In order to provide scientific basics for exploitation and sufficient application of Dendrobium officinale leaves resources, the phenol-sulfuric acid method was applied to determine the polysaccharide content. The monosaccharides were derivated by PMP and the derivatives were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(n) and the contents of mannose and glucose were determined simultaneously. Similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine (2004A) was employed to generate the mean chromatogram and similarity analysis of the samples was carried out. The results demonstrated that polysaccharide content, monosaccharide compositions and composition ratio had an obvious difference between stems and leaves. The polysaccharide content of stems was higher than that of leaves. Monosaccharide composition in leaf was significantly different from that in stem. The polysaccharide from stems was composed of mannose and glucose, however the polysaccharide of leaves was acid heteropolysaccharide and was mainly composed of five monosaccharides, including mannose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose. The similarity value of the 14 batches was above 0.9, indicating that similarity of fingerprints among different samples was high. The study can provide evidence for expanding the medicinal parts of D. officinale.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Dendrobium ; chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; chemistry

Objective To explore the feature of electrical physiology and the key aspect of diagnosis in early stage of spinal muscular atrophy in infants.Method The back clinical data of the musle change of electrical physiology within 25 cases were analyzed.Results The children were ill in 1 year old,with the symptom that four limbs present symmetry and paralysing slowly,low limbs being more serious than upper limbs,the close and the distant of the four limbs.The levels of creatine kinase(CK) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in serum were normal and the case unconcentrated was not seen rarely.The show of electromyogram(EMG) was that three limbs presenting wide-range losing nerve electric potential in peace state,when straingently the deadline was long and the motor unit potential(MUP) was high,when strain highly the eletric potential was decreased;the speed of nerve conduction was common.Muscle inspection was typical nervine myatrophy.Conclusion The clinical feature,the changes of muscle electrical physiology and the muscle inspection are valuable for diagnosis so as to afford reliable evidence for further gene diagnosis.J Appl Clin Pediatr,2006,21(3):167

Objective To investigate the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in the elderly undergoing coronary angiography and the correlated clinical risk factors.Methods 0.90% sodium chloride (1 ml · kg~-1 · h~-1 ) was administered 6 hours before and 12 hours after contrast media administration for 195 elderly patients,and the dose of sodium chloride was half when the patients were suffering from severe congestive heart failure.The levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and cystatin C were measured 3 days before and on the 2nd,5th day after the administration of contrast,respectively .Results(1) The incidence of CIN was 8.7% (17/195).The renal function of 11 cases recovered to baseline level 3 months after the use of contrast,2 cases had transformation to chronic renal failure but without undergoing maintenance hemodialysis,and 3 cases were dependent on maintenance hemodialysis,while 1 case developed multiple organ dysfunction until death.(2) There was no significant difference between pre-and post-contrast administration in the level of cystatin C (t=O.137,P= 0.891). But the concentration of Scr was reduced significantly on the 2nd day compared with the baseline (t=4.776,P = 0.000).Both the cystatin C and Scr recovered to the baseline on the 5th day.(3) There were no significant differences between the CIN and non-CIN group in gender,the dose of contrast,the baseline Scr,and the proportion of coronary heart disease.But there were significant differences in age,the baseline serum cystatin C,the proportions of diabetes mellitus,hypertension and congestive heart failure.(4) The clinical risk factors of CIN were the baseline Scr (OR = 1.039),the baseline serum cystatin C (OR=6.654),diabetes mellitus (OR=8.104) and congestive heart failure (OR=9.597) according to the analysis of logistic regression.ConclusionsWith the hydration and the use of low-osmolar nonionic contrast,it is safe to receive contrast examination for the elderly patients.The baseline serum levels of Scrand cystatin C,diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure are the clinical risk factors of CIN.Compared with Scr,serum cystatin C is the more powerful predictor for the development of CIN.

OBJECTIVETo study the endothelioid differentiation effect of Epimedin C on murine embryonic mesenchymal stem cells (C3H/10T1/2).

