Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Pi^(*)Z allele as important co-factors in the development of liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency(AATD)is a codominant autosomal hereditary condition that predisposes patients to the development of lung and/or liver disease,and Pi*Z allele is the most clinically relevant mutation.AIM To evaluate the impact of clinical parameters and AATD phenotypes,particularly the Pi*Z allele,in liver fibrosis.METHODS Cross-sectional cohort study including consecutive patients with AATD followed in Pulmonology or Hepatology consultation.RESULTS Included 69 patients,49.3%had Pi*MZ phenotype and 10.1%Pi*ZZ.An age≥55 years,age at diagnosis≥41 years and AAT at diagnosis<77 mg/dL predicted a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score(NFS)not excluding advanced fibrosis[area under the curve(AUC)=0.840,P<0.001;AUC=0.836,P<0.001;AUC=0.681,P=0.025].An age≥50 years and age at diagnosis≥41 years predicted a fibrosis-4 index of moderate to advanced fibrosis(AUC=0.831,P<0.001;AUC=0.795,P<0.001).Patients with hypertension,type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM),dyslipidaemia,metabolic syndrome,and regular alcohol consumption were more likely to have a NFS not excluding advanced fibrosis(P<0.001,P=0.002,P=0.008,P<0.001,P=0.033).Patients with at least one Pi*Z allele and type 2 DM were 8 times more likely to have liver stiffness measurement≥7.1 kPa(P=0.040).CONCLUSION Risk factors for liver disease in AATD included an age≥50 years,age at diagnosis≥41 years,metabolic risk factors,regular alcohol consumption,at least one Pi*Z allele,and AAT value at diagnosis<77 mg/dL.We created an algorithm for liver disease screening in AATD patients to use in primary care,selecting those to be referred to Hepatology consultation.

Exploring the medication pattern and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome with kidney deficiency and blood stasis based on data mining and network pharmacology

Background:Using network pharmacology to explore the potential molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Method:Collect the related literature materials of PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome treated by traditional Chinese medicine in four databases in recent ten years,extract the information of prescriptions and complete the frequency analysis.Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database was used to screen out the effective components.Use Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and other databases to screen PCOS disease targets.The intersection targets obtained by clustering prescription and PCOS disease targets were submitted to STRING database for protein-protein interaction network analysis,and Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were analysed by Metascape.Result:There are 155 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines used in the literature.The most commonly utilized ones are Cuscutae Semen,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata.The results of the cluster analysis indicated that the plants most commonly found throughout the prescription were Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.GO results show that biological processes include cell reaction to organic nitrogen compounds and cell reaction to nitrogen compounds.The functional display of GO molecule includes cytokine receptor binding,signal receptor regulator activity and so on.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes results show that the possible mechanisms of action are cancer pathway,an endocrine resistance signal pathway.Conclusion:Through data mining,the cluster prescription for PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.The network pharmacology research of cluster prescription shows that the main drug components for treating PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,tanshinone IIA,etc.,which act on PTGS2,NCOA2,and other targets,and treat PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome through cancer and endocrine resistance.

Clinical Nursing Intervention of Moxibustion on Abdominal Distension Symptoms in Heart Failure (Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome)

Objective:To investigate the clinical nursing intervention effect of moxibustion on abdominal distension symptoms in heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome).Methods:62 patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=31)and the control group(n=31)by using the random numerical table method.The control group adopted conventional nursing interventions,and the observation group received the nursing program of the control group with the addition of moxibustion nursing interventions.The nursing effectiveness,quality of life scores,and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:The nursing effectiveness of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the quality of life score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of moxibustion nursing intervention in patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)can effectively relieve the symptoms of abdominal distension,improve patients'quality of life,and increase nursing satisfaction,which has promotion and application values.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the effects of Zhenwu decoction on kidney yang deficiency pattern in chronic kidney disease

Objective:To explore the kidney yang deficiency pattern(KYDP)in a chronic kidney disease(CKD)rat model and the mechanisms underlying the effects of Zhenwu decoction(ZWD)by conducting tran-scriptomic and metabolomic analyses.Methods:Adriamycin(ADR)combined with hydrocortisone(HC)was used to induce CKD with KYDP in rats.ADR was injected into the tail vein twice.HC was injected intramuscularly for 8 weeks.ZWD was administered by gavage for 8 weeks.The general condition was observed,24-h urine protein was detected,serum corticosterone,triiodothyronine,thyroxine,TSH,testosterone,cAMP,and cGMP levels were determined,and pathological analysis was conducted.Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to screen differentially expressed genes(DEGs),differentially expressed metabolites(DEMs),and differentially expressed pathways(DEPs).The core DEMs and DEGs were input to Metab-oanalyst 5.0 to identify the pathways affected by ZWD.Results:In the HC group,KYDP symptoms were observed.Compared with control group,the levels of 24-h urine protein,TSH,and cGMP significantly increased(all P<0.01),and corticosterone,triiodothyronine,thyroxine,and cAMP significantly decreased(all P<0.01)in the HC group.After ZWD intervention,the levels of above-mentioned indicators could be reversed to some extent.Pathological analysis in the HC group revealed kidney lesions.DEGs in the ZWD group were mainly associated with pathways such as nucleotide synthesis and endocrine pathways.In the ZWD group,differences in biosynthesis of unsat-urated fatty acids and butanoate metabolism were observed.The following pathways were significantly affected by ZWD:arachidonic acid metabolism,valine,leucine,and isoleucine biosynthesis,linoleic acid metabolism,and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism.Conclusion:ZWD can be used to treat KYDP in CKD through regulating arachidonic acid metabolism,valine,leucine,and isoleucine biosynthesis,linoleic acid metabolism,and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Electroacupuncture on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness Type and Oxidative Stress Level

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture on improving polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)of kidney deficiency and phlegm dampness type and serum oxidative stress level.Methods:There were 68 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly divided into observation group(34 cases)and the control group(34 cases),The observation group was treated by electroacupuncture,while the control group was treated by placebo electroacupuncture.Combined with the evaluation of menstrual cycle,menstrual color,quality,quantity and TCM symptom integral index,the difference of curative effect between the two groups was observed,and the levels of peripheral blood,sex hormones,insulin resistance and oxidative stress were detected before and after treatment for 3 months.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was better than that in the control group(P<0.01);After intervention,serum LH,FSH,E_(2) and LH/FSH in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention.The D values of serum LH,FSH,LH/FSH and E_(2) before and after intervention were significantly different between the two groups(P<0.01);Comparing the level of androgen,the serum A4 and T in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention(P<0.01);After intervention,there was a significant difference in serum A4 and T between the two groups(P<0.01),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention;There was a difference in insulin resistance in the observation group before and after intervention(P<0.05),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention(P<0.01);After the intervention,the serum SOD,MDA,ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those before the intervention;After intervention,the results of serum SOD and ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group;There was no significant difference in serum MDA results.There were significant differences in SOD,MDA,ROS between the two groups before and after intervention.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture can improve oxidative stress injury,insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in PCOS patients.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Related Infertility Based on the Theory of“Liver and Kidney Homology”

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is an endocrine disorder caused by hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian(HPO)axis dysfunction.In the field of gynecology and reproduction,PCOS has emerged as both a research hot spot and a challenging area of study.According to Chinese medicine,this disease is related to kidney deficiency,phlegm and dampness obstruction,blood stasis and interconnection,Chong pulse impassability,the lack of Ren pulse,and the loss of uterine nourishment,all of which affect the normal development and maturation of eggs as well as the duration at which menstrual blood stores.In this paper,based on the theoretical basis of“liver collects blood,regulates the flow of qi,and is the master of drainage,”we explore the rationality of the treatment of this disease from the perspective of“liver and kidney have the same origin”and the development of PCOS-related infertility in relation to dysfunctional internal organs.We also explore the feasibility of treatment from the perspective of“liver and kidney homology,”expand the ideas for treatment,as well as develop and innovate the application of organ identification in PCOS in relation to infertility.

Impact of bariatric surgery on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver and kidney function in food-induced obese diabetic rats

BACKGROUND Obesity usually causes diabetes mellitus(DM)and is a serious danger to human health.Type 2 DM(T2DM)mostly occurs along with obesity.Foodborne obesityinduced DM is caused by an excessive long-term diet and surplus energy.Bariatric surgery can improve the symptoms of T2DM in some obese patients.But different types of bariatric surgery may have different effects.AIM To investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver and kidney function in rats.METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6-8 wk underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery(RYGB),sleeve gastrectomy(SG),or gastric banding(GB).Glucose and insulin tolerance tests,analyses of biochemical parameters,histological examination,western blot,and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted.RESULTS In comparison to the sham operation group,the RYGB,SG,and GB groups had decreased body weight and food intake,reduced glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity,downregulated biochemical parameters,alleviated morphological changes in the liver and kidneys,and decreased levels of protein kinase Cβ/P66shc.The effect in the RYGB group was better than that in the SG and GB groups.CONCLUSION These results suggest that RYGB,SG and GB may be helpful for the treatment of foodborne obesity-induced DM.

Liver or kidney:Who has the oar in the gluconeogenesis boat and when?

Gluconeogenesis is an endogenous process of glucose production from noncarbohydrate carbon substrates.Both the liver and kidneys express the key enzymes necessary for endogenous glucose production and its export into circulation.We would be remiss to add that more recently gluconeogenesis has been described in the small intestine,especially under high-protein,lowcarbohydrate diets.The contribution of the liver glucose release,the net glucose flux,towards systemic glucose is already well known.The liver is,in most instances,the primary bulk contributor due to the sheer size of the organ(on average,over 1 kg).The contribution of the kidney(at just over 100 g each)to endogenous glucose production is often under-appreciated,especially on a weight basis.Glucose is released from the liver through the process of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.Renal glucose release is almost exclusively due to gluconeogenesis,which occurs in only a fraction of the cells in that organ(proximal tubule cells).Thus,the efficiency of glucose production from other carbon sources may be superior in the kidney relative to the liver or at least on the level.In both these tissues,gluconeogenesis regulation is under tight hormonal control and depends on the availability of substrates.Liver and renal gluconeogenesis are differentially regulated under various pathological conditions.The impact of one source vs the other changes,based on post-prandial state,acid-base balance,hormonal status,and other less understood factors.Which organ has the oar(is more influential)in driving systemic glucose homeostasis is still inconclusive and likely changes with the daily rhythms of life.We reviewed the literature on the differences in gluconeogenesis regulation between the kidneys and the liver to gain an insight into who drives the systemic glucose levels under various physiological and pathological conditions.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in end-stage liver disease

AIM:To evaluate the association between alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency(A1ATD) and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in patients with end-stage liver disease(ESLD).METHODS:Patients with cirrhosis and ESLD referred to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for liver transplantation between 2003 and 2014 were included in the study(N = 675). ESLD was defined as having histological features of cirrhosis and/or radiological evidence of cirrhosis in the context of portal hypertension(ascites,variceal bleeding,thrombocytopenia,or hepatic encephalopathy). A1 ATD was diagnosed using phenotype characterization(MZ or ZZ),liver biopsy detection of PAS-positive diastaseresistant(PAS+) globules,or both. Patients with other causes of liver diseases such as hepatitis C virus(HCV),alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) or NASH were also included in the study. HCC was diagnosed by using imaging modalities,biopsy findings,or explanted liver inspection. Follow-up time was defined as the number of years from the diagnosis of cirrhosis to the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma,or from the diagnosis of cirrhosis to the last follow up visit. The rate of HCC was assessed using time-tointerval analysis for interval censored data.RESULTS:This study included 675 patients. 7% of subjects had A1ATD(n = 47). Out of all subjects who did not have A1 ATD,46% had HCV,17% had alcoholic liver disease,19% had NASH and 18% had another primary diagnosis. Of the 47 subjects with A1 ATD,15 had a primary diagnosis of A1ATD(PI*ZZ phenotype and PAS+ globules),8 had a PI*MZ phenotype alone,14 had PAS+ alone,and 10 had both the PI*MZ phenotype and PAS+. Median follow-up time was 3.4(25th,75 th percentiles:1,5.2) years. The overall rate of hepatocellular carcinoma in all subjects was 29%(n = 199). In the A1 ATD group,the incidence rate of HCC was 8.5% compared to 31% in the group of patients with other causes of cirrhosis(P = 0.001). Patients with ESLD due to A1 ATD had the lowest yearly cumulative rate of hepatocellular carcinoma at 0.88% per year compared to 2.7% for those with HCV cirrhosis,1.5% in patients with NASH and 0.9% in alcohol-induced liver disease(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Within this group of patients with ESLD,there was no significant association between A1 ATD and increased risk of HCC.

