Homology of medicine and food is an important content in Chinese medicine and also works as the basis for guiding the development of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica. The top products,supplements,health care prescriptions,and medicinal meals in traditional herbal texts are the theoretical treasures of Chinese medicine compound health foods. With the implementation of the National Healthy China 2030,China's major health industry faces with tremendous opportunities. It is necessary to develop a batch of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica with Chinese medicine characteristics,in line with the needs of the country and society. Domestic research on compound health food containing Chinese materia medica mainly focuses on the extraction of functional components,preparation molding processes,quality standards,and efficacy evaluation. However,there are still some deficiencies in the related characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory and function,evaluation criteria of efficacy and safety,new product R&D evaluation system and R&D platform. Based on a large number of previous studies by this laboratory,the views in nature,flavor and efficacy relationship were put forward in this paper. Based on the establishment of the Chinese medicine function-pharmacology-clinical application database system,the Chinese medicine compatibility database system,the Chinese medicine nature and flavor modern research database system,and the evaluation platform for animal models of Chinese medicine; the efficacy study,safety evaluation system,new product research and development evaluation system as well as research and development platform were established,providing a basis for the development and evaluation of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica. The modern scientific connotation of the core efficacy of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica was explained as well,helpful to promote the research and development of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica and play an important role in general health.
China ; Data Mining ; Food ; Materia Medica ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVE: To determine the mitigating effects of sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction. METHODS: Male rats (n = 30) were randomly divided into three groups: control, HFD, and 4-PBA (HFD +4-PBA). After 13 weeks, rats were euthanized. Testes and epididymis were harvested for further analysis. Sex hormones were detected, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine the histological changes in the testes. Semen samples were collected to evaluate sperm quality. Spermatogenic cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the final body weight and body weight gain were significantly higher in HFD-fed rats, while the testicle/body weight ratios were lower (P < 0.05). In HFD-fed rats, obvious pathological changes in the testicular tissue were observed. Treatment with 4-PBA attenuated HFD-induced histological damage, ameliorated the HFD-induced decrease in serum testosterone (T), and reduced the rate of testicular cell apoptosis (P < 0.05) in obese male rats. Finally, 4-PBA significantly improved semen parameters in HFD rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION HFD exposure induced detrimental effects on spermatogenesis, semen quality, serum T level, and testicular cell apoptosis in rats. Treatment with 4-PBA ameliorated HFD？induced impaired spermatogenesis via inhibition of apop-tosis in rats. 4-PBA may have therapeutic value in the treatment of obesity？related impairment of spermatogenesis.
Animals ; Diet, High-Fat ; adverse effects ; Male ; Phenylbutyrates ; pharmacology ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Semen Analysis ; Spermatogenesis ; drug effects ; Testis ; drug effects ; pathology ; Testosterone ; blood

ABSTRACT:OBJECTIVE To observe the neuroprotective effects of ilex pubescens total flavonoids(IPTF) on the rats with cerebral ischemic preconditioning(CIP) and the expressions of BDNF,GDNF and VEGF in the cortex and hippocampus CA1 area,to explore the mechanisms of IPTF on improving cerebral ischemic tolerance.METHODS CIP was performed by bilater-al common carotid artery occlusion for 10 min in rats.72 h later,cerebral ischemia reperfusion(I∕R)was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)for 2 h.Wistar rats were randomly devided into five groups,Sham group,I∕R group,CIP+MCAO group,IPTF high dose group(200 mg∕kg) and IPTF low dose group(100 mg∕kg).The behavioral injury was detected by neurologic deficit scores(NDS),and the infarct areas were detected by TTC staining.The expressions of BDNF,GDNF and VEGF in cortex and hippocampus CA1 area were measured by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS IPTF decreased the neurologic deficit scores and the infarct areas.It also increased the positive area and integral optical density of BDNF,VEGF in cortex and CA1 area of rats with CIP.CONCLUSION The mechanisms of IPTF on improving cerebral ischemic tolerance may be related with the up-regulation of the endogenous protein BDNF and VEGF.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the antioxidative effects of two cysteinyl leukotriene receptors antagonists (CysLT1R and CysLT2R) montelukast and HAMI 3379 on ischemic injury of rat cortical neurons in vitro.

