OBJECTIVETo establish an HPLC fingerprint to evaluate the quality of Polygalae Radix, root xylem, and those collected in different growth ages or harvest time.

METHODSeparation was performed at 30 °C on a Kromasil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm); the mobile phases was acetonitrile and 0.05% H3PO4 water in the gradient elution; the flow rate was set at 1.0 mL · min(-1) and the detection wavelength at 314 nm; the quality discriminant analyses were accomplished by means of similarity analysis, cluster analysis, principal component analysis and neural network model.

RESULTIn 26 batches of Polygalae Radix, 24 batches fingerprint similarities were above 0.8. In 5 different growth or harvest time batches, 4 batches were above 0.8; in 8 batches root xylem samples, the similarities were all above 0.875. The similarity analysis was in accord with the quality discriminant analysis of cluster analysis, principal component analysis and neural network model.

CONCLUSIONFingerprint combined with chemical pattern recognition technique can effectively evaluate the quality of Polygalae Radix. The active substance species are all similar in cultivated, wild, different growth or harvest time Polygalae Radix and polygala root xylem, but the chromatography peak areas are different. The effective material contents are similar between wild and cultivated Polygalae Radix, but each chromatographic peak area of the root xylem is much smaller than that of Polygalae Radix. The chemical substance accumulation mainly depends on harvest month, but little growth time in Polygalae Radix.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; classification ; Polygala ; chemistry ; classification ; Quality Control

Limonin existed in citrus fruits has been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-feedant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory activities and anti-carcinogenic activities. But the clinical use is limited by its low bioavailability. The aim of this study is to observe the absorption and secretion transport mechanisms of limonin in intestine which can pave the way for the further study and clinical use. The transport characteristics and mechanisms of limonin in rat were studied by in situ intestine perfusion and in vitro Caco-2 cells method. The intestinal absorption of limonin was probably via a facilitated diffusion pathway which was poor and without segment-selection. Verapamil and ketoconazole improved the absorption remarkably according to the result of in vitro Caco-2 cells study; however, probenecid had no significant effect on the absorption. The P-gp efflux and CYP3A4 metabolism were involved in the poor intestinal absorption and low bioavailability of limonin. The exploration of the intestinal absorption mechanism is crucial to the design of dosage form and clinical use of limonin.
ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; metabolism ; Animals ; Biological Availability ; Biological Transport ; drug effects ; Caco-2 Cells ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Intestinal Absorption ; drug effects ; Ketoconazole ; pharmacology ; Limonins ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Perfusion ; Probenecid ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Verapamil ; pharmacology

Objective To explore the changes of structure and function of mitochondria in liver tissue of mice with acute liver injury induced by volatile oils from ArtemisiaeArgyi Folium(VOAAF).Methods VOAAF was obtained by hydrodistillation extraction.specific pathogen free (SPF) Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice in half male and half female were randomized into five groups,including control group(n =10),model (carbon tetrachloride,CCl4) group (n =10),low dose (1.9 g · kg-1,n=10),middle dose (2.3 g · kg-1,n =10),and high dose(2.7 g· kg-1,n =12) VOAAF group(test group).The biological samples were obtained in 6 h after gavaging equal volume (20 mL · kg-1) drugs or solvent to mice at single dose.Aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum was detected.Morphological change of mitochondria in hver tissue was observed by transmission electron microscope.Change of mitochondrial membrane potential in liver tissue was examined by JC-1.Change of mitochondrial swelling sensibility in liver tissue was observed by spectrophotometer.Activity change of Na +-K +-ATPase,Ca2+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in liver tissue were detected by phosphorus determination method.Results The levels of AST in control group and low,middle,high dose test group were (154 ± 27),(224 ±56),(251 ±64),(316 ± 101) U · L-1 (P ＜0.05).The mitochondria got swollen and hydropic in some degree,mitochondrial membrane potemial were 31.35 ±9.14,22.06-6.18,21.34 ±5.99,16.48 ±4.88(P ＜0.05).The mitochondrial swelhng sensibility were (1.43 ±0.69) +10-2,(0.68 ±0.28) ×10-2,(0.40 × ±0.18) + 10-2,(0.26 ±0.10) × 10-2 (P ＜ 0.05).The activity change of Na+-K+-ATPase were 4.40 ± 0.90,2.60 ± 0.60,2.20±0.80,2.10 ±0.80(P ＜0.05).The Ca2 +-ATPase were 4.20 ±0.80,2.70 ±0.50,2.50 ±0.80,2.20 ± 0.60 (P ＜ 0.05).The Ca2 +-Mg2 +-ATPase were 3.90 ± 0.70,2.80 ± 0.60,2.60 ± 0.90,2.50 ± 0.70 (P ＜ 0.05).All changes were related to dose variation trend of volatile oils.Conclusion The disorder of the structure and function of mitochondria could be the mechanism of acute liver injury induced by VOAAF in mice.

Effervescent tablets which contain an effervescent mixture of a suitable organic acid and an alkali metal bicarbonate and/or carbonate can give out carbon dioxide when they meet water. The effervescent tablets for oral solution can be dissolved in cool water about 17-20 degrees C, therefore it is convenient to carry and use. It also has a good taste for patient with deodorizing agent added. The foam produced by external effervescent tablets is usually helpful in killing the local bacteria. The review displayed the main supplementary material, preparative technique and the study development of effervescent tablets of Chinese traditional medicine. Effervescent tablets that have been used to clinic were enumerated.
Citric Acid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Plants, Medicinal ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Sodium Bicarbonate ; Tablets ; Technology, Pharmaceutical

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of 'Tong Du Yun Pi' (Governor Vessel-unblocking and spleen-promoting) manipulation in treating infantile diarrhea in autumn. Methods: Eighty-four kids were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method, with 42 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by oral administration of montmorillonite powder, and the observation group was given additional 'Tong Du Yun Pi' pediatric massage (tuina) treatment. After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms scores, symptom improvement time, clinical efficacy and immune function indicators were compared between the two groups. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate was 95.2％ in the observation group versus 76.2％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); each item score in TCM symptoms was notably lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05); among the effective cases, the times to restore normal defecation, relieve abdominal bloating, arrest vomiting, and bring down the fever were markedly shorter in the observation group than in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05); the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were significantly higher and CD8+ was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of infantile diarrhea in autumn, based on oral administration of montmorillonite powder, 'Tong Du Yun Pi' manipulation can notably improve diarrheal symptoms, shorten disease duration, and strengthen the immunity of kids, producing more significant efficacy than oral administration of montmorillonite powder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between microalbuminuria and endothelial-dependent relaxing function and atherosclerosis of common carotid artery (CCA) in aged patients with essential hypertension (EH). METHODS: Sixty-four aged EH patients were recruited. According to the albumin excretion rate (AER) in the urine measured by immunoturbidimetry, patients were divided into 2 groups: normoalbuminuria group (NAU group) and microalbuminuria group (MAU group). Thirty aged persons without EH were served as the control group. The endothelium-dependent relaxing function of blood vessels, intima-media thickness (IMT) and the plaque of CCA were measured by color Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: The flow-mediated dilation in the MAU group [(4.98+/-1.35)%] and that in the NAU group [(6.31+/-1.14)%] were significantly lower than that in the control group [(9.09+/-1.83)%, P<0.05, respectively], especially lower in the MAU group. The IMT of CCA in the MAU group [(0.97+/-0.19)mm] and that in the NAU group [(0.86+/-0.10)mm] were significantly thicker than that in the control group [(0.78+/-0.13)mm] (P<0.05, respectively), especially thicker in the MAU group. The analysis of multiple stepwise regression showed that the microalbuminuria was successively related to EDF, the IMT of CCA, the plaque index of CCA, systolic blood pressure, etc. CONCLUSION EDF is impaired, and there is the atherosclerosis of CCA in aged patients with EH. Microalbuminuria correlates with the decrease of endothelium-dependent relaxing function and the IMT of CCA in aged patients with EH.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Albuminuria ; etiology ; Arteriosclerosis ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Carotid Artery, Common ; diagnostic imaging ; Endothelial Cells ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; urine ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography

Objective To investigate the reality of self-perceived burden (SPB) of patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) at home.Methods Semi structured interviews were conducted on 12 CAPD patients,who were chosen by purposive sampling from May 4 to 24,2012 in one peritoneal dialysis center of Chengdu.And data was analyzed by content analysis method.Results Two themes appeared alternately in CAPD patients' life experience:Emotional shackles-disease as a drag on the family,loss of self-worth,dark clouds over the family,and hopelessness; Search and struggle-giving oneself the power to survive,looking for emotional outlet,and facing to the present situation.Conclusions The SPB of CAPD patients were relatively complicated.Medical staff should not only focus on patients' physical health,but also mental health and social function,in order to improve patients' life quality.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of genetic diagnosis of Down's syndrome (DS) using short tandem repeat (STR), and to develop a rapid and accurate method for diagnosing DS.

METHODSQuantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) was used to amplify STR loci D21S11, D21S1440 and Penta D of 719 samples. Three hundred and eighty-nine samples were peripheral blood, 282 were amniotic fluid, 48 were chorionic villous samples. The products were analyzed using eleterophoresis to detect DS.

RESULTSAmong 652 samples with a normal karyotype, 635 showed 2 bands with a 1:1 ratio or a single band. The remaining 17 samples showed 3 bands, and were regarded as false positive results. For 67 DS samples, 53 showed 3 bands/peaks with a 1:1:1 ratio and 14 showed 2 bands/peaks with a 2:1 ratio. The sensitivity and specificity of STR loci D21S11, D21S1440 and Penta D were 76.12% and 98.62%, 71.64% and 98.93%, 89.55% and 99.85%, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of 3 STR loci were 100% (67/67) and 97.39% (635/652), respectively.

CONCLUSIONCompared with conventional method, author's method is simpler, more stable and rapid, and can be used for large-scale prenatal screening of DS.

Amniotic Fluid ; chemistry ; Chorionic Villi ; chemistry ; Down Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity

The effect of zinc on the damage of primary cultured hippocampal neurons induced by corticosterone (CORT) was studied. Neuronal injury and expression of NMDA receptor subunits (NR1,NR2A,NR2B) mRNA were detected by using in situ staining and RT-PCR, respectively. Neurons treated with 5 micromol/L CORT for 24 h showed decreased survival rates and increased apoptotic rates compared with the controls; co-application of CORT and 10 or 100 micromol/L Zn(2+) attenuated apoptotic rates while 250 micromol/L Zn(2+) worsened CORT-induced neuronal injury. Expression of NR1, NR2B mRNA in neurons treated by 5 micromol/L CORT for 24 h was significantly increased, while those concurrently added with 10 or 100 micromol/L Zn(2+) showed no changes. No statistic difference in NR2A mRNA was obtained under any treatment. These results suggest that zinc can bilaterally regulate neuronal injuries induced by CORT, among while NMDA receptors probably play an important role.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Corticosterone ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; Neurons ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; biosynthesis ; classification ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Zinc ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of calorie restriction on the high fat diet rats mRNA expressions of liver forkhead box O1(FoxO1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-P) and to explore the possible mechanisms.

METHODS24 normal 6-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal chow group (NC, n = 7), high fat diet group (HF, n = 9) and calorie restriction group (CR, n = 8). They were fed for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and their fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin (INS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) were measured. Their visceral fat (VF) and body weight (BW) were also measured and VF/BW was calculated. Gene expression was investigated by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR methods. Liver histology was studied with HE stained slides.

RESULTSCompared with the NC group, HF group rats developed visceral obesity which was accompanied by higher FBG, plasma INS, TG, and TC. The levels of FoxO1, PEPCK, and G-6-P increased by 18.9%, 33.8%, and 24.6%, respectively (P less than 0.01). Liver steatosis was observed with microscopy. The BW, VF FBG, INS, TG and TC of the CR group rats were lower in comparison to those of the HF group. The levels of FoxO1, PEPCK and G-6-P were lower by 26.6%, 35.0%, 34.3% (P less than 0.01). Meanwhile, liver steatosis was also milder.

CONCLUSIONCalorie restriction can inhibit the expressions of FoxO1, PEPCK and G-6-P, strengthen insulin signal conduction, suppress gluconeogenesis and thus regulate glycometabolism.

Animals ; Caloric Restriction ; Dietary Fats ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Gluconeogenesis ; genetics ; Glucose-6-Phosphatase ; genetics ; Liver ; metabolism ; Male ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (ATP) ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar