturation, and the bladder capacity was obviously decreased, but with normal prostatic fluid and negative result of microbial culture. It responded to behavior therapy, resiniferatoxin, sodium hyaluronate and water dilation of the bladder under anaesthesia. While type III prostatitis, with white blood cells > 10/HP or < or = 10/HP in the prostatic fluid and negative result of microbial culture, did not respond to the above therapeutic methods that were effective for interstitial cystitis.

CONCLUSIONType III prostatitis and interstitial cystitis, although clinically confusable, can be definitely differentiated from each other according to their characteristic causes and locations.

Adult ; Aged ; Cystitis, Interstitial ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatitis ; complications ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of gene therapy and epigenetic therapy on the tumor growth of laryngeal carcinoma and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODSThe animal model of human laryngeal carcinoma was established by the subcutaneous inoculation of Hep-2 cells at the right armpit of BALB/c nu/nu mice. The tumor-bearing mice were randomized into 4 groups, p53 therapy group(rAd-p53), epigenetic therapy group(5-aza-dC), combination therapy group (rAd-p53+5-aza-dC) and control group. The gene and protein expressions of molecular markers p53 and E-cadherin were detected by FQ-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSBy the day 20 of the treatments, the mean tumor volumes were(106.09 ± 24.40)mm(3) in p53 therapy group, (166.55 ± 40.11) mm(3) in epigenetic therapy group, (126.11 ± 22.49) mm(3) in combination therapy group,and (252.83 ± 54.09) mm(3) in control group. Both gene therapy (F = 37.30, P < 0.05) and epigenetic therapy (F = 4.79, P < 0.05) inhibited the growth of xenografted tumors, with an interaction effect (F = 22.01, P < 0.05) between the two groups. The integral optical density value of p53 protein expression of p53 therapy group (628.07 ± 95.16) was significantly higher than that of combination therapy group (494.76 ± 100.22), (t = 8.72, P < 0.05). The integral optical density values of E-cadherin protein expression were 558.89 ± 97.58 in p53 therapy group, 380.41 ± 90.60 in epigenetic therapy group, 494.76 ± 102.88 in combination therapy group,and 162.60 ± 40.38 in control group respectively, indicating the enhancements of E-cadherin protein expression by gene therapy (F = 45.24, P < 0.05) or epigenetic therapy(F = 5.73, P < 0.05)and the existence of interaction effect (F = 21.82, P < 0.05) between gene therapy and epigenetic therapy. The expression levels of p53 gene were 4.43 ± 0.12 in p53 therapy group, 1.06 ± 0.11 in epigenetic therapy group, 3.51 ± 0.10 in combination therapy group,and 1.09 ± 0.11 in control group, respectively, showing an interaction effect between gene therapy and epigenetic therapy (F = 298.11, P < 0.05). The expression levels of E-cadherin gene were 4.50 ± 0.34 in p53 therapy group, 2.02 ± 0.16 in epigenetic therapy group, 2.99 ± 0.12 in combination therapy group, and 1.00 ± 0.11 in control group, respectively. The expression of E-cadherin gene was enhanced by gene therapy (F = 329.12, P < 0.05)or epigenetic therapy(F = 88.57, P < 0.05), with an interaction effect between the two therapies (F = 122.17, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSXenografted tumors of human laryngeal carcinoma cells are inhibited by gene therapy, the epigenetic therapy and the combination therapy. The gene therapy was significantly better than the epigenetic therapy or the combination therapy. There might be antagonistic effect between p53 and 5-aza-dC.

Animals ; Cadherins ; metabolism ; Carcinoma ; therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Epigenomics ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; therapy ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism