Radioprotective Effect of Lyophyllum Decastes and the Effect on Immunological Functions in Irradiated Mice

In this study, to explore the radiation protection effects of Lyophyllum Decastes Sing (LDS), a hot distilled-water extract of LDS was orally administered at a dosage of 250mg/kg every other day for a period of 2 weeks in irradiated mice. An automatic blood cell counter was used to measure white blood cells (lymphocytes, monocyte, and granulocytes) one day before X-ray irradiation, and 3 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days after irradiation. The Dunnett test was used to examine statistical significance of differences. The peripheral blood cell counts in the Lyophyllum-administered non-irradiation group revealed an increase in the numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. For 2 Gy whole body radiation, a significant statistical difference was found between the X-ray group and the Lyophyllum plus X-ray group in the numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. The results suggest that Lyophyllum restrains blood cell-count falling after irradiation, which is probably mediated at least in part by hemopoietic function, and NK and LAK activities seems to play a role in preventing secondary infections associated with irradiation.

Effects of Fuscoporia obliqua on Postprandial Glucose Excursion and Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Postprandial hyperglycemia has been reported to elicit endothelial dysfunction and provoke future cardiovascular complications. A reduction of postprandial blood glucose levels by the glucosidase inhibitor Fuscoporia obliqua was associated with a risk reduction of cardiovascular complications, but the effects of Fuscoporia obliqua on endothelial function have never been elucidated. This study is aimed to assess the efficacy of Fuscoporia obliqua on postprandial metabolic parameters and endothelial function in type 2 diabetic patients. Postprandial peak glucose (14.47±1.27 vs. 8.50±0.53 mmol/liter), plasma glucose excursion (PPGE), and change in the area under the curve (AUC) glucose after a single loading of test meal (total 450 kcal; protein 15.3%; fat 32.3%; carbohydrate 51.4%) were significantly higher in the diet-treated type 2 diabetic patients (n=14) than the age-and sex-matched controls (n=12). The peak forearm blood flow response and total reactive hyperemic flow (flow debt repayment) during reactive hyperemia, indices of resistance artery endothelial function on strain-gauge plethysmography, were unchanged before and after meal loading in the controls. But those of the diabetics were significantly decreased 120 and 240 min after the test meal. A prior administration of Fuscoporia obliqua decreased postprandial peak glucose, PPGE, and AUC glucose. The peak forearm blood flow and flow debt repayment were inversely well correlated with peak glucose, PPGE, and AUC glucose, but not with AUC insulin or the other lipid parameters. Even a single loading of the test meal was shown to impair the endothelial function in type 2 diabetic patients, and the postprandial endothelial dysfunction was improved by a prior use of Fuscoporia obliqua. Fuscoporia obliqua might reduce macrovascular complication by avoiding endothelial injury in postprandial hyperglycemic status.

A Trial Study of Propranolol and Zhigancao Decoction on the Central Depressant and Anti-osteoporosic Action in Ovariectomized Rats

Objective: This study was originally designed to observe the effects of propranolol (a β-blocker) and Zhigancao Decoction (炙甘草汤 ZGCD) on bone mass in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Thirty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups initially, a sham-operated group (Sham, n=7), a model ovariectomized (OVX) group (Model, n=7), a propranolol group (Pro, n=12) and a ZGCD group (ZGCD, n=12). After 15 weeks of treatment, the expected effects were not found. In order to verify the situations of the experiment, we modified the study by administering calcitonin to a subgroup of the tested Pro and ZGCD rats. Results: The Pro and ZGCD treatments showed decreased heart rate and plasma norepinephrine level, but neither an increased bone mass nor any bone metabolism differences from the model rats were found. However, the OVX-induced bone loss was prevented by the sequent treatment of calcitonin. Conclusions: The results provide no evidence that the β-blocker propranolol may stimulate bone formation, and do not justify its use for clinical treatment of osteoporosis.

Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine Based on Hachimi-jio-gan on Osteopenia in Rats

The effects of Chinese herbal medicines including Hachimi-jio-gan(HJG)and/or Hochu-ekki-to(HET)on osteopenia inrats were investigated.The Chinese herbal medicines were administrated for 8 weeks(7 times/week)starling from 1 weekafter ovariectomy.HJG and Prescription-2(Prsc-2,the prescription based on HJG)showed protective effect on bone loss ofthe vertebrae after ovariectomy.However,Prescription-1(the prescription based on HJG and HE-T)had no effect.Then,wemade osteopenia model in rats by prednisolone and low calcium diet.Prsc-2 and HJG were administrated for 20 weeks withprednisolone.These Chinese remedies showed protective effects for osteopenia,with better indices on bone loss of the limbsthan HJG alone in the osteopenia rats.It can be concluded that Prsc-2 is more effective than HJG for bone loss induced byvarious factors,and the additives in Prsc-2 may enhance the therapeutic effect.