METHODSCultured rat cortical neurons were pretreated with CysLT1R antagonist montelukast and CysLT2R antagonist HAMI 3379, and then exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery (OGD/R）or H2O2. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization, neuronal viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were determined. Meanwhile, RNA interference was used to inhibit the expression of CysLT1R and CysLT2R，and the effects were observed.

RESULTSROS production in neurons was significantly increased after 1 h OGD, which reached the peak at 30 min and lasted for 1.5 h after recovery. Montelukast and HAMI 3379 at 0.01-1μmol/L moderately decreased OGD/R-induced ROS production (P<0.05). Montelukast mildly attenuated OGD/R-induced MMP depolarization (P<0.05)，but HAMI 3379 had no effect. H2O2 reduced neuronal viability and increased LDH release, namely inducing neuronal injury. Montelukast and HAMI 3379 at 0.1-1μmol/L moderately attenuated H2O2-induced neuronal injury (P<0.05). However, both CysLT1R siRNA and CysLT2R shRNA did not significantly affect the responses mentioned above.

CONCLUSIONIn ischemic neuronal injury, montelukast and HAMI 3379 exert a moderate antioxidative effect, and this effect may be receptor-independent.

Acetates ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cerebral Cortex ; cytology ; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids ; pharmacology ; Leukotriene Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Neurons ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Phthalic Acids ; pharmacology ; Quinolines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism

Objective To explore the long-term effect of endemic arsenism on oxidative stress and immune function, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of the disease in the areas. Methods In 2009, Using cluster sampling and typical investigation, the cross-sectional study was completed. The patient groups and the internal control group were selected in the arsenism areas after 5 years quality improvement of drinking water(Silizhuang village, Daying village and Gucheng village in Shanyin county, Gucheng city, Shanxi province) and they were divided into mild, moderate, severe case and internal control groups, respectively. The external control group was selected in a non-arsenism area(Yangzhuang village in Heshengbu city). The Oxidative stress indicators were determined and analyzed [serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined with xanthine oxidase method, glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity was determined with 2-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid method, and mmuuity malondisldohyde(MDA) levels was determined with thiobarbituric acid method]. The immune function was determined and analyzed [immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined with radioimmunoassay method, and serum lysozyme was determined with turbidimetric method]. Results A total of 252 people were surveyed, in which the external control group, the internal control group, mild, moderate and severe patient groups were 56, 57, 49,44 and 46, respectively. Serum SOD activities were (72.19 ± 11.75), (66.96 ± 12.02), (49.79±11.07), (48.54 ±10.56) and (47.68 ± 10.68)kU/L, respectively. The difference of serum SOD activities between the groups was statistically significant(F = 52.42, P ＜ 0.01 ). Serum SOD activities in the external control group were significantly higher than other groups (all P ＜ 0.05). The value in the internal control group was significantly higher than the 3patient groups (all P ＜ 0.05). There were no significant differences between the case groups (P ＞ 0.05). Serum GSH-Px activities of the five groups were (197.41 ± 38.54), (195.02 ± 31.93), (187.26 ± 28.22), (187.24 ± 25.40),(186.88 ± 21.84)U/mg, respectively, and the difference between the groups was not significant(H = 4.21, P ＞0.05). Serum MDA levels of the five groups were (4.51 ± 2.14), (5.88 ± 2.00), (6.44 ± 2.83), (5.89 ± 2.57),(5.88 ± 2.40)μ mol/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(F = 3.36,P ＜ 0.05). The external control group was significantly lower than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum IgG levels were(11.16 ± 2.08), (8.15 ± 1.44), (8.77 ±2.54), (9.19 ± 1.97), (8.44 ± 2.52)g/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(H = 52.92, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum lysozyme levels were (13.57 ± 5.16), (10.05 ± 3.96), (8.78 ± 3.35), (8.72 ± 3.76), (9.38 ± 4.26)mg/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (H = 35.00, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions The effect of arsenic on the body's oxidative stress response and immune function persists after 5 years of drinking low arsenic water. In addition to intensify arsenic removal from drinking water, it should also strengthen the monitoring of population's health in the diseased areas.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the genetic polymorphism of fibronectin (FN) (4 genetic locus) and pneumoconiosis.

