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Peng-Cheng Zhang,1,2 Yi Hong,3 Shi-Qin Zong,1,2 Long Chen,1,2 Chong Zhang,4 Dai-Zhi Tian,4 Dan Ke,5 Li-Ming Tian1,2,4 1Department of Dermatology, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China; 2Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skin Infection and Immunity, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China; 3College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, People’s Republic of China; 4Institute of Geriatrics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Dermatology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Dan Ke, Department of Dermatology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No. 40 of Daomenkou, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 23 6390 1120, Fax +86 23 6373 1325, Email 2306896229@qq.com Li-Ming Tian, Department of Dermatology, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 215 of Zhongshan Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 27 8533 2606, Fax +86 27 8583 2563, Email jolly0731@126.comObjective: To investigate the variation of ferroptosis-related markers in HaCaT cell photoaging models induced by ultraviolet-B (UVB).Methods: UVB-treated HaCaT cells served as the model (UVB group) for cellular photoaging, whereas untreated HaCaT cells served as the control group. HaCaT cells were exposed to UVB and the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) as part of the UVB+Fer-1 group, and co-cultured with the ferroptosis inducer Erastin as part of the UVB+Erastin group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection kit and senescence-related β galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining were used to evaluate the senescence of HaCaT cells. Lipid reactive oxygen species were detected by C11 BODIPY581/591 probe and mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferroptosis-suppressor-protein 1 (FSP1) were detected by real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-RCP), and the level of GPX4 protein was measured by immunofluorescence assay.Results: The UVB group had considerably greater levels of ROS, SA-β-gal, and lipid reactive oxygen species than the control group. The UVB group’s mitochondrial volume was reduced, the membrane density increased, and the mitochondrial crest decreased or even disappeared. GPX4 and FSP1 expression levels were similarly found to be lower in the UVB group. Furthermore, the positive rate of SA-β-gal and lipid reactive oxygen species in the UVB+Fer-1 group was much lower than in the UVB group, but it was reverse in the UVB+Erastin group. This study showed that induced ferroptosis can aggravate aging, and vice versa.Conclusion: According to the findings, ferroptosis may be linked to UVB-induced skin photoaging, which could be attenuated by inhibition of ferroptosis.Keywords: skin aging, ferroptosis, oxidative stress

Miao Han,1,* Heng Li,2,* Dan Ke,3 Li-Ming Tian,4 Yi Hong,5 Chong Zhang,6 Dai-Zhi Tian,6 Long Chen,4 Li-Rui Zhan,4 Shi-Qin Zong4 1Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Dermatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Dermatology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Dermatology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Tongji Medicine College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 5College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 6Institute of Geriatrics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Li-Ming Tian, Department of Dermatology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Tongji Medicine College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 215 of Zhongshan Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 27 8533 2606, Fax +86 27 8583 2563, Email jolly0731@126.comPurpose: To study the efficacy of Ba Zhen Tang in delaying skin photoaging and its potential mechanism based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods: First, we screened the active components and targets of Ba Zhen Tang by Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt). The target genes of skin photoaging were obtained from GeneCards and GeneMap database. Then, we analyzed the protein–protein interaction (PPI) by STRING database. The network map was constructed by Cytoscape. Finally, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis by Metascape database. The molecular docking via Autodock Vina and Pymol. Furthermore, skin photoaging cellular models were established, and the effects of Ba Zhen Tang on ameliorating skin photoaging were investigated.Results: A total of 160 active ingredients in Ba Zhen Tang and 60 targets of Ba Zhen Tang for delaying skin photoaging were identified. By GO enrichment analysis, 1153 biological process entries, 45 cellular component entries and 89 molecular functional entries were obtained. A total of 155 signal pathways were obtained by KEGG analysis. Ba Zhen Tang is related to MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, etc., which directly affect the key nodes of photoaging. The molecular docking results showed that there was a certain affinity between the main compounds (kaempferol, quercetin, β-sitosterol, naringenin) and core target genes (PTGS2, CASP3, MAPK1, MAPK3, TP53). Ba Zhen Tang-treated mouse serum inhibited the senescence and p16INK4a expression of human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells irradiated by ultraviolet-B (UVB).Conclusion: Our study elucidated the potential pharmacological mechanism of Ba Zhen Tang in the treatment of photoaging through multiple targets and pathways. The therapeutic effects of Ba Zhen Tang on skin photoaging were validated in cellular models.Keywords: Ba Zhen Tang, skin photoaging, network pharmacology, molecular docking, mechanism

