To explore the mechanism of Fuyang Jiebiao granules against viral pneumonia based on network pharmacology and pharmacodynamics

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Fuyang Jiebiao granule(FYJBKL)in the treatment of viral pneumonia.Methods:Firstly,a network model was constructed using network pharmacology to study the target expression sites of FYJBKL viral pneumonia,so as to determine the main targets and important signal transduction pathways for the treatment of viral pneumonia.Secondly,the main components of the drug and the main target are docked.Then,the fever,sweating and inflammation rat models were established to explore the antipyretic,sweating and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of FYJBKL.Finally,the contents of IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-αand IL-6 in blood samples of rats were analyzed by ELISA method,and the morphological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining.Results:Quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,etc.,and the main mechanism targets are IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6 and so on.Thirty signal pathways were identified by KEGG enrichment analysis,including interleukin-17 signaling pathway(IL-17 signaling pathway),human cytomegalovirus infection pathway(human cytomegalovirus infection),Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus infection pathway(Kaposi's sarcoma-as-sociated herpesvirus infection)and so on.After the study of molecular docking,we found that the contact efficiency between active substances and possible key targets is good.The high and middle concentration groups of FYJBKL significantly decreased the expression of IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-αand IL-6 in the blood of rats with inflammation(P<0.05).FYJBKL significantly reduced the foot swelling induced by egg white and inhibited the increase of body temperature induced by yeast in rats(P<0.05).HE staining showed that FYJBKL improved pulmonary fibrosis and inflammatory exudation to varying degrees.Conclusion:The effects of FuyangJiebiao granules on the related signal pathways of anti-virus,anti-immune and anti-inflammation as well as biological and cellular processes may be caused by the binding of quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol and other active ingredients to their shared targets.Fuyang Jiebiao granules can improve the related symptoms caused by viral pneumonia,and its mechanism may be related to the activities of TNF,IL-17,IL-6 and other related channels,which are multiple targets of inflammation regulation.

Endogenous Norepinephrine Desensitizes α1D-Adrenoceptors in Cultured Rat Aorta

Desensitization is a process characterized by the loss of cellular response to an agonist when this is present for a long time. α1D-adrenergic receptor (α1D-AR) desensitization is important since this receptor is involved in the contraction of large caliber arteries, such as the aorta. The aim of this research was to evaluate the desensitization of α1D-AR due to the endogenous release of norepinephrine in cultured rat aorta. Wistar rat aorta was incubated for 2 h or 24 h in DMEM at 37°C, and then subjected to isometric tension and the action of added norepinephrine, in concentration-response curve (CRC). In some experiments, BMY-7378 (α1D-AR antagonist) or 5-methylurapidil (α1A-AR antagonist) was used to identify the α1-AR involved in the response, or BMY-7378 to protect the α1D-AR from desensitization. Results showed that α1D-AR was desensitized when the aorta was incubated for 24 h, since the CRC to exogenous norepinephrine showed lower maximal contraction and the curve was displaced to the right, indicating that the receptor involved in contraction was not the α1D-AR, as compared to the aorta incubated 2 h. The receptor stimulated by norepinephrine at 24 h was neither the α1A-AR, as shown by the lack of displacement of the curve by 5-methylurapidil, but rather it seems that α1B-AR is inducing contraction. When the aorta was incubated with BMY-7378 for 24 h, the α1D-AR antagonist protected the receptor from desensitization. Endogenous norepinephrine desensitizes α1D-AR in the cultured aorta, and the α1D-AR is protected by BMY-7378.

Anorectal Pharmacodynamics and In Vitro Drug Release of Clerodendrum bungei Steud.Extract Gel

[Objectives]To determine the optimal preparation technology of Clerodendrum bungei Steud.extract gel by orthogonal test and gel quality test method in General Rule 0114 of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Volume IV,2020 Edition),and to study its anorectal pharmacodynamics and drug release in vitro.[Methods]Carbomer 940,propylene glycol and absolute ethyl alcohol were selected as the main factors,and the preparation technology of C.bungei Steud.extract gel was optimized by orthogonal test.The mouse model of ulcerative hemorrhoids was established with glacial acetic acid(HAC)and compared with Ma Yinglong musk hemorrhoids ointment.The recovery of trauma was compared between the two groups.At the same time,porcine small intestine was used as semi-permeable membrane to make diffusion cell to simulate anal environment,and the drug release in vitro was studied.[Results]The C.bungei Steud.extract gel was smooth in appearance and good in stability.It could effectively treat anal ulcer in mice and release quickly in vitro.[Conclusions]The formula is reasonable,and the effect of animal experiment is remarkable,which can provide a new treatment plan for ulcerative hemorrhoids.

Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics study of Fixtral SB as compared to supra bioavailable itraconazole and conventional itraconazole

BACKGROUND Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal inhibiting fungal growth by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis and exhibits a nonlinear pharmacokinetic profile.Erratic absorption pattern with wide fluctuations in blood levels causes inconsistent and unpredictable clinical behaviour of this drug despite its low minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)as compared to other antifungal agents.AIM To compare the oral bioavailability and bioequivalence of Fixtral SB(supra bioavailable itraconazole)with reference product R2(supra bioavailable 2×50 mg itraconazole).METHODS The study population consisted of 54 healthy volunteers,aged between 18-45 years and randomized to receive a single oral dose of either test[T;Fixtral SB(supra bioavailable itraconazole)100 mg]or reference product(R1;Sporanox 100 mg×2 capsules and R2;Lozanoc capsules 50 mg×2 capsules).Blood samples were taken pre-dose and post-dose up to 96 h.The study evaluated bioequivalence by comparing the oral bioavailability of the test product with reference product R2.The pharmacodynamic characteristics of the drug were evaluated by comparing the test product with reference product R1.Pharmacokinetics(PK)-PD comparative analysis[area under the concentration-time curve(AUC)/minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)>25]was performed for conventional itraconazole 100 mg and supra bioavailable itraconazole 50 mg.Adverse events(AEs)assessments were performed in each study period and post-study evaluation.RESULTS Statistical analysis of primary PK variables revealed bioequivalence,with confidence intervals being completely inside the acceptance criteria of 80%-125%.The peak concentration levels of itraconazole were achieved at 10 h(T)and 8.5 h(R2),respectively.Pharmacodynamic parameter assessment showed that AUC/MIC for R1 are comparable to Fixtral SB 100mg for MIC levels up to 16mcg/mL(P>0.05 and observed P=0.3196).Six AEs were observed that were mild to moderate in severity and resolved.No severe AE was reported.CONCLUSION Test product itraconazole Capsule 100 mg is bioequivalent with the reference product(R2)at 100 mg dose(2 capsules of Lozanoc®50 mg)under fed conditions.Pharmacodynamics activity in terms of AUC/MIC is comparable between the test product at 100 mg dose and marketed itraconazole 200 mg.Fixtral SB is expected to have therapeutically similar efficacy at half the equivalent dose.Tested formulations were found to be safe and well tolerated.

Pharmacodynamic Study of Parallel Groups Comparing the Effect of Rivaroxaban 20 Mg (Laboratorios Leti, S.A.V.) vs Rivaroxaban 20 Mg (Bayer Laboratories) on Prothrombin Time