METHODS128 male I-period pneumoconiosis were selected as cases who were examined with radiography and diagnosed by the Pneumoconiosis Diagnosis Expert Panel, based on the Chinese National Diagnosis Criteria of Pneumoconiosis (GBZ 70 - 2002). According to 1:1 paired matching method, 128 dust exposure workers were selected as control who were exposed to same dust as cases. The difference of age and cumulative length of service between case and control was not over five years and two years, respectively. 5 ml peripheral venous blood was drawn and anticoagulated with 2% EDTA. The polymorphisms of FN (MspI, TaqIb, HindIII, HaeIIIb) were detected, using the method of polymerase chain restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques and PCR.

RESULTSThe frequencies of FN Msp I (CC) in cases and control groups were 10.9% and 3.9%, respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). The frequencies of FN (MspI) C allele were 41.8% and 31.2% in case and control, and the difference between cases and controls was significant (P < 0.05). The frequencies of FN HaeIIIb (AA) genotype in cases (24.2%) was higher than that in control groups (17.9%), OR = 5.0 (95% CI: 4.840 approximately 24.210). The frequencies of FN (HaeIIIb) A allele were 51.9% and 42.2% in case and control, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The difference of TaqIb and HindIII genotype between cases and controls were not significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe risk of suffering from pneumoconiosis increases in workers carrying FN (MspICC or HaeIIIb AA) genotype after exposure to dust. Workers both carrying FN (HaeIIIb AA) and (MspICC) genotypes are more susceptible to pneumoconiosis. The relationship between genetic polymorphism of FN (TaqIIb, HindIII) and pneumoconiosis has not been found.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Fibronectins ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

Objective To become aware of the present distribution of drinking water source with high fluoride in endemic fluorosis disease areas in Shanxi Province, and to provide the evidence for making scientific and effective tactics in prevention and control. Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control" in the year 2004 to 2006, the investigation points were selected in 60 counties at 8 cities of Shanxi Province. The fluoride levels of water were determined by fluoride selective ion electrode. Results The fluoride content of water was determined in 2990 villages in 60 counties. Water fluorides content of 1658 villages were above 1.00 mg/L, accounted for 55.45%(1658/2990). The highest water fluoride content was 9.72 mg/L. Villages with high fluoride water in Taiyuan, Datong, Xinding, Linfen, Yuncheng basins accounted for 89.63% (1486/1658) among villages with high fluoride in Shanxi Province. In Shanxi Province the villages with high fluoride water were mainly distributed over 5 basins and scattered on the other areas. The distribution of drinking water source with high fluoride were different in 5 basins(H=316.10, P<0.05). The Water fluorides content in Datong basin(2.32 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the other basins (P<0.05) and the ratio of drinking water fluoride levels under the national standard was 81.16%(336/414) in Datong basin. Conclusions Drinking water source with high fluoride are widespread distributed in Shanxi Province and mainly distributed in 5 basins. The situation of drinking water fluoride levels under the national standard is serious. The task of prevention and control for endemic fluorosis is still arduous. Therefore, we should strength water improving to raise the effect of prevention and treatment.

