Inhibition of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced gastric tumorigenesis by Liuwei Dihuang Pill in db/db mice

AIM To investigate the inhibitory effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pill(LDP) on gastric tumorigenesis induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea(MNU) in diabetic mice.METHODS Four-week-old mice were divided into four groups: A, 12 db/m mice treated with MNU and saline, as the non-diabetic control; B, 12 db/db mice treated with MNU and saline, as the diabetic control; C, 12 db/db mice treated with MNU and metformin, as the positive control; and D, 12 db/db mice treated with MNU and LDP. MNU was administrated for 20 wk to induce gastric carcinogenesis. LDP was administrated for 10 wk for improvement of insulin resistance. Body weight and food intake were measured every week. Blood samples were collected for assays of fasting blood glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-1, adiponectin and leptin. Stomach tissues were collected for histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining of Ki67, quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and western blotting. RESULTS The incidence of MNU-induced gastric dysplasia was significantly elevated in diabetic(db/db) mice relative to the control(db/m) mice. The incidence of gastricdysplasia was significantly reduced by LDP with suppression of cell proliferation, as demonstrated by a decrease in Ki67 staining. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and serum IGF-1 were inhibited by LDP. Expression of IGF-1 and insulin receptor m RNAs was decreased, phosphorylation of IGF-1 receptor and AKT protein was reduced in the stomach tissues by LDP. In addition, adiponectin was increased and leptin was decreased in the serum by LDP. CONCLUSION LDP decreased risk of gastric dysplasia in type 2 diabetic mice by down-regulation of IGF and insulin activity and correction of adipokines disorders.

The Nano Pulverization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Liuwei Dihuang

The crude drug of Liuwei Dihuang was pulverized to nano particles to improve its bioavailability. The appropriate technique parameters were studied. Paeonol, typical marker of Liuwei Dihuang , was extracted with organic solveat in ultrasonic and its content was determined by HPLC. The appropriate techrdques parameters are as follows ： rotating speed control 1200 r/ min , grinding time control 50min and mass percent concentration control 3.8% . The experimental results show that the average particle diameter is 161.9 nm and the great majority of the plant cell wall is broken into pieces after nano pulverization. The extraction efficiency of paeonol is increased by 23.5% .

Active fraction combination from Liuwei Dihuang decoction improves adult hippocampal neurogenesis and neurogenic microenvironment in cranially irradiated mice

OBJECTIVE Cranial radiotherapy is clinically used in the treatment of brain tumors;however,the consequent cognitive and emotional dysfunctions seriously impair the life quality of patients.LW-AFC,an active fraction combination extracted from classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription Liuwei Dihuang decoction,can improve cognitive and emotional dysfunctions in many animal models;however,the protective effect of LW-AFC on cranial irradiation-induced cognitive and emotional dysfunctions has not been reported.Recent studies indicate that impairment of adult hippocampal neurogenesis(AHN)and alterations of the neurogenic microenvironment in the hippocampus constitute critical factors in cognitive and emotional dysfunctions following cranial irradiation.Here,our research further investigated the potential protective effects and mechanisms of LW-AFC on cranial irradiation-induced cognitive and emotional dysfunctions in mice.METHODS LW-AFC(1.6 g·kg^(-1))was intragastrically administered to mice for 14 d before cranial irradiation(7 Gyγ-ray).AHN was examined by quantifying the number of proliferative neural stem cells and immature neurons in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus.The contextual fear conditioning test,open field test,and tail suspension test were used to assess cognitive and emotional functions in mice.To detect the change of the neurogenic microenvironment,colorimetry and multiplex bead analysis were performed to measure the level of oxidative stress,neurotrophic and growth factors,and inflammation in the hippocampus.RESULTS LW-AFC exerted beneficial effects on the contextual fear memory,anxiety behavior,and depression behavior in irradiated mice.Moreover,LW-AFC increased the number of proliferative neural stem cells and immature neurons in the dorsal hippocampus,displaying a regional specificity of neurogenic response.For the neurogenic microenvironment,LW-AFC significantly increased the contents of superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase,glutathione,and catalase and decreased the content of malondialdehyde in the hippocampus of irradiated mice,accompanied by the increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor,insulin-like growth factor-1,and interleukin-4 content.Together,LW-AFC improved cognitive and emotional dysfunctions,promoted AHN preferentially in the dorsal hippocampus,and ameliorated disturbance in the neurogenic microenvironment in irradiated mice.CONCLUSION LW-AFC ameliorates cranial irradiation-induced cognitive and emotional dysfunctions,and the underlying mechanisms are mediated by promoting AHN in the dorsal hippocampus and improving the neurogenic microenvironment.LW-AFC might be a promising therapeutic agent to treat cognitive and emotional dysfunctions in patients receiving cranial radiotherapy.

Liuwei Dihuang soft capsules inhibits phenotypic conversion of VSMCs via up-regulating expression of myocardin by promoting interaction between ERα and SRC3

OBJECTIVE To reveal the under mechanism of how Liuwei Dihuang(LWDH)inhibits the phenotypic con⁃version of VSMCs.METHODS 24 ApoE-/-mice were divided into 4 groups:sham group,model group,E2 group,and LWDH group.Six C57BN/L6 mice were used as control group.The primary VSMCs were divided into control group,model group,E2 group,LWDH group,LWDH+MPP group,and LWDH+PHTPP group with or without control siRNA,ERαsiRNA,ERβsiRNA,and myocardin siRNA.Oil red staining was used to evaluate the lipid deposition in the cardiac aorta.Serum chemistry analysis to test serum TG,TC,LDL,and HDL.Immunofluorescence staining was used to testα-SMA,osteopontin and F-actin.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to check out the myocardin in the cardiac aorta.The mRNA levels ofα-SMA,osteopontin,ERα,ERβ,SRC3 and myocardin were detected by real time-PCR,and the protein expression levels of them were detected by Western blotting.Co-immunoprecipitation was proceeded to test the interaction between ERαand SRC3 and SRC3 and myocardin.Flow cytometry was used to check out the cell cycle.Wound healing assay and Transwell were managed to evaluate the migration capacity of VSMCs.RESULTS In vivo administration of LWDH suppressed atherosclerotic symptoms,decreases phenotypic marker of vascular endothelial cell,and increases phenotypic marker of VSMC in ovariectomized ApoE-/-female mice.Moreover,LWDH significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of ERα,ERβ,SRC3 and myocardin in the cardiac aorta of ovariecto⁃mized ApoE-/-female mice.In vitro,LWDH altered cell cycle and reduced the elevated cyclinD protein expression migra⁃tion capacity and in the model VSMCs.In addition,LWDH inhibited phenotypic conversion and promoted the expression of ER,SRC3,and myocardin of the primary VSMC phenotypic conversion model.Inhibition of ERαalmost completely eliminated the impacts of LWDH onα-SMA and osteopontin.Furthermore,LWDH promoted the interaction between ERαand SRC3 and up-regulated the co-activation of SRC3 and myocardin.CONCLUSION LWDH could inhibit the pheno⁃typic conversion of VSMCs in vitro and in vivo by increasing the activity of myocardin through up-regulating the expres⁃sion of ERαand promoting the interaction between ERαand SRC3.Our research reveals the under mechanism of how LWDH inhibits the phenotypic conversion of VSMCs.

Effects of LW-AFC,a new formula derived from Liuwei Dihuang decoction,on intestinal microbiome in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 strain,a mouse model of Alzheimer disease

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of LW-AFC,a new formula derived fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on gut microbiota and the behavior of learning and memory of SAMP8 mice,a mouse model of Alzheimer Disease(AD),and identify the specific intestinal microbiota correlating with cognitive ability.METHODS Morris-water maze test,novel object recognition test and shuttle-box test were conducted to observe the ability of learning and memory.16S rRNA amplicon sequencing(Illumina,San Diego,CA,USA)was employed to investigate gut microbiota.RESULTS The treatment of LW-AFC improved cognitive impairments of SAMP8 mice,including spatial learning and memory ability,active avoidance response,and object recognition memory capability.Our data indicated that there were significantly 8 increased and 12 decreased operational taxonomic units(OTUs)in the gut microbiota of SAMP8 mice compared with senescence accelerated mouse resistant 1(SAMR1) strains,the control of SAMP8 mice.The treatment of LW-AFC altered 22(16 increased and 6 decreased)OTUs in SAMP8 mice and among them,15 OTUs could be reversed by LW-AFC treatment resulting in a microbial composition similar to that of SAMR1 mice.We further showed that there were7(3 negative and 4 positive correlation)OTUs significantly correlated with all the three types of cognitive abilities,at the order level,including Bacteroidales,Clostridiales,Desulfovibrionales,CW040,and two unclassified orders.LW-AFC had influences on bacterial taxa correlated with the abilities of learning and memory in SAMP8 mice and restored them to SAMR1 mice.CONCLUSION The effects of LW-AFC on improving cognitive impairments of SAMP8 mice might be via modulating intestinal microbiome and LW-AFC could be used as a potential anti-AD agent.

Pharmacological mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction in treating Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease based on Network Pharmacology

Objective:To predict the active components,targets of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction for the treatment of osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease with network pharmacology analysis.Methods:The components and targets of all the herbs of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction were obtained from ETCM database,Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease targets were extracted from the GeneCards and DrugBank databases,selected based on STRING database for PPI network construction and build the network through the software of Cytoscape,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses were carried out by R software.Results:181 active compounds and 762 disease-related from Liuwei Dihuang Decoction,there were 144 disease-related common targets obtained from Venn Diagram.IL6,TNF,PPARA,PPARG,SRC and other 11 targets are the node protein of the whole network.In the multisystem biological reaction process such as neurotransmitter,glucose and lipid metabolism,calcium and phosphorus metabolism.Conclusion:Liuwei Dihuang pill may play a co-therapeutic role in Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the multi-system biological reaction process such as neurotransmitter,glucose and lipid metabolism,calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Effects of Liuwei Dihuang decoction and its compatible prescriptions on the function of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in senescence-accelerated mouse

OBJECTIVE To investigate age-related functional change of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in senescence accelerated mouse(SAM)and the effects of Liuwei Dihuang decoction(LW)and its San-bu(three tonics)and San-xie(three eliminators)components on the function of HPA axis.METHODS Male SAM-resistance/1(SAMR1)and SAM-prone/8(SAMP8)at the ages of 6and 12 months old were used.SAMP8 were orally administered with LW,three tonics and three eliminators at the doses of 10,6.4and 3.6g·kg-1·d-1,respectively,for consecutive 60 d.Serum level of CORT was assayed with ELISA method.The levels of hypothalamic CRH and pituitary ACTH was determined with radioimmunoassay.RESULTS The levels of hypothalamic CRH,pituitary ACTH and serous CORT were much higher in 6 and 12 months old SAMP8 than those in age-matched SAMR1,which suggested the abnormal function of HPA axis in SAMP8.Oral administration of LW and three tonics significantly decreased the level of hypothalamic CRH of 6 and 12 months old SAMP8,and reduced the levels of pituitary ACTH and serous CORT of 6 month old SAMP8.Three eliminators significantly decreased the level of hypothalamic CRH of 6 months old SAMP8.The results indicated that oral administration of LW,three tonics and three eliminators improved the function of HPA axis of SAMP8.CONCLUSION The results showed the hyperactivity of HPA axis of SAMP8,and LW improved the hyperactivity of 6 month old SAMP8.Three tonics and three eliminators had similar effects as LW,which had better effect after compatibility.

Construction of NIM sub-network regulated by Liuwei Dihuang decoction and its characteristics

OBJECTIVE To construct the neuroendocrine immunomodulation(NIM) sub-network regulated by Liuwei Dihuang decoction(LW) and analyze its characteristics.METHODS We took the GSE57273 in GEO database and screened the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)(P<0.01) by the GEO2 R tool as gene expression signature of LW.The global PPI network was constructed in the context of whole PPI network through direct interaction algorithm and forest algorithm respectively.Then the enrichment and the topological characteristics of NIM signaling molecules were evaluated by permutation test.Finally,we abstracted the NIM sub-network by NIMNT,which combined the NIM molecular network and forest algorithm,and analyzed the topological characteristics of it by the Network Analyzer(release 2.7) plugin in Cytoscape v3.5.1.RESULTS We got 2468 DEGs in the gene expression signature of LW.After analyzing the global PPI network of LW got by two kinds of algorithms,we found that the NIM signaling molecules significantly enriched and located in important positions in the global PPI network.The NIM sub-network regulated by LW contained 1099 nodes and 1056 edges.We screened out 22 hub nodes(Degree>10).Among them,there were 19 NIM signaling molecules in which only ESR1 changed significantly and 3 non-DEGs(NFATC2,RARA,TP53).However,the down.stream of the hub nodes were significantly changes.CONCLUSION The results suggested that LW might mainly regulate the non-hub nodes to recovery of the network imbalance of the body in the state of disease.

Liuwei Dihuang Decoction improves cognitive impairments via regulating immune system in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse, a mouse model of Alzheimer disease

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanisms of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction(LW) on cognition in PrP-hAβPPswe/PS1ΔE9(APP/PS1) transgenic mice.METHODS LW was adminis.trated with oral for 3 months.The locomotor activity test was performed to investigate the spontaneous motor activity of mice.The Morris water maze test and shuttle box test were performed to investigate the spatial learning and memory and active avoidance response respectively.The Αβ deposits and neuron loss in the hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence staining and nissl staining respectively.The flow cytometry was employed to investigate the lymphocyte subsets of the mice.The 3 H-thymidine incorporation was performed to investigate the splenocytes proliferation.RESULTS The treatment of LW ameliorated the impairments of spatial learning and memory and active and passive avoidance in APP/PS1 mice.The administration of LW alleviated neuron loss in the brain,suppressed amyloid-β(Αβ) deposits in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice.The treatment of LW significantly increased ConAand LPS-induced proliferation of splenocytes,increased CD3+ T cells and CD19+ B cells in the spleen lymphocytes and reduced Gr1+ cells in APP/PS1 mice.CONCLUSION This data indicated the adminis.tration of LW ameliorated behavioral and pathological deterioration via regulating immune function.

Shengmaisan combined with Liuwei Dihuang Decoction alleviates chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced cognitive impairment by activating the EPO/EPOR/JAK2 signaling pathway

Chronic intermittent hypoxia(CIH),a principal pathophysiological aspect of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA),is associated with cognitive deficits.Clinical evidence suggests that a combination of Shengmaisan and Liuwei Dihuang Decoctions(SMS-LD)can enhance cognitive function by nourishing yin and strengthening the kidneys.This study aimed to assess the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of SMS-LD in addressing cognitive impairments induced by CIH.We exposed C57BL/6N mice to CIH for five weeks(20%-5%O_(2),5 min/cycle,8 h/day)and administered SMS-LD intragastrically(15.0 or 30 g·kg^(-1)·day)30 min before each CIH session.Additionally,AG490,a JJanus kinase 2(JAK2)inhibitor,was administered via intracerebroventricular injection.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze,while synaptic and mitochondrial structures were examined by transmission electron microscopy.Oxidative stress levels were determined using DHE staining,and the activation of the erythropoietin(ER)/ER receptor(EPOR)/JAK2 signaling pathway was analyzed through immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.To further investigate molecular mechanisms,HT22 cells were treated in vitro with either SMS-LD medicated serum alone or in combination with AG490 and then exposed to CIH for 48 h.Our results indicate that SMS-LD significantly mitigated CIH-induced cognitive impairments in mice.Specifically,SMS-LD treatment enhanced dendritic spine density,ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction,reduced oxidative stress,and activated the EPO/EPOR/JAK2 signaling pathway.Conversely,AG490 negated SMS-LD’s neuroprotective and cognitive improvement effects under CIH conditions.These findings suggest that SMS-LD’s beneficial impact on cognitive impairment and synaptic and mitochondrial integrity under CIH conditions may predominantly be attributed to the activation of the EPO/EPOR/JAK2 signaling pathway.

Liuwei Dihuang, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, suppresses chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in obese rats

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and adipokine-ameliorating effects of Liuwei Dihuang （LWDH）, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, in obese rats. METHODS： After 2 weeks of acclimation with free access to regular rodent chow and water, obese-prone-caesarean-derived （OP-CD） rats were fed a modified AIN-93G diet containing 60% energy from fat. Treatment was performed twice daily by gavage feeding with 500, 1 500, or 3 500 mg/kg body weight LWDH suspended in water （n=12 rats per group）. Twelve obese-resistant-CD （OR-CD） rats were fed the atherogenic diet and gavaged with water, and served as the normal control. Blood biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and adiponectin were measured post-sacrifice and used to determine the treatment effect of LWDH and assess the suitability of OR/OP-CD rats for studying these parameters. RESULTS： After 9 weeks of treatment, LWDH lowered serum C-reactive protein （CRP） and tumour necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） levels. Serum interleukin-6 （IL-6） levels showed a tendency towards reduction, but were not significantly different from the OP-CD control. Liver superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity was increased in response to all three doses of LWDH, while the levels of reduced （GSH） and oxidized glutathione （GSSG） and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances （TBARS） were unchanged. Serum adiponectin levels were increased in response to oral administration of LWDH at the dose of either 500 or 1 500 mg/kg body weight. In addition, comparisons between OR-CD and OP-CD rats revealed differential, and for some biomarkers, conflicting characteristics of high-fat diet-fed OP-CD rats in reference to obese human subjects in terms of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and circulating adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION： The results show, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress and adiponectin-ameliorating effects of LWDH in obese rats. The suitability of the OP-JOP-CD rat model as a research tool to study inflammation, oxidative stress, and adipokine production requires further investigation.

Liuwei Dihuang Pill(六味地黄丸)Treats Postmenopausal Osteoporosis with Shen(Kidney) Yin Deficiency via Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Signal Pathway by Up-regulating Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine Factor 1 Expression

Objectives： To investigate the mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸, LDP） in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis （PMOP） with Shen （Kidney） yin deficiency. Methods： In this study, 205 cases of PMOP were divided into the PMOP Shen-yin deficiency group （Group A）, PMOP Shen-yang deficiency group （Group B）, PMOP without Shen deficiency group （Group C）, and control group （Group N）. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blot techniques were used to observe the effects of LDP treatment on the cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 （CLCF1）, ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 1 （ASB1）, and proldneticin 2 （PROK2） genes and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT） signaling pathway. Results： The mRNA （P〈0.05） and protein （P〈0.01） expression levels of the CLCF1 gone in Group A were significantly lower than the corresponding levels in Group N. After LDP treatment for 3 months, the mRNA expression levels of the CLCF1 gone were obviously up-regulated （P〈0.01）. After 6-month treatment, the expression levels of CLCF1 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated （both P〈0.01）, and the average bone density of the top femur had significantly increased （P〈0.05）. In vitro, CLCF1 overexpression resulted in a significant increase in the total protein and phosphorylated protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3. Conclusions： The CLCF1 gone is an important gone associated with PMOP Shen-yin deficiency and the therapeutic effects of LDP may be mediated by up-regulation of CLCF1 gone expression and activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

Liuwei Dihuang Pills(六味地黄丸) Enhance the Effect of Western Medicine in Treating Type 2 Diabetes:A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective： To perform meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy of adding Liuwei Dihuang Pills （六味地黄丸 LDP） to Western medicine in improving treatment outcomes for type 2 diabetes. Methods： Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases, including the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched to identify eligible studies; i.e., if the study involved a randomized clinical trial in which the experimental group combined LDP with Western drugs and the control group used the corresponding Western drugs alone to treat type 2 diabetes. Outcomes were measured in terms of fasting blood glucose （FBG）, postprandial blood glucose （2hPG） and HbAlc level. Efficacy was also measured by using control and response rates. The combined odds ratio （OR）, mean difference （MD）, and 95% confidence intervals （95% CI） were calculated. Results： Studies included in the analysis were less adequate than expected in terms of methodological qualify. A total of 1,609 patients from 18 studies were included. We found that adding LDP can lower patients＇ FBG （MD=0.54 mmol/L, 95% CI [0.15, 0.93], P=0.007）, 2hPG （MD=1.05 mmol/L, 95% CI [0.29, 1.81], P〈0.01） and HbAlc （MD=0.23, 95% CI [0.02, 0.45], P=0.008）. There were also improvements in treatment response rates （OR=3.41, 95% CI [2.38, 4.90], P〈0.01） and control rates （OR=2.47, 95% CI [1.91, 3.20], P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Adding LDP to Western medicine might improve treatment outcomes of diabetes, including FBG, 2hPG, response rates and control rates.

Effects of Liuwei Dihuang Granule(六味地黄颗粒)on the Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization Pre-Embryo Transfer in Infertility Women with Kidney-Yin Deficiency Syndrome and the Proteome Expressions in the Follicular Fluid

Objective： To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Granule （六味地黄颗粒, LDG） for tonifying Kidney （Shen） on the outcomes of in v/tro fertilization pre-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） of infertility women with Kidneyyin deficiency syndrome and to explore its mechanism by detecting the proteome expression in the follicular fluid. Methods： Sixty-six infertility patients of Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome who would undergo IVF-ET, were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group according to a random number table, 33 cases in each group. Another 33 cases of non-Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome was taken as a syndrome-control group. Besides Westem routine therapy, LDG was given 3 menstrual cycles before IVF to the treatment group, and a placebo granule to the control and syndrome-control groups. The scores of Kidney-yin deficiency symptoms （sore waist and knees, dry vagina, dysphoria with feverish sensation in the chest, palms and soles, etc.） were assessed, the number of retrieved oocytes, rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, fertility rate and clinical pregnancy rate were recorded, and the follicular fluid was collected on the day when the ovum was picked up, the differential protein expression was detected using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and then, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） was applied to identify the proteins. Results： The syndrome score in the treatment group decreased significantly from 16.09 ± 2.58 to 8.67 ± 2.13, while it changed insignificantly in the control group, with a significant difference in the lowering score between the two groups （P〈0.05）; the high quality rates of oocytes and embryos and clinical pregnancy rate were all superior in the treatment group to the control group （82.29% vs 78.08%, 76.76% vs 68.79%, 63.64% vs 36.36%, all P〈0.05）. The protein expression map from the follicular fluid showed that compared with the control group, 33 differential protein expressions were found in the syndrome-control group, among which 18 were down-regulated, and 15 up-regulated; in the treatment group 28 differential protein expressions were found, among which 15 were down-regulated, and 13 up-regulated. Through MALDI-TOF-MS, 14 proteins were identified （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： For the infertility patients undergoing IVF, LDG could alleviate clinical symptoms, improve rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, so as to raise clinical pregnancy rate. The mechanism may be through regulating proteome expression in the follicular fluid to improve the developmental microenvironment for oocytes which would lead to a successful embryo implantation.

