Less SO2 residue may not indicate higher quality, better efficacy and weaker toxicity of sulfur-fumigated herbs: Ginseng, a pilot study

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a hazardous residue in sulfur-fumigated herbs. Standards limiting SO₂ content have been adopted worldwide for quality control of sulfur-fumigated herbs, and herbs with less SO₂ are believed to be better. However, the standards are based only on the safe dose of SO₂ and may not characterize changes in herbal quality, thereby the efficacy and toxicity, resulting from sulfur fumigation. To confirm this, here the correlation of residual SO₂ content with the quality/efficacy/toxicity of sulfur-fumigated herb was investigated, and ginseng was selected as a pilot study object. Four sulfur-fumigated ginseng samples with different SO₂ contents were systemically compared regarding their quality, anti-inflammatory, anti-shock and anti-stress efficacies, as well as acute and chronic toxicities. The results demonstrated that the SO₂ content did not correlate with the quality, efficacy and toxicity changes of ginseng; more specifically, less SO₂ residue did not indicate higher quality, better efficacy nor weaker toxicity. This fact suggests that SO₂ content cannot characterize the variations in quality, efficacy and toxicity of sulfur-fumigated herbs. Therefore, the standard limiting SO₂ content alone may be inadequate for quality control of sulfur-fumigated herbs, and new standards including other indicators that can exactly reflect herbal efficacy and safety are necessary.

Effects of antibiotic residues in milk on growth, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community of preweaning dairy calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antibiotic residues in milk on growth, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community of dairy calves in their first 35 d of age. Twenty newborn Holstein bull calves were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments equally: milk replacer without antibiotics (control) and milk replacer plus 4 antibiotics: 0.024 mg/L of penicillin, 0.025 mg/L of streptomycin, 0.1 mg/L of tetracycline, and 0.33 mg/L of ceftiofur (ANT). Starter intake and fecal consistency scores of each calf were recorded on a daily basis. Body weight, withers height, body length, and heart girth were measured on d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 before feeding in the morning. Rumen fluid was collected on d 15, 25, and 35 to determine ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and NH₃-N concentrations. A total of 10 (5 per treatment) samples of rumen fluid taken on d 35 were analyzed for microbial community. Rumen tissues from the cranial ventral sac and cranial dorsal sac were collected from 8 calves of each group for morphology analysis on d 35 after being harvested. The results showed that calves in 2 treatments had similar starter intake, body weight, withers height, body length, heart girth, and average daily gain. The ANT group showed a lower diarrhea frequency in wk 4, and no differences were found for other weeks. Calves in the ANT group exhibited a greater concentration of acetic acid in the rumen and no differences for other VFA, total VFA, rumen pH, or NH₃-N. As for rumen morphology, the length of papillae from cranial ventral sac of the ANT group was longer than that of the control group. The results of ruminal microbial community showed that antibiotic residues had minor effects on bacteria phyla and bacteria diversity. At the genus level, calves in the ANT group showed lower richness of Prevotella and higher richness of Acetitomaculum. In conclusion, antibiotic residues stimulated the development of ruminal papillae and increased the production of acetic acid in rumen, which might be caused by the influence of antibiotics on the ruminal microbial community.

Independent or integrative processing approach of metabolite datasets from different biospecimens potentially affects metabolic pathway recognition in metabolomics

In metabolomics studies, metabolic pathway recognition (MPR) is performed by software tools to screen out the significant pathways disturbed by diseases or reinstated by drugs. To achieve MPR, the significantly changed metabolites determined in different biospecimens (e.g. plasma and urine) are analyzed either independently (metabolites from each biospecimen as a dataset) or integratively (metabolites from all biospecimens as a dataset). However, whether the choice of these two processing approaches affects the results of MPR remains unknown. In this study, this issue was addressed by selecting evaluation of the effects of the herbal medicine Rehmanniae Radix (RR) on anemia and adrenal fatigue by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-based metabolomics as an example. The significant pathways disturbed by the modeling of anemia and adrenal fatigue and those reinstated by treatments with raw and processed RR were recognized using MetPA software tool (MetaboAnalyst 3.0), and compared by independent and integrative processing of the significantly changed metabolites determined in plasma and urine. The results showed that the two processing approaches could yield different impact values of pathways and thereby recognize different significant pathways. The differences appear to happen more easily when metabolites from different biospecimens shared the same metabolic pathway. Such pathway could be recognized as a significant pathway by integrative processing but could be excluded by independent processing due to the converged and dispersed importance contributions of the involved metabolites to MPR in the two processing approaches. This issue should concern researchers because MPR is crucial not only to understanding metabolomics data but also to guiding subsequent mechanistic research.

[Imaging diagnosis of brucella spondylitis and tuberculous spondylitis]

Objective: To compare the characteristics of X-ray, CT and MRI of Brucella spondylitis and tuberculous spondylitis and its significance for differential diagnosis. Methods: A total of 10 cases of Brucella spondylitis and 20 cases of tuberculous spondylitis confirmed from the clinical, laboratory or pathological department were enrolled between January 2014 and August 2017 in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University. The CT, MRI findings were retrospectively analyzed to improve the differential diagnosis of these two diseases. Results: Of the 10 cases of Brucella spondylitis, 8 were located only in the lumbosacral vertebrae, 1 in the thoracic vertebrae only, 1 in the cervical and thoracic vertebrae, 8 with invasive bone destruction, and 8 with narrowed intervertebral space. In 9 cases of intervertebral disc destruction, 7 cases developed paravertebral abscesses, 3 cases had sclerotic edges, all cases had no vertebral body flattening, 5 cases invaded the accessory, 4 cases formed sequestrum, and 6 cases invaded the spinal canal. There were 3 cases showing invasion of surrounding muscles. In 20 cases of tuberculous spondylitis, 12 cases were located in the lumbosacral vertebrae, 6 cases in the thoracic vertebrae only, 1 involved the thoracic vertebrae and lumbosacral vertebrae, 1 involved the neck, chest, and lumbosacral vertebrae. Bone destruction of bone, 19 cases of intervertebral space narrowing, 20 cases of intervertebral disc destruction, 18 cases of paraspinal abscess formation, 10 cases of sclerotic edge formation, 6 cases of vertebral body flattened, 16 cases of invading attachment. There were 17 cases of sequestrum formation, 13 cases of invasion of the spinal canal, and 12 cases of violation of surrounding muscles. There were statistical differences between the two types of imaging signs such as the type of vertebral destruction and the presence or absence of sequestrum. Conclusion: The type of vertebral destruction and the presence or absence of imaging features such as sequestrumwill facilitate the differential diagnosis of Brucella spondylitis and tuberculous spondylitis.

[Effects of nasal steroids on pulmonary function in patients with allergic rhinitis]

Objective:The aim of this study was to observe the changes of pulmonary function in patients with allergic rhinitis and the effect of nasal glucocorticoid on pulmonary function.Method:Ninety patients with Moderate and severe AR and 50 healthy control subjects were recruited.All participates accepted a pulmonary function test and make a statistical analysis.90 patients of AR were divided into two groups:A group(50) and B group(40).A group treated with nasal budesonide and loratadine,while B group treated with nasal normal saline and loratadine.After 3 months,all patients reviewed the lung function.Result:Comparing with control,FEV1.0/FVC,MMEF,FEF50% and FEF75% reduced significantly in AR group(P<0.01),after 3 months,the treatment of A group compared before:FEV1.0/FVC(P<0.05),MMEF,FEF50% and FEF75%(P<0.01) had statistical significance.Compared B group after the treatment:FEF75% (P<0.05) was significant.After the treatment of group A compared with normal group:there was no significance.Conclusion:The reduced pulmonary function of allergic rhinitis paitents is mainly due to the small airway dysfunction.Budesonide is superior to loratadine to improve the pulmonary function.

Herb-drug interaction: A case study of effects and involved mechanisms of cisplatin on the pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Rb1 in tumor-bearing mice

Ginseng is often prescribed together with cisplatin for treatment of cancer, but the interaction between ginseng and cisplatin is still unknown. This study employed ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of the major components in ginseng, to explore the effects and involved mechanisms of cisplatin on the pharmacokinetics of ginseng. The effects of cisplatin on the pharmacokinetics of Rb1 and its bioactive metabolites Rd, Rg3, and F2 were investigated by using A549-bearing mice with and without cisplatin intervention. Our data showed that cisplatin could significantly decrease the AUC_(0-t) and C_max of Rd, Rg3, and F2, except Rb1. To evaluate the involved mechanisms, feces and intestinal mucosa were collected to explore the effects of cisplatin on the gut metabolism of Rb1 in vitro; meanwhile, Caco-2 cell model and small intestine histological characters were examined to evaluate the effects of cisplatin on the gut absorptive areas and permeability. The mechanisms involved may be mainly related to the comprehensive contributions of inhibited intestinal bacteria and mucosa metabolisms, narrowed intestinal absorptive area, increased efflux ratio of intestinal absorption and enhanced intestinal permeability. All these findings suggested that the dosage of ginseng traditionally used for health protection should be adjusted when it was prescribed together with cisplatin in the treatment of cancer.

[Comparison of the secretory related molecules expression in stem cells from the pulp of human exfoliated deciduous teeth and dental pulp stem cells]

Objective: To compare the general biological characteristics and the expressions of proteins involved in secretion in stem cells from the pulp of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Methods: SHED and DPSC were cultured and collected at passage 4 (P4) and P7. The submandibular gland epithelial and interstitial cells were cultured with tissue culture method. The cell morphology was observed using a phase contrast microscope. Flow cytometry was used to detect stem cell surface markers. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and IncuCyte ZOOM were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to examine the mRNA expressions of proteins involved in fluid and protein secretion. Results: P4 and P7 SHED and DPSC were spindle-shaped. There was no difference in cell morphology among the 4 group cells. P4 and P7 SHED and DPSC expressed CD29, CD44, CD73, and CD90, the mesenchymal stem cell markers, while, CD49f and CD117, the epithelium markers were undetected. There was no difference in cell proliferation among the 4 group cells. Compared with P4 SHED, the expressions of muscarinic cholinergic receptor 1 (MR1), MR3, aquaporin 5 (AQP5), β1-adrenoceptor (β1-AR), α-amylase, and mucin 5B in SHED were not different, while β2-AR expression was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with P4 DPSC, the expressions of MR3, β2-AR, and α-amylase in P7 DPSC were not different, while, the expressions of MR1, AQP5, β1-AR, and mucin 5B were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with primary cultured submandibular gland epithelial cells and gland tissues from a child, the expressions of proteins involved in secretion were all decreased. Compared with submandibular epithelial cells from adults, the expression of AQP5 in P4 DPSC was decreased (P<0.05), while other proteins were not different. The expressions of AQP5, β1-AR, α-amylase and mucin 5B in P7 DPSC were increased (P<0.05), while other proteins were not different. In P4 and P7 DPSC, all the protein expression levels were decreased, compared with those in submandibular gland tissues (P<0.01). Conclusions: Compared with DPSC, SHED have stable growth and the expressions of protein involved fluid and protein secretion are low. Based on its extensive sources and easy separation, SHED can be used as the ideal seed cell for salivary gland tissue engineering and the treatment of salivary gland hypofunction, and the P4 to P7 SHED can be used for experimental study.