Introduction: We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone/metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus uptitrated metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without adequate glycemic control., Methods: A total of 304 patients were recruited from 15 hospitals in China and randomly assigned (1:1) to the test group (pioglitazone/metformin FDC, 15/500 mg) or the control group (uptitrated metformin, 2000-2500 mg/day). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤ 6.5% and ≤ 7.0% at week 16. The secondary outcomes included the change from baseline in glucose, serum lipids, and liver function. Full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol set (PPS) were used for analyses., Results: In the test group, 103 (69.59%) patients reached HbA1c ≤ 7.0% (FAS, P = 0.009), with 68 (45.95%) patients achieved HbA1c ≤ 6.5 (FAS, P = 0.043). More reduction in HbA1c, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and diastolic pressure was found. Bodyweight, body mass index, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased markedly. The changes of triglycerides, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased noticeably. There were no significant differences in rates of adverse events between the two groups., Conclusions: Pioglitazone/metformin FDC was superior to uptitrated metformin among patients with T2DM without adequate glycemic control., Trial Registration Number: This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900028606)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Renying Cunkou pulse method is one of the classical pulse methods of acupuncture-moxibustion in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon , which is also a classical clinical paradigm for diagnosing and treating meridian diseases in the ancient times. Based on comprehensive review of literature and clinical practice, this paper reveals that this method compares the size of the neck Renying pulse with hand Cunkou pulse to determine the change of yin-yang and excess-deficiency identifying the affected meridians. The jing -well, xing -spring, and shu -stream points of the surface and interior meridians of affected meridians are mainly selected to regulate deficiency and excess through reinforcing and reducing methods. The Renying Cunkou pulse method possesses a simple and practical medical theory, easy diagnostic procedure, and clear meridian selection for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment, warranting further exploration of its essence and diagnostic therapeutic principles.

Objective: The aim of this study was to use network pharmacology to explore the potential targets and mechanisms of action of Qibao Meiran Dan in relation to delaying skin aging., Methods: The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform, and the traditional Chinese medicine integrated database, were used to screen the active ingredients and targets of Qibao Meiran Dan. The human gene database GeneCards and the gene database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information were jointly adopted to obtain skin aging-related target genes. The search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) database was used for core analysis of protein-protein interaction., Results: In total, 72 effective active ingredients, 273 action targets, 234 skin aging target genes, and 64 intersecting core targets were identified. GO enrichment analysis provided 393 biological process entries, and the KEGG analysis was represented by the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, where the core targets of TNF-α and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were enriched. The experimental results showed that cell morphology was clearer and more refractive in the Qibao Meiran Dan group than in the model group., Conclusion: Qibao Meiran Dan may regulate oxidative stress injury and collagen metabolism by downregulating the expression of TNF-α and MMP-1, thus slowing skin aging., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transfusion-free techniques on the prognosis of liver transplant patients. Methods: The recipients of adult liver transplantation at Tianjin First Central Hospital from August to December 2019 were included in the clinical observation. Liver transplantation without allogeneic blood transfusion was performed through anesthesia management techniques such as acute hemodilution or phlebotomy without volume replacement,maintaining decreased baseline central venous pressure and cell saver. According to the actual results,the patients were divided into two groups: transfusion-free group( n =21) and allogeneic transfusion group( n =28). There were 13 males and 8 females aged of (56.3±11.6) years in the transfusion-free group;and there were 16 males and 12 females aged (54.3±14.2)years in the allogeneic transfusion group. The transplant recipients who had not adopted transfusion management strategy from January to July 2019 were included as control group(27 males and 13 females,aged of (58.9±14.1)years). The clinical data of patients in perioperative period were collected to compare whether there were differences in the recovery of liver function and early complications among the three groups, one-way ANOVA test, rank-sum test, and χ 2 test were used for data analysis. Results: The amount of intraoperative blood loss in both the transfusion-free group and the transfusion group was less than that in the control group((454.2±271.3)ml vs. (673.6±333.4)ml vs. (890.3±346.7)ml; q =-6.342,-5.286,both P <0.05).The duration of stay in ICU of the transfusion-free group was less than that of the transfusion group and control group((36.4±9.1)hours vs. (44.3±14.9)hours vs. (58.2±21.1)hours; q =-4.432,-3.824,both P <0.05).The mean ALT level at 7 days after operation was significantly lower in the transfusion-free group than in the control group((56.8±32.1)U/L vs. (89.6±45.6)U/L; q =-3.358, P <0.05). Conclusions: The improvement of multi-disciplinary transfusion management technology aimed at transfusion-free liver transplantation can effectively reduce intraoperative hemorrhage and help to avoid surgical transfusion. Transfusion-free liver transplantation is beneficial to the early postoperative recovery,and its long-term clinical significance is worthy of further clinical research.