Liuwei Dihuang pill suppresses metastasis by regulating the wnt pathway and disrupting β-catenin/T cell factor interactions in a murine model of triple-negative breast cancer

OBJECTIVE:To investigate if the Liuwei Dihuang pill(LWDHP)can inhibit metastasis to the liver and lungs in mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC),and the molecular mechanism underpinning this action.METHODS:Ninety-nine TNBC bearing-mice were distributed randomly to five groups:control(Con),paclitaxel(PTX),low-dose LWDHP(LLP,2.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1),middle-dose LWDHP(MLP,4.6 g·kg^-1·d^-1)and high-dose LWDHP(HLP,9.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1).The LWDHP were administered(p.o.)to the agonal stage.The morphology of BC cells was observed by hematoxylin&eosin staining.Expression of axin-2,β-catenin,T cell factor(TCF),cyclin-D1 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)was detected by western blotting or immunofluorescence.β-catenin/TCF-1 interaction was measured using a co-immunoprecipitation assay.RESULTS:After LWDHP treatment,metastasis of BC cells to the lungs and liver was inhibited,expression of axin-2 was increased,expression of TCF-1,β-catenin,cyclin-D1 and VEGF was decreased,andβ-catenin/TCF-1 interaction was disrupted.CONCLUSION:The LWDHP could inhibit metastasis of BC cells to the liver and lungs.The molecular mechanism underlying this action may be regulation of protein expression andβ-catenin/TCF-1 interactions in the Wnt pathway.

Effects of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction(Yukmijihwang-tang)on Physical Fatigue by Regulating Neurotransmitters in Brain

Objective:To study the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction(六味地黄汤)or Yukmijihwangtang(YJT)on endurance exercise by in vivo experiment.Methods:ICR mice were randomly divided into the control group(distilled water)and the YJT groups(1,10,100 mg/kg),5 animals per group.YJT and distilled water were orally administered.The anti-fatigue effect of YJT was evaluated by open fifiled test(OFT),forced swimming test(FST),and tail suspension test(TST).Results:In the OFT,YJT signifificantly increased the total movement distance in a dose-dependent manner.Additionally,treatment with YJT signifificantly decreased immobility time in the FST and the TST.Various neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine(NE),serotonin(5-HT),dopamine(DA)levels were increased by FST.Administration of YJT down-regulated the expression levels of NE,5-HT,5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid(5-HIAA),and DA in the brain stem and hypothalamus of mice.Moreover,protein expression of HSP70 in mice liver and heart muscles was signifificantly increased in the YJT groups.Conclusions:YJT could ameliorate fatigue and enhance exercise tolerance through suppressing of brain monoamines including NE,5-HT,5-HIAA,and DA in FST mice model.

Contribution of Borneolum syntheticum to the Intervention Effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (六味地黄丸) on Experimental Retinal Degeneration

Objective： To observe the contribution of Borneolum syntheticum to the intervention effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸, LDP） on experimental retinal degeneration, and initially investigate the mechanism of Borneolum syntheticum as meridian-lead-in drug. Methods： A total of 180 sodium iodate- induced retinital degeneration rats were randomly divided into three groups, including distilled water group, LDP group, and LDP＋Borneolum syntheticum （LDP＋BS） group. Twenty normal rats were fed regularly without any treatment as normal control. On day 7 and 14 after treatment, histopathological study and transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL） test were performed to evaluate the retinopathy. Claudin-5 expression at blood-retina barrier （BRB） was detected by Western blot at different time points from 0.5 to 8 h after gavage. Results： On day 7 and 14 after treatment, the retinal lesion grades were significantly different among the three groups （P〈0.05）. The grade in the LDP＋BS group was significantly less than the LDP and distilled water groups （both P〈0.05）, no significant difference was observed between the LDP and distilled water groups （P〉0.05）. The apoptosis rates in the LDP＋BS group was significantly less than the distilled water and LDP groups （both P〈0.05）, while there was no significant difference between LDP and distilled water groups （P〉0.05）. Expression of claudin-5 in LDP＋BS group was significantly less than the other two groups at 0.5, 1 and 2 h after gavage （P〈0.05）. There was no apparent difference among the three groups at 4 and 8 h after gavage （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： Bomeolum syntheticum could strengthen the effect of LDP on experimental retinal degeneration, indicated that Bomeolum syntheticum might play the role of meridian-lead-in drug in the formula. The mechanism may be due to Bomeolum syntheticum could promote the physiologically openness of blood- retina barrier through transiently affecting the expression of claudin-5.