[Deltoid ligament augmentation and repairing in ankle fracture associated with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis]

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of the deep component augmentation and superficial component repairing and syndesmosis screw fixation in treating ankle fracture associated with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2017, 16 patients with ankle fracture combined with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis were treated with the deep component augmentation and superficial component repairing in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital.Of the patients, 13 were males and 3 were females, with an average age of (38±10) years (21-57 years). Nine cases were athletic injuries, 4 cases were daily-life injuries and 3 cases were traffic injuries.According to the Weber classification, 6 cases were type B, 10 cases were type C. According to the Lauge-Hansen classification, 6 cases were supination external rotation Ⅳ injury, 9 cases were pronation external rotation Ⅳ injury, 1 case was pronation abduction Ⅲ injury.The surgical treatment method was rigid fixation of the lateral malleolus and deep deltoid ligament augamentation instead of syndesmosis screw fixation.The effect of the surgical method was observed. Results: The average follow up was (24±12) months (6-40 months). The mean degree of dorsiflexion was 17.8°±6.8° (5°-30°), with 3.8°±6.0° (0°-15°) less than that in normal side, the mean degree of plantar flexion was 46.9°±7.9°, with 1.9°±3.9° (0°-10°) less than that in normal side.The mean Philips and Schwartz score was 96.8±5.1 (82-100), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score was 97.4±4.6 (84-100). Conclusion: In the treatment of ankle fracture associated with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis, the deep component augmentation and superficial component repairing and proper rehabilitation can benefit the functional recovery.

[The technique of retaining part of the external auditory canal posterior wall with epitympanoplasty in soft wall reconstruction treating middle ear cholesteatoma]

Objective:To investigate the surgical treatment of cholesteatoma of the middle ear. Method:A retrospective analysis of patients from June 2013 to July 2016 diagnosed as cholesteatoma. 137 ears were divided into A group (retaining part of the external auditory canal posterior wall with epitympanoplasty in soft wall reconstruction for 75 ears) and B group (canal wall down mastoidotympanoplasty for 62 ears). the extent and damage of cholesteatoma were observed, comparing the time of dry ear and epithelial postoperative, the incidence of complications such as dizziness and hearing changes. Result:compared with B group, the postoperative dry ear time, epithelial time and hearing improvement in the A group were obviously improved, and the incidence of vertigo after operation was decreased, and the anatomical and physiological functions of the external auditory canal were protected. Conclusiont:The technique of retaining part of the external auditory canal posterior wall with epitympanoplasty in soft wall reconstruction is conductive to the removal of lesions and normal anatomical and physiological protection to external auditory canal, can prevent the forming of the abstraction pocket effectively and the recurrence of cholesteatoma, has clinical and practical value.

[Efficacy of lobaplatin plus S-1 and the predictive value of circulating tumor cell in patients with advanced gastric cancer]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lobaplatin (LBP) plus S-1 for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and determine the potential role of circulating tumor cells (CTC) for predicting the therapeutic response and prognosis. Methods: From January 2014 to February 2015, 64 consecutive patients with AGC received lobaplatin plus S-1 chemotherapy in Liaocheng People's Hospital. The clinical features, clinical response, adverse effects, prognosis and CTC pre- and post-treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between CTC and patients' disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) as well as overall survival (OS) were investigated. Results: All 64 patients completed 2 cycles of chemotherapy.The number of patients who achieved complete regression, partial regression, stable and progression were 0, 24 (37.5%), 18 (28.1%) and 22 (34.4%), respectively. ORR was 37.5% and DCR was 65.6%. The median PFS was 10.8 months(95%CI 7.1-12.0) and the median OS was 16.1 months(95%CI 12.4-18.8). The ORR and PFS were not significantly different between patients with baseline CTC≥2 and CTC<2 (25.0% vs 53.6%, P=0.150; 6.2 months vs 7.5 months, P=0.780), while the DCR and OS were significantly different (45.9% vs 90.0%, P=0.008; 10.5 months vs 17.2 months, P<0.001). After 2 cycles of chemotherapy, the ORR and DCR in patients with CTC≥2 were 16.7% and 45.9%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those observed in patients with CTC<2 (50.0% and 90.0%, respectively). The former also had shorter median PFS and OS (6.6 months vs 8.9 months, 8.4 months vs 15.0 months, respectively). Patients with persistently CTC<2 or those exhibiting an conversion to CTC<2 following chemotherapy had an improved PFS and OS, while patients with persistently CTC≥2 or those exhibiting an conversion to CTC≥2 following therapy had shorter PFS and OS.The most frequent adverse effects were grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal discomfort and myelosuppression. No patients discontinued chemotherapy because of adverse events. Conclusions: Lobaplatin plus S-1 had manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity in patients with AGC. CTC could be used as a biomarker in evaluating therapeutic response and predicting their prognosis.