Oxidative Stress, Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations in the Liver and Kidney of Female Rats Exposed to Low Doses of Deltamethrin (DM):A Molecular Assessment

Objective To evaluate histopathological alterations of the liver and kidney of female rats exposed to low doses of DM and its potential genotoxic activity. Methods Female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control （3 groups, 6 rats in each） and treatment groups （3 groups, 6 rats in each）. They were subjected to subcutaneous injections of DM （at doses of 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 mg/kg bw/d） after 30, 45, and 60 d, respectively. Results Significant alterations were recorded in liver parenchyma induced by hepatic vacuolization, fragmented chromatin in nuclei, dilatation of sinusoids and congestions. Lesions within proximal and distal tubules were observed in the kidneys. Tissue congestions and severe alterations within glomeruli were visible. DM as a pyrethroid insecticide induced significant increase （P〈_O.05） of plasma MDA concentrations after 45 d. A significant increase （P_〈0.05） in plasma ALT （after 45 and 60 d） and AST （after 60 d） concentrations was recorded as compared to controls. During the whole experimental period the toxic agent provoked significant DNA damages （P〈0.05）, especially in the dominance of classes 3 and 4 of obtained comet. Conclusion DM even at a very low dose displays harmful effects by disrupting hepatic and renal function and causing DNA damages in puberscent female rats. Low doses of DM are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic.

Influences of Chloropazine, Nimodipine and Their Combination on the Toxic Effects of Cadmium in Liver and Kidney of Mice

The influences of the calmodulin antagonist chlorpromazine (CPZ), and calcium channel blocker nimodipine (NIMO) and their combination on cadmium (Cd) poisoning of mice were studied. A seties of biochemical parameters including urinary enzyme activities, blood and urine Cd levels, metallothionein (MT) contents in liver and kidney, hepatic ultrastructure and Ca2+ -Mg2+ AT-Pase activity in erythrocyte membrane were determined. Animal models for Cd poisoning were established by peritoneal injection of 1/5 LD50 CdCl2. The experimental groups were protected by administration of CPZ, NIMO and CPZ and NIMO in combination l h before the injection of CdCl2. Five days later, samples were collected for analysis. The data showed that Crs could protect kidney tissue against Cd-induced damage, as the urinary γ-glutamyl traspepti dase (γ- GT ) and N- acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities were reduced significantly. There was neither evidence of the protective effect of NIMO on kidney tissue nor an indication of a synergistic effecf of Crs and NIMO.Both CPZ and NIMO showed a considerable protective effect against the deerease in Ca2+ -Mg2+ AT-Pase activity, and a synergistic action was observed. Cd content in blood was reduced significanily by CPZ or the combination of CPZ and NIMO, but elevated by NIMO. Both CPZ and NIMO consideraby increased MT contents in livers and kidneys and ameliorated damaged to the hepatic ultrastructures caused by Cd. The results indicated that these inhibitors could protect mice against the toxic effects of Cd in liver and kidney tissues, while CPZ was more efficient than NIMO. The combination of CPZ and NIMO exerted a synergistic action. The protective action of these two drugs might be relevent to the function of MT.

Premature ovarian insufficiency identified as a kidney deficiency and liver constraint pattern treated by Professor Zhiqiang Guo:A retrospective analysis

Objective:To study the efficacy of Professor Zhiqiang Guo's unique sequential herbal therapy in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)of the kidney deficiency and liver constraint pattern.Methods:Ninety patients with POI who consulted with Professor Guo at Dongzimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2012 to December 2015 were enrolled.Treatment consisted of sequential therapy using traditional Chinese medicine formulae with the actions of nourishing the liver and kidney.Course of treatment was 3 consecutive menstrual cycles for each participant except for those who became pregnant during treatment.Baseline data including age,course of disease,past medical history,lifestyle,pregnancy outcome,menstrual status(cycle length,menstrual flow duration and volume),as well as gonadal hormone levels before and after treatment were recorded and analyzed.Results:During treatment,18(20.0%)participants became pregnant.Symptoms including scanty menstrual flow,irritability,low libido,insomnia and excessive dreaming at night,nightsweats,hot flashes,and depression were markedly alleviated.Changes in follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)levels at early follicular stage were observed(P=.009 and P=.002,respectively),and FSH/LH differed significantly pre-and posttreatment(P=.0.44).Conclusion:Professor Guo's sequential Chinese herbal therapy with the actions of nourishing the liver and kidney to treat POI can enhance ovarian function,promote pregnancy,and improve quality of life.

Effects of zinc deficiency on development and metabolism of the liver in rats

Rat model of zinc deficiency (ZD) was established to investigate the effects of ZD on the development and metabolism of the liver. It was found that (1) The weight, index and cell size of the liver were significantly lower in ZD group than in pair-fed (PF) group (P <0. 01 ); (2) The contents of DNA, nitrogen and protein in the liver were significantly lower in ZD group than in PF group (P<0.01). The number of the diploid hepatic cells was higher but that of tetraploid cells lower in ZD group than in PF group; (3) In the livex, the content of cAMP and cAMP/cGMP ratio were significantly higher and the content of cGMP lower in ZD group than in PF group; (4) The content of nitric oxide (NO) was significantly lower in the liver in ZD group than in PF group (P<0.01); (5) In the liver, the content of SOD was lower and that of LOP higher in ZD group than in PF group; (6) Obvious degeneration of hepatic cytoplasm was found in ZD group. Our findings suggest that adequate amount of zinc is essential for the development and metabolism of the liver and ZD can decrease cGMP content and suppress hepatocytic proliferation.

Research Progress of Osteoporosis Based on the Theory of"Homology of Liver and Kidney"

Osteoporosis is a systemic chronic metabolic bone disease,mainly in the elderly and postmenopausal women.At present,most of the clinical treatment is western medicine,but the curative effect is not very significant.In the treatment of osteoporosis,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is mainly based on the overall concept of TCM.This article briefly analyzes osteoporosis from the theory of"liver and kidney homology,"discusses the research on osteoporosis in TCM,and hopes to provide reference for the clinical treatment and research of osteoporosis.

The Role of Pumpkin Extraction on the Liver and Kidney of Mice Previously Treated with Haloperidol during Lactation

The present study was initiated to investigate the effect ofhaloperidol on the histological structures of the liver and kidney of mice and their infants. Pumpkin was used to inhibit the toxic effects of this drug. Mothers, directly after delivery from the first day to the weaning age at the 21 day were divided into four groups： the first group （control）, the second group supplied with （1 mg haloperidol /kg/B.W./day）, the third group was supplied with （1 ml pumpkin extraction/kg/B.W./day）, the fourth group was supplied with （1 ml pumpkin/Kg/B.W.）. The histological examination of the haloperidol treated mothers revealed its bad condition in compare with the other groups where there was absence of natural architecture of the liver and complete disintegration of the renal tubules. Also, the same symptoms were recorded in the liver and kidney of the infants. An obvious improvement in the structures of liver and kidney in mothers and infants as well as the recovery of most tissues to their normal appearance after the treatment with the mixture of haloperidol and pumpkin in compare with the haloperidol-group and pumpkin-group also showed a normal structure as the control-group.

Estimation of Heavy Metal Levels in the Muscle, Gizzard, Liver and Kidney of Broiler, Layer and Local (Cockerel) Chickens Raised within Awka Metropolis and Its Environs, Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria

65 chickens (layer, broiler and cockerel) from different farms within Awka metropolis and its environs were purchased, processed and analyzed for the levels of heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, V and Cu) in the internal organs (muscle, gizzard, liver and kidney) of the chickens using flame atomic absorption spectrometer after nitric/perchloric acid digestion. The ranges of mean concentrations of the metals in the internal organs of the chickens in mg/g were Pb;(0.046 - 0.478) As;(0.053 - 0.318), Cd;(0.027 - 0.649), Cr;(0.045 - 0.234), Hg;(0.052 - 0.740), Ni;(0.038 - 0.534), V;(0.037 - 0.053), and Cu;(0.146 - 0.445). About 10% - 40% of Pb, Cd and Hg exceeded the permissible level of 0.5 ppm set for these metals in the liver and kidney of the chickens. Anova analysis revealed significance of the heavy metals in the internal organs of the chickens at p < 0.05.

Clinical observation on efficacy of compound of warming yang, descending turbidity and dredging collaterals in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease with Yin-Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of compound of owarming yang,descending turbidity and dredging collaterals in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease with yin-yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods:Seventy-six patients of diabetic kidney disease with yin-yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were randomly divided into observation group and control group,thirty-eight cases in each group.The control group was given conventional western medicine treatment,while the observation group took compound of owarming yang,descending turbidity and dredging collaterals orally on the basis of conventional western medicine treatment.The course of treatment covered for one month.Before and after treatment,we observed the scores of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms,indicators of renal function[serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),microalbuminuria(MALB)],indicators of glucose metabolism[fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2hPG),glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc)],indicators of hemorheology[plasma viscosity(PV),platelet aggregation rate(PAR),fibrinogen(FIB)],Cystatin-C(Cys-C),C-reactive protein(CRP)in the two groups.Results:After treatment,the clinical effect of the observation group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.05).The scores of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms,indicators of renal function(Scr、BUN、UAER),indicators of glucose metabolism(FPG、2hPG、HbAlc),indicators of hemorheology(PV、PAR、FIB),Cys-C and CRP in the two groups were decreased significantly compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the observation group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compound of warming yang,descending turbidity and dredging collaterals has remarkable efficacy in treating of diabetic kidney disease patients with yin-yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome by alleviating clinical symptoms,glucose metabolism,renal function and microcirculatory disturbance,and the mechanism related to alleviation of microinflammation.

Clinical Study of Acupotomy Trinity Lysis on Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Syndrome

Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of acupotomy trinity lysis and traditional acupotomy on cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods:A total of 205 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy of liver and kidney deficiency syndrome were randomly divided into the experimental group(105 cases)and the control group(100 cases).The experimental group was relaxed with acupotomy in three positions:Heaven(tian),Human(ren)and Earth(di).Traditional acupotomy was used to relax Ashi acupoints of the affected vertebra in the control group.One treatment was conducted in one week,and the duration of one course of treatment was three weeks.The VAS,JOA score and NDI index were observed after treatment.Results:Before and after treatment,the total treatment efficiency of the treatment group was 95.23%,and that of the control group was 80.00%,there was significant difference between the two groups,P<0.05;Before operation,there was no significant difference in JOA score,NDI index score,and VAS score between the treatment group and the control group(P>0.05);there was no significant difference after 1 week(P>0.05),but there were significant differences between the two groups 2 weeks and 3 weeks after operation(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupotomy trinity lysis is a safe,effective and economical treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Effects of Noise Pollution on Functions of the Liver and Kidney of Rats

To study the effects of noise pollution on the functions of the liver and kidney of rats, a total of 40 male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and three experimental groups. The rats in the experimental groups were respectively stimulated with 38, 55 and 70 dB noise for 15 days, and the levels of blood components were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The results showed that in compari-son with the control group, the level of the blood glucose in the experimental groups increased by 23.53%, 52.94% and 88.24%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The levels of triglyceride in the blood rose by 20.83%, 38.54% and 79.68%, respectively, and the differences were also statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of globulin in the blood increased by 16.49%, 21.13% and 51.78%, and the level of albumin in the blood rose by 9.51 %, 12.67% and 17.89%, respectively. The level of total bilirubin in the blood increased by 27.04%, 41.63% and 73.67%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of creatinine in the blood rose by 9.72%, 10.21% and 20.99%, respectively. The level of amylase in the blood reduced by 6.6%, 13.05% and 23.89%, respectively. The level of creatine kinase in the blood decreased by 19.81%, 27.37% and 36.81 %, respectively, and the level of urea in the blood reduced by 11.19%, 12.77% and 19.26%, respectively. The results revealed that noise pollution could significantly affect the levels of blood components and the functions of the liver and kidney of rats.