Effects of the Chinese Herbal Medicine Based on Hachimi-jio-gan in Male Rats with the Adenine-Induced Osteopenia

In the adenine-induced renal failure rats, reversibility of renal failure and recovery of bone mineral density (BMD) by discontinuation of adenine-rich diet were reported: We think that the effect to bone metabolism with medication may be able to be evaluated as reinforcement of the BMD recovery. We have so far investigated the Chinese herbal medicine based on Hachimi-jio-gan (HJG) which are more effective than HJG alone. In this study, we investigated the effects of our Chinese herbal prescription on BMD in the adenine-treated rats compared to that of vitamin D3treatment. Young male rats were administrated 100 mg/ml adenine for 8 weeks, and they showed renal failure and bone loss. The adenine-treated rats were divided into the following 3 groups, that is, the group experienced no treatment (control), the group givenour Chinese herbal medicine (HAO), and the group given vitamin D3 (VD3) medication. It is likely that VD3 medication was less effective for increase of the femoral BMD than increase of the spinal BMD. In contrast, HAO was effective for increase of the femoral BMD. The VD3 group showed low deoxypyridinoline (Dpd: bone resorption maker) as compared to the control group.However, the HAO group showed same or slightly high Dpd. It is suggested that VD3 may increase BMD by reduction of bone resorption, while HAO may show effect on BMD by activating bone metabolism. It is indicated that HAO may become a curative medicine for bone loss because of the different target site from vitamin D3.

Effects of K. Lysolecithin on Blood Levels of Monoamines in Mice

In this research, Lysolecithin-a substance made with 100% natural ingredients - was given to ICR mice as medication to measure its periodic effect on the noradrenalin (NA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) levels of the brain. Both ICR and SAM mice were separated into two groups - control group and Lysolecithin (K. Lysolecithin: hydrolytic lysolecithin) medicated group, and given 1-week preparation period. The K. Lysolecithin group was given 500mg/kg of K. Lysolecithin at 0.2mL per dosage for 4 weeks, and the control group was given the same amount of dosage of water during the same period. NA, DA and 5-HT concentrations were measured from the blood before medication and 8 weeks / 12 weeks / 16 weeks after the first medication. For the SAM mice, 8 weeks after they were medicated with K .Lysolecithin, Morris Water Maze Test was conducted for 7 consecutive days and then the concentrations were measured by drawing blood from the heart. The K. Lysolecithin medicated group showed a tendency to have a statistically significant higher concentrations of 5-HT and NA in the blood. Also, periodic examination showed that the monoamine levels were highest in the 12th week and declined thereafter.

Effects of Propolis on Peripheral White Cells, Antioxidative Activity and Tumor Growth in Irradiated mice

The effect of continuous water-soluble propolis administration on radioactivity-induced reduction of hemocytes, and the antioxidant and antitumor effects were investigated. Following a 1-week adjustment period, water-soluble propolis was administered intraperitoneally to male ICR mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg every other day for 2 weeks. Following administration, 2 Gy whole-body irradiation was performed and the counts of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes and monocytes in the peripheral blood were determined 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days after irradiation. In the second experiment, water-soluble propolis was similarly administered to the mice for 2 weeks after a 1-week adjustment period, and 2 Gy whole-body irradiation was performed. The antioxidant effects in hemocytes were then investigated using 2,2’-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), a radical generator. In the third experiment, 1×106 Sarcoma-180 cells were inoculated into the right thigh of mice, which were divided into four groups: control, water-soluble propolis-treated, 6 Gy irradiated and water-soluble propolis-treated + 6 Gy irradiated groups, and changes in tumor size were measured for 20 days. Results show that administration of water-soluble propolis inhibits the reduction of hemocytes caused by whole-body irradiation, enhances antioxidant effects against radioactivity, and inhibits tumor growth.

An Ageusia and Dysosmia Patient Treated by Acupuncture

Occurrence of ageusia, a disease characterized by complete or severe loss of the subjective sense of taste and frequently accompanied with olfaction disorders, is increasing at the rate of 140 thousand more cases every year in Japan according to the latest congressional data, 2002. There may be many reasons for this, such as influenza, diabetes, adverse reaction of antimicrobial drugs, smoke, depression, etc. Disorders of taste and smell could not only cause uncomfort, but also result in a loss of body weight in the patients, and may be harmful to their quality of life.

Effect of acupuncture at acupoint of Shenshu (BL 23) on the bones of ovariectomized rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acupuncture at acupoint of Shenshu(BL 23) in ovariectomized rats and sham-operated rats.METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups(n = 12 each):sham operation only(Sham), sham operation with acupuncture(Sham + ACP), ovariectomy only(OVX), and ovariectomy with acupuncture(OVX +ACP). Operations were performed at the 9 th week of age. Acupuncture of Shenshu(BL 23) was started at the 11 th week of age and conducted 3 times per week until the 26 th week of age.RESULTS: Among ovariectomized rats, the acupuncture-treated rats had significantly lower bodyweights and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen levels in the urine after 3 weeks of acupuncture treatment, higher bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebra after 7 weeks, and smaller trabecular separation of the sixth lumbar vertebra,measured by micro-computed tomography, after17 weeks than control rats. These effects were not observed in sham-operated rats. Blood concentrations of estradiol were significantly higher in the OVX + ACP group than in the untreated group. Acupuncture treatment increased plasma testosterone levels in sham-operated rats, while this increase was not observed in OVX rats.CONCLUSION: Acupuncture of Shenshu(BL 23)prevents bone loss and structural changes by suppressing bone resorption.

Research on the effect of Histamine in acupuncture

Objective To observe acupuncture effects, we analyze the function of Histamine on acupoints, and provide evidence for the research on generation mechanism of the acupuncture effects.