[Helicobacter pylori and hepatic encephalopathy]

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is caused by severe liver disease or portal shunt. Metabolic disorders and central nervous system dysfunctions are the main symptoms of this syndrome. Ammonia is considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of HE. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) have been suggested as a possible source of ammonia production because of its high urease content. However, the relationship between H.pylori and blood ammonia and HE, as well as the therapeutic effect of H.pylori eradication on HE, is inconclusive, and the results are full of contradictions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the association of H. pylori with HE and to address the question of whether H. pylori eradication may be beneficial in the management of HE.

[TGF-β3 improves bone mesenchymal stem cells toward chondrogenic differentiation under hypoxia environment]

Objective: To investigate the impact of TGF-β3 on the chondrogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) under hypoxia environment. Methods: BM-MSCs were obtained from SD rat tibias and femora and cultured with whole bone marrow adherent method. Cell surface antigens were analyzed by flow cytometry and the multiple-directional differentiation capabilities were detected with special differentiation agents to affirm the reality of BM-MSCs. Under normoxia or hypoxia condition, BM-MSCs were induced with TGF-β3 or not. Then, alcian blue and immunofluorescence staining were performed to evaluate the expression level of aggrecan, collagen Ⅱ. qRT-PCR analysis were performed to analyze the expression of aggrecan, collagen Ⅱ and collagen Ⅹ. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis was performed to detect the mRNA and protein level of HIF-1α, collagenⅡ and β-catenin. Results: BM-MSCs were fibroblast-like shape and had ablities of osteogeic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, with the expression of CD(29, )CD(44) and CD(90) but not CD(45). Alcian blue and immunofluorescence staining showed that BM-MSCs strongly expressed the aggrecan and collagen Ⅱ with the presence of TGF-β3 under hypoxia condition. qRT-PCR analysis showed the mRNA expression levels of collagen Ⅱ, aggrecan and collagen Ⅹ were up-regulated at 2.46, 2.20 and 1.80 folds, comparing with control group (all P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the protein levels of HIF-1α, collagenⅡ in BM-MSCs were up-regulated with the presence of TGF-β3 under hypoxia condition, but β-catenin level was down-regulated. Conclusion: TGF-β3 promotes the chondrogenic differentiation ability of BM-MSCs under hypoxia condition, which may be relative with the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

[High resolution diffusion-weighted imaging for characterising nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of high resolution diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) using readout segmentation of long variable echo trains (RESOLVE ) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: A total of 131 with newly diagnosed NPC patients from the 5th Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included in this study from October 2013 to April 2016.DWI using RESOLVE technique was performed. The signal intensity (SI(lesion)), and mean(ADC(mean)), maximum(ADC(max)), minimum (ADC(min))ADCs of NPC were calculated. The signal intensity (SI(normal))and ADC (ADC(normal))of normal nasopharyngeal tissue were calculated. These quantitative parameters of NPC and normal nasopharyngeal tissue were compared.Statistical difference of ADC(mean), ADC(max) and ADC(min) between the clinical tumor stages were assessed. Results: On the DWI, all NPCs were clearly shown as high signal intensity relative to the surrounding normal nasopharyngeal structure(F=70.019, P=0.000). The ADC(mean)(F=20.442, P=0.000), ADC(max)(F=35.374, P=0.000), ADC(min)(F=61.534, P=0.000) in the carcinoma were significantly lower compared with that of normal nasopharyngeal structure. There was no statistically significant difference of ADC(mean), ADC(max) and ADC(min) (P>0.05)in different clinical stages of NPC. Conclusion: NPC can be clearly detected by RESOLVE-DWI, but the ADC(mean), ADC(max) and ADC(min) can not be used for differentiating the clinical stage of NPC.

