Cognitive-adaptive Functioning Gap and Mediating Factors that Impact Adaptive Functioning in Chinese Preschool-aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study aimed to investigate the gap between adaptive functioning and cognitive functioning, especially verbal and nonverbal intelligence quotient (IQ) in Chinese children with ASD. We systematically explored cognitive functioning, ASD severity, early signs of developmental abnormalities, and socioeconomic factors as mediating factors of adaptive functioning. We enrolled 151 children (age: 2.5?6 years) with ASD and categorized them into one group with IQ ≥ 70 and another with IQ < 70. The two groups were calibrated for age, age at diagnosis, and IQ, and the relationship of adaptive skills with vocabulary acquisition index (VAI) and nonverbal index (NVI) were separately analyzed. Results show that the gap between IQ and adaptive functioning was significant in children with ASD having IQ ≥ 70, with both VAI and NVI showing statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001). VAI correlated positively with scores for overall adaptive skills and specific domains, whereas NVI had no significant correlations with adaptive skill scores. Age of first walking unaided had an independent positive correlation (all P < 0.05) with scores of adaptive skills and specific domains. IQ-adaptive functioning gap is significant in children with ASD having IQ ≥ 70, suggesting that defining "high-functioning autism" merely on the basis of IQ is not appropriate. Verbal IQ and early signs of motor development are specific and possible predictors of adaptive functioning in children with ASD, respectively.

The role of caregiver gestures and gesture-related responses of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communicative abnormalities. Deficits and delays in gestural communication are among the early deficits of ASD and also a major social modality in early caregiver-toddler interaction. Caregiver gestures have an important role in the cognitive and social development of children with ASD. Thus, it is urgent to further explore the role of caregiver gestures in early caregiver-toddler interaction. In this cross-sectional study, we observed the caregivers' gestures and responses of toddlers aged between 18 and 24 months during play (ASD = 44, TD = 29) and dining activities (ASD = 34, TD = 27). By observing the different frequencies and patterns of gestures by the caregiver-child interaction and the different proportions of children's responses to the caregiver's gestures, we found that, compared to caregivers of typically developing toddlers, caregivers of toddlers with ASD had fewer synchronized gestures and more unsynchronized gestures in the play activity and more supplementary gestures in dining activity. Toddlers with ASD produced more social responses to caregivers' synchronized gestures, whereas the use of synchronized gestures by the caregivers in caregiver-toddler interaction had a positive influence on social responses to toddlers with ASD. The findings suggest that effective use of gestures by caregivers during caregiver-toddler activities can improve children's social responses.

[Psychological and behavioral functioning of children and adolescents during long-term home-schooling]

Objective: To study the characteristics and risk factors of psychological and behavioral problems of children and adolescents of different ages and genders in long-term home-schooling during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Further, to provide scientific basis for more targeted psychological intervention and coping strategies in the future. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted on students aged 6-16 years old in five representative cities of North (Beijing), East (Shanghai), West (Chongqing), South (Guangzhou) and Middle (Wuhan) in China. In this study, the social behavior and psychological abnormalities which was defined as the positive of any dimension were investigated in multiple dimensions during long-term home-schooling. The influencing factors of psycho-behavioral problems were analyzed by Logistic regression, and the confounding factors were corrected with graded multivariable adjustment. Results: A total of 6 906 valid questionnaires were collected including 3 592 boys and 3 314 girls, of whom 3 626 were children (6-11 years old) and 3 280 were adolescents (12-16 years old). The positive detection rate of psychosocial-behavioral problems were 13.0% (900/6 906) totally, 9.6% (344/3 592) in boys and 16.8% (556/3 314) in girls respectively, and 7.3%(142/1 946) in boys aged 6-11, 14.0%(235/1 680) in girls aged 6-11, 12.3%(202/1 646) in boys aged 12-16, 19.6%(321/1 634) in girls aged 12-16 respectively. There were significant differences between the psychological problems group and the non-psychological problems group in gender, parent-offspring conflict, number of close friends, family income change, sedentary time, homework time, screen exposure time, physical activity, dietary problems (χ²=78.851, 285.264, 52.839, 26.284, 22.778, 11.024, 10.688, 36.814, 70.982, all P<0.01). The most common symptoms in boys aged 6-11 years were compulsive activity, schizoid and depression, in girls aged 6-11 years were schizoid/compulsive activity, hyperactivity and social withdrawal, in boys aged 12-16 years were hyperactivity, compulsive activity and aggressive behavior, and in girls aged 12-16 years were schizoid, anxiety/compulsive activity and depression/withdrawal, respectively. After graded multivariable adjustment, besides the common risk factors, homework time and online study time were the risk factors of 6-11 years old groups [boys OR(95%CI): 1.750 (1.32-2.32), 1.214(1.00-1.47), girls: 1.579(1.25-1.99), 1.222(1.05-1.42), all P<0.05], videogames time were the risk factors of 12-16 years old groups [ boys: 2.237 (1.60-3.13), girls: 1.272 (1.00-1.61), all P<0.05]. Conclusions: Some children and adolescents may have psychological and behavioral problems during long-term home-schooling. The psychological and behavioral manifestations differed in age and gender subgroups, which deserve special attention in each subgroups. Schools, families and specialists should actively provide precise psychological support and comprehensive intervention strategies according to special features and risk factors.