Regarding the existing questions of the understanding and application of lateral needling technique in the Chapter 7 of Lingshu ( Miraculous Pivot ), after analyzing the original meaning of the lateral needling technique and its indication for "tendon bi syndrome" in literature, it is believed that lateral needling technique is the classic manipulation for tendon bi syndrome, mainly for tendon spasticity caused by obstruction of qi activity or retarded qi activity. The filiform needle is used in the operation. The puncture hand and the pressing hand should be cooperated during the manipulation, in which, after detecting the location of tendon disorder by the pressing hand, the needle is inserted from the lateral side of the affected site and is manipulated with the reinforcing technique achieved by lifting and thrusting needle. Afterwards, the needle is withdrawn. The lateral needling technique of acupuncture is one of the mass-loosening techniques in Neijing ( Inner Classic ). It is a reliable technique of acupuncture in clinical treatment of acute and chronic diseases, such as cervical spondylosis and tendon injury of lumber region and has a stable therapeutic effect.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and to investigate risk factors affecting prognosis., Materials and Methods: A total of 94 HCC patients with PVTT type I (segmental PVTT) and PVTT type II (lobar PVTT) were involved and divided into LR (n=47) and LT groups (n=47). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared before and after inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Prognostic factors for RFS and OS were explored., Results: Two treatment groups were well-balanced using IPTW. In the entire cohort, LT provided a better prognosis than LR. Among patients with PVTT type I, RFS was better with LT ( p =0.039); OS was not different significantly between LT and LR ( p =0.093). In subgroup analysis of PVTT type I patients with α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >200 ng/mL, LT elicited significantly longer median RFS (18.0 months vs. 2.1 months, p =0.022) and relatively longer median OS time (23.6 months vs. 9.8 months, p =0.065). Among patients with PVTT type II, no significant differences in RFS and OS were found between LT and LR ( p =0.115 and 0.335, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed treatment allocation (LR), tumor size (>5 cm), AFP and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels to be risk factors of RFS and treatment allocation (LR), AFP and AST as risk factors for OS., Conclusion: LT appeared to afford a better prognosis for HCC with PVTT type I than LR, especially in patients with AFP levels >200 ng/mL., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2021.)

After half a century of development, auxiliary liver transplantation (ALT) technology gradually matured and major indications of ALT have been gradually expanded. This review summarized the history of ALT and introduced indications for ALT which including metabolic liver disease, fulminant hepatic failure, highly sensitized kidney transplantation, prevention of hepatic resection of small hepatic syndrome, etc.; at the same time, the hot issues related to ALT were discussed, including the regulation of hepatic portal blood flow of transplanted liver and residual liver, how to treat the graft liver and remaining liver on second stage. Additionally, the expansion of indications for ALT which included the implementation of ALT for patients with liver cancer and ALT for patients with liver cirrhosis was discussed. It was believed that ALT can greatly alleviate the contradiction of insufficient source of graft liver.

