Objective To study the effect of total nutrient admixture (TNA) on lipid metabolism in rats with acute hepatic failure (AHF). Methods Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal diet group, nitrogen-free diet group, fat-free nutrient admixture group, and TNA group. All rats were injected with D-galac- tosamine to induce AHF model Meanwhile, 6 healthy Wistar rats were used as control group. TNA provided energy 221.75 kJ (1 kcal=4.184 kJ), nitrogen 0.365 g, nitrogen to energy ratio 1:145, amino acids 2.28 g (including branched-chain amino acid 0.70 g), glucose 7.85 g, and fat 1.25 g on a daily basis. After 10 days of the operation of Jugular vein puncture tube, blood glucose, blood lipid, liver and renal function were determined. Results The blood glucose level was significantly higher in TNA group than that in fat-free nutrient admixture group (P < 0.05). The levels of serum triglyceride and cholesterol were highest in fat-free nutrition admixture group, and triglyceride level was signif- icantly higher than that in normal diet group and nitrogen-free diet group (P <0.05). The levels of serum triglyceride and cholesterol were significantly higher in TNA group than those in normal diet group (P <0.05). The levels of ala- nine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen were lower in TNA group than those in fat-free nutrient admixture group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The nutritional proportion of TNA is suitable for the metabolism disorder of hepatic failure, and therefore TNA can reasonably promote the anabolism and reverse the deteri- oration of hepatic failure in rats.

Background Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)plays an important role in glucose metabolism,and it may be affect the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy(DR).ObjectiveThe present study was to investigate the effect of valsartan and fluvastatin on the expression of GSK-3β in retina of diabetes rat model.MethodsDiabetes mellitus models were induced by intrapenetoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ) in 47 clean Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats and were then randomedly divided into 4 groups.Ten other normal rats were served as normal control group.Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose solution,valsartan,fluvastatin,valsartan+fluvastatin and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose solution was given by oral once per day for 12 weeks respectively in diabetes control group ( n =12),valsartan group ( n =12 ),fluvastatin group ( n =11 ),valsartau + fluvastatin group ( n =12 ) and normal control group.Twelve weeks after administration of drugs,blood glucose was measured and compared among various groups,and the expression of p-GSK-3β ( Ser-9 ) protein in retina was quantified and located by Western blot and immunohistochemistry,respectively.Results Twelve weeks after use of drugs,the level of blood glucose was(5.28±0.30),(26.08±3.33 ),(26.03 ±2.66 ),(25.90± 2.86 ),(25.99 ± 2.14 ) mmol/L in the normal control group,diabetes control group,valsartan,fluvastatin,valsartan + fluvastatin group,respectively,showing a significant difference among the 5 groups ( F =110.74,P＜0.01 ).Western blot showed that the grey value of p-GSK-3β ( Ser-9 ) /β-actin in retina in the diabetic control group was significant higher than the normal group(2.774±0.139 vs 1.927±0.111,q =15.79,P＜0.01 ),and that in valsartan,fluvastatin,valsartan+fluvastatin group was lower than the diabetic control group ( 1.895 ±0.090,2.051 ± 0.113,1.537 ± 0.071 vs 2.774 ± 0.139 ) ( q =1 3.69,13.48,23.06,P ＜ 0.01 ).The grey value of p-GSK-3β (Ser-9)/β-actin in the valsartan+fluvastatin group was declined in comparison with the valsartan group and fluvastatin group ( q =6.67,9.58,P＜0.01 ).Immunohistochemistry showed that the p-GSK-3β(Ser-9) protein was expressed all over the retinal layers and obviously in retinal ganglion cell layer(GCL) in normal control group.But the p-GSK-3β(Ser-9) protein was expressed significantly in diabetic control group.The expression of p-GSK-3β (Ser-9)protein was attenuated both in valsartan and fluvastatin groups and further attenuated in valsartan + fluvastatin group. Conclusions p-GSK-3β (Ser-9) protein is overexpressed in GCL of retina of diabetes rat.Both valsartan and fluvastatin can inhibit the expression of p-GSK-3β (Ser-9) and even getting stronger when they combined.

Based on the Android platform, a portable electrochemical analyzer was designed for the detection of heavy metal ions. Its output voltage range was ±3 V with accuracy of 0. 1% and resolution of <1 mV. The current acquisition range was±10 mA with accuracy of 0. 1% and the minimum resolution of 10 pA. With the human-computer interaction advantage of Android smart devices, professional and fast detection mode which could meet the needs of professional and ordinary users respectively were developed to simplify the complex process of electrochemical detection and analysis. Some common heavy metal ions including copper, cadmium, lead and mercury were detected with this detector. The results of linearity, repeatability and accuracy were satisfactory.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the species of Ligularia distributed in the northwestern China and their medicinal uses in the local area.

METHODField investigation, specimen collection, taxonomic study and datum check were adopted.

RESULTThere are 29 species and 1 varieties of Ligularia distributed in the northwestern China, and 18 species of them had been used as folk medicines with the function of resolving phlegm, relieving cough, clearing heat and toxins.