Background: The prevalence of both atrial fibrillation (FA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing and they often occur together and constitute a high risk of thrombosis. Rivaroxaban is a Factor Xa inhibitor with a rapid onset and disappearance of action after oral administration;it acts by inhibiting the active form of the coagulation factor. In order to reflect the effect of the action of Rivaroxaban, we used the prothrombin time (PT);however, it′s not the most accurate, but it is the one available in our community. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, analyst-blinded, parallel group clinical study to verify the efficacy of Rivaroxaban Leti 20 mg (RL) (12 volunteers vs Rivaroxaban Bayer 20 mg (RB) (13 volunteers). The variables were determination of PT and Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) at baseline and at 24, 48 and 72 hours after administering a daily dose of 20 mg for three days. The determination was carried out with the IDG method (Integrated Diagnostics Group Sanzay Corporation) with an International Sensitivity Index (ISI) of 1.17 PT and aPTT were taken before the first dose, and then, every day during the next 3 days, three hours after the ingestion of their daily dose at 7 am. Results: The 25 healthy volunteers were similar in age, BMI, and SBP/DBP level with a greater number of men in the Bayer group. The efficacy of rivaroxaban was similar in both groups with prolongation of PTT to the 2nd day of treatment with PT, and percentage changes from baseline (14.46 ± 0.97 for RB vs 14.17 ± 0.94 RL p: 0.45), PTT results and percentage changes from the base (RB: 34 ± 4.53 RL: 33.46 ± 2.82). The safety of rivaroxaban was good in both groups with no serious adverse events. The equivalence in the logarithmically transformed PT result (ln) on day two, Mean and CI (90%) 99.2 (94.4-104) and 100 (99.5-100.8);neither the means nor the 90% confidence intervals of the PT variable transformed logarithmically to ensure its normality, were far from the 80%-125% allowed for declaration of similarity. Conclusion: The test formulation Rivaroxaban Asarap? 20 mg, manufactured by Leti Laboratories, is interchangeable or bioequivalent in clinical and laboratory response to the reference formulation Xarelto? manufactured by Bayer Laboratories.

Material basis and pharmacodynamic mechanism of YangshenDingzhi granules in the intervention of viral pneumonia:Based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology

Background:YangshenDingzhi granules(YSDZ)are clinically effective in preventing and treating COVID-19.The present study elucidates the underlying mechanism of YSDZ intervention in viral pneumonia by employing serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.Methods:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood were examined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS).Potential protein targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database,and the target genes associated with viral pneumonia were identified using GeneCards,DisGeNET,and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM)databases.The intersection of blood component-related targets and disease-related targets was determined using Venny 2.1.Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database.The Metascape database was employed to perform enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology(GO)functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathways for the targets,while the Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was utilized to construct drug-component-disease-target-pathway networks.Further,in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to establish the therapeutic effectiveness of YSDZ against viral pneumonia.Results:Fifteen compounds and 124 targets linked to viral pneumonia were detected in serum.Among these,MAPK1,MAPK3,AKT1,EGFR,and TNF play significant roles.In vitro tests revealed that the medicated serum suppressed the replication of H1N1,RSV,and SARS-CoV-2 replicon.Further,in vivo testing analysis shows that YSDZ decreases the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with RSV and H1N1.Conclusion:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood may elicit therapeutic effects against viral pneumonia by targeting multiple proteins and pathways.

Advances in Research Methods of Pharmacodynamic Substances in Traditional Chinese Medicines and Their Application in the Teaching of Traditional Chinese Medicine Analysi

With the continuous progress of science and technology,the research methods of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine are developing,and the application of these methods in teaching is becoming more and more extensive.By introducing these research methods into the classroom,teachers can help students to deeply understand the nature and mechanism of action of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,and improve their interest in and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine.This paper introduces the definition of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,research methods,and their application in the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine analysis.

Plasma Norepinephrine and Hemorheology in Essential Hypertensive Patients with Different Patterns of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

对80例不同类型高血压左室肥厚（LVH）患者的血浆去甲肾上腺素（NE）和血液流变学改变进行观察。结果显示，（1）向心性肥厚组（CH）高切变率下全血粘度（WBV230）显著升高；（2）不对称性室间隔肥厚组（ASH）血浆NE和收缩末期室壁应力（ESS）增高较明显；（3）多元回归分析显示，SBP，ESS和血浆NE是影响相对室壁厚度的重要因素。提示CH是一种对压力负荷过重而产生的代偿形式；ASH的形成除了负荷因素外血浆NE可能起更重要的作用。

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Shengjiang decoction in rats with acute pancreatitis for protecting against multiple organ injury

AIM To explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Shengjiang decoction(SJD) in rats with acute pancreatitis(AP) for protecting against multiple organ injury.METHODS An AP model was established by retrograde perfusion of 3.5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct, and a control group(CG) received 0.9% sodium chloride instead. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a CG treated with SJD(CG + SJD) and a model group treated with SJD(MG + SJD), both of which were orally administered with SJD(5 g/kg) 2 h after surgery. Blood samples were collected via the tail vein at 10, 20, and 40 min and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after a single dose of SJD to detect its main components using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters were compared. In the pharmacodynamic experiment, 18 male SpragueDawley rats were randomly divided into a CG, an AP model group(MG), and an SJD treated AP group(SJDG). Serum amylase, lipase, and inflammatory cytokines were measured, and heart, lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and intestine tissues were collected for pathological examination.RESULTS The MG + SJD displayed significantly shorter mean residence time(MRT) and higher clearance(CL) for emodin and aloe-emodin; significantly shorter time of maximum concentration and T1/2 and a lower area under curve(AUC) for aloe-emodin; a significantly higher AUC and lower CL for rhein; and longer MRT and lower CL for chrysophanol than the CG + SJD. In the pharmacodynamic experiment, the amylase, interleukin(IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α levels in the MG were higher than those in the CG(P < 0.05). After the herbal decoction treatment, the SJDG had higher IL-10 and lower TNF-α levels than the MG(P < 0.05). The MG had the highest pathological scores, and the pathological scores of the lung, pancreas, kidney, and intestine in the SJDG were significantly lower than those in the MG(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION AP may have varying effects on the pharmacokinetics of the major SJD components in rats. SJD might alleviate pathological injuries of the lung, pancreas, kidney, and intestine in rats with AP via regulating pro-and antiinflammatory responses, which might guide the clinical application of SJD for AP treatment.

Effects of electro-acupuncture on brain tissue norepinephrine contents in a morphine withdrawal anxiety mouse model

BACKGROUND： Following morphine withdrawal, anxiety is associated with abnormal norepinephrine content change. However, increasing blood lactic acid content can induce anxiety or panic in patients with anxiety disorder or endogenous opioid peptide functional disorder. OBJECTIVE： This study was designed to observe the effects of electro-acupuncture, at the ＂Sanyinjiao＂ point （SP 6）, on brain tissue norepinephrine and blood lactic acid content in anxiety-model mice after morphine withdrawal. DESIGN： A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING： This study was performed in the Laboratory of Acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture ＆ Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from June to September 2001. MATERIALS： A total of 50 healthy Kunming male mice were provided by the Laboratory Animal Center of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The protocol was performed in accordance with ethical guidelines stated in the Guide for the use and care of laboratory animals, approved by the Committee on the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council, China （1985）. Experimental reagents and equipment used were as follows： morphine hydrochloride （Lot No. 930503, Shenyang No.1 Pharmaceutical Factory, China）, norepinephrine （Sigma Chemical Company, USA）, fluorospectrophotometer （RF-510, Shimadzu Corporation, Japan）, Han electro-acupuncture apparatus （WQ 1002, No. zun （91）-227270-588, Beijing Anlong Photoelectricity-Technique Company, China）, and T-maze （self-made）. METHODS： A total of 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 10 mice in each group： blank control, T-maze, model, model ＋ electro-acupuncture, and electro-acupuncture groups. Establishment of anxiety model after morphine withdrawal： the mouse hot plate assay was used to detect the activity of morphine. The median effective dose of morphine, 2.95 mg/kg, was defined as the base. Mice were subcutaneously administered morphine, 3 times a day, for 4 days successively （initially 2.95 mg/kg, then increased day by day, as described below）. Interventions： In the model ＋ electro-acupuncture group, after model induction, mice were subjected electro-acupuncture at bilateral ＂Sanyinjiao＂ （SP6） points using a Han electro-acupuncture apparatus with sparse-dense waves and frequency of 2-100 Hz, once a day, for 6 days. In the model group, after anxiety-model induction, mice were subjected to fixation as same as model ＋ electro-acupuncture group within 6 days of model induction. In the electro-acupuncture group, the anxiety model was not induced and mice were subjected to fixation, electro-acupuncture and the T-maze test. In the T-maze group, the anxiety model was not induced and mice were subjected to fixation. The T-maze test was performed in the 4 groups after experiment. In the blank control group, the anxiety model was not induced and mice were subjected to fixation only. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Brain tissue norepinephrine content of morphine-withdrawal anxiety mice was detected by fluorospectrophotometry after 6 days of electro-acupuncture. Blood lactic acid content was detected by visible spectrophotometry. RESULTS： A total of 50 mice were included in the final analysis. Brain norepinephrine content was significantly greater in the model group compared to the T-maze, blank control, electro-acupuncture and model ＋ electro-acupuncture groups, （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Brain norepinephrine content was similar between the model ＋ electro-acupuncture and the blank control groups （P 〉 0.05）. There was no significant difference in blood lactic acid content among the groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture lowers brain norepinephrine content but does not influence peripheral blood lactic acid content in morphine-withdrawn, anxiety-modeled mice. These results demonstrate that anxiety-inhibiting effects of electro-acupuncture, after morphine withdrawal, might be related to regulation of norepinephrine release.

Individualized immunosuppression: new strategies from pharmacokinetics,pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics

The ultimate goal of transplantation is the donor-specific immune tolerance, but at least in the first 15 to 20 years of this century, immunosuppressive agents are still the determinant of clinical outcome of transplant recipients. Individualizing patient's immunosuppression to optimize the balance between therapeutic efficacy and the occurrence of adverse events poses a great challenge to physicians. DATA SOURCES:The data in this article were taken mostly from MEDLINE (2000-2004), part of which were from the research of the authors. RESULTS:Individualized immunosuppression remains a problem because of the narrow therapeutic index and wide inter- and intra-patient variation of commonly-used im- munosuppressants. Recent progress in study of pharmaco-kinetics and pharmacodynamics improved the clinical outcome of transplant recipients. More importantly, the emergence of pharmacogenomics might provide a promising and complementary tool for traditional therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). CONCLUSIONS:Individualizing organ recipient's immunosuppression to balance the therapeutic efficacy and the adverse events represents a great challenge to transplant clinicians. Pharmacogenomics shows great promise for an interesting and hopefully better future.

Clinical trials comparing norepinephrine with vasopressin in patients with septic shock:A meta-analysis

Background: To compare the mortality rates and benefits of norepinephrine and vasopressin in patients with septic shock. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library database were searched from database inception to December 2013. We selected randomized controlled trials in adults with septic shock and compared norepinephrine with vasopressin. After assessing the heterogeneity of treatment effects across trials using the I2 statistic, we used a fixed effects model(P≥0.1) and expressed the results as risk ratios(RRs) for dichotomous outcomes or as standardized mean differences(SMDs) for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals(CIs). Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.1 software.Results: Seven trials(n=2323) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the mortality rate in these seven trials was 36.2%(840/2323). There was no difference in mortality following the use of norepinephrine or vasopressin(RR 1.07; 95%CI 0.97-1.20; P=0.19). Compared to norepinephrine, vasopressin had no significant effect on heart rate(HR)(SMD 0.21; 95%CI-0.08-0.50; P=0.15), mean arterial pressure(MAP)(SMD 0.15; 95%CI-0.15-0.44; P=0.33), cardiac index(CI)(SMD-0.10; 95%CI-0.64-0.44; P=0.73), systemic vascular resistance index(SVRI)(SMD 0.15; 95%CI-0.39-0.70; P=0.58), oxygen delivery(DO2)(SMD-0.06; 95%CI-0.62-0.49; P=0.82), oxygen consumption(VO2)(SMD 0.03; 95%CI-0.52-0.59; P=0.91) or lactic acid(SMD 0.07; 95%CI-0.23-0.36; P=0.66). No significant heterogeneity was found in these comparisons(P≥0.1).Conclusions: There is not sufficient evidence to prove conclusively that norepinephrine is superior to vasopressin in terms of mortality and hemodynamics. The effects of norepinephrine and vasopressin on patients with septic shock require further study in large randomized controlled trials.

The norepinephrine transporter gene is associated with the retardation symptoms of major depressive disorder in the Han Chinese population

The norepinephrine transporter plays an important role in the pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder. Consequently, the norepinephrine transporter gene is an attractive candidate in major depressive disorder research. In the present study, we evaluated the depression symptoms of subjects with major depressive disorder, who were all from the North of China and of Hart Chinese origin, using the Hamilton Depression Scale. We examined the relationship between two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the norepinephrine transporter, rs2242446 and rs5569, and the retardation symptoms of major depressive disorder using quantitative trait testing with the UNPHASED program, rs5569 was associated with depressed mood, and the GG genotype may be a risk factor for this; rs2242446 was associated with work and interest, and the TT genotype may be a risk factor for loss of interest. Our findings suggest that rs2242446 and rs5569 in the norepinephrine transporter gene are associated with the retardation symptoms of depression in the Hart Chinese population.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lignocaine: A review

Lignocaine is an essential drug on World Health Organisation essential drug list, considered efficacious, safe and cost-effective for any health-care system. Despite its ubiquitous use in medicine and surgery, there are few detailed reviews of its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Being an amide-type local anesthetic and Class 1b antiarrhythmic, lignocaine is most frequently used clinically for its anesthetic and antiarrhythmic benefits. However, lignocaine has important antinociceptive, immuno-modulating, and antiinflammatory properties. Information pertaining to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lignocaine was examined by performing a literature search of Pub Med, Embase and MEDLINE(via Ovid), pharmacology textbooks and online sources. We present a focused synopsis of lignocaine's pharmacological composition, indications for use and mechanisms of action, focusing on its anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulating and analgesia effects. In addition we review the dosing regimes and infusion kinetics of lignocaine in the clinical setting. Finally, we review the evidence for ligocaine's modulation of the inflammatory response during major surgery and its specific effects on cancer recurrence. These indirect effects of local anesthetics in tumor development may stem from the reduction of neuroendocrine responses to the stress response elicited by major surgery and tissue damage, enhanced preservation of immune-competence, in addition to opioid-sparing effects of modulating tumor growth.

Effect of the Melatonin on Morning Blood Pressure Surge and Norepinephrine Endovenous Infusion in Healthy Volunteers

Melatonin, the pineal gland hormone, has been considered as a central hypotension factor. However their roles in the regulation of the human blood pressure and its possible use as antihyper-tensive drug have not been fully determined. The objective of this trial was to determine the effect of melatonin on blood pressure morning increase and a peripheral vasoconstriction challenge in healthy volunteers. Twelve healthy male volunteers were included in a prospective, comparative, randomized, crossover trial in which changes on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) after the first morning orthostatism and endovenous norepinephrine (NE) infusion were measured one hour after the administration of placebo (PL) or 10 mg of melatonin in double blind conditions. Melatonin blunted the effects of the first orthostatism on BP and HR. Melatonin also reduces the pressor effect of NA. One concludes that melatonin has central and peripheral hypotensive effects that support a potential role of this hormone in cardiovascular therapeutics.