METHODSC3H/10T1/2 cells were cultivated in vitro. The cytotoxicity of Epimedin C at different concentrations was determined by MTT assay and crystal violet assay. Morphological changes were observed under microscope after treated with Epimendin C. The effect of Epimendin C on the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. mRNA expression levels of endothelial markers, such as CD31, CD34, vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (Vezf1), angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) were detected by semi-quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of platelet endothelial adhesive molecule 1 (CD31), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), and integrin β5 were determined by immunocytochemical (IHC) staining.

RESULTSEpimedin C could not affect the survival rate of C3H/10T1/2 cells at 1-30 μmol/L. Its cell cycle distribution was not significantly changed after treated by 30 μmol/L Epimedin C for 24 h. C3H/10T1/2 cells were differentiated to vascular endothelial cells by Epimedin C treatment, with significant morphological changes (whirlpool-like structure). PCR results indicated that mRNA levels of classic endothelial mark- ers, namely CD34, Vezf1, Ang1, and Ang2 were significantly increased in C3H/10T1/2 cells after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Protein expression levels of CD31, CD73, and ESM-1 were also positively expressed after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days, showing statistical difference when compared with those of the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEpimendin C could induce C3H/10T1/2 cells to differentiate into endothelioid cells.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; physiology ; Mice ; RNA, Messenger

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Qianyang Recipe (QYR) on the Gan-yang hyperactivity syndrome (GYHS), the blood pressure, and correlated vascular regulatory factors of hypertension rat.

METHODSThirty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the model group, and the QYR group, ten in each. Hypertension rat model of GYHS was prepared using Aconiti Praeparata Decoction plus ephedrine plus salt water. Rats in the QYR group orally took QYR physic liquor, while distilled water was given to rats in the normal control group and the model group. They were medicated for 28 successive days. The facial temperature, the grip strength, and the systolic pressure were determined once every 7 days. Rats' irritable degree and feather color were observed and recorded once every 14 days. After the last administration the plasma renin (PR), angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone (ALD), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (cGRP) were determined.

RESULTSCompared with the model group of the same phase, the facial temperature of rats in the QYR group significantly decreased on the 14th, 21th and 28th day after administration. The systolic pressure obviously decreased on the 21st day after administration. On the 28th day after administration symptoms such as irritability, dry hair were improved, and the Ang II level decreased. There was significant difference in all these changes (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSQYR could relieve GYHS rats' symptoms such as facial hotness, irritability, dry hair, and so on, and decrease the systolic pressure. Decreased Ang II level might be one of its mechanisms.

Aldosterone ; blood ; Angiotensin II ; blood ; Animals ; Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; blood ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hypertension ; blood ; diagnosis ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Renin ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the proliferation and apoptosis of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on leukemic U937 cells and its possible mechanism.

METHODThe inhibitory effect of TMP on the proliferation of U937 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were examined by the flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of bcl-2 and P27 were determined by the Real-time PCR. Western blot was carried out to detect bcl-2, caspase-3, cyclin E1, CDK2 and P27 expressions.

RESULTTMP inhibited the proliferation of U937 cells in a dose-and-time dependent manner, with IC50 value of 160 mg x L(-1) at 48 h. In addition, TMP could induce the apoptosis of U937 cells and block the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. According to the results of Real-time PCR and Western blot, TMP could down-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related molecule bcl-2, cycle-related protein cyclin E1 and CDK2 and up-regulate caspase-3 and P27.

CONCLUSIONTMP shows the effects in inhibiting the proliferation of leukemic U937 cells and inducing the apoptosis. Its mechanism may be related to the impacts on the cell cycle distribution, down-regulation of the bcl-2 expression, which finally activates caspase-3, starts the apoptosis path and causes the cell apoptosis.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 ; analysis ; Humans ; Leukemia ; drug therapy ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; U937 Cells

OBJECTIVETo verify the regulatory effects of acupuncture on exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at stable phase.