This aim of this study was to observe the effect of Yang Yan Qing E Wan (YYQEW) on senescent phenotypes and the expression of β-catenin and p16 INK4a in the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced premature senescence of normal human skin fibroblasts (NHSFs). Primary normal human skin fibroblasts were randomly divided into a normal group, a blank group, a model group, and a YYQEW group. The cells of the model group and the YYQEW group were exposed to 150 μmol/L H 2 O 2 for 2 h. The morphological changes of the cells were analyzed by microscopy and by kits used to estimate the activities of the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The outcomes revealed that dyeing rate proportion of SA-β-gal was 2.78% ± 0.22% in the normal group, 2.83% ± 0.29% in the blank group, 37.58% ± 2.56% in the model group, and 28.39% ± 0.93% in the YYQEW group. The number of SA-β-gal positive cells was thus significantly higher in the model group than in the normal or blank group. There were also fewer SA-β-gal positive cells in the YYQEW group compared with the model group. The expression of ROS and p16 INK4a in the model group increased significantly compared with that in the normal or blank groups, while the expression of ROS and p16 INK4a in the YYQEW group decreased significantly compared with that in the model group. The expression of SOD and β-catenin in the model group decreased significantly compared with that in the normal or blank group, and the expression of SOD and β-catenin in the YYQEW group increased significantly compared with that in the model group. Overall, it was found that YYQEW was able to delay the senescence of NHSFs induced by H 2 O 2 treatment by alleviating oxidative stress and regulating a number of senescence-related molecules, such as β-catenin and p16 INK4a ., (Copyright © 2020 Tissue Viability Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the effects of interplanting on soil aggregate distribution and stability of red soil in economic orchard in a new-constructed slope land, based on 12 kiwifruit planting experi-mental plots with a slope of about 12°, a length of 18 m, and a width of 1.5 m. Three types of interplanting patterns were implemented by interplanting purple sweet potato (PSP), hairy vetch (HV), and weeds (W) for three years, respectively, taking the bare land with no vegetation as control (CK) to determine the aggregate indicators at 0-15 cm soil layer. The results showed that the quantity and size of soil water stabilized aggregates (WR >0.25 ) all tended to increase which ranked in the order of PSP>HV>W>CK. The order of soil aggregate structure damage rate (PAD) and fractal dimension (D) were CK>W>HV>PSP, indicating that soil aggregate in PSP was the most stable, followed by HV treatment. Along the downslope, the content of WR >0.25 , mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) all tended to decrease, while the PAD and D increased, indicating that soil structure turned to be poorer in downslope of the new-constructed slope land. D was negatively correlated with MWD, GMD, and the content of >0.25 mm aggregates. It was concluded that interplanting could increase the quantity and size of soil aggregates, improve soil structure and soil quality of economic orchard in hilly slope land.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the feces of flying squirrels have long been used to promote blood circulation and relieve bodily stasis. However, the excrement of flying squirrels may harbor zoonotic agents that could be hazardous to public health. To understand the occurrence of bacterial and parasitic infections in this species, we investigated selected zoonotic pathogens including Leptospira and Blastocystis in the urine and feces of flying squirrels in China. Urine and fecal samples from flying squirrels were collected from a family-owned flying squirrel farm located in Enshi County, Hubei Province in China. Leptospira and Blastocystis DNA was extracted from the urine and feces of flying squirrels, and used as targets for PCR amplification, using different specific primers. PCR amplification and DNA sequencing showed that 4.4% (3/69) of flying squirrels were positive for Leptospira, while 30.4% (21/69) of the animals were positive for Blastocystis. Notably, 1.4% (1/69) of flying squirrels were found to be co-infected with Leptospira and Blastocystis. Sequence analyses allowed for the detection of 3 Blastocystis subtypes (ST1, ST3 and ST13), and mixed infections of Blastocystis subtype 1 and subtype 3 were found in 4.4% (3/69) of flying squirrels. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rrs2), the flagellin B gene (flaB), and outer membrane lipoprotein lipL32 gene (LipL32) sequences indicated that the Leptospira species detected in the study was L. interrogans. We concluded that flying squirrels from central China were infected with Leptospira and Blastocystis, suggesting that these animals can be a source of infection for their owners, and using fresh excrement from this animal as traditional medicine could be risky to human health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Leptospira and Blastocystis infection in flying squirrels from Enshi County, China. Our findings provide new data on the epidemiology of these pathogens in this region., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats by umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) through the p38mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway., Materials and Methods: A total of 45 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g and aged 6-8 weeks old were randomly divided into group A (SCI model + transplantation of UCMSCs, n=15), group B (sham operation), and group C (SCI model + injection of an equal dose of DMEM, n=15) using a random number table. The morphology of spinal cord tissues was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the protein expression of phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) in spinal cord tissues, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the injury region, and the spinal cord neuronal apoptosis were detected via Western blotting, immunofluorescence labeling and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively., Results: In group B, there was no significant damage to the structure of spinal cord tissues. In group C, the spinal cord tissues had a disordered structure and significant fragmentation, the damage to grey matter was the greatest. Also, almost all of the grey matter was destroyed and dissolved, with a large number of scars and cavitation, and it was hard to distinguish the gray matter and white matter. In group A, the spinal cord tissues had a clear structure, there were smaller necrotic cavitation regions in the grey-white matter, and the number of cavitation significantly declined compared with that in group C. The results of immunofluorescence assay revealed that the expression of GFAP in spinal cord tissues was the lowest in group B, while it was remarkably decreased in group A compared with that in group C (p<0.05), suggesting that injecting UCMSCs via the caudal vein can prominently reduce the expression of GFAP in spinal cord tissues. Moreover, the spinal cord neuronal apoptosis rate was (4.21±0.19), (0.72±0.21) and (4.57±0.31), respectively, in group A, group B, and group C. It can be seen that the spinal cord neuronal apoptosis rate significantly declined in group A due to the treatment with UCMSCs. Also, the significant difference compared with that in group C, while it was significantly increased in group A compared with that in group B, but lower than group C (p<0.05). According to the results of Western blotting, the protein expression of p-p38 in spinal cord tissues was remarkably decreased in group B compared with that in group A and group C (p<0.05), while it was also markedly decreased in group A compared with that in group C (p<0.05), indicating that injecting UCMSCs via the caudal vein can significantly lower the protein expression of p-p38 in spinal cord tissues., Conclusions: UCMSCs promote the recovery of neurological function, inhibit the p38 MAPK pathway activated after SCI, and reduce the spinal cord neuronal apoptosis in SCI rats.