The Gestures in 2-4-Year-Old Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Deficits in gestures act as early signs of impairment in social interaction (SI) and communication in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the pieces of literature on atypical gesture patterns in ASD children are contradictory. This investigation aimed to explore the atypical gesture pattern of ASD children from the dimensions of quantity, communicative function, and integration ability; and its relationship with social ability and adaptive behavior. We used a semi-structured interactive play to evaluate gestures of 33 ASD children (24–48 months old) and 24 typically developing (TD) children (12–36 months old). And we evaluated the social ability, adaptive behavior, and productive language of ASD and TD children by using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System version II (ABAS-II) and Chinese Communication Development Inventory (CCDI). No matter the total score of CCDI was corrected or not, the relative frequency of total gestures, behavior regulation (BR) gestures, SI gestures, and joint attention (JA) gestures of ASD children were lower than that of TD children, as well as the proportion of JA gestures. However, there was no significant group difference in the proportion of BR and SI gestures. Before adjusting for the total score of CCDI, the relative frequency of gestures without vocalization/verbalization integration and vocalization/verbalization-integrated gestures in ASD children was lower than that in TD children. However, after matching the total score of CCDI, only the relative frequency of gestures without vocalization/verbalization integration was lower. Regardless of the fact that the total score of CCDI was corrected or not, the relative frequency and the proportion of eye-gaze-integrated gestures in ASD children were lower than that in TD children. And the proportion of gestures without eye-gaze integration in ASD children was higher than that in TD children. For ASD children, the social skills score in ABAS-II was positively correlated with the relative frequency of SI gesture and eye-gaze-integrated gestures; the total score of ABAS-II was positively correlated with the relative frequency of total gestures and eye-gaze-integrated gestures. In conclusion, ASD children produce fewer gestures and have deficits in JA gestures. The deficiency of integrating eye gaze and gesture is the core deficit of ASD children’s gesture communication. Relatively, ASD children might be capable of integrating vocalization/verbalization into gestures. SI gestures and the ability to integrate gesture and eye gaze are related to social ability. The quantity of gestures and the ability to integrate gesture with eye gaze are related to adaptive behavior.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR1800019679.

Validation of the Simplified Chinese Psychoeducational Profile Third Edition in Mainland China

The Psychoeducational Profile 3rd Edition (PEP-3) is a comprehensive assessment tool designed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although its original English version has been validated, few validation studies have been conducted on translated versions including Chinese ones. Based on 554 Chinese children with ASD and 311 typically developing Chinese children as the control group, this study investigated the psychometric properties of a simplified Chinese PEP-3 (sCPEP-3) in China mainland. Psychometric evaluation of the sCPEP-3 showed satisfactory internal consistency, test–retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, convergent validity, construct validity, and factorial validity. The findings have several implications such as utilizing the sCPEP-3 in mainland China for customized educational program planning, early identification, and evaluating the treatment effects for children with ASD.

Acyl-carnitine, C5DC, and C26 as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that shown a close association with impaired lipid metabolism. The acyl-carnitine spectrum status in Chinese children with ASD has not been reported. In this study, we assessed the levels of blood acyl-carnitines in Chinese children with ASD and examined the relation between acyl-carnitine profiles and the intelligence levels. Blood levels of acyl-carnitines were determined by tandem mass spectrometry in 60 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children. Chinese Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence (C-WYCSI) was used in ASD group. Blood levels of free carnitine, glutaricyl carnitine, octyl carnitine, twenty four carbonyl carnitine and carnosyl carnitine in the ASD group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Glutaryl carnitine and carnosyl carnitine might be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of ASD. The changes in the acyl-carnitine spectrum indicate potential mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal fatty acid metabolism in preschool ASD children.

Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPARγ) in Metabolic Disorders in SGA with Catch-Up Growth

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal fat metabolism is a major disorder in adults who were small for gestational age (SGA). Peroxisome prolferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) participates in adipocyte differentiation and the regulation of lipid metabolism. This study explored the role of PPARγ in the regulation of fat catch-up growth (CUG) and the lipid metabolism of SGA individuals.

METHODS

The CUG-SGA rats were treated with pioglitazone. The weight of the visceral adipose tissue, serum lipid levels, and PPARγ expression in the visceral adipose tissue were detected at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age.

RESULTS

The PPARγ expression in the visceral adipose tissue in the CUG-SGA group was lower than that in the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (P < 0.05). The serum triglycerides in the CUG-SGA group were elevated compared with that in the AGA group at 4 and 12 weeks (P = 0.005; P = 0.037); however, they were significantly decreased after 8 weeks of pioglitazone intervention (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PPARγ expression in the visceral adipose tissue was lower in SGA rats and may be related to the regulation of adipocyte differentiation. The early increased PPARγ expression by pioglitazone might reduce serum triglycerides and decrease the CUG of the visceral adipose tissue in SGA.

A Family-Based Association Study of CYP11A1 and CYP11B1 Gene Polymorphisms With Autism in Chinese Trios

Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with the higher prevalence in males. Our previous studies have indicated lower progesterone levels in the children with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting involvement of the cytochrome P-450scc gene (CYP11A1) and cytochrome P-45011beta gene (CYP11B1) as candidate genes in autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the family-based genetic association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2279357 in the CYP11A1 gene and rs4534 and rs4541 in the CYP11B1 gene and autism spectrum disorder in Chinese children, which were selected according to the location in the coding region and 5' and 3' regions and minor allele frequencies of greater than 0.05 in the Chinese populations. The transmission disequilibrium test and case-control association analyses were performed in 100 Chinese Han autism spectrum disorder family trios. The genotype and allele frequency of the 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms had no statistical difference between the children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents (P> .05). Transmission disequilibrium test analysis showed transmission disequilibrium of CYP11A1 gene rs2279357 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (χ(2)= 5.038,P< .001). Our findings provide further support for the hypothesis that a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorder exists within or near the CYP11A1 gene in the Han Chinese population.

Post-receptor crosstalk between growth hormone and insulin signal in rats born small for gestational age with catch-up growth

Objective

Insulin resistance has been observed in individuals born small for gestational age (SGA) with catch-up growth (CUG), yet the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study examined the role of GH and insulin signaling crosstalk in insulin resistance of SGA rats with CUG.

Design and Methods

SGA rats were developed by dietary restriction in pregnant rats. GH receptor inhibition was performed on four-week old CUG-SGA and AGA rats. Phosphorylation of IRS-1, AKT, and ERK, and expression of SOCS3 in the skeletal muscle were determined via immunoblot analysis at baseline and after insulin stimulation in CUG-SGA, NCUG-SGA and AGA groups.

Results

Compared to AGA controls, phosphorylation of IRS-1 and AKT in response to insulin stimulation in CUG-SGA rats was significantly blunted (P<0.05), and phosphorylation of ERK at baseline was dramatically activated (P<0.05). SOCS3 expression was significantly increased in CUG-SGA compared to AGA (P = 0.001) and NCUG-SGA (P = 0.006) rats, and was significantly suppressed following GHR inhibition (P<0.05). Furthermore, phosphorylation of IRS-1 and AKT in response to insulin stimulation increased after GHR inhibition (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Insulin resistance in CUG-SGA rats is associated with impairment of IRS-1-PI3K-AKT signaling, which may result from GH signaling-induced up-regulation of SOCS3.

Effects of a high-protein diet on insulin resistance and body fat in catch-up growth rats born small for gestational age

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a high-protein (HP) diet on insulin resistance and body fat in catch-up growth (CUG) rats born small for gestational age (SGA).

METHODS

SGA rats were randomly divided into standard diet and HP diet groups. Perirenal fat weight and blood glucose, serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were measured at 4 and/or 8 weeks. Insulin resistance and β-cell function were evaluated by homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and HOMA%.

RESULTS

The values of HOMA-IR in both CUG-SGA groups were significantly higher than those in the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group (p < 0.01), whereas they were significantly lower in the HP diet CUG-SGA group than in the standard diet CUG-SGA group at week 8 (p < 0.01). At week 8, perirenal fat weight and adipocyte diameters were higher in both CUG-SGA groups than in the AGA group (p < 0.05), but these values were significantly lower in the HP diet CUG-SGA group than in the standard diet CUG-SGA group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The HP diet had positive effects on the prevention of insulin resistance, which may have been caused by the reduction of body fat.

Insulin resistance and adiponectin levels are associated with height catch-up growth in pre-pubertal Chinese individuals born small for gestational age

Abstracts

Sophoridine exerts an anti-colorectal carcinoma effect through apoptosis induction in vitro and in vivo

AIMS

To further investigate the anti-colorectal carcinoma (CRC) effect of Sophoridine (SRI) which is a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Sophora alopecuroides L. and detect the mechanism involved, provide some basis for the development of S. alopecuroides L.

MAIN METHODS

The anti-proliferation of SRI in human colorectal cells SW480 were detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. The potential mechanism of anti-proliferation was also investigated using apoptosis assays. The rate of apoptosis cells was detected also. The apoptosis-related proteins cysteinyl aspartate specific protease (caspase), caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, and poly-ADP-ribose-poly-merase (PARP) were determined by western blotting analysis. In animal studies, nude mice were subcutaneously injected with SW480 cells in the armpit to establish the xenograft tumors and administrated with different drugs (control, 5-Fu, SRI H, and SRI L). The general state of health of the mice and the growth of tumors were observed and the inhibitory rate was calculated. The pathology and ultrastructure of xenograft tumors treated with SRI were observed also.

KEY FINDINGS

SRI significantly inhibited the growth of SW480 cells, and the administration of SRI significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors without apparent toxicity. SRI's mechanism of action involved the