Artificial Bear Bile:A Novel Approach to Balancing Medical Requirements and Animal Welfare

Bear bile has been a valuable and effective medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for over 13 centuries.However,the current practice of obtaining it through bear farming is under scrutiny for its adverse impact on bear welfare.Here,we present a new approach for creating artificial bear bile(ABB)as a high-quality and sustainable alternative to natural bear bile.This study addresses the scientific challenges of creating bear bile alternatives through interdisciplinary collaborations across various fields,including resources,chemistry,biology,medicine,pharmacology,and TCM.A comprehensive efficacy assessment system that bridges the gap between TCM and modern medical terminology has been established,allowing for the systematic screening of therapeutic constituents.Through the utilization of chemical synthesis and enzyme engineering technologies,our research has achieved the environmentally friendly,large-scale production of bear bile therapeutic compounds,as well as the optimization and recomposition of ABB formulations.The resulting ABB not only closely resembles natural bear bile in its composition but also offers advantages such as consistent product quality,availability of raw materials,and independence from threatened or wild resources.Comprehensive preclinical efficacy evaluations have demonstrated the equivalence of the therapeutic effects from ABB and those from commercially available drained bear bile(DBB).Furthermore,preclinical toxicological assessment and phase I clinical trials show that the safety of ABB is on par with that of the currently used DBB.This innovative strategy can serve as a new research paradigm for developing alternatives for other endangered TCMs,thereby strengthening the integrity and sustainability of TCM.

Analysis of the present situation and influencing factors of self-perceived burden in primary glaucoma patients

Objective:To explore the status of self-perceived burden(SPB)in primary glaucoma patients and to analyze its influencing factors.Subject and setting:A questionnaire survey was administered to 236 inpatients from a tertiary general hospital and a eye hospital in Tianjin.The investigation was conducted after obtaining informed consent from each participant.Instruments:They were investigated using general data questionnaire,Self-Perceived Burden Scale(SPBS),Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire(MCMQ).Design:A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to gather data in this study.Results:The total SPBS score of primary glaucoma patients was(31.10±9.34)was medium.Regression consults showed that avoidance and surrender coping style,medical burden and right eye vision were the influencing factors of patients’SPB(P<0.05).Conclusion:Patients with primary glaucoma have a relatively heavy SPB,so medical staff should encourage them to actively face it.Tailored strategies in line with the patient’s economic and visual conditions to reduce the SPB.

Effect of modified Wendan Decoction on enteric glia cells in depression model rats

Background:To explore the effect of modified Wendan Decoction on expression of enteric glial cells in depression model rats.Methods:Eighteen rats were randomly divided into the Blank group,Model group,and modified Wendan Decoction group(Decoction group).Depression was induced by isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress in rats of all groups except for the Blank group.Changes of protein and mRNA expressions of the specific markers of enteric glial cells,glial fibrillary acidic protein,and S100 calcium-binding proteinβsubunit(S100β)in the stomach and colon tissues of rats in each group were detected respectively using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results:Compared with the Blank group,the percentage of positive cells and the mRNA expression of GFAP and S100βwere increased in the Model group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);compared with the Model group,the percentage of positive cells and the mRNA expression of GFAP and S100βin gastrointestinal tissues of rats were decreased in the Decoction group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The depression model rats developed hyperplasia,and enteric glial cells(EGCs)was activated.The mechanism of action of the Wendan Decoction on improving depression and promoting gastrointestinal motility may be achieved by inhibiting the hyperplasia and activation of EGCs in rats with depression.

Preparation,Pharmacokinetics,and Tissue Distribution Properties of Icariin-Loaded Stealth Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Mice

Objective To evaluate the difference of the pharmacokinetic(PK)and tissue distribution properties in mice administrated with lyophilized icariin stealth solid lipid nanoparticles(Ica-SSLN)modified by polyethylene glycol and icariin control solution(Ica-Sol).Meanwhile,to establish a sensitive,specific,and stable HPLC method for the determination of Ica in mice plasma and various tissues.Methods Ica-SSLN was prepared by high temperature melt-cool solidification method.Particle size and Zeta potentials were measured by a ZetaPlus.After iv administration of Ica-SSLN and Ica-Sol at a single dose of 7.46 mg/kg,the blood and tissues including brain,liver,spleen,lung, heart,and kidney were collected at different time points.The obtained concentration from HPLC analysis was statistically treated to determine the PK model and the relevant PK parameters using DAS1.0.Tissue distribution studies of Ica-SSLN were carried out in Kunming mice after iv administration and compared to Ica-Sol.Results The characteristic data showed that the mean particle size of Ica-SSLN was(50.03±0.90)nm,entrapment efficiency was(71.67±1.09)%,and the particles carried negative charge,Zeta potential was(?22.77±1.89)mV.The concentration-time profiles of Ica in mice after iv administrated with Ica-SSLN and Ica-Sol were shown to fit a two-compartment open model.Compared with Ica-Sol,the t1/2βof Ica-SSLN was prolonged by seven times and the AUC was increased by four times.The levels of Ica concentration in the kidney tissues were significantly increased. In addition,compared with Ica-Sol,the relative target efficiency to kidney tissue was 79%and the relative tissue exposure was 16.95.Conclusion It demonstrates that Ica-SSLN has selective targeting to kidney tissue and the kidney targeted Ica-SSLN seems to have significant advantages and good development value.

Influence of Acupuncture on HPA Axis in a Rat Model of Chronic Stress-induced Depression

Objective： To investigate the neurobiological mechanism of depression pathogenesis and reveal the mechanism of acupuncture treatment of depression. Methods： Wistar rats were selected for subjects. A rat model of depression was made by individually housing with unpredicted chronic moderate stimuli. Changes in behavior and hypothalamus-pituitaryadrenocortical axis were examined in rat models of stress-induced depression. Meanwhile, the intervening effect of acupuncture was evaluated and the curative effects of different acupuncture methods compared. Results： CORT and ACTH contents of serum were significantly higher in the model and normal saline groups than in the control group （P〈0.05）, significantly lower in the hand acupuncture and electroacupuncture groups than in the model group （P〈0.05） and significantly lower in the medication group than in the normal saline group （P〈0.05）. There were no significant differences between the hand acupuncture, electroacupuncture and medication groups. Conclusion： Acupuncture of Baihui（GV 20） and Taichong （LR 3） has a marked antidepressant effect. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of HPA axis by acupuncture.