Effects of Qing’E Formula on the Expression of Bone Metabolic Markers and VDR mRNA in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Patients

Objectives: To study the partial mechanism of treating postmenopausal osteoporosis patients (POPs) using the ancient recipe of Qing’E Formula (QEF) by observing its effects on bone metabolic markers and VDR mRNA expression in primary POPs. Methods: Analysis was performed on 120 outpatient and inpatient POPs treated in our hospital between January and October 2013, where the patients were randomly divided into Qing’E group (QEF + Caltrate), Calcitriol group (Caltrate + Calcitriol soft capsules), and Compare group (Caltrate), each with a follow-up period of 1 year. Statistical analysis was then performed on bone mineral density, blood bone metabolic markers (β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP) and changes in VDR mRNA expressions in the POPs before and after the treatments. Results: Prior to the treatments, bone mineral density and blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression in the 3 groups of POPs exhibited no statistically significant differences, and the blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression in the control group showed no statistically significant differences before and after the treatments. There were no significant differences in bone mineral density in the Qing’E group and the Calcitriol group before and after the treatments whereas the bone mineral density decreased in the control group after the treatments. As for blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression, the measurements in POPs in the Qing’E group and the Calcitriol group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Conclusion: By adjusting the VDR mRNA expression, the QEF, a kidney-invigorating Chinese herbal formula, is capable of activating bone metabolism to prohibit further losses of bone mass, thereby preventing the deterioration of osteoporosis.

Effect of <i>Qing’e Pill</i>plus <i>Salvia</i>on Non-Traumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head of Idiopathic Type in Earlier Stage: A Case Report of a Twelve-Month of Period

Background: Compromised circulatory and bone/lipid metabolic dysfunction are two major contributors to non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Qing’e pill plus Salvia has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic action, and it could also regulate bone formation and remodeling by suppressing osteoclasts. Case Report: We describe a case of a 62-year- old man with ONFH of idiopathic type in earlier stage that could not be adequately controlled with oral non-steroidal analgesics and restoring bone loss agents for past 3 years. After six months treatment with Qing’e pill plus Salvia, the plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), apolipoprotein B (apo B), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and blood viscosity were measured on an empty stomach. The Harris scores were maintained during a six months follow-up after discontinuation of Qing’e pill plus Salvia. Discussion: Our case has shown that plasma levels of inflammatory and atherosclerotic relaxed factors and the Harris scores may be controlled with herbal medication in ONFH of idiopathic type in earlier stage that could not be adequately controlled with oral non-steroidal analgesics and restoring bone loss agents.

Positive Effects of Qing'e Pill(青娥丸)on Trabecular Microarchitecture and its Mechanical Properties in Osteopenic Ovariectomised Mice

Objective: To investigate the impact of Qing'e Pill(青娥丸,QEP) on the cancellous bone microstructure and its effect on the level of β-catenin in a mouse model of postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods: Ninety-six 8-week-old speci?c pathogen free C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups(24/group): sham,ovariectomised osteoporosis model,oestradiol-treated,and QEP-treated groups.Three months after surgery,the third lumbar vertebra and left femur of the animals were dissected and scanned using micro-computed tomography(micro-CT) to acquire three-dimensional(3 D) parameters of their cancellous bone microstructure.The impact of ovariectomy,the effect of oestradiol and QEP intervention on cancellous bone microstructure,and the expression of β-catenin were evaluated.Results: The oestradioland the QEP-treated groups exhibited a signi?cant increase in the bone volume fraction,trabecular number,trabecular thickness,bone surface to bone volume ratio(BS/BV),and β-catenin expression compared with those of the model group(P<0.05).In contrast,the structure model index,trabecular separation,and BS/BV were signi?cantly decreased compared with those of the ovariectomised osteoporosis model group(P<0.05).No differences were observed in the above parameters between animals of the QEP-and oestradiol-treated groups.Conclusions: The increased β-catenin expression may be the mechanism underlying QEP's improvement of the cancellous bone microstructure in ovariectomised mice.Our ?ndings provide a scienti?c rationale for using QEP as a dietary supplement to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.

The Effects of Different Compatibilities of Qing'e Formula on Scopolamine-induced Learning and Memory Impairment in the Mouse

Background: The Qing'e formula(QEF) is a well-known traditional Chinese prescription that has been clinically employed for treatment of bone disease for hundreds of years. Objective: The present study aims to observe the effects of different compatibilities of QEF on the scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in the mouse, and further to explore its action mechanisms and compatibility rationality.Materials and Methods: The learning and memory alterations in the mouse were evaluated using the step-down test and Morris water maze(MWM) test; the acetylcholinesterase(AChE) activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) expression in the hippocampus were measured using colorimetric method or immunohistochemistry. Results: The results showed that different compatibilities of QEF significantly prolonged latency in the step-down test, shortened escape latency in the navigation test, increased the percentage of residence time, and the percentage of swimming distance in the target quadrant in the probe trial session. In addition, our results also found that different compatibilities of QEF remarkably inhibited AChE activity and increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus of mice. What's more, the group after being treated with whole recipe(QF) showed the highest level of improvement. Conclusions: These findings not only suggest that QEF may effectively ameliorate cognitive deficits through inhibiting AChE activity and increasing BDNF expression in the hippocampus but also elucidate the rationality of QEF.

Qing'e

HUO Huan, 13, met the pretty girl Qing’e by chance and liked her very much. But he did not find opportunities to became acquainted with her. One day, a Taoist priest gave him a tiny spade, which could penetrate solid rock. Huo Huan used it and dug through several walls. When he reached Qing’e’s bedroom, she was fast asleep. Huo stayed by her bed to admire her. But shortly afterward, his