This paper collected the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis from CNKI to set up database and used TCM inheritance system to analyze the composing principles in prescriptions. We collected 103 and 106 prescriptions for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis respectively, then analyzed inherent principles between herbs in prescriptions by using the TCM inheritance system, and obtained the frequency of each herb, and drug combinations of two diseases' prescriptions. The result showed that the principles in TCM prescriptions of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are similarities, buch as tonifying kidney and invigorating the circulation of blood, but differences of the specific drugs. That is to say, tonifying kidney is the main method of osteoporosis treatment, however, invigorating the circulation of blood is the main method of osteoarthritis treatment.
Blood Circulation ; drug effects ; Databases, Factual ; Drug Prescriptions ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Kidney ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Osteoarthritis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Osteoporosis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology

Objective: Apios americana, a plant used as a staple ingredient of native American diets, has various properties, including anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory activity. In Japan, Apios is used as a post-natal medication. After parturition, women undergo a period of recovery as they return to pre-pregnancy conditions. However, few health products that aid post-partum recovery are on the market. We explored whether Apios can accelerate the post-partum recovery process, in particular the involution of the uterus. Methods: Female rats kept in individual cages were mated with two male rats, with the exception of the control group (female rats without mating, on basal diet; n=6). After delivery, rats were divided into five groups based on their diet: basal diet (model; n=6); basal diet+oral intake at 5.4 g/kg of Chanfukang granules (a Chinese patent medicine preparation for post-partum lochia) (positive; n=6); basal diet containing 10% Apios powder (low; n=6); basal diet containing 20% Apios powder (medium; n=6); basal diet containing 40% Apios powder (high; n=6). Five days later, uteri and spleens were weighed. Uterus and spleen indices for each rat were calculated by dividing visceral weight by the total weight. Hormone and cytokine concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological analysis of uteri was completed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and inhibitors in uteri was measured by western blotting. Results: Our results showed that Apios treatment reduced the post-partum uterus index and regulated the hormone concentrations. Moreover, we found that the process of uterine involution was accelerated, based on morphological changes in the uterus. In addition, our results indicated that Apios alleviated the inflammatory response induced by the involution process. Transforming growth factor ß was also found to be regulated by Apios. There were significant downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and upregulation of their inhibitors by Apios, which suggested that Apios increased the rate of the collagen clearance process. Conclusions: These results, based on experimental observations at the molecular and protein levels, verified our hypothesis that Apios can improve uterine involution, and demonstrated the potential application of Apios in post-partum care.

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the characteristics of variation and the genetic evolution of non-structural protein (NS1, NS2) genes related to avian influenza subtype H5N1 viruses isolated from the boundary region of Yunnan province.

METHODSSwab samples were collected from foreign poultry and wild birds in the boundary regions of Yunnan province and screened by H5/N1 subtype-specific multiplex RT-PCR. The NS segment of H5N1 virus from the positive samples were amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pMD18-T vectors for sequencing. The alignment and phylogenetic analysis on those available NS1, NS2 genes were performed with sequences of the known reference strains.

RESULTS71 positive samples were identified from 1240 samples, with the positive rate as 5.72%. Fourteen different NS segment sequences were obtained from 30 representative positive samples and could be divided into 3 distinct clades or sub-clades (I-1, I-2 and II), by phylogenetic analysis. The NS1/NS2 genes and Hemagglutinin (HA) genes of H5N1 viruses from the boundary regions of Yunnan province showed different relationships regarding the characteristics on genetic evolution. The substitution or mutation of key amino acids sites had been noticed in the nuclear location signal domains, effect domain, and other pathogenicity markers.

CONCLUSIONNS genes of H5N1 subtype viruses in boundary region of Yunnan province showed genetic divergence and the virus of clade I-2 and II had become dominant epidemic strains in this region since 2010.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Birds ; virology ; China ; epidemiology ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Viral ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza in Birds ; epidemiology ; virology ; Phylogeny

