Decoction vs extracts-mixed solution: effect of Yiqihuoxue formula on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats of the decoction of Yiqihuoxue formula and the solution prepared with the extracts from the individual herbal medicines of the formula. METHODS: The rat models of NAFLD were established with high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the model group, the decoction group and the solution group, 8 for each group. From the 6th week, drinking water, the decoction and the solution were intragastrically administrated accordingly to the rats for 5 weeks. The pathological changes of the liver tissues were observed with Hematoxylin and eosin staining, triglyceride levels in liver tissues measured, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity measured, and serum gastrin and motilin tested. RESULTS: Fatty degeneration and vacuole-like changes to various degrees occurred in hepaticcells of the model group. Indicators for fat metabolism, serum ALT activity and hepatic triglyceride level significantly increased, while serum gastrin and motilin levels significantly decreased. Serum ALT activity and the fatty deposition in hepatocytes were significantly reduced. In the meantime, the expressions of gastrin and motilin in the serum rose significantly in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Both the decoction and the extracts-mixed solution had effect on NAFLD of protecting the liver function and reducing the fatty deposition in liver, which might be achieved by regulating the expression of gastrin and motilin.

Efficacy of Bushenjianpi prescription on autoimmune premature ovarian failure in mice

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Bushenjianpi prescription(BSJPP), a formula from Traditional Chinese Medicine, on a mouse model of autoimmune premature ovarian failure(POF) induced by mouse zona pellucida(ZP3) and to investigate the mechanisms underlying the action.METHODS: After randomization, POF was induced in the model mice by immunization with ZP3. One week later, mice received low(8.1 mg/kg), moderate(16.2 mg/kg) and high(32.4 mg/kg) doses of BSJPP by gastrogavage once daily for 90 days. Premarin(0.03 mg/kg) served as the positive group. Serum samples were collected 1 week after the last dose and stored at-20 ℃ for analysis. After cervical dislocation, the uterus and ovaries were collected aseptically for evaluation by histological assessment, scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses.RESULTS: Serum E2 levels in POF model mice were decreased, whereas follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and luteinizing hormone(LH) levels were dramatically increased. Serum levels of E2,LH and FSH were reduced in POF model mice treated with BSJPP(moderate and high doses) and premarin. Anti-bone morphogenetic protein 15(BMP-15) and connexin 43(Cx43) were repressed in autoimmune POF model mice, whereas high expression was observed in control mice and those treated with BSJPP(moderate and high doses)and premarin.CONCLUSION: BSJPP is effective in treating ZP3-induced POF in mice and the increase in the expression of BMP-15 and Cx43 may be implicated in the mechanism underpinning the action.