The even reinforcing-reducing technique of acupuncture is one of the common needling methods in clinical practice at present, but there are various understandings on it among scholars. In the paper, the origin of the even reinforcing-reducing technique of acupuncture was explored on the base of literature collection and clinical practice. The comments were put forward in association with the initial understanding of reinforcing and reducing techniques of acupunctures and actual clinical applications. In ancient time, the even reinforcing-reducing method includes two meanings. The first one refers to the compound reinforcing-reducing needling technique for mixture of cold and heat or of deficiency and excess, in which, the reinforcing and reducing techniques are used alternatively at same acupoint. The second one implies the imbalance of yin and yang with human body or meridian involved. For example, in the syndromes as excess in the upper part of body and deficiency in the lower part, heat on the left and cold on the right, the treatment for reinforcing the lower and reducing the upper, or reinforcing the right and reducing the left is adopted to rebalance yin and yang . Hence, it is regarded as a treating principle or a needling method. No matter at the same acupoint or at different acupoints, the final target of treatment is to harmonize yin and yang . The acupuncture scholars in modern times seldom describe even reinforcing-reducing technique. Since the foundation of People's Republic of China, the relevant technique is again called even reinforcing-reducing manipulation, characterized as evenly lifting, thrusting and rotating of needle and has been developed gradually as the common needling technique in present clinical practice, which is widely divergent from the traditional understanding. The reinforcing-reducing techniques of acupuncture are different in understanding between the ancient time and the present. It is necessary to identify the origin for the better contributions to clinical application.