DNA Extraction Protocol for Biological Ingredient Analysis of Liuwei Dihuang Wan

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） clinical practice. So far, the methods commonly preparations are widely used for healthcare and used for quality evaluation of TCM preparations mainly focused on chemical ingredients. The biological ingredient analysis of TCM preparations is also important because TCM preparations usually contain both plant and animal ingredients, which often include some mis-identified herbal materials, adulterants or even some biological contaminants. For biological ingredient analysis, the efficiency of DNA extraction is an important factor which might affect the accuracy and reliability of identification. The component complexity in TCM preparations is high, and DNA might be destroyed or degraded in different degrees after a series of processing procedures. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an effective protocol for DNA extraction from TCM preparations. In this study, we chose a classical TCM preparation, Liuwei Dihuang Wan （LDW）, as an example to develop a TCM-specific DNA extraction method. An optimized cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide （CTAB） method （TCM-CTAB） and three commonly-used extraction kits were tested for extraction of DNA from LDW samples. Experimental results indicated that DNA with the highest purity and concentration was obtained by using TCM-CTAB. To further evaluate the different extraction methods, amplification of the second internal transcribed spacer （ITS2） and the chloroplast genome trnL intron was carried out.

Liuwei Dihuang formula(六味地黄方)protect endothelial cells from apoptosis by up-regulating expression of estrogen receptor-α

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of Liuwei Dihuang formula(六味地黄方,LWDHF)on endothelial cells,and to study the mechanism behind the action of modulating expression of estrogen receptors.METHODS:Hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))was applied to induce the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).The concentration of nitric oxide(NO),endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)and inducible NOS(iNOS)were measured by assay kits.Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to detect the expression of iNOS,eNOS,b-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),estrogen receptor(ER)αand ERβ.Also,small interfering RNA(siRNA)was involved to confirm whether the protective effects of LWDHF was medicated by ERs.In vivo,the female rats were ovariectomized to establish postmenopausal vascular injury model.Then the model rats were divided into three groups and treated with saline,estradiol and LWDHF respectively.The concentration of NO and NOS in serum were measured by assay kits,and the expression of Bax,Bcl-2,ERαand ERβwere detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:In vitro study,LWDHF significantly protected HUVECs from H_(2)O_(2)-induced apoptosis,with the increase of Bcl-2 and the decrease of Bax.The treatment with LWDHF inhibited concentration of NO and iNOS,and upregulated the expression of eNOS,ERαand ERβ.In addition,ERαsiRNA could block the protective effects of LWDHF,while ERβsiRNA showed little influence.In vivo,the treatment with LWDHF suppressed the vascular injury and reduced the level of NO and NOS.LWDHF increased the expression of Bcl-2,ERαand ERβ,as well as inhibiting the Bax expression.CONCLUSION:LWDHF could improve endothelial function and protect HUVECs from apoptosis via increasing the expression of ERα.

Effect of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (六味地黄汤) on LongTerm Potentiation in Hippocampal Dentate Gyrusin Rats

Objective: To investigate effect of Liuwei Dihuang decoction (LWDHD), a traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, on the formation of long term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in anesthetized rats. Methods: LTP experiments were conducted by using a bipolar stimulating electrode to stimulate perforant pathway and a monopolar electrode to record the evoked field potential in hippocampal dentate gyrus. In the present study, both suprathreshold and subthreshold tetanic stimulation to the perforant pathway were employed. Results: Single oral administration of LWDHD (per os, 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg respectively) has no effect on the basal spike amplitude. However, LWDHD (per os, 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg respectively) significantly intensified the spike amplitude induced by a subthreshold stimulation (60 Hz, 20 pulses) while it did not affect formation of LTP formation induced by suprathreshold tetanic stimulation (60 Hz, 30 pulses). Conclusion: The present results suggested that LWDHD given orally potentiate the synaptic plasticity and transmission in hippocampal dentate gyrus, which might account for the enhancing effect of LWDHD on learning and memory in senescence accelerated mice.