METHODSThirty cases of COPD were randomly divided into a treatment group (16 cases) and a placebo group (14 cases). Based on specified aerobic exercise, acupuncture was applied in the treatment group and placebo acupuncture was used in the placebo group. The acupoints included Danzhong (CV 17), Rugen (ST 18), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25) and so on. The needle did not penetrate into the skin for the placebo group. The treatment was required for 2 to 3 times per week for totally 5 weeks. The indices of exercise tolerance, including 6-min walking distance (6-MWD), exercise time, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) were observed in two groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS(1) Exercise tolerance: the differences of 6-MWD and exercise time were statistically significant between groups, which were more superior in the treatment group (both P<0.01); the VO2max was significantly increased after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between two groups (P>0.05). (2) Pulmonary ventilation function: the differences of FEV1%, FEV1/FVC and MVV% were statistically significant between groups, which were more superior in the treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01); (3) SGRQ: the SGRQ was significantly improved after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe acupuncture could improve the exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at stable phase, and shorten the onset time of aerobic exercise. Besides, acupuncture combined with aerobic exercise could effectively improve the pulmonary function.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Exercise Tolerance ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; physiopathology ; therapy

Objective To evaluate the difference of carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT) among different glucose tolerance status and to investigate the association of IMT with different glucose levels of 4 time points during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the lipid metabolic indices in non-diabetic subjects. Methods Eleven normal control subjects, 69 subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) newly diagnosed by OGTT (including 28 patients with non-elevated OGTT 30 min and 60 min glucose values (

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Polygonatum sibiricum on Yin deficiency model rats induced by long-term overload swimming.

METHODExcept for the normal group, all of the remaining rats performed the long-term overload swimming for eight weeks, with five days every week and once every day, to establish the Yin deficiency model. The daily swimming time increased from 10 min to 180 min at the end of the 7th week, with the water depth of 60 cm and the water temperature at 30 degrees C. After the success of the modeling, the rats were orally administered with different doses of aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum (2.5, 10 g x kg(-1)) for eight weeks. After the final administration, their blood were collected from orbits to measure immunoglobulin A, G and M (IgA, IgG, IgM), interleukin 2 and 6 (IL-2, IL-6) and cAMP, cGMP contents in plasma General behavioral indicators (weight, facial temperature, pain threshold and holding power) of rats were observed during the drug administration.

RESULTCompared with the model control group, aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum was given for eight weeks to significantly increase the rat weight and holding power of Yin deficiency model rats, decrease the facial temperature and the sensitivity of pain threshold, and increase IgA, IgG, IgM and IL-6 content and IgG content in serum, but without statistical difference. Aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum (10 g x kg(-1)) could also increase IL-2 content in serum, and decrease cAMP content and cAMP/cGMP ratio.

CONCLUSIONP. sibiricum could improve the general behavioral indicators (weight, holding power, pain threshold and facial temperature), immunologic functions (IgA, IgG, IgM) and cyclic nucleotide (cAMP, cAMP/cGMP), so as to ameliorate such Yin deficiency symptoms as dysphoria in chestpalms-soles, weight loss, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, immunologic dysfunction and cyclic nucleotide system disorders.

Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polygonatum ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Swimming ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy ; physiopathology

Hyperlipidemia is a major factor causing coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a major indicator for measuring lipid levels. However, there is no an effective medicine that can obviously increase HDL-C at present. According to previous laboratory studies, atractylodes macrocephalae extracts could significantly increase HDL-C level. In this study, the metabolic hyperlipidemia rat model was established by feeding high-sugar and fat diets and alcohol-drinking to explore the effect and mechanism of atractylodes macrocephalae extracts on hyperlipidemia rats. According to the findingins, different doses of atractylodes macrocephalae extracts could reduce the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ACAT and increase the contents of LCAT, HDL-C. Particularly, the atractylodes macrocephalae extracts (100 mg · kg(-1) group showed increase in HDL-C by about 50% and significant declines in HMG-CoA reductase, TC, TG. In conclusion, Atractylodes Macrocephelae Rhizoma extracts could effectively regulate the dyslipidemia of hyperlipidemia rats, especially on HDL-C. Its mechanism may be related to reduction in cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase in livers and increase in lipid metabolism and transport by regulating LCAT and ACAT levels.
Acyl Coenzyme A ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Atractylodes ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; Hyperlipidemias ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Lipoproteins, HDL ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Triglycerides ; metabolism