Objective To investigate the relationship between arsenic in drinking water and skin lesions in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province,in order to provide epidemiologic data for further arsenism research.Methods One hundred and eighty-nine endemic arsenism patients and 59 controls were randomly selected in 17 endemic amenism countries in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province.The content of arsenic in drinking water which wa8 collected indoom was half-quantitatively screened by a kit made by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,then quantitatively determined by HPLC-ICP-MS.Patients of endemic arsenism were diagnosed by "The Standard of Diagnosis for Endemic Amenism"(WS/T 211-2001).Results There were 64.9% (87/134)samples above the arsenic level(50μg/L)of drinking water and the median value of arsenic in drinking water was 91.43 μg/L in 134 water samples.The OR(95%CI)value between arsenic in drinking water and hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation,depigmentation was 2.46(1.22-4.94),3.34(1.50～7.44)and 2.86(1.50-5.46),respectively.The prevalence of hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation and depigmentation increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased(≤10,≤50,≤200,＞200μg/L),especially in＞200μg/L group(OR=6.15,13.96,11.41,P＜0.05).The arsenic level in drinking water of Ⅲ degree of depigmentation patients(318.300μg/L)was higher(P＜0.05)than that of 0,Ⅰ and Ⅱ degree groups(86.670,131.800,1 10.590μg/L,P＜0.05).Conclusions Shanyin County is a medial arsenic pollution area. Arsenic in drinking water is considered as a risk factor of skin lesion. The degree of skin lesions increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased.

OBJECTIVETo explore the level and feature of neonate deformity in water arsenic exposure areas, as to finding out an evidence for the study and prevention of the arsenic exposure.

METHODSThe birth situation of neonate was surveyed from 1998 to 2004 in water arsenic exposure areas according to cross-sectional survey. The results were classified in accordance with ICD-10 and common surveillance of china. The population of Shanyin County served as the common people and the data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 for windows.

RESULTSThe neonates surveyed were 2467 cases. There were 49 neonates deformity found in this investigation, giving a neonate deformity rate of 198.62 per 10,000 cases, which was shown significantly higher in water arsenic exposure areas than in the normal (U = 3.23, P < 0.01), with types of nervous system deformity, limbs deformity and congenital heart disease as in system classification. There was no significant difference of deformity rate in different sex neonates (chi2 = 0.32, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe drinking high-arsenic water over a long period of time should be a risk factor of neonate deformity. Prevention and treatment of endemic arsenic exposure should be urgently needed.

Arsenic ; analysis ; Arsenic Poisoning ; complications ; epidemiology ; Congenital Abnormalities ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Water ; analysis ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; analysis ; Water Supply ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6) (-634C/G) genetic polymorphisms and the pneumoconiosis.

METHODSA total of 104 male stage I pneumoconiosis patients diagnosed by the Pneumoconiosis Diagnosis Expert Panel according to the Chinese National Diagnosis Criteria of Pneumoconiosis (GBZ 70 - 2002) were selected. The pneumoconiosis comprised 66 silicosis and 38 coal worker' pneumoconiosis (CWP). A total of 122 workers exposed to same dusts as the patients but without pneumoconiosis including 77 exposed to silica dusts and 45 to coal dusts were selected. The patients and the controls had the same dust exposure history. The peripheral venous blood was drawn from each subject. The IL-6 (-634C/G) genetic polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) techniques.

RESULTSThe frequencies of IL-6 (-634C/G) (CC, CG and GG) genotypes were 66.7%, 19.7% and 13.6% in silicosis group, 42.9%, 42.9% and 14.2% in silica dust exposure group, 73.7%, 18.4% and 7.9% in CWP group, 51.1%, 35.6% and 13.3% in coal dust exposure group respectively. The statistical analysis indicated that there was significant difference in the frequencies of IL-6 (-634C/G) (CC, CG and GG) genotypes between silicosis patients and workers exposed to silica dusts (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIL-6 (-634 C/G) genetic polymorphisms might play a role in the occurrence of silicosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; Male ; Matched-Pair Analysis ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length