Effect of Higher Mean Arterial Pressure with Norepinephrine on Tissue Oxygenation and Perfusion in Patients of Septic Shock

The current survival sepsis guideline proposes the use of vasopressors and fluid resuscitation to maintain the mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg. Titrating catecholamine infusion to achieve higher MAP has been demonstrated to improve tissue oxygenation, microcirculation, renal function and overall outcome of the patient in some studies and literature on actual hemodynamic goals is scarce. AIM: To study the influence of two MAP on tissue oxygenation and perfusion parameters in patients of septic shock on norepinephrine infusion. SUBJECT AND MATERIALS: Forty adult patients with the diagnosis of septic shock were enrolled. In all patients norepinephrine was titrated to first stabilize the MAP at 65 ± 5 mmHg (Set I), followed by MAP of 85 ± 5 mmHg (Set II). Heart rate (HR), Central venous oxygen saturation (SCVO2), Transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (PtcO2) by TCM 400/TINA (using miniature Clark electrode), Arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2), PtO2/PaO2 ratio, Urine output and Serum Base deficit were recorded in each Set after 2 hrs of stabilization. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen PtcO2 (p tO2/PaO2 (p < 0.0001), ScvO2 (p < 0.0001), urine output (p < 0.006) on increasing the MAP from 65mmHg to 85mmHg. Serum base deficit also improved (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Higher MAP with norepinephrine is associated with better perfusion, oxygenation parameters in patients with established septic shock. These findings suggest that there is improvement in tissue oxygenation parameters using escalating doses of norepinephrine to achieve higher MAP without inherent adverse

Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics relationships for Salvianolic Acid B micro-porous osmotic pump pellets in angina pectoris rabbit

The work aims to investigate the in vitro release,pharmacokinetics(PK),pharmacodynamics(PD)and PK-PD relationships of Salvianolic Acid B micro-porous osmotic pump pellets(SalB-MPOPs)in angina pectoris New Zealand White(NZW)rabbits,compared with those of SalB immediate-release pellets(SalB-IRPs).The SalB plasma concentrations and Superoxide dismutase levels(PD index)were recorded continuously at predetermined time interval after administration,and the related parameters were calculated by using Win-Nonlin software.The release profile of MPOPs was more sustained than that of IRPs.PK results indicated that the mean C_(max) was significantly lower,the SalB plasma concentrations were steadier,both area under concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h(AUC_(0-24 h))and from 0 to infinity(AUC_(0-∞))were presented larger,and both the peak concentration time(T_(max))and mean residence time(MRT)were prolonged for MPOPs,as compared with those of IRPs.PD results suggested that peak drug effect(E_(max))was lower and the equilibration rate constant(k_(e0))between the central compartment and the effect compartment was higher of MPOPs vs.those of IRPs.PKePD relationships demonstrated that the effectconcentration-time(ECT)course of MPOPs was clockwise hysteresis loop,and that of IRPs was counter-clockwise hysteresis loop.Collectively,those results demonstrated that MPOPs were potential formulations in treating angina pectoris induced by atherosclerosis.

Property theory of Chinese materia medica: Clinical pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine

The property theory of Chinese materia medica is one of the foundations of traditional Chinese medicine.The property of Chinese materia medica(PCMM)is a multi-dimensional expression of the effect of Chinese materia medica(CMM),and it is related to the clinical prescription that fully reflects the clinical effect evaluation of CMM in a holistic,systematic,and scientific way.This paper discusses the source,development,and application of the PCMM by considering not only the five dimensions that constitute the PCMM but also the recognition of the human body and disease as given in traditional Chinese medicine.This paper aims to provide theoretical guidance for the rational use and development of CMM.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction in the liver of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM To explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction(DCQD) in the liver of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) based on an herbal recipe tissue pharmacology hypothesis.METHODS Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group(SOG); a model group(MG); and low-, median- and high-dose treatment groups(LDG, MDG, and HDG, respectively). Different dosages(6, 12 and 24 g/kg for the LDG, MDG, and HDG, respectively) of DCQD were administered to the rats with SAP. The tissue concentrations of aloeemodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, honokiol, rheo chrysophanol, magnolol, hesperidin, naringenin and naringin in the liver of the treated rats were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate transaminase(AST) in serum, inflammatory mediators in the liver and pathological scores were evaluated.RESULTS The major components of DCQD were detected in the liver, and their concentrations increased dosedependently. The high dose of DCQD showed a maximal effect in ameliorating the pathological damages, decreasing the pro-inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin(IL)-6 and increasing anti-inflammatory mediators IL-4 and IL-10 in the liver. The pathological scores in the pancreas for the MG were significantly higher than those for the SOG(P < 0.05). DCQD could reduce the pathological scores in the pancreas and liver of the rats with SAP, especially in the HDG. Compared to the SOG, the ALT and AST levels in serum were higher in the MG(P < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference in the MG and HDG.CONCLUSION DCQD could alleviate liver damage by altering the inflammatory response in rats with SAP based on the liver distribution of its components.

Biochemical properties of norepinephrine as a kind of neurotransmitter secreted by bone marrow-derived neural stem cells induced and differentiated in vitro

BACKGROUND： It has been proved by many experimental studies from the aspects of morphology and immunocytochemistry in recent years that bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs） can in vitro induce and differentiate into the cells possessing the properties of nerve cells. But the functions of BMSCs-derived neural stem cells（NSCs） and the differentiated neuron-like cells are still unclear. OBJECTIVE： To observe whether bone marrow-derived NSCs can secrete norepinephrine （NE） under the condition of in vitro culture, induce and differentiation, and analyze the biochemical properties of BMSCs-derived NSCs. DESIGN： A non-randomized and controlled experimental observation SETTING ： Institute of Neuromedicine of Chinese PLA, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University MATERIALS： This experiment was carried out in the Institute of Neuromedicine of Chinese PLA, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University. The bone marrow used in the experiment was collected from 1.5- month-old healthy New Zealand white rabbits. METHODS： This experiment was carried out in the Institute of Neuromedicine of Chinese PLA, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University. The bone marrow used in the experiment was collected from 1.5 month-old healthy New Zealand white rabbits. BMSCs of rabbits were isolated and performed in vitro culture, induce and differentiation with culture medium of NSCs and differentiation-inducing factor, then identified with immunocytochemical method. Experimental grouping： ①Negative control group： L-02 hepatic cell and RPMI1640 culture medium were used. ② Background culture group： Only culture medium of NSCs as culture solution was added into BMSCs to perform culture, and 0.1 volume fraction of imported fetal bovine serum was supplemented 72 hours later. ③Differentiation inducing factor group： After culture for 72 hours, retinoic acid and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors were added in the culture medium of BMSCs and NSCs as corresponding inducing factors. The level of NE in each group was detected on the day of culture and 5, 7, 14 and 20 days after culture with high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. The procedure was conducted 3 times in each group.Standard working curve was made according to the corresponding relationship of NE concentration and peak area. The concentration of NE every 1×10^7 cells was calculated according to standard curve and cell counting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： The level of NE of cultured cells was detected with HPLC; immunocytochemistrical identification of Nestin and neuron specific nuclear protein was performed. RESULTS： ① On the 14^th day after cell culture, BMSCs turned into magnus and round cells which presented Nestin-positive antigen, then changed into neuron-like cells with long processus and presented neuron specific nuclear protein -positive antigen at the 20^th day following culture. ② The ratio of NE concentration and peak area has good linear relationship, and regression equation was Y=1.168 36＋0.000 272 8X,r=-0.998 4. Coefficient variation （CV） was 〈 5% and the recovery rate was 92.39%（ Y referred to concentration and X was peak area）.③NE was well detached within 10 minutes under the condition of this experiment. ④ NE was detected in NSCs and their culture mediums, which were cultured for 7, 14 and 20 days respectively, but no NE in BMSCs, NSCs-free culture medium and L-02 hepatic cell which were as negative control under the HPLC examination. Analysis of variance showed that the level of NE gradually increased following the elongation of culture time （P 〈 0.01 ）. No significant difference in the level of NE existed at the same time between differentiation inducing factor group and basic culture group（P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION ： BMSCs of rabbits can proliferate in vitro and express Nestin antigen; They can differentiate into neuron-like cells, express specific neucleoprotein of mature neurons, synthesize and secrete NE as a kind of neurotransmitter.