Mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis in atherosclerosis treatment based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis

Background:The present study intented to delve into the molecular mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis(C.sinensis)in treating atherosclerosis by combining network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis.Methods:We searched the databases including Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform,PubChem,and PharmMapper to screen out the active chemical ingredients of C.sinensis and the corresponding targets.The String database was used for the matching normalization of results,and the software Cytoscape 3.7.2 was adopted to establish the C.sinensis-active components-targets of action-disease network.The databases of Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database,GeneCards,Therapeutic Target Database,and DisGNET were searched to yield the major targets of atherosclerosis(AS),which were matched with the active component targets of C.sinensis to identify the potential therapeutic targets.The String database was utilized to set up the protein-protein interaction network,and Cytoscape software was applied for topological analysis,which was followed by the Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathway analysis based on the DAVID database.Finally,the core components of C.sinensis and the targets of action were confirmed via molecular docking on AutoDock Vina and PyMOL.Results:In total,7 bioactive ingredients of C.sinensis were identified from Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database and 319 predicted targets were obtained,231 of which were associated with AS.The core targets involved in AS treatment with C.sinensis included MAPK1,SRC,PIK3R1,AKT1,and HSP90AA1.The enrichment analysis unveiled the primary pathways involved in these processes,such as pathways in cancer and lipid and atherosclerosis.Moreover,through molecular docking,it was found that the active ingredients of C.sinensis presented with strong binding capacities with their corresponding targets,and the strongest binding capacity was observed between peroxyergosterol and SRC.Conclusions:The present study revealed at the molecular level that C.sinensis played its role in AS treatment through multiple drug active components,targets of action and pathways,which would point out the direction and provide theoretic basis for future research.

Investigation of Biological Characteristics of Parasitic Fusarium Fungi from Tibetan Cordyceps sinensis

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics of parasitic Fusarium fungi from tibetan Cordyceps sinensis. [Method] A Fusarium strain was isolated from fresh tibetan Cordyceps sinensis as the experimental material, to observe the morphologies of Fusarium mycelium and spores. [Result] The isolated Fusarium fungus strain grew lushly on rice medium, with white and villiform myceliurn, and the villous stroma appeared in colors from beige to pink. After cultivated at （18 ± 4） ℃ for 14 d, the Fusarium strain produced milky white protrusions containing pale yellow chlamydospores, which can be divided into microconidiums and macroconidiums based on the different sizes. According to Ainsworth＇s classification system, the isolated strain belongs to Fusarium, Tuberculariales, Hyphomycetes, adelomycete subphylum. Further observation identified three types of macroconidium, and two of them showed distinct morphology, which was not described in Ainsworth＇s classification system. [Conclusion] The structure of the strain isolated from tibetan Cordyceps sinensis is significantly different from that of Fusariurn fungi recorded in relevant literatures, which requires further investigation.

Simultaneous determination of adenine, uridine and adenosine in cordyceps sinensis and its substitutes by LC/ESI-MS

A simple, sensitive and reproducible high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with electrospray ionization method for simultaneous separation and determination of adenine, adenosine and （uridine） was developed. The analytical column is a 2.0 mm×150 mm Shimadzu VP-ODS column and volume fraction of the mobile phase is （86.5%）water, 12.0%methanol and 1.5%formic acid. 2-chloroadenosine was used as internal standard. Selective ion monitoring mode and selective ion monitoring ions at ratio of mass to electric charge of 136 for adenine, 268 for adenosine and 267 for uridine were chosen for quantitative analysis of the three active components. The results show that the regression equations and linear range are Y=0.062X+（0.005） and 2.0140.0 (μg·mL-1)for adenine, Y=0.049X+0.004 and 4.0115.0 μg·mL-1 for uridine, （Y=0.154X）+0.014 and （1.0125.0） μg·mL-1 for adenosine. The limits of detection are 0.6 μg·mL-1 for adenine, 1.0 μg·mL-1for uridine and (0.2 μg·mL-1) for adenosine. The recoveries of the three constituents are from 96.6% to 103.2%.

Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial andAssessment of Fermentation Product of Cordyceps Sinensis (Cs-4) inEnhancing Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Function ofThe Healthy Elderly Volunteers

Objective:Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a popular natural Chinese herbal medicine for invigoration, health preservation and reducing fatigue. Its natural substance has been prepared as a fermentation product of a specific strain of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4). Our objective was to assess the effect of Cs-4 on the exercise capacity of the healthy elderly people in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods:Thirty-seven healthy, elderly Chinese subjects were randomly assigned to receive either Cs-4 (3 g/ day) or identical placebo capsules. Their exercise performance was tested before and after 6 weeks of treatment with a symptom-limited, incremental work rate protocol on a cycle ergometer. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was measured using a metabolic chart. Anaerobic thresholds (VO26) were identified by two observers using plots of both VCO2 vs VO2 and VE/VO2 vs time. Results: After taking Cs-4 for 6 weeks, VO2max (1 88±0.13 to 2.00±0 14 L/min; P=0.050) and VO2(1.15±0.07 to 1.30±0.09 L/min; P = 0.012) were significantly increased, whereas after placebo application they were unchanged. Conclusion: These findings support the belief held in China that Cs-4 could improve oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity and ventilation function and resistance to fatigue of elderly people in exercise.

Dynamical influence of Cordyceps sinensis on the activity of hepatic insulinase of experimental liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Cordeceps sinensis (CS) is a herb which can inhibit the liver fibrosis. Hyperinsulinemia is common in liver cirrhosis patients. The activity of insulin degrading enzyme could reflect the metabolism of insulin. This study was to detect the dynamical effects and mechanisms of CS on the activity of hepatic insulinase in CCl4 induced liver cirrhosis in rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated into three groups: normal group, model group and CS group. The rats in the normal group were sacrificed at the beginning of experi- ment, and the other two groups were sacrificed randomly at the end of the third, sixth and ninth weeks. Blood and tissue specimens were taken. Biochemical assays were used to determine the changes of alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin levels in serum. And radioimmunological assays were used to determine the changes of hyaluronic acid ( HA), insulin levels in serum and the activity of hepatic in- sulinase. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen in the se- rum levels of ALT, albumin, HA between the CS group and the model group at the third and sixth weeks (P > 0.05). The serum levels of ALT, HA in the CS group were lower than those in the model group at the ninth week (P <0.05), but the serum level of albumin in the CS group was higher than that in the model group at the ninth week (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the serum levels of insulin and the activity of hepatic insulinase between the CS and model groups at the third week and the normal group (P >0.05). The serum levels of insulin in the CS and model groups at the sixth and ninth weeks were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05). But the activity of hepatic insulinase was lower than that in the nor- mal group ( P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01). No significant diffe- rences were found in the serum levels of insulin and the ac- tivity of hepatic insulinase between the CS and model groups at the third, sixth and ninth weeks (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CS may decrease the damage to hepato- cyte by CCl4 , and inhibit hepatic fibrogenesis. Six weeks after CCl4 administration, the activity of hepatic insulinase began decreasing. CS could not inhibit the decrease of the activity of hepatic insulinase.

Hpyerglycemic Effect of a Mixture of Sea Cucumber and Cordyceps Sinensis in StreptozotocinInduced Diabetic Rat

Sea cucumber and cordyceps sinensis are used as both food and traditional medicines in Asia. This study was carried out in order to investigate the hpyerglycemic effect of a mixture of sea cucumber （Apostichopusjaponicas） and cordyceps sinensis （Cor-dyceps militaris） （SCC） in diabetic rat and explore the mechanism underlining such an effect. The diabetic model rat was induced with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （STZ）. The diabetic model rats were randomly divided into control group （0.9% NaC1）, low dose group （300 mg SCC.（kg body weight）-1） and high dose group （1200 mg SCC （kg body weight）-l）. Sodium chloride and SCC were intragastrically administered once a day for 35 d. Changes in fasting serum glucose and serum insulin content, oral glucose tolerance and liver and muscle glycogen content were routinely evaluated. Pancreas tissue and β-cells of islets were observed under both optical and transmission electronic microscope, respectively. The abundance of glucose metabolism-relating genes in gastrocnemius and epididymal adipose tissue was determined with either reverse transcription PCR （RT-PCR） or western blotting. Results showed that SCC significantly decreased fasting serum glucose content, improved glucose tolerance and increased serum insulin and glycogen content; repaired STZ-injured β-cells of diabetic rat, and increased the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase （PI（3）K）, protein kinase B （PKB） and glucose transporter 4 （Glut4） encoding protein in both gastroenemius and adipose tissue, and Glut4 encoding gene in peripheral tissue. Our findings demonstrated that SCC exerted an anti-hyperglycemic effect by repairing β-cells and promoting insulin-mediated signal transduction pathway in insulin-sensitive gastrocnemius and adipose tissue.

Production and characterization of exopolysaccharides in mycelial culture of Cordyceps sinensis fungus Cs-HK1 with different carbon sources

The effects of different carbon sources(sugars) on the production and molecular properties of exopolysaccharides(EPS) were evaluated in the mycelial liquid culture of a medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis Cs-HK1. Galactose or mannose was used(at 5 g·L^(-1)) as a secondary carbon source with glucose(35 g·L^(-1)) at the mass ratio of 1:7. Mannose was consumed notably since the first day of culture, but galactose was not even after glucose was exhausted.The volumetric yield of EPS in culture was increased slightly with the addition of galactose and decreased with mannose. The monosaccharide composition of EPS was also different, e.g., on day 8, the glucose contents of EPS were 76%with the addition of mannose, 59% with galactose, compared with 62% with glucose only. The molecular weight distribution of EPS was also affected by the secondary carbon source, being generally lower compared with that with glucose only. The results suggested that the addition of galactose improved the total yield of EPS in culture while mannose can improve the yield of glucan constituent of EPS.

Collecting Ophiocordyceps sinensis:an emerging livelihood strategy in the Garhwal,Indian Himalaya

In the Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India, the Bhotiya, an ethnically and culturally distinct tribal group, were historically engaged in seasonal migration(i.e. transhumance) to take advantage of scarce mountain resources and trade relations with Tibet. This livelihood practice has all but disappeared.Households are adapting to these changing circumstances by engaging in the collection and sale of the valuable alpine medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, widely known as Cordyceps. The collection of this fungus has exploded, emerging as a lucrative yet high-risk livelihood strategy for many Bhotiya communities.The Bhotiyas' historic herding and trade-based interactions and knowledge of these alpine environments where Cordyceps are found uniquely positions them to access this valuable biological resource. Elsewhere in the Himalayan region, some households are earning as much as two-thirds of their income from the collection of Cordyceps; in China Cordyceps is now listed as an endangered species due to intense over-exploitation in the Tibetan Plateau.This paper seeks to fill the void in the scientific literature on the social, ecological and economic aspects of the emerging Cordyceps trade in the Garhwal. Our study investigates the socio-spatial dimensions of Cordyceps collection in the high alpine meadows. We document how a fusion of local knowledge and practice with alpine mountain systems has served to reinvigorate the economic integrity of mountain communities at a time of rapid socioeconomic change and to reimagine a new relationship between alpine resources and community well-being.The article offers suggestions to address the sustainability of both Cordyceps collection and livelihood activities which hinge on this fungus population. We find a need for(1) community-based conservation measures that are rooted in(2) secure resource access rights for local communities to continue sustainable collection and sale of Cordyceps and(3) participatory-and science-based processes for determining appropriate local collection numbers.

Determination of Cordyceps Sinensis/Betaine Compound Feed Nutriment by HPLC

[Objective] The aim was to conduct HPLC analysis on Cordyceps Sinensis/Betaine compound feed nutriment. [Method] Cordyceps Sinensis/Betaine compound feed nutriment was under HPLC analysis to determine separation of Cordyceps Sinensis effluent and betaine. [Result] Different compositions in Cordyceps Sinensis/etaine compound feed nutriment would be well separated by the method. [Conclusion] The method provides a suitable platform of separation and analysis for Cordyceps Sinensis /Betaine compound feed nutriment.

The effect of Cordyceps Sinensis in the prognosis on patients receiving chemotherapy with malignant tumors:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:The efficacy of Cordyceps Sinensis(CS)on malignant tumors remains controversial.We undertook a systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical studies on this issue.Method:A comprehensive literature search(by the end of Sep.31,2017)was conducted in following electronic databases:China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP database,Wan fang database(VIP),PubMed,Medline,and EMBASE.Relevant studies were included according to inclusion criteria.Pooled relative risk was estimated by using the fixed effects model or random effects model according to heterogeneity.Data were extracted independently and the standardized mean deviation(SMD)of the calculated results was obtained.Result:After selection,8 of 729 studies were included.The result showed that CS combined with chemotherapeutic drugs was favorable for the treatment of malignant tumor.The amount of CD3^+T cells in the experimental group was signi行cantly higher than that in the control group(SMD=0.86;95%CI=0.02,1.70;P<0.01;I2=91%).The amount of CD4^+T cells in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(SMD=0.95;95%CI=0.22,1.68;P<0.01;I2=88%).The amount of CD8^+T cells in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(SMD=-0.07;95%CI=-0.30,0.17;P=0.32;I^2=14%).The rate of CD4^+/CD8^+T cells in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group(SMD=27.76;95%CI=25.25,30.28;P=0.39;I^2=0%).And CS may retard the declining trend of KPS functional status evaluation(RR=0.46,95%CI=0.2780,0.7350;P<0.01),thus improving the patients'life quality.Conclusion:The current evidence suggested that CS is favorable to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in patients with malignant tumors,probably by improving immune system function.

Systematic screening and structural characterization of dipeptides using offline 2D LC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS:A case study of Cordyceps sinensis

Cordyceps sinensis(C.sinensis)is a widely used and highly valuable traditional Chinese medicine.Several dipeptides have been detected in C.sinensis,but current scientific knowledge of its chemical makeup remains limited.In this study,an improved approach that integrates offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography(2D LC)separation,precursor ion list,library screening,and diagnostic ion filtering was established to systematically screen and characterize dipeptides in C.sinensis.Offline 2D LC integrating hydrophilic interaction LC and reverse phase separations was established to eliminate interference and identify the target dipeptides.A library containing the potential 400 dipeptides was created,and a precursor ion list with all theoretical precursor ions was adopted to trigger the MS/MS scan with high sensitivity.To identify dipeptides,the type and connection sequence of amino acids were determined according to the product ions.Ile and Leu residues were differentiated for the first time according to the characteristic ion at m/z 69.07.Ultimately,170 dipeptides were identified or tentatively characterized from C.sinensis,and most are reported for the first time in this species herein.In addition,the identified dipeptides were also applied for discrimination among the three Cordyceps species,and 11 markers were identified.The obtained results provide a deeper understanding of the chemical basis of C.sinensis.

Progress in preventive effects of cordyceps sinensis on ischemic brain

Cerebral ischemia is due to cerebral blood supply disorders caused by ischemia and hypoxia resulting in localized ischemic brain necrosis or brain softening of the disease,leading to irreversible brain damage and subsequent loss of neuronal function is a serious threat to human health One of several diseases.For patients with cerebral ischemia,often the lack of effective and extensive treatment.In addition,cerebral ischemia with morbidity,morbidity and mortality are characterized by high,so by the medical profession at home and abroad attention.As a traditional Chinese medicine,cordyceps sinensis(CS)is a complex of ergot fungus,which is parasitized on the larvae of the bat-moth family.The compound is composed of cordycepin,cordyceps polysaccharide,cordyceps sinensis peptides,ergosterol,mannitol,fatty acids and trace elements such as a variety of ingredients,with a wide range of pharmacological effects.Over the years,domestic and foreign scholars on the pharmacological effects of cordyceps sinensis were more comprehensive study of its prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia is also deepening,found that cordyceps sinensis on cerebral ischemia with anti-inflammatory,reduce oxidative damage and neuronal ischemia damage,reduce neuronal apoptosis,improve memory cognition,reduce thrombosis,inhibit NO production,enhance mitochondrial energy supply,scavenging free radicals and other prevention and treatment.But no relevant review.In this paper,the domestic and foreign literatures on the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia by cordyceps sinensis were summarized,analyzed and summarized in order to provide useful information for the research and further development of cordyceps sinensis.

Effects of heat on the biological activity of wild Cordyceps sinensis

Background:Current methods of extending the storage time of wild Cordyceps sinensis adversely affect the nutritive and medicinal value of the product.Thus,this study was designed to investigate the effects of heat treatment,a relatively safe storage extension method,on the biological activity of wild C.sinensis.Methods:Samples were heated to 60,80,or 100℃ for 15,30,or 60 minutes.SOD activity in wild C.sinensis before and after heating was assayed using a standard colorimetric assay.Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity was measured using the plasmid-nicking assay.Cordycepin content was analyzed using HPLC.Polysaccharide content was measured using the phenol sulfuric method.The Student's t-test was used for comparison.Results:After heating at 60,80,100℃ for 15,30,60 minutes,respectively,no significant reduction in DNase activity or polysaccharide dissolution was noted (P >.05).Interestingly,heating at 80℃ for 30 minutes led to a significant increase in the SOD activity of C.sinensis (P <.05).In addition,heating at 60℃ for 60 minutes or at 80℃ for 15 minutes significantly increased cordycepin dissolution (P <.05).Other heat treatments had no significant effects on SOD activity or cordycepin dissolution (P >.05).Conclusions:These results suggested that heat treatment does not adversely affect SOD or DNase activity,polysaccharide content,or cordycepin dissolution.Thus,heat treatment might be a safe processing method to extend the storage time of wild C.sinensis without compromising biological activity.

Research on the Separation and Purification of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides by Macro porous Adsorption Resin

In this study, the separation and purification of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides by AB-8 and D-280 macro porous ad- sorption resin were researched, the adsorption characters when AB-8 macro porous adsorption resin processed Cordyceps sinensis leachate were determined, and the eluent were bleaching treated by D-280 macro porous adsorption resin. The results showed that the concentration of 2.0mg/mL, pH = 6 at a flow rate of 0.8mL/min. The yielding amount of polysaccharides is 246.4mg, and after decolouring treatment, the final yield is 207.1 mg.

Chemical components in cultivated Cordyceps sinensis and their effects on fibrosis

Objective:Cultivated Cordyceps sinensis powder has been used as clinical drug and healthy food to nourish the lung and kidney,which solves the problem of serious shortage of wild C.sinensis.This study aims to explore the chemical components and compared their anti-fibrotic effects in cultivated C.sinensis.Methods:Nucleosides,sterols and polysaccharides were separated and purified from cultivated C.sinensis,and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemical chromogenic methods,respectively.In high glucose-induced rat mesangial cell models,fibronectin and type 1 collagen were used as evaluation indicators.Results:There were 10 kinds of nucleosides and one sterol in cultivated C.sinensis.The contents of nucleosides,sterols and polysaccharides in the cultivated C.sinensis were close to 2%,0.55%and 4.4%,respectively.Furthermore,nucleoside,sterol and polysaccharide components exhibited varying degrees of antifibrotic activity.The nucleoside components and sterol components inhibited the expression of extracellular matrix more effectively in the three main components.Conclusion:Cultivated C.sinensis remains the similar compounds with the wild C.sinensis,and nucleosides and sterols may be the main active substances that contribute to its anti-fibrotic effects.The project of this study may provide valuable information on further optimization of more effective remedies with few side effects based on cultivated C.sinensis.

Protective Mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis Treatment on Acute Kidney Injury-Induced Acute Lung Injury through AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Objective: To investigate protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis(CS) through autophagyassociated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway in acute kidney injury(AKI)-induced acute lung injury(ALI). Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups according to a random number table, including the normal saline(NS)-treated sham group(sham group), NS-treated ischemia reperfusion injury(IRI) group(IRI group), and low-(5 g/kg·d) and high-dose(10 g/kg·d) CS-treated IRI groups(CS1 and CS2 groups), 12 rats in each group. Nephrectomy of the right kidney was performed on the IRI rat model that was subjected to 60 min of left renal pedicle occlusion followed by 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of reperfusion. The wet-to-dry(W/D) ratio of lung, levels of serum creatinine(Scr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-βand tumor necrosis factor-α, and biomarkers of oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase, malonaldehyde(MDA) and myeloperoxidase(MPO), were assayed. Histological examinations were conducted to determine damage of tissues in the kidney and lung. The protein expressions of light chain 3 Ⅱ/light chain 3 Ⅰ(LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ), uncoordinated-51-like kinase 1(ULK1), P62, AMPK and mTOR were measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: The renal IRI induced pulmonary injury following AKI,resulting in significant increases in W/D ratio of lung, and the levels of Scr, BUN, inflammatory cytokines, MDA and MPO(P<0.01);all of these were reduced in the CS groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the IRI groups, the expression levels of P62 and mTOR were significantly lower(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while those of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, ULK1, and AMPK were significantly higher in the CS2 group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:CS had a potential in treating lung injury following renal IRI through activation of the autophagy-related AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in AKI-induced ALI.

Analysis of the Nucleoside Content of Cordyceps sinensis Using the Stepwise Gradient Elution Technique of Thin-Layer Chromatography

Nucleoside is the main class of active components in Cordyceps sinensis. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is one of the most commonly used methods in pharmacopoeias for analyzing chemical components of herbal medicine. Since the isocratic elution method cannot be applied successfully in TLC analysis for separating all the nucleoside components, the stepwise gradient elution has been developed in this work to separate eight nucleoside standards with success. In this way, quantitative analyses of the samples of Cordyceps sinensis were achieved via the pro-posed TLC procedure coupled with the scanning densitometric techniques of CAMAG and TLCQA methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Study of Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on Natural Killer Cells in Leukemia

The effects of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on peripheral natural killer cells from healthysubjects and from leukemia patients were studied. The results showed CS could augment natural killer cellactivity. The dosedependent effect was found within the range of the dosage adopted for the tests (r=0. 984, P<O. 01, r=0. 988, P<0. 01) . Furthermore, the results suggested CS could also improve CD16marker expression on the surface of lymphocytes and the binding capacity of K56, cells. Cytotoxicity wasnot present when the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were co-incubated with CS. These results sug-gested CS could be exploited and utilized as a biological response modifier in the treatment of leukemia.

Experimental Study on Effect of Cordyceps Sinensis on Renal Protection,Urinary Enzymes and Nephrotox icity of Cyclosporine A in Rats

Objective: To explore the protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine A (CsA) and its mechanism. Methods: The renal function of isolated perfused rats was observed before and after three months' treatment by CS. Results: CS could improve the renal function, increase the volume of urine, Na＋ and K＋ excretion and inulin clearance rate, and reduce the resistance of renal per fusion. It was found that the activities of urinary N - acetyl-β- glucosaminidase (NAG), γ- glutamyl transferase (γ- GT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were lower in the CS treatment group than those in the control group. Conclusion: CS could protect the kidney from damage against nephrotoxicity of CsA and improve the abnormality of renal hemodynamics.

Role of Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) in prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with stable angina pectoris

OBJECTIVE： To study the preventative effects of Dongchongxiacao （Cordyceps） on contrast-induced nephropathy （CIN） in patients with stable angina pectoris （SAP）. METHODS： One-hundred and three SAP inpatients were divided randomly into two groups： basic treat- ment （n=51） and Dongchongxiacao （Cordyceps） treatment （n=52）; corbrin capsules （3 g; t.d.s.） were used 3 days before angioplasty and 3 days after an- gioplasty）. Serum creatinine （Scr） was assessed at the time of hospital admission and 1, 2, and 3 days after angioplasty. Values of kidney injury mole- cule-1 （KIM-1）, neutrophil gelatinase-associated li- pocalin （NGAL） and interleukin （IL） 18 in the kidney were detected before angioplasty and 1 day after angioplasty in the patients of both groups. The prevalence of CIN between the two groups was then compared. RESULTS： CIN occurred in 9 of 103 patients （8.74%）. The prevalence of CIN in the Dongchongxiacao （Cordyceps） treatment group was lower than that of the basic treatment group （5.77% vs 11.76%） but the difference was not significant （P〉0.05）. The post-procedure mean peak of Scr, post-procedure increase in Scr levels from baseline, and urine levelsof KIM-1, NGAL and IL18 after the procedure in the Dongchongxiacao （Corclyceps） treatment group were significantly lower than those in the basic treatment group （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： Prophylactic treatment with Dongchongxiacao （Cordyceps） in SAP patients who undergo coronary angiography or coronary inter- vention could prevent contrast-induced renal im- pairment.