Though parched Chinese herbal medicines contain less effective or index components, their pharmacological actions do not reduce or even become improved to some extent. However, the current studies related to material basis could not explain the changes in property, flavour and efficacy of parched Chinese herbal medicines. Meanwhile, due to the lack of objective and specific evaluation indexes, the quality evaluation could not reflect features of parched Chinese herbal pieces. Therefore, how to break the bottleneck for the studies on parched Chinese herbal pieces, make further innovation and conduct in-depth studies on the material basis of parched Chinese herbal medicines are common problems that medical scholars are facing. According to the findings in the previous studies, the author proposed to explain the material basis of parched Chinese herbal medicines by studying Maillard reaction and establish specific quality evaluation indexes according to the features of parched Chinese herbal pieces, and conducted relevant studies.
Drug Compounding ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Maillard Reaction ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of carbaryl on serum steroid hormone and function of antioxidant system in female Sprague Dawley rats.

METHODSCarbaryl was administrated to the adult female rats at doses of 0, 1.028, 5.140 and 25.704 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 30 d. Vaginal smears of rats were taken to determine estrous cycle. Serum 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured by spectrophotometry.

RESULTSThe number of estrous cycle in exposed groups were obviously lower than in control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Body weight gain in high dose group (25.704 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) was significantly lower than that in control. Meanwhile, the organ coefficient of ovary and uterus declined in a dose-dependent manner. Serum E(2) level [(19.93 +/- 2.21) nmol/L] in 25.704 mg group was lower than in control group [(28.76 +/- 6.12) nmol/L, P < 0.05], and P(4) level (1.21 +/- 0.40) nmol/L in 1.028 mg group was higher than that in control group [(0.63 +/- 0.39) nmol/L, P < 0.05]. The activity of SOD first reduced then rose in ovary, and first rose then reduced in serum. The contents of MDA increased in ovary, while decreased in the serum. GSH contents and GST activity increased in ovary, while in serum GSH contents decreased and GST activity first increased then decreased.

CONCLUSIONCarbaryl could disrupt estrous cycle and affect serum steroid hormone, and the function of antioxidant system in female SD rats.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Carbaryl ; toxicity ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Glutathione ; blood ; Glutathione Transferase ; blood ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Progesterone ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

Child ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Syndrome ; Video Recording

Objective To investigate the value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating the injury of corticospinal tract (CST), including the motor dysfunction and the integrity of CST, in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH), and explore the relation between DTI results and the recovery of myodynamia. Methods Clinical data of 10 healthy volunteers and 35 patients with HICH, admitted to our hospital and performed evacuation of hematoma from November 2006 to May 2009, were retrospectively analyzed; DTI by using a 3.0T MR canner were chosen on them and the imaging was analyzed by Functool software. The changes of directionality and integrity of SCT were analyzed on fractional anisorropic (FA) map, color-coded directional map, and three-dimensional white matter tractography. Myodynamic examination at Brunnstrom standard 2 months after rehabilitation nursing was performed in these patients. The correlation between the injured degree of CST and the recovery of myodynamia was analyzed. Results Fiber tractography derived from DTI was consistent with known white matter fiber anatomy in 10 healthy volunteers. Three patterns of corticospinal tract involvement were identified in 35 patients: the intact one in 11 patients (the ipsilateral corticospinal tract was almost the same as contralateral corticospinal tract), the partially damaged one in 18 patients (the ipsilateral corticospinal tract was less than 2/3 but larger than 1/3 contralateral corticospinal tract) and the almost completely damaged one in 6 patients (the ipsilateral corticospinal tract was less than 1/3 contralateral corticospinal tract). Different pattern had totally different clinical outcome and the intact one had a full recovery. The ipsilateral corticospinal tract showed significantly lower Brunnstrom scores of the upper extremities than the ipsilateral one (P<0.05); the Brunnstorm scores and the value of myodynamia among the 3 patterns were statistically different (P<0.05). The recovery of motor function was negatively correlated to the injured degree of CST (r=-0.931, P=0.000). Conclusion The DTI, offering the optimal visualization of white matter tracts can detect the injured degree of the corticospinal tracts and predicate the prognosis to some extent, thus, early evaluation of corticospinal tract injury based on DTI can provide predictive value for motor functional outcome in patients with HICH.