[Expression of BRD4 in squamous cell carcinoma and its effects on cell proliferation and invasion ability]

Objective: To investigate the expression of BRD4 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tissues and cells, and the effects of its expression on cell proliferation and invasion ability. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect BRD4 protein expression in SCC tissues and paired normal esophageal squamous epithelial tissues. The expression of BRD4 protein was detected in different SCC cell lines and normal esophageal squamous epithelial cells by Western blot. BRD4 siRNA and control siRNA were used to transfect SCC Eca109 cells, and experiments were divided into three groups: untreated group, control siRNA group and BRD4 siRNA group. Western blot was employed to investigate the expression of BRD4 protein in the three groups of SCC Eca109 cells. CCK-8 kit was utilized to detect cell proliferation ability, and Transwell chamber was used to examine cell invasion ability. Finally, Western blot was used to detect the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins. Results: The positive rate of BRD4 protein expression in SCC tissues was significantly higher than that of normal squamous epithelial tissues. The expression of BRD4 protein in 4 SCC cell lines was higher than that in normal esophageal cell Het-1A. BRD4 siRNA obviously downregulated the expression of BRD4 protein in Eca109 cells, and its downregulation contributed to the suppression of cell proliferation and invasion ability in Eca109 cells (all P<0.05), coupled with the decreases of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins. Conclusion: BRD4 may be closely associated with the proliferation and invasion of SCC, and it thus may be a potential therapeutic target for SCC.

InSe: a two-dimensional material with strong interlayer coupling

Atomically thin, two-dimensional (2D) indium selenide (InSe) has attracted considerable attention due to the large tunability in the band gap (from 1.4 to 2.6 eV) and high carrier mobility. The intriguingly high dependence of the band gap on layer thickness may lead to novel device applications, although its origin remains poorly understood, and is generally attributed to the quantum confinement effect. In this work, we demonstrate via first-principles calculations that strong interlayer coupling may be mainly responsible for this phenomenon, especially in the fewer-layer region, and it could also be an essential factor influencing other material properties of β-InSe and γ-InSe. The existence of strong interlayer coupling manifests itself in three aspects: (i) indirect-to-direct band gap transitions with increasing layer thickness; (ii) fan-like frequency diagrams of the shear and breathing modes of few-layer flakes; and (iii) strong layer-dependent carrier mobilities. Our results indicate that multiple-layer InSe may be deserving of attention from FET-based technologies and may also be an ideal system to study interlayer coupling, possibly inherent in other 2D materials.

UPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics survey on the toxicity of triptolide and detoxication of licorice

Triptolide (TP) from Tripterygium wilfordii has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anticancer activities. TP is specially used for the treatment of awkward rheumatoid arthritis, but its clinical application is confined by intense side effects. It is reported that licorice can obviously reduce the toxicity of TP, but the detailed mechanisms involved have not been comprehensively investigated. The current study aimed to explore metabolomics characteristics of the toxic reaction induced by TP and the intervention effect of licorice water extraction (LWE) against such toxicity. Obtained urine samples from control, TP and TP + LWE treated rats were analyzed by UPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS. The metabolic profiles of the control and the TP group were well differentiated by the principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The toxicity of TP was demonstrated to be evolving along with the exposure time of TP. Eight potential biomarkers related to TP toxicity were successfully identified in urine samples. Furthermore, LWE treatment could attenuate the change in six of the eight identified biomarkers. Functional pathway analysis revealed that the alterations in these metabolites were associated with tryptophan, pantothenic acid, and porphyrin metabolism. Therefore, it was concluded that LWE demonstrated interventional effects on TP toxicity through regulation of tryptophan, pantothenic acid, and porphyrin metabolism pathways, which provided novel insights into the possible mechanisms of TP toxicity as well as the potential therapeutic effects of LWE against such toxicity.