Fingerprint technology is the key technology in modern Chinese medicine research, while spectrum-effect relationship research is the advanced stage of fingerprint research. Spectrum-effect relationship research can reveal the relationship between fingerprint and pharmacological effect through multiple statistical analyses, which can be used in Chinese medicine research. Spectrum-effect relationship has been used in many areas of Chinese medicine research, such as effective basis of single and compound Chinese medicine research, component compatibility research, processing mechanism research, pharmacological effect forecast research, technology optimization research, and so on. This paper systematically reviewed the application of spectrum-effect relationship in Chinese medicine research, and indicated some problems in spectrum-effect relationship research. At last, the authors give an outlook of the future of spectrum-effect relationship research.
Animals ; Biomedical Research ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Spectrum Analysis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation of 64-multidetector-row CT (64MDCT) perfusion imaging with microvessel density(MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS64MDCT perfusion imaging was performed in 33 patients with pathologically verified colorectal carcinoma. Time-density curves (TDC) were created from the region of interest (ROI) drawn over the tumor, target artery and vein by 64MDCT with perfusion functional software. The individual perfusion maps generated were for blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT) and permeability-surface area product (PS). MVD and VEGF expression of surgical specimens were examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34, anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody. MVD and VEGF were compared among the different types of TDC in colorectal carcinoma. The correlation of CT perfusion parameters with MVD and VEGF was also examined.

RESULTSTDC of colorectal carcinoma was divided into five types according to their shapes. MVD in the colorectal carcinoma was 22.61+/-9.01. VEGF staining was found in 25 of 29 tumors (86.2%). The score of VEGF expression was 4.15+/-1.09. No significant differences of MVD and VEGF expression among TDC types were found (F=2.59, 1.11, P>0.05). There were also no correlations of MVD and VEGF expression with any dynamic CT parameters (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION64MDCT perfusion imaging, MVD and VEGF may reflect angiogenic activity, but no significant correlations are found among them.

Adult ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microvessels ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo construct the recombinant fowlpox virus (rFPV) coexpressing HIV-1 gag-gp120 and hIL-6.

METHODSThe recombinant expressing plasmid pUTA-GE-IL6 was successfully constructed by inserting gag-gp120 gene and hIL-6 gene into the downstream of the combined promoter ATI-p7.5 and p7.5 tandem promoter respectively. After transfecting the plasmid into chicken embryonic fibroblast (CEF) cells preinfected with FPV 282E4 strain and selecting the recombinant virus under the pressure of BUdR. The recombinant virus was analyzed by nucleic acid probe hybridization and immunoblotting. In addition, the formation of virus-like particle and the expression of interested proteins in the recombinant virus-infected p815 cells were observed, and the immunogenicity of the recombinant virus was also analyzed.

RESULTSThere was colorable dot for the positive recombinant virus, immunoblotting analysis showed that the recombinant virus could expressed both gag-gp120 and IL-6. Virus-like particles (VLP) were formed in virus-infected cells, and the interested proteins could be expressed in mammalian cells infected by the recombinant virus. The immunity index from the immunized mice showed that the recombinant virus had good immunogenicity.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant fowlpox virus coexpressing gag-gp120 and IL-6 was successfully constructed, which may provide basis for the preparation of live vector genetic engineering vaccine and macromolecule particle vaccine against HIV-1.

Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; Chick Embryo ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Fowlpox ; blood ; immunology ; virology ; Fowlpox virus ; genetics ; immunology ; Gene Products, gag ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; HIV Envelope Protein gp120 ; genetics ; metabolism ; HIV-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunization ; methods ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Microscopy, Electron ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Viral Vaccines ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the variation in characterizations and genetic evolution of the matrix protein 2 or ion channel protein(M2) genes of avian influenza subtype H5N1 viruses in the boundary region of Yunnan province from 2008 to 2012.

METHODSA total of swab samples were collected from foreign poultry such as the junction between Yunnan and Vietnam, Laos,myanmar and wild birds in boundary region of Yunnan province from 2008 to 2012 and screened by H5N1 subtype-specific multiplex RT-PCR. The M genes of H5N1 virus from the positive samples were amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pMD18-T vectors for sequencing. The alignment and phylogenetic analysis of M2 genes were performed with sequences of the known reference strains.

RESULTSA total of 71 positive samples were found out of 1240 samples and the positive rate was 5.72%. A total of 14 different M2 sequences were obtained from 30 positive samples and were divided into 3 distinct clades or sub-clades(1.2.1, 1.2.2 and 2) by phylogenetic analysis, 5, 7 and 2, respectively. The M2 genes and Hemagglutinin(HA) genes of H5N1 viruses from the boundary region of Yunnan province had showed different relationship of genetic evolution. The substitution or mutation of key amino acids sites had been found among the domains of epitope, adamantane-resistance, and poultry or human original viral strains.

CONCLUSIONThe M2 genes of H5N1 subtype viruses in boundary region of Yunnan province from 2008 to 2012 showed genetic divergence and the virus of clade 1.2.2 had become dominant epidemic strain in this region.

