XIAO-CHAI-HU TANG IN TREATING MODEL MICE WITH D-GALACTOSAMINE-INDUCED LIVER INJURY

This study explored the effects of a classical Chinese medicine formula- Xiao-Chai-Hu Tang(XCHT) on the model mice with D-galactosamine -induced liver injury. Sixty male imprinting control region (ICR) mice were used in the present study, and they were separated randomly into 6 groups: a normal control group (Group A, n=10), a model control (Group B, n=10), a positive control (Group C, n=10), a low dose of XCHT group (Group D, n=10), a medium dose of XCHT group (Group E, n=10), and a high dose of XCHT group (Group F, n=10). ELISA was used to detect the IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum. Real-time PCR was performed to assess the expression of FasmRNA, Fas-LmRNA, Bcl-2mRNA of the liver tissues. Western blotting was used to detect the Bax protein expression of the liver tissues. The serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels of Group B were significantly higher than the other groups (

Ultrasound characteristics of the cervical vagus nerve in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and autonomic neuropathy are commonly coexistent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Current assessment tools for diabetic neuropathy remain complicated and limited. We aimed to investigate the sonographic changes of the cervical vagus nerve in DPN patients with T2DM. Material and methods: Patients with T2DM were divided into a DPN group (DPN, n = 44) and non-DPN controls (NDPN, n = 43) based on electromyogram results. Another 43 healthy controls (CON) were included. High-frequency ultrasound (HFU) of the vagus nerve was performed in all participants. Results: Compared with controls, the honeycomb structure of the vagus nerve in patients with T2DM decreased, p < 0.001. The DPN group had higher cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right vagus nerve than the NDPN group (1.60 ± 0.52 vs. 2.00 ± 0.57 mm2, p =0.001). Logistic regression showed that right vagus nerve CSA was a risk factor of DPN (odds ratio [OR] = 3.924, p = 0.002). Right vagus nerve CSA was positively correlated with diabetes duration (p = 0.003), and negatively correlated with the motor conduction velocity (MCV) of the ulnar, median, and common peroneal nerves (p < 0.001 for all), as well as the sensor conduction velocity (SCV) of the ulnar and median nerve (both p < 0.005). Conclusion: HFU shows thickening of the cervical vagus nerve in patients with DPN, which is a potential diagnostic feature of diabetic neuropathy

Natural flavonoids derived from herbal medicines are potential anti-atherogenic agents by inhibiting oxidative stress in endothelial cells

As the common pathological basis of various cardiovascular diseases, the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerosis (AS) have increased in recent years. Unfortunately, there are still many problems in the treatment of AS, and the prevention and treatment of the disease is not ideal. Up to now, the occurrence and development of AS can roughly include endothelial cell dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, inflammation, foam cell production, and neoangiogenesis. Among them, endothelial dysfunction, as an early event of AS, plays a particularly important role in promoting the development of AS. In addition, oxidative stress occurs throughout the causes of endothelial dysfunction. Some previous studies have shown that flavonoids derived from herbal medicines are typical secondary metabolites. Due to its structural presence of multiple active hydroxyl groups, it is able to exert antioxidant activity in diseases. Therefore, in this review, we will search PubMed, Web of Science, Elesvier, Wliey, Springer for relevant literature, focusing on flavonoids extracted from herbal medicines, and summarizing how they can prevent endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress. Meanwhile, in our study, we found that flavonoid represented by quercetin and naringenin showed superior protective effects both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the potential of flavonoid compounds in the treatment of AS

The CDEX-1 1 kg Point-Contact Germanium Detector for Low Mass Dark Matter Searches

The CDEX Collaboration has been established for direct detection of light dark matter particles, using ultra-low energy threshold p-type point-contact germanium detectors, in China JinPing underground Laboratory (CJPL). The first 1 kg point-contact germanium detector with a sub-keV energy threshold has been tested in a passive shielding system located in CJPL. The outputs from both the point-contact p+ electrode and the outside n+ electrode make it possible to scan the lower energy range of less than 1 keV and at the same time to detect the higher energy range up to 3 MeV. The outputs from both p+ and n+ electrode may also provide a more powerful method for signal discrimination for dark matter experiment. Some key parameters, including energy resolution, dead time, decay times of internal X-rays, and system stability, have been tested and measured. The results show that the 1 kg point-contact germanium detector, together with its shielding system and electronics, can run smoothly with good performances. This detector system will be deployed for dark matter search experiments.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figure

Hydroxy-α-sanshool isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. has antidiabetic effects on high-fat-fed and streptozotocin-treated mice via increasing glycogen synthesis by regulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/GS signaling

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. The fruits of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. is a common spice and herbal medicine in China, and hydroxy-α-sanshool (HAS) is the most abundant amide in Z. bungeanum and reported to have significant hypoglycemic effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of HAS on T2DM and the potential mechanisms responsible for those effects. An acute toxicity test revealed the median lethal dose (LD50) of HAS is 73 mg/kg. C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet and given an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce T2DM in mice to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of HAS. The results showed that HAS significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, reduced pathological changes in the liver and pancreas, and increased liver glycogen content. In addition, glucosamine (GlcN)-induced HepG2 cells were used to establish an insulin resistance cell model and explore the molecular mechanisms of HAS activity. The results demonstrated that HAS significantly increases glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in HepG2 cells and activates the PI3K/Akt pathway in GlcN-induced cells, as well as increases GSK-3β phosphorylation, suppresses phosphorylation of glycogen synthase (GS) and increases glycogen synthesis in liver cells. Furthermore, these effects of HAS were blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. The results of our study suggest that HAS reduces hepatic insulin resistance and increases hepatic glycogen synthesis by activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/GS signaling pathway