Type I collagen (transcribed by COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes) is important for maintaining vessel wall elasticity and is a critical part of the extracellular matrix. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the role of the COL1A2 rs42524 polymorphism in the development of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Between January 2012 and December 2014, a total of 227 patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage and 227 controls were selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Yanan University (China). Genotyping of the COL1A2 rs42524 polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism. By logistic regression analysis, we found that the CC genotype was associated with increased risk of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage as compared to the GG genotype (OR = 12.67, 95%CI = 3.03-112.11). In a dominant model, the GC + CC genotype of the COL1A2 rs42524 polymorphism was associated with a 2.57-fold increased risk of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage as compared to the GG genotype. In a recessive model, the CC genotype of the COL1A2 rs42524 polymorphism was correlated with a higher risk of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage as compared to the GG + GC genotype (OR = 12.07, 95%CI = 2.89-106.75). The GC and CC genotypes of the COL1A2 rs42524 polymorphism were associated with a substantial risk of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage among patients who consumed alcohol and used tobacco. In conclusion, our study suggests that the COL1A2 rs42524 polymorphism is associated with the development of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly in conjunction with tobacco use and alcohol consumption.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue Fang (BSHX) on the apoptosis of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system of rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its possible action mechanism., Methods: One hundred 3- month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of equal number (control, castrated, BPH model, and BSHX). BPH models were made by subcutaneous injection of testosterone following castration; the rats in the BSHX group were treated intragastrically with BSHX at 2.34 g/ml after modeling, while those in the other two groups with equal volume of saline, all for 37 days. On the 38th day, all the rats were sacrificed and their prostates harvested for detection of the distribution of TGF-beta1 and alpha-actin and the count of positive cells in the prostatic ductal system by immunohistochemical staining. The apoptosis rate of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system was determined by TUNEL assay., Results: The expression of TGF-beta1 was significantly increased in the rats of the BSHX group as compared with the BPH models in both the proximal prostatic duct ([15.28 +/- 4.30]% vs [36.42 +/- 8.10]%, P < 0.01) and the distal prostatic duct ([4.42 +/- 2.07]% vs [8.71 +/- 2.28 ]%, P < 0.05), while the expression of alpha-actin in the proximal duct was remarkably higher in the BSHX-treated rats than in the models ([28.14 +/- 7.43]% vs [18.28 +/- 4.07]%, P < 0.01), but lower than in the control animals ([33.57 +/- 6.85]%, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the BPH models and BSHX-treated rats both exhibited markedly decreased apoptosis of epithelial cells in the proximal prostatic duct ([39.42 +/- 9.20]% vs [3.86 +/- 1.34]%, P < 0.01, and [31.14 +/- 5.64]%, P < 0.01) and distal prostatic duct ([17.60 +/- 4.86]% vs [3.07 +/- 1.14]%, P < 0.01, and [12.37 +/- 2.25]%, P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system was significantly higher in the BSHX-treated rats than in the BPH models (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: By upregulating the expression of TGF-beta, BSHX can suppress the reduction of smooth muscle cells in the proximal prostatic duct, promote the apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cells, and thus effectively inhibit benign prostatic hyperplasia.

This study was designed to examine the anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel. The essential oil treatment to six human cancer cell lines resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth. The cytotoxicity of the essential oil on liver carcinoma and breast cancer cell lines was significantly stronger than on other cell lines. The essential oil can induce apoptosis of the liver carcinoma cell line Bel-7402 and decrease the intracellular GSH level. The antioxidant effect of the essential oil was evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging assays. The essential oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was evaluated against eight microorganisms using the disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The essential oil also showed moderate antimicrobial activity. These suggest that the essential oil could hold a good potential for use in the pharmaceutical industry., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

1. The present study was designed to examine the cardiovascular effects of intravenously administered pcDNA3.1AM, a recombinant non-virus vector carrying a rat adrenomedullin (AM) gene translation fragment, in rats with chronic cardiac dysfunction induced by ligation of the left descending coronary artery. 2. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded by intraventricular catheterization. In situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify the distribution of the introduced vector. The concentration of AM was determined by radioimmunoassay. 3. Progressive cardiac dysfunction was observed following coronary artery ligation, as indicated by a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and increases in both central venous pressure (CVP) and end-diastolic pressure of the left ventricle (LVEDP; P < 0.01). Administration of pcDNA3.1AM significantly attenuated the progressive cardiac dysfunction and lowered the elevated CVP and LVEDP. The introduced vector was widely distributed in different organs, including the lungs, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and brain. However, intense staining of pcDNA3.1 AM was observed in the lungs and kidneys. The introduced vector was localized mainly in the endothelial cells of blood vessels. Radioimmunoassay showed elevated levels of AM in the plasma and lung and heart after surgery, but there was no significant further increase in the concentration of AM after pcDNA3.1AM delivery. 4. The present study has provided some novel findings on the potential beneficial effects of AM gene delivery on chronic cardiac function in rats. Expression of AM by a non-virus vector may also have therapeutic value against cardiac dysfunction in vivo.

Mr. ZHENG Yu-lin is one of the most outstanding acupuncture scientists in the modern times in our country. He inherits the learning handed down in a family and is bold in making innovations, successfully combines the exercises to benefit the internal organs with Chinese traditional acupuncture needling methods, forming a set of unique Zheng's needling methods, which is used for treatment of severe ophthalmopathy with excellent therapeutic effects, and is famed the world over. Main achievements: took on scientific researches of acupuncture and moxibustion, teaching and clinical works in the first stage of establishment of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicinel trains a large number of famous specificities of acupuncture and moxibustion for new China; advocates study on channel essence; cures stubborn diseases for leaders of friend countries undertaking the great trust of the central leaders for many times, becoming an important ties of Chinese political foreign affairs.

Professor ZHENG Kui-shan is a famous specialist of acupuncture and moxibustion sciences, and he has obtained a lot of achievements in about 70 years' clinical treatment, scientific studies and teaching. He has advocated and devoted himself to the studies of traditional needling methods of acupuncture and moxibustion, with outstanding contributions to the development of Chinese and world's acupuncture and moxibustion. He participated in the scientific studies, clinical treatment and teaching of acupuncture and moxibustion at the early stage of founding of the China Academy of TCM. He first advocated and led "the study on channel essence", established Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Gansu College of TCM and Gansu Society of Zheng's Needling Methods. Professor Zheng's opinions and practice which emphasize on the studies of Chinese traditional acupuncture, moxibustion and needling methods indicate the direct of acupuncture and moxibustion studies in both China and world.

Flavonoids exist extensively in plants, and several biological effects of them have been demonstrated. Wogonin is an important flavonoid compound. In this study, wogonin showed obvious growth inhibition on Bel-7402 cells. The major mechanisms of inhibition included cell apoptosis and cytotoxic effects. Wogonin-induced cell death showed characteristics of apoptosis including DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, appearance of apoptotic bodies, and an increase in hypodiploid cells. However, the percentage of necrosis cells also increased with the increase of wogonin concentration. Furthermore, treatment with wogonin caused changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potentials (DeltaPsim, MMP), the decrease of the ratio of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-9.

Objective: To observe the effects of Guben Huatan Tongmai Recipe (GBHTTMR), a compound Chinese herbal recipe, on expressions of macrophages and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) of aortic endothelia in rats with syndrome of phlegm blocking blood vessel, and to explore the pathogenesis of the phlegm-pathogen., Methods: Fifty normal male Wistar rats, 7-week in age, were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, untreated group, high-dose GBHTTMR-treated group, low-dose GBHTTMR-treated group and simvastatin-treated group, with 10 rats in each group. Syndrome of phlegm blocking blood vessel was induced in rats of the latter 4 groups by feeding the rats with high lipid diet. Levels of blood lipid were compared among the 5 groups. The expressions of macrophages and CAMs in aortic endothelia were tested by immunohistochemical staining method., Results: The level of blood lipid, and the expressions of macrophages and CAMs showed statistical differences between the normal control group and the untreated group (P<0.01), and between the untreated group and the low-, high-dose GBHTTMR-treated and simvastatin-treated groups as well (P<0.05)., Conclusions: GBHTTMR can decrease the level of serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase the level of high density lipoprotein. It also can inhibit the expressions of macrophages, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, P-selectin, and E-selectin.

Objective: To study the role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the onset of phlegm obstruction due to lung-deficiency in rats and the therapeutic mechanism of Huatan Recipe., Methods: Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and treatment group, with 8 rats in each group. The rats in the model group and treatment group were exposed to sulfur dioxide and cold wind to establish the rat model of phlegm obstruction due to lung-deficiency, and the rats in the treatment group were also treated with Huatan Recipe, a compound traditional Chinese medicine. The expression of NF-kappaB in the bronchial epithelial cells of the rats was tested with the method of immunohistochemistry, and the COX-2 mRNA in the lung tissues of the rats was measured by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction., Results: The expressions of NF-kappaB and COX-2 mRNA in rats of the model group were higher than those of the normal group (P<0.01), and the expressions of NF-kappaB and COX-2 mRNA in rats of the treatment group were obviously lower than those of the model group (P<0.01)., Conclusion: The NF-kappaB and COX-2 play an important role in the onset of phlegm obstruction in rats. Huatan Recipe may prevent the development of phlegm obstruction by down-regulating the expressions of NF-kappaB and COX-2 mRNA.

The newly discovered endogenous vasodilating and diuretic peptide adrenomedullin (AM) was considered to be of attractive value in clinical treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. In order to explore the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by expressing AM in vivo, AM cDNA was inserted into mammalian expressing vector pcDNA3.1, and in vitro expression of AM was carried out in cultured K(562) cell line. AM mRNA was amplified by RT-PCR from the total RNA isolated from the adrenal glands of rats and was inserted into pcDNA3.1 vector to form pcDNA3.1AM, the recombinant pcDNA3.1AM was then transferred into cultured K(562) cell line by liposome. The expression of AM in pcDNA3.1AM transferred cell was identified by RT-PCR and dot immunoblot assay. The results demonstrated that there were AM mRNA in the pcDNA3.1AM-transferred K(562) cell line and AM peptides in the culturing medium, indicating that the recombinant pcDNA3.1AM vector can express AM in mammalian cell line.

Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic techniques and image analysis were employed to investigate the regulation of cardiac AT1A and AT2 subtype receptors in rats during cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI). Positive immunostaining for AT1A and AT2 receptors was observed in myocytes and vessels with AT1A being more than AT2. Three days after MI, disappearance of myocardial cross striation and fibroblast hyperplasia were found with electron microscopy. AT1A receptor protein expression in myocardial noninfarcted portion notably increased compared with that in sham-operated control rats (P < 0.001). No apparent changes were observed in AT2 receptor (P > 0.05). Two weeks after MI, myocyte cross striation and collagen deposition were found. Meanwhile, AT1A receptor staining decreased compared with that of three days after MI (P < 0.01), but there was still more than that of the control (P < 0.05). AT2 receptor was significantly increased compared with that of the sham-operated control rats (P < 0.001). These results suggest that both AT1A and AT2 receptor protein expression was upregulated in noninfarcted myocardium after MI, and the regulation of AT1A and AT2 receptors after MI may be involved in post-infarction cardiac remodeling.

Aim: To further investigate the mechanism of the thymus dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats., Methods: The location of cathepsin B expression was determined by in situ hybridization. The expression of cathepsin B was analyzed by Northern blot, and thymocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometer, respectively., Results: The expression of cathepsin B in thymus paralleled with thymocyte apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Cathepsin B transcripts were located in the plasma of thymocytes and were more over-expressed of 6- and 8-week-old SHR than those in the thymus of WKY., Conclusion: Thymocyte apoptosis in SHR is increased and this phenomenon is associated with the expression of cathepsin B.