Objective To explore the problems of microsurgical treatment of multiple intracranial aneurysms with regard to the indications,surgical timing,operative approaches and the prevention of complications, and improve their diagnoses and treatments. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 33 patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms admitted to our hospital from Jan.2000 to Dec.2008 and their clinical manifestations,imaging features and microsurgical treatments were summarized. Results In the 33 cases of multiple intracranial aneurysms,the male-to-female sex ratio was 1:1.75 and the average age at onset of symptoms was 56.52.Twenty-four patients showed good postoperative prognosis(Glasgow Outcome Scale IV-V) with 2 deaths.Conclusion Individual treatment should be adopted in the treatment of differently localized multiple intracranial aneurysms with different sizes and clinical classifications,and the utilization of temporary blockade and ultrasound during the operation can improve the therapeutic effects and reduce the postoperative complication rates.

OBJECTIVESTo study the effect of lead acetate on the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) protein in rat brain and the regulation of thyroid hormone.

METHODSLead acetate was given to SD rats intraperitoneally ip. at the dosage of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively. 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) was used to make a hypothyroid model and then lead acetate was given at the dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight through i.p. The NGF protein expression in rat brain was observed by immunohistochemistry Triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), TSH in serum and T3, T4 in brain tissue were determined by radio immunoassays (RIAs).

RESULTSThe average gray value of NGF protein in cerebral cortex of 50 mg, 100 mg treated groups (180.49 +/- 10.33, 169.72 +/- 19.75, respectively) were lower than the control (200.75 +/- 3.27, P<0.01). The area density of NGF protein in hippocampus of three treated groups (0.08 +/- 0.14, 0.12 +/- 0.02, 0.13 +/- 0.04, respectively) were significantly different from the control (0.025 +/- 0.015, P<0.05). The area density and the average gray value of NGF protein in lead acetate treated hypothyroid rat brain were of no significant changes. The levels of serum T3 in three treated groups [(0.68 +/- 0.02), (0.57 +/- 0.04), (0.54 +/- 0.02) microg/L respectively] and T4 [(28.30 +/- 1.83), (27.35 +/- 2.55), (24.00 +/- 3.01) microg/L] in serum were significantly lower while TSH [(6.34 +/- 1.13), (7.74 +/- 0.79), (9.16 +/- 0.77) IU] higher than those in the control [T3 (0.97 +/- 0.14) microg/L, T4 (54.50 +/- 3.70) microg/L and TSH (4.62 +/- 2.16) IU], and there was a good dose-response relationship. The levels of T3 in cerebral cortex of three treated groups [(13.26 +/- 0.81), (11.49 +/- 0.10), (10.42 +/- 1.19) pg/mg pro respectively] and T4 [(0.50 +/- 0.03), (0.49 +/- 0.13), (0.42 +/- 0.01) ng/mg pro] were significantly lower than those in control [(20.85 +/- 11.01) pg/mg pro, (0.76 +/- 0.14) ng/mg pro, P<0.05, P<0.01].

CONCLUSIONLead could increase the NGF protein expression in rat brain, which may be regulated by thyroid hormone.

Animals ; Brain Chemistry ; drug effects ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Nerve Growth Factor ; analysis ; Organometallic Compounds ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Thyroid Hormones ; analysis ; blood ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo observe the anti-tumor effect of combination TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) with aspirin on liver cancer cell line, SMMC-7721.

METHODSThe survival fraction of SMMC-7721 cells was measured by MTT assay, apoptosis rate and cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry, and the expression of apoptosis-related gene was identified by western blot.

RESULTSThe survival fraction of SMMC-7721 cells treated with 300 ng/ml TRAIL, 3 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L aspirin alone was 82.76%, 81.34% and 71.29% respectively, and the survival fractions of SMMC-7721 cells treated with TRAIL and 3 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L aspirin were 43.54% and 37.8% respectively. The apoptosis rates of SMMC-7721 cells induced by TRAIL and 3 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L aspirin were higher than that induced by TRAIL or aspirin alone (34.76% and 38.56% vs 21.25%, 1.89% and 6.08%), and G0/G1 arrest was observed under TRAIL and aspirin. The expression of Bcl-2 in SMMC-7721 cells treated by 3 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L aspirin decreased markedly, but no effect on Bax.

CONCLUSIONThe cooperative anti-tumor effect of aspirin and TRAIL may be related to the inhibition of the expression of Bcl-2 by aspirin

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; Aspirin ; pharmacology ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Humans ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the expression of protamine-2 (P-2) mRNA and the results of sperm extraction in the corresponding testis tissues of patients with nonobstructive azoospermia.