Ginseng polysaccharides enhanced ginsenoside Rb1 and microbial metabolites exposure through enhancing intestinal absorption and affecting gut microbial metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polysaccharides and small molecules commonly co-exist in decoctions of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Our previous study outlined that ginseng polysaccharides (GP) could interact with co-existing ginsenosides to produce synergistic effect in an over-fatigue and acute cold stress model via gut microbiota involved mechanisms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to verify the interactions by examining the impact of GP on oral pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), the dominant protopanoxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenoside in Ginseng, on a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced experimental colitis model which was characterized by gut dysbiosis, and to delineate the underlying mechanisms in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats received drinking water (normal group), 5% DSS (UC group), or 5% DSS plus daily oral administration of GP (GP group) for 7 days and fecal samples were collected on day -3, 0 and 6. On day 7 all animals received an oral dosage of Rb1 and blood samples were withdrawn for pharmacokinetic study. The in vitro metabolism study of Rb1 in gut microbiota from normal and UC rats and the transport study of Rb1 across Caco-2 cell monolayer were carried out in presence/absence of GP. Rb1 and its bacterial metabolites ginsenoside Rd (Rd), ginsenoside F2 (F2), Compound K (CK) and PPD were determined using LC-MS/MS. Total and target bacteria in fecal samples were determined by using 16S rRNA-based RT-PCR. β-Glucosidase activity was determined by measuring 4-nitrophenol formed from 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside hydrolysis.

RESULTS

DSS induction did not alter AUC_0-t and C_max of Rb1, which, however, were doubled together with elevated AUC_0-t of the metabolites, in particular Rd and CK, in GP group. GP influenced the microbial composition and showed a prebiotic-like effect. Accordingly, GP treatment could partially restore the β-glucosidase activity which was reduced by DSS induction. The presence of GP resulted in quicker microbial metabolism of Rb1 and higher Rd formation in first 8 h of incubation, while the impact on F2 and CK formation/conversion became obvious after 8 h. More interestingly, GP slightly stimulated Caco-2 cell growth and facilitated Rb1 transport across the Caco-2 monolayer in both directions, increasing the P_app of Rb1 from 10^-7 cm/s to 10^-6 cm/s.

CONCLUSIONS

GP alleviated DSS-induced colitis-like symptoms and enhanced the systemic exposure of Rb1 through enhancing microbial deglycosylation and intestinal epithelial absorption of Rb1. These findings further demonstrated the important role of gut microbiota in the multifaceted action of polysaccharides in the holistic actions of traditional decoction of TCMs.

[Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis and clinical application of sacroiliac screw placement]

Objective: To evaluate the possibility of transverse sacroiliac screw placement in different segments of the sacrum. Methods: Data of 80 pelvic CT scans (slice thickness ≤1.0 mm) archived in CT department of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from September 2016 to October 2017 were retrospectively collected. Mimics software was used to rebuild the pelvis three-dimensional model. According to whether the sacral 1(S(1)) segment could place the transverse sacroiliac screws or not, all the sacrums were divided into normal group (n=55) and dysmorphic group (n=25). Simulation the S(1), sacral 2(S(2)) transverse sacroiliac screw placement in 3-Matic software. Analysis whether there was any difference in maximum diameter and length of S(2) transverse sacroiliac screw between the normal group and the dysmorphic group. The pelvic CT data of the dysmorphic group were measured, and the optimal tilt angle and length of the oblique S(1) screw were obtained. The feasibility of transverse sacroiliac screw insertion in sacral 3(S(3)) segment was evaluated.t-test, rank sum test, and χ(2) test was used to analyze data, respectively. Results: In the dysmorphic group, the largest diameter of the S(1) transverse screw was (4.9±1.6)mm, and the normal group was (13.6±3.6)mm (t=-15.07, P=0.00). In the dysmorphic group, the largest diameter of S(2) transverse screw was (13.8±3.0)mm, and was (12.4±2.2)mm in the normal group(t=2.11, P=0.04). There was no significant difference in the length of S(2) transverse sacroiliac screw between the two groups (t=0.47, P=0.64). In the dysmorphic group, the anterior vertebral height of S(1) was (23.1±4.0)mm, which was significantly higher than that of the normal group ((14.1±4.2)mm)(t=9.01, P=0.00). The angle of S(1)S(2) in the dysmorphic group was 10.9°(3.8°, 17.6°), which was significantly larger than that of the normal group (2.0°(1.0°, 2.0°) (Z=-4.03, P=0.00). In the dysmorphic group, the incline angle of the oblique S(1) sacroiliac screw was (35.6±6.2)°, the anteversion angle was (37.2±4.4)°, and the mean screw length was (90.2±4.7)mm. In the dysmorphic group, the placement rate of S(3) transverse sacroiliac screw was 48.0%, and that of the normal sacral group was 9.1%. Conclusions: There is often dysmorphic in the sacrum in patients with large S(1) anterior vertebral height and S(1)S(2) angle. Sacral dysmorphic patients with posterior pelvic ring injury may be treated with S(1) pedicle oblique sacroiliac screws. S(3) transverse sacroiliac screws should be carefully placed, especially for the absence of sacral dysmorphic in patients.

Effects of sulfur-fumigation on the pharmacokinetics, metabolites and analgesic activity of Radix Paeoniae Alba

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix Paeoniae Alba (Baishao, BS), one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, has many pharmacological effects including analgesic activity. Previous studies found that sulfur-fumigation, a post-harvest handling process developed to prevent mold contamination of medicinal herbs, altered the quality of BS. However, whether sulfur-fumigation affects the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of BS warrants further investigation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the feasibility of sulfur-fumigation as a post-harvest handling process of BS from the viewpoints of pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pharmacokinetic behaviors of four active components of BS and one characteristic component of sulfur-fumigated BS (S-BS) were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-TQ-MS/MS). The safety was investigated using ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) based metabolomics approach after intragastric (i.g.) administration of non-fumigated BS (N-BS) and S-BS in rats. The analgesic efficacy was compared using hot-plate test in mice, after i.g. administration of N-BS and S-BS, at both high and low dosages.

RESULTS

Systemic exposures of paeoniflorin and oxypaeoniflorin, two analgesic components of BS, were significantly decreased in the S-BS treated group compared to the N-BS treated group, while paeoniflorin sulfonate, one of the sulfur-containing derivatives of S-BS, was detected in all time-points of S-BS treated group with the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC_0-t) and the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) as high as 7077.06 ± 2232.97ng/mL*h and 1641.42 ± 634.79ng/mL respectively, which indicated that sulfur-fumigation altered the pharmacokinetic behaviors of BS. Besides, paeoniflorin sulfonate and its four metabolites with ambiguous toxicities, as well as one endogenous metabolite p-cresol glucuronide, the biomarker of disordered homeostasis of intestinal bacteria and bile acid, were identified as the characteristic metabolites in S-BS administered rats, suggesting that sulfur-fumigation reduced the safety of BS. Furthermore, the analgesic effects at both low and high dosages were decreased in different extent when compared to N-BS administered groups, indicating that sulfur-fumigation weakened the efficacy of BS.

CONCLUSION

Sulfur-fumigation altered the pharmacokinetics, as well as reduced the safety and efficacy of BS, suggesting that sulfur-fumigation is not recommended for post-harvest handling of BS.