Animals ; Birds ; virology ; Chickens ; virology ; China ; Evolution, Molecular ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; classification ; genetics ; Influenza in Birds ; virology ; Phylogeny ; Poultry ; virology ; Viral Matrix Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathophysiological role of CXCL16 in immunological liver injury induced by Bacille de Calmette et Guerin (BCG) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

METHODSImmunological liver injury was induced by BCG and LPS in mice, and the expression of CXCL16 was detected in the liver tissues by real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical examination. The relationship of the expression of CXCL16 and the extent of hepatic necrosis was investigated histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Mononuclear cells were isolated from the liver tissues and their numbers were counted; T lymphocytes populations in the liver tissue were also analyzed with FACS.

RESULTSThe immunological liver injury model was successfully created. Up-regulation of CXCL16 in injured livers correlated with the extent of liver injury and the amountmononuclear cell infiltrations.

CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that up-regulation of CXCL16 was closely correlated with liver injury extent during the immunological liver injury induced by BCG-LPS in mice, and intrahepatic recruitment of specific lymphocytes might be an important mechanism of liver injury.

Animals ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; Chemokine CXCL16 ; Chemokine CXCL6 ; Chemokines, CXC ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Liver Diseases ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mycobacterium bovis ; Receptors, Scavenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: Apios americana, a plant used as a staple ingredient of native American diets, has various properties, including anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory activity. In Japan, Apios is used as a post-natal medication. After parturition, women undergo a period of recovery as they return to pre-pregnancy conditions. However, few health products that aid post-partum recovery are on the market. We explored whether Apios can accelerate the post-partum recovery process, in particular the involution of the uterus. METHODS: Female rats kept in individual cages were mated with two male rats, with the exception of the control group (female rats without mating, on basal diet; n=6). After delivery, rats were divided into five groups based on their diet: basal diet (model; n=6); basal diet+oral intake at 5.4 g/kg of Chanfukang granules (a Chinese patent medicine preparation for post-partum lochia) (positive; n=6); basal diet containing 10% Apios powder (low; n=6); basal diet containing 20% Apios powder (medium; n=6); basal diet containing 40% Apios powder (high; n=6). Five days later, uteri and spleens were weighed. Uterus and spleen indices for each rat were calculated by dividing visceral weight by the total weight. Hormone and cytokine concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological analysis of uteri was completed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and inhibitors in uteri was measured by western blotting. RESULTS: Our results showed that Apios treatment reduced the post-partum uterus index and regulated the hormone concentrations. Moreover, we found that the process of uterine involution was accelerated, based on morphological changes in the uterus. In addition, our results indicated that Apios alleviated the inflammatory response induced by the involution process. Transforming growth factor β was also found to be regulated by Apios. There were significant downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and upregulation of their inhibitors by Apios, which suggested that Apios increased the rate of the collagen clearance process. CONCLUSIONS These results, based on experimental observations at the molecular and protein levels, verified our hypothesis that Apios can improve uterine involution, and demonstrated the potential application of Apios in post-partum care.

OBJECTIVESix1 and Six4 are expressed in several tumors, and associated with tumor progress and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Six1 and Six4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to evaluate their correlation with the clinicopathological factors and prognosis.

METHODSTissue microarray technology and immunohistochemical method (EnVision) were used to detect the expression of Six1 and Six4 in the tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent normal epithelium of esophagus from 292 ESCC patients.

RESULTSAmong the 292 ESCC patients, the positive rates of Six1 and Six4 protein expression in tumor tissues were 72.9% (213/292) and 56.2% (164/292), respectively, significantly higher than the expression rate of 33.2% (97/292) and 32.5% (95/292) in adjacent normal epithelium of esophagus (P < 0.05). Chi square test showed that the expression of Six1 protein was related to tumor size, depth of tumor invasion and patient survival status; higher Six4 protein expression level was related to poor differentiation and increased depth of invasion. Single factor Log-rank analysis revealed that gender, TNM stage, Six1 protein expression level were related to the overall survival of ESCC patients (P < 0.05), while the five-year survival rate was significantly higher in the Six1-negative group than the Six1-positive group [51.9% (41/79) vs. 43.7% (93/213)]. Multi-factor Cox proportional risk model analysis showed that TNM stage and positive expression of Six1 were independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSix1 and Six4 are highly expressed in ESCC. Their expression levels are closely related to the progress and prognosis of ESCC. Over-expression of Six1 is related to poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Thus, Six1 could be used as an important prognostic indicator for ESCC patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Homeodomain Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Trans-Activators ; metabolism ; Tumor Burden