CONCLUSIONThe northwestern China is abundant in medicinal resource of Ligularia.

Anti-Asthmatic Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Antitussive Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Asteraceae ; chemistry ; classification ; China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Pharmacognosy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; classification

Aged ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fibronectins ; metabolism ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kidney Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; Kidney Glomerulus ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron

With low molecular weight chitosan and poloxamer 188 as the joint carriers, ginsenoside Rg3 solid dispersions were prepared by using the solvent evaporation method for an in vitro dissolution test. Subsequently, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (X-RD) were adopted for a phase analysis. The results showed that the 60 min in vitro cumulative dissolution rate of ginsenoside Rg3 solid dispersions prepared with low molecular weight chitosan and poloxamer 188 at the ratio of 2:1 exceeded 90%, and the drug was dispersed in carriers in an amorphous state. Therefore, ginsenoside Rg3 solid dispersions prepared with low molecular weight chitosan and poloxamer 188 could help significantly improve the drug dissolution, with a practical application value.
Chitosan ; chemistry ; Drug Compounding ; methods ; Ginsenosides ; chemistry ; Molecular Weight ; Poloxamer ; chemistry ; Solvents ; chemistry

Objective To optimize the extraction process of Albizia julibrissin in Baijin Capsule. Methods Using the extraction rate of quercitrin and total flavonoids as indexes, the orthogonal design was used to investigate effects of solvent volume, extraction time and extraction frequency on extraction results. Results The optimal extracting condition was as follows:extracted 2 times with 12 fold 70%alcohol, 2 h for each time. Conclusion The optimized process condition was simple, stable and feasible. It provides the basis for the production of Baijin Capsule.

Background Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.Peroxiredoxin 6(Prx6) is a doubly-functional protein.and its ability to eliminate phospholipid hydroperoxides is essential. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic expression of Prx6 in the retina of streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes and explore its correlation with the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Methods Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ)in 48 clean Wistar rats.The rats were sacrificed at 1,2,and 4 months after the injection of STZ,and expressions of Prx6 protein and Prx6 mRNA in the retina was determined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Another 12 matched normal Wistar rats were used as the control group. Results The resuh of immunohistochemistry showed that Prx6 protein was expressed in the cytoplasm of the outer nuclear layer(ONL)and inner nuclear layer(INL)in normal rats,and low expression of Prx6 protein was observed in the ganglion cell layer (GCL).In the first month,Prx6 protein was strongly expressed in the INL and the ONL of diabetic rats.However.two and three months after STZ administration,the expression of Prx6 protein was absent in the retina,showing a considerable difference among different course groups(F=22 967.63,P＜0.05).Furthermore,the expression trend of Prx6 mRNA in the retina was similar to that of the Prx6 protein with a significant difference among different course groups(F=942.84,P＜0.05). Conclusion It is conceivable that normal maintenance of Prx6 expression may be important to the prevention of diabetic retinopathy.We hypothesize that oxidative impairments in the retina that develop over time may partly contribute towards the development of retinal dysfunction,which eventually leads to retinal degeneration during the progressive phase of STZ-induced diabetes in adult rats.

Objective:The immunological effects of HCV-DNA vaccine with different adjuvants were detected by ELISPOT in mice.Methods:Female BALB/c mice were primed with naked HCV-DNA, HCV-DNA encapsulated by liposome DDAB/EPC or DC-Chol/DOPE, HCV-DNA mixed with Montanide ISA 720 or aluminum hydroxide, respectively, and boosted twice accordingly in a four-week interval. Cytokine production by splenocytes was assessed by ELISPOT.Results:In most cases, splenocytes from mice vaccinated with DDAB/EPC liposome produced more IFN-?. These splenocytes also have significant higher IL-2 production compared with the other groups. In expansion with NS5b, splenocytes from alum group have significance in IL-4 production compared with other groups. The profile of cytokine production revealed that the INF-? overwhelmed IL-4 in naked DNA, DDAB/EPC, and DC-Chol/DOPE groups while IL-4 surmounted IFN-? in alum and Montanide groups.Conclusion:Encapsulation with liposome DDAB/EPC has the strongest adjuvant effect in inducing Th1 dominated immunity. Alum and Montanide can convert the Th1 nature of DNA vaccine to Th2-biased immunity.

Aim The effect of capsule bushenyanshou (BSYS), a compound of traditional Chinesemedicine, on the immunopharmacological activities of mice was investigated. MethodsThe indexes of immunopharmacological activity, such as the clearance rate of charcoalparticles, the lymphocyte transformation and the content of serum hemolysin, were mea-sured. Results Capsule BSYS (400, 800 mg?kg-1, qd ? 12) markedly increased theclearance rate of iv charcoal particles and 1he lymphocyte transformation stimulated invivo by PHA in mice. In hydrocortisone -treated mice(15 mg? kg-1, sc, qd ? 5), capsuleBSYS significantly enhanced the content of serum hemolysin and the weights of spleenand thymus. The results also demonstrated capsule BSYS performed a sighted inhibition ofthe delayed type hypersensitivity in mice. Conclusion Capsule BSYS has the capacity ofimmunological intensification and regulation.