METHODSBased on pathological diagnosis, 38 cases of azoospermia at the mean age of 32.4 (ranging 24 - 42) years were divided into a nonobstructive (NOA) group and an obstructive (OA) group. Two specimens were taken from different positions of one testis, each divided into three portions for general pathological test, sperm separation and mRNA extraction, respectively. The expression of P-2 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR and image analysis assay.

RESULTSAmong the 38 cases, 27 were diagnosed as nonobstructive and 11 as obstructive azoospermia. No regularity was found as to the positions where sperm could or could not be successfully isolated. The expression of P-2 mRNA was 1.40 +/- 0.21 in the tissues where sperm was isolated and 0.51 +/- 0.23 (P < 0.05) in those where no sperm was isolated.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of P-2 mRNA in the testicular tissues from the patient with nonobstructive azoospermia could reveal the results of sperm extraction in the corresponding tissues.

Adult ; Azoospermia ; metabolism ; Cell Separation ; Humans ; Male ; Protamines ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; Testis ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of the present study was to identify the relationship between the plasma level of adiponectin and in-stent restenosis of patients with coronary heart disease after coronary stenting.

METHODThe study population comprised 119 individuals (92 men) who underwent stent implantation, including 65 subjects without in-stent restenosis (group A) and 54 patients with in-stent restenosis (group B). The level of plasma adiponectin was measured using ELISA. Coronary angiography was performed immediately before and after implanting stent and 9 - 12 months later.

RESULTSBaseline characteristics including drug use after PCI were similar between the groups. The rate of implanting bare metal stent is 8 (12.31%) and 6 (11.11%), TAXUS drug-eluting stent is 11 (16.92%) and 10 (18.52%) and CYPHER drug-eluting stent is 46 (70.77%) and 38 (70.37%) respectively (all P > 0.05). Plasma level of adiponectin in patient of group A was significantly higher than that in group B [(15.16 +/- 5.02) mg/L vs. (10.01 +/- 4.93) mg/L, P < 0.05]. The quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) showed that lesion length was similar between groups [(15.82 +/- 6.67) mm vs. (13.40 +/- 4.20) mm, P > 0.05], minimum lumen diameter (MLD) and stenosis rate were also similar before and after implanting stent (P > 0.05) and acute gain was (1.48 +/- 0.65) mm vs. (1.19 +/- 0.37) mm (P > 0.05). MLD was higher in group A than that in group B [(2.55 +/- 0.53) mm vs. (0.57 +/- 0.60) mm, P < 0.01] at 9 - 12 months follow up. Restenosis rate [(24.2 +/- 11.2)% vs.(81.0 +/- 19.1)%, P < 0.01] and late lumen loss [(0.50 +/- 0.34) mm vs. (1.60 +/- 0.54) mm, P < 0.01] were lower in group A than in group B.

CONCLUSIONSThe lower plasma adiponectin level might be associated with in-stent restenosis after coronary stenting.

Adiponectin ; blood ; Adult ; Aged ; Coronary Restenosis ; blood ; pathology ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVEObserve the effects of Goutengsan on SOD, MAO-B, GSH-PX, NO, LDH, index of brain, rate of death and so on in rats to study therapeutic effects and mechanism of Goutengsan on Alzheimer dementia (AD) model.

METHODOne hundred and twenty rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, 3 experimental groups of which were daily administrated with Goutengsan extract whereas the model and control groups were given NS (0.01 mL x g(-1)). Aniracetam at 0.1 g x kg(-1) served as a positive control. At the 5th day after administration, all groups except the control were administrated (ip) with AlCl3 (100 mg x kg(-1) ) for successive 50 days at 1 day interval. After administration, the death rate, body weight, training scores, brain index, MAO-B, SOD, GSH-Px in brain and NO, LDH in serum were determined.

RESULTThe brain index, SOD, GSH-Px activities as well as NO content of drug-treated groups were strikingly higher that of model group, and had not obvious difference from that of normal group except content of LDH was higher.

CONCLUSIONGoutengsan could increase the brain index, cut down the rate of death, stable increase of body weight, promote the endogenous antioxidant activity, enhance the clearance of lipid peroxide and other metabolic waste, inhibit the MAO-B activity, reduced the leakage of LDH and maintain the content of NO at a normal level. Therefore Goutengsan could protect cells, delay senile, improve symptoms of AD.

Aluminum Compounds ; pharmacology ; Alzheimer Disease ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Chlorides ; pharmacology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Memory ; drug effects ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Pyrrolidinones ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism