Therapeutic effects of Astragali Radix on diabetic foot:a clinical randomized controlled trial

Objective:This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Astragalus on diabetic foot,as well as the effects on the levels of serum VEGF,bFGF,MMP-2,and inflammatory factors in patients,and to provide a scientific basis for the treatment of diabetic foot with the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus.Methods:By taking 100 cases of diabetic foot patients who were admitted to the metabolic internal medicine division of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and met the criteria of natriuresis during April 2021-April 2023 as the study subjects,and according to the random number method,all patients were divided into the control group and the observation group,with 50 cases in each group.In the control group,only basic treatment was carried out,while in the observation group,Astragalus injection was added based on the control group.After 8 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy,serum VEGF,bFGF,MMP-2,and inflammatory factor levels of the patients in the two groups were compared,respectively.Results:The total clinical efficiency of patients in the observation group was significantly better than that in the control group(χ^(2)=5.01,P<0.05).The inflammatory factor indexes decreased substantially in both groups.However,the decrease in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,serum VEGF and bFGF were considerably higher in the observation group,while MMP-2 was significantly lower(P<0.05).Conclusion:Astragali Radix is clinically effective in the diabetic foot,which can induce vascular endothelial repair and reduce the level of inflammatory factors,to improve the inflammatory state of patients and promote the restoration of ulcerated wound tissue,which is worth promoting in clinical practice.

Study on mechanism and molecular docking verification of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix in treating ischemic stroke

Background:Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been shown to be effective in treating ischemic stroke(IS),and the combination of Angelicae Sinensis Radix(ASR)and Astragali Radix(AR)is a core TCM prescription that is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in IS treatment.This study utilized network pharmacology methods to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix in IS treatment,with preliminary validation conducted through molecular docking.Methods:Information on the structure,targets,main biological functions,and pathways of the active components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix was collected using databases such as PubChem,PharmMapper,UniProt,and GeneCards.The results were visualized using software such as Cytoscape 3.6.1,Ledock,and pymol.Results:We retrieved 20 active components and 149 targets associated with the compatibility of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix from various databases,and GeneCards database was used to search 3350 IS-related gene targets,including 78 key targets of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix for the treatment of IS.Enrichment analysis of these 78 targets using gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)revealed the involvement of 48 GO terms in the treatment of IS,mainly in biological processes such as metabolism,biological regulation,and stress response.The composition of biological devices such as supercavitary membrane,cell fluid,and extracellular space was also involved.The biological functions mainly included protein binding,ion binding,hydrolytic enzyme activity,and others.The identified pathways were estrogen signaling pathway,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,RAP1 signaling pathway,P53 signaling pathway,PPAR signaling pathway,FOXO signaling pathway,RAS signaling pathway,prolactin signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,and TNF signaling pathway.Molecular docking analysis showed that the 17 key active components of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix had strong binding activity with 13 IS key targets.Conclusion:Through the application of network pharmacology methods,it was found that the use of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix for treating ischemic stroke mainly targets the MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways,involving several crucial compounds and genes.Nevertheless,additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to verify these findings.

Analysis of principal isoflavone glycosides and aglycones in Radix astragali

Two major isoflavone glycosides [calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside （1） and ononin （2）] and their aglycones [calycosin （3） and formononetin （4）] were simultaneously quantified with HPLC/DAD method. Two unknown compounds were identified as calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-6＇＂-O-malonate （U1） and formononetin 7-O-β-D-glucopymnoside-6＇＂-O-malonate （U2）, respectively, with LC/MS^n. Raw Radix astragli were shown to have higher contents of isoflavone glycosides （1, 2）, but lower contents of aglycones （3, 4） than the processed herbal materials. After being moistened with water and stored up for 24 h at 35 ℃, the glycosides and their m_alonates were almost completely transformed to their corresponding aglycones. The different contents of the isoflavone glycosides and their aglycones in raw and processed Radix astragali materials might be due to enzymolysis of the glycosides during processing.

Molecular mechanism of Radix astragali on improvement of insulin sensitivity of SD rats treated with low dose dexamethasone

Aim To reveal the main active components and the action mechanisms of Radix astragali on insulin sensitivity improvement, we have investigated the effects of polysaccharide portion and saponin portion of Radix astragali extracts on blood biochemical indices and related gene expression of dexamethasone-induced SD rats. Methods SD rats （6 per group） received 2 μg/day subcutaneous dexamethasone for 4 weeks plus same dose （10 g material/kg） of polysaccharide or saponin extracts of Radix astragali. Blood samples, kidney tissues and epididymal fat pads were taken at the end of the experiment. Serum triglyceride （TG）, total cholesterol （TC）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLC）, high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDLC）, glucose （GLU） and insulin （INS） levels were measured, respectively, mRNA levels of angiotensinogen in kidney, adiponectin and leptin as well as TNF-α in epididymal fats were determined by RT-PCR assay using GAPDH gene as an internal control. Results Both of polysaccharide and saponin extracts of Radix astragali exhibited positive effects in reducing serum triglycerides, glucose, and insulin levels of dexamethasone-induced SD rats. The saponin group showed more improvements on quantitive insulin sensitivity check index （QUICKI） than the polysaccharide group did. Both of the extracts down-regulated kidney angiotensinogen and fat TNF-α mRNA levels while they were simultaneously up-regulating fat adiponectin and leptin mRNA levels. No significant difference was found between actions of the two extracts. Conclusion Both of polysaccharide and saponin extracts of Radix astragali can improve insulin sensitivity. This action might be closely related to down-regulation of angiotensinogen, TNF-α and up-regulation of adiponectin and leptin expression. The results partly explained the improvement of type Ⅱ diabetes and diabetic nephropathy by Radix astragali. The similar actions of the two crude extracts suggest that unknown key active compounds might exist in both and remain to be discovered.

Protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs of rats with obstructive jaundice and its mechanism

AIM: To observe the protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ) and its mechanism. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group and Radix Astragali treatment group. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation, mortality rate of rats, pathological changes in immune organs, expression levels of Bax and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 proteins, apoptosis indexes and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in spleen and thymus were observed, respectively.RESULTS: Compared to model control group, the number of dead OJ rats in Radix Astragali treatment group decreased (P > 0.05). The TNF-α level (27.62 ± 12.61 vs 29.55 ± 18.02, 24.61 ± 9.09 vs 31.52 ± 10.95) on days 7 and 21, the pathological severity score for spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (2.0) on days 7 and 14 and for lymph nodes [0.0 (1.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 1.0 (0.0) vs 2.0 (1.0)] on days 21 and 28, the product staining intensity and positive rate of Bax protein in spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5) and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5)] on days 14 and 28, the apoptotic indexes [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01)] in spleen and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01) on days 14 and 21 were significantly lower in Radix Astragali treatment group than in model control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragali has protective effects on immune organs of OJ rats by relieving the pathological changes in immune organs, reducing TNF-α level and inhibiting Bax expression and apoptosis in spleen and thymus.

Protective Effects of Radix Astragali against Anoxic Damages to in vitro Cultured Neurons

To study the protective effects of radix astragali against anoxic damages to in vitro cultured neurons in rats, NaCN was used to develop a hypoxic model of in vitro cultured neurons from newborn rat cerebral cortex. The cellular morphology, A value (cell survival number) and effluxes of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and K+ from cells were measured in the radix astragali group and the control group respectively. After 48 h of anoxia, A value was decreased from 0. 325± 0. 031 before anoxia to 0. 145± 0. 011, the effluxes of LDH and K+ were increased from 65. 80± 2. 90 U/L and 5. 23 ± 0. 11mmol/L before anoxia to 148. 80± 8. 40 U/L and 7. 31 ± 0. 18 mmol/L, respectively. It was found that in the anoxic circumstance in the Radix astragali group, the mophological changes were mild, the effluxes of LDH and K+ were decreased and A value increased as compared with those in the control group. It was suggested that Radix astragali could protect the cultured rat neurons against anoxic damages in the anoxic circumstance.

Predicting the grades of Astragali radix using mass spectrometrybased metabolomics and machine learning

Astragali radix(AR,the dried root of Astragalus)is a popular herbal remedy in both China and the United States.The commercially available AR is commonly classified into premium graded(PG)and ungraded(UG)ones only according to the appearance.To uncover novel sensitive and specific markers for AR grading,we took the integrated mass spectrometry-based untargeted and targeted metabolomics approaches to characterize chemical features of PG and UG samples in a discovery set(n=16 batches).A series of five differential compounds were screened out by univariate statistical analysis,including arginine,calycosin,ononin,formononetin,and astragalosideⅣ,most of which were observed to be accumulated in PG samples except for astragalosideⅣ.Then,we performed machine learning on the quantification data of five compounds and constructed a logistic regression prediction model.Finally,the external validation in an independent validation set of AR(n=20 batches)verified that the five compounds,as well as the model,had strong capability to distinguish the two grades of AR,with the prediction accuracy>90%.Our findings present a panel of meaningful candidate markers that would significantly catalyze the innovation in AR grading.

Simultaneous separation and determination of four main isoflavonoids in Astragali Radix by an isocratic LC/ESI-MS method

A simple, reliable and rapid isocratic liquid chromatography(LC)-mass spectrometric detection(MS) coupled with electrospray ionization(ESI) method for simultaneous separation and determination of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin and formonometin in Astragali Radix was developed. After the samples were extracted with ethanol, the optimum separation conditions for these analytes were achieved using water and acetonitrile(70:30, v/v) containing 0.2%(v/v) acetic acid as a mobile phase and a 2.0 mm×150 mm Hypersil-Keystone C18 column. Selective ion monitoring(SIM) mode and [M+H]+ ions at m/z 447, 431, 285 and 269 were used for quantitative analysis of four main active components above mentioned. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.4-175.0 μg/mL for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, 0.2-146.0 μg/m L for ononin, 0.4-210.0 μg/mL for calycosin and 0.5-217.0 μg/mL for formonetion, respectively. The limits of quantification(LOQ) and detection(LOD) were 0.4 μg/mL and 0.08 μg/m L for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, 0.2 μg/mL and 0.06 μg/m L for ononin, 0.4 μg/mL and 0.1 μg/mL for calycosin, 0.5 μg/m L and 0.1 μg/m L formonetion, respectively. The standard recoveries were in the range of 96.5%-104.7%. The developed method has successfully been used for the determination of four main flavonoids in Astragali Radix from various sources and can be used for identification, differentiation and quality evaluation of Astragali Radix.

Analysis on Genetic Diversity of Radix Astragali by ISSR Markers

Radix Astragali has been an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. It is derived from two plant species, namely, Astragalus mongholicus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao] and Astragalus membranaceus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.] (Leguminosae ), according to the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. In this study, the genetic diversity and genetic relationships of Radix Astragali in China were analyzed by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 25 highly polymorphic ISSR primers were selected to amplify 95 Radix Astragali samples. Among 273 DNA bands amplified, 213 are polymorphic (percentage of polymorphic bands: 78%). The average value of the amplified bands was 10.9 for each primer, and the number varied from 4 to 20. The genetic diversity of the 95 Radix Astragali samples was analyzed by using POPGENE 1.32 software. The Nei’s genetic diversity index (h) and Shannon’s information index (I ) were 0.3590 and 0.5308, respectively, which indicated the abundant genetic diversity of Radix Astragali . The level of genetic diversity in A. membranaceus (h: 0.3109, I : 0.4657) was slightly lower than that in A. mongholicus (h: 0.3364, I : 0.4969). Considering the average genetic similarity coefficient by NTSYS analysis to cluster the A. membranaceus of nine habitats and A. mongholicus of five habitats, Radix Astragali samples were clustered into two groups according to place of origin. This clustering is different from traditional clustering, which divides groups according to species. Results obtained from this study will provide a theoretical basis for the molecular study on germplasm resources of Radix Astragali .

Progress of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is a chronic,progressive,fibrotic interstitial lung disease.Current treatment options for IPF are limited.Radix Astragali(RA)and Radix Angelicae Sinensis(RAS),according to 5:1 ratio composed of Danggui Buxue decoction(DGBXD),which have played an essential role in the treatment of IPF.This article reviewed the experimental research,clinical research,and progress of RA and RAS(DGBXD)treating IPF to provide a deeper scientific basis for the future experimental research and clinical research.

Transcriptome Analysis of Gene in Mouse M-1 Cells Revealing the Functional Mechanism of Astragali Radix Extract

Astragali Radix (AR), the dried root of legumes, belongs to the Qi-invigorating herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and plays an important role in the treatment of many diseases. In order to understand the mechanism of action of AR extract. We used AR extract to treat M-1, mouse kidney cells, and used transcriptome sequencing technology to detect the genomic transcription level of the cells under the action of AR at different concentrations and times. The results showed that after a low concentration of AR treatments on the cells, the expression of genes related to cell growth and cellular immune response changed significantly, among which multiple genes are related to mitochondrial function, while high concentrations of AR affected the expression of histones and disease-related genes. It showed that the low concentration of AR extract can achieve the effect of invigorating Qi by regulating the function of mitochondria. In addition, several important genes and pathways were identified as potential targets of AR activation. The research not only clarified the main molecular biological mechanism of AR invigorating Qi, but also provided experimental basis and cellular physiology reference for the further clinical application of AR.

A Preliminary Study in the Effect of <i>Astragali radix</i>, a Qi-Invigorating Herb, on Mitochondria: Insights at Cellular Level and Mouse Tissues Level

Objectives: To explore the effects of Qi-invigorating herbs on mitochondrial function using cultured cells and animal organs. Methods: Using water extracts of Astragali radix, we investigated the effect of “Qi-invigoration” on M-1 renal cells and mouse organs in-vitro including total adenylate production (TAP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). We also examined the effect on antioxidant capacity by conducting an analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Results: 1) Astragali radix increased mitochondrial TAP generation and decreased ROS levels in both mouse kidney tissues and M-1 renal cells. 2) Astragali radix also significantly increased MMP and GSH levels in M-1 cells, but in the kidney tissue, there was no significant change in MMP levels and a decrease in GSH levels. 3) Astragali radix stimulated TAP levels in the heart, spleen, lung, kidney and skeletal muscle tissue, which was accompanied by the reduction of ROS. 4) For the meridian organs that Astragali radix belongs to, the energy production and antioxidant capacity were boosted simultaneously. Conclusions: These results provide new insights for the biochemical basis of Qi-invigoration and the meridian tropism theory for this Qi-invigorating herb.

Potential mechanism of Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix in the treatment of spinal cord injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:Using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the possible mechanism of Huangqi(Astragali radix)-Danggui(Angelicae sinensis radix)on the treatment of spinal cord injury.Methods:The active components and the targets related to Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix were screened out on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database.Genes of spinal cord injury were searched by Genecards and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases.The intersection targets between herbs and diseases were obtained through online Venn diagrams.A components-targets-pathways network was established on Cytoscape 3.8.1 software.The STRING database was used to construct the intersection protein interaction network and screen out core targets.Gene Ontology biological processes and enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genes of intersection proteins were performed via DAVID database.Finally,the molecular docking with key components and core targets were performed in AutoDock software.Results:The 22 chemical components including quercetin,kaempferol were collected from Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix.It acts on 110 targets,and interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor,mitogen-activated protein kinase,tumor antigen p53 were considered as the major targets.50 pathways like Interleukin-17 signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway participate in biological processes such as positive transcription regulation and lipopolysacchanide response.The molecular docking revealed that the core targets had stronger binding activity with its corresponding active components.Conclusion:Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix has the characteristics of multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway effects in treating spinal cord injury.Its potential mechanism may be related to preventing inflammation,improving microcirculation,inhibiting neuronal apoptosis,protecting damaged nerve cells and promoting nerve repair and regeneration.

Understanding the Use of Radix Astragali Seu Hedysari in the Treatment of Edema Due to Renal Diseases

Radix Astragali seu Hedysari is warm in nature and slightly sweet in taste.It belongs to the lung,spleen,and kidney meridians.It passes through a waterway,dredges the triple energizer,and has a significant effect on edema due to renal diseases.Ancient doctors believed that Radix Astragali seu Hedysari is excellent in tonifying the middle,supplementing Qi,and dredging through the triple energizer.In modem times,many doctors have found that whether it is used as a single drug or in combination with other drugs,it is widely used in clinical practice and has a good effect in inducing diuresis.

Quercetin,the key constituent of Astragali Radix,modulates ferroptosis in PASMCs and attenuates hypoxia pulmonary hypertension via the MAPK signaling pathway

This study delved into the mechanism by which the principal component of Astragali Radix regulated ferroptosis in the context of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension,employing a combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation techniques.Active constituents of Astragali Radix and their corresponding targets were identified using the TCMSP database,while therapeutic targets associated with hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension were sourced from the GeneCards database.The Venn online tool facilitated the identification of overlapping targets between the active constituents of Astragali Radix and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.Interaction network diagrams depicting the relationship between Astragali Radix’s active constituents and their targets were constructed using Cytoscape software,with core targets and sub-networks identified using the CytoHubba plug-in.Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the DAVID database.Additionally,the FerrDb database was consulted to analyze genes implicated in regulating ferroptosis.The investigation revealed 18 active constituents selected from Astragali Radix,with quercetin emerging as the key component.A total of 35 potential targets associated with Astragali Radix in regulating ferroptosis and addressing hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension were predicted.Experimental validation demonstrated that quercetin could inhibit the MAPK signaling pathway,resulting in reduced Fe2+and lipid peroxide levels,increased GPX4 expression,and the reversal of ferroptosis.In summary,this study elucidated the fundamental constituents and pivotal signaling pathways through which Astragali Radix modulated ferroptosis and mitigated hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.Specifically,quercetin,a core constituent of Astragali Radix,was observed to inhibit ferroptosis in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via the MAPK pathway and alleviate hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Long-term efficacy and safety of Huangqi(Radix Astragali Mongolici)-based Traditional Chinese Medicine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy:a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE:To assess the long-term effectiveness of Huangqi(Radix Astragali Mongolici,HQ)-based Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN).METHODS:Nine databases were searched to retrieve available randomized controlled trials that compared HQbased TCM and Western Medicines in the treatment of DPN.The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane bias risk tool,and RevMan 5.4 was used for data analysis.The effect estimates of interest were risk ratio(RR),mean difference(MD)or standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI).RESULTS:The results from 48 available studies assessing 3759 patients demonstrated that cases administered HQ-based TCM[RR=1.30,95%CI(1.21,1.40),P<0.00001]or HQ-based TCM combined with Western Medicines[RR=1.25,95%CI(1.19,1.31),P<0.00001]exhibited higher total efficacy rates than individuals who received Western Medicine alone.The results showed that the HQ-based TCM group had decreased Toronto Clinical Scoring System scores[MD=-1.50,95%CI(-1.83,-1.17),P<0.00001],and reduced serum interleukin 6[SMD=-0.57,95%CI(-0.87,-0.27),P=0.0002]and tumor necrosis factors-αlevels[SMD=-0.60,95%CI(-0.95,-0.25),P=0.0009].In addition,both HQ-based TCM and HQbased TCM combined with Western Medicine increased nerve conduction velocity and decreased glycaemia compared with Western Medicine alone.In terms of blood lipids,oxidative stress and adverse drug reactions,there were no significant differences between the HQ-based TCM groups and the Western Medicine control group.CONCLUSION:The current Meta-analysis revealed that HQ-based TCM yields higher efficacy and safety than Western Medicine alone for the treatment of DPN,although further well-designed RCTs are required to validate these findings.

Quality evaluation of Radix Astragali from different sources in China

Radix Astragali （Huangqi） is one of the most valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. It is used in the traditional Chinese medicine to reinforce ＇qi＇, and it has immunostimulant, tonic, and antioxidant activities. There are many different sources of Huangqi in the market. In this study, the quality of Huangqi was evaluated by the measurement of four flavonoids, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, ononin, calycosin and formononetin with HPLC-UV, as well as astragaloside IV with HPLC-ELSD. Samples included different plant species, different places of cultivation, different ages of plants, different seasons of collection and different commercial specifications. The results showed that the contents of isoflavonoids and astragaloside IV varied significantly in different sources. Our study provided useful information for the quality evaluation of Radix Astragali.

Astragali and Angelica protect the kidney against ischemia and reperfusion injury and accelerate recovery

Objective To investigate the role of Astragali and Angelica (A&A) of Chinese herbs in acute renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, and the related intracellular signal transduction mechanism. Methods Acute ischemic renal injury in rats was induced by clamping in renal pedicel for 45 minutes. Rats in therapy group were given a single dose (2 ml/day) of A&A for 3 days before clamping, and then continued for another 3 days. Forty-five minutes after clamping and at different reperfusion time, serum creatinine (Scr) and renal pathological changes were taken and compared in both groups. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. Extracelluar regulating kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity was assayed by specific substrate phosphorylation with immunoprecipitation. Results At the 24th hour of reperfusion, Scr was lower in A&A group than that in the control. Much less necrotic tubular cells， casts， and more PCNA-positive cells were found in A&A group. ERK activity decreased after clamping, and recovered at 5 minutes of reperfusion. There was no difference between the two groups. JNK activity did not change after ischemia, but increased at 5 minutes and peaked at 20 minutes of reperfusion. JNK activity was significantly higher in A&A group than that in the control group. Conclusion A&A protected kidney against ischemic insult and accelerated both functional and histological recovery after acute renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, which may associate with the change of JNK signaling pathway.

黄芪对甲状腺功能正常的桥本甲状腺炎患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群表达的影响

目的·探讨黄芪对甲状腺功能正常的桥本甲状腺炎患者T淋巴细胞亚群及细胞因子表达的影响。方法·选择2020年1月—12月在上海市第六人民医院金山分院接受治疗且资料完整的甲状腺功能正常的桥本甲状腺炎患者120例,采用随机数字表将患者为干预组及对照组,每组各60例。对照组治疗方案为碘适宜状态饮食,干预组在对照组治疗方案基础上联合黄芪药液口服(150 mL/次,2次/d)治疗。连续治疗6个月,比较2组治疗前后外周血清T淋巴细胞亚群(CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)),细胞因子[包括白细胞介素2(interleukin-2,IL-2)、肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、IL-6、IL-10],超敏C反应蛋白(hypersensitive C-reactive protein,hs-CRP),红细胞沉降率(erythrocyte sedimentation rate,ESR),以及甲状腺功能及自身抗体、肝肾功能等指标的变化。观察黄芪治疗期间不良反应。应用多因素线性回归分析甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(thyroid peroxidase antibody,TPOAb)变化幅度的影响因素。结果·最终纳入118例患者,每组各59例。治疗6个月后,干预组CD4^(+)T细胞比例,CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值,IL-2、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10、hs-CRP、ESR、TPOAb和甲状腺球蛋白抗体(thyroglobulin antibody,TGAb)水平均较治疗前及其同期对照组显著改善,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。对照组治疗后上述指标与治疗前比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗后干预组未见严重不良反应。多因素线性回归分析结果显示,应用黄芪、CD4^(+)T细胞、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值升高幅度及hs-CRP下降幅度均是TPOAb下降幅度的独立影响因素(β=−0.393,P=0.029;β=−0.513,P=0.010;β=−0.351,P=0.035;β=0.434,P=0.023)。结论·黄芪可改善甲状腺功能正常的桥本甲状腺炎患者CD4^(+)T细胞、IL-2、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10水平及CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值,且安全性佳。

组学技术在黄芪质量评价及药理作用机制研究中的应用

黄芪为补气之要药,临床应用广泛。但因各种因素导致黄芪质量参差不齐现象突出,且现行评价方法难以从整体上把控黄芪药材的质量优劣,未能有效的与不同复方中黄芪功效定向关联,严重影响其临床疗效及安全用药。针对上述问题,探索具有整体性和系统性特点的组学技术在中药材黄芪质量优劣性评价中的应用迫在眉睫。鉴于此本文查阅近年文献,对组学(代谢组学、转录组学、基因组学、蛋白组学)技术应用于中药材黄芪质量控制(品种、产地、种植方式、逆境、炮制加工)以及药理作用(抗疲劳、抗心衰、防治内分泌疾病、抗肿瘤)机制方面的研究进行综述,提出未来研究的方向与趋势,旨在为临床合理用药建立其全面系统的质量评价体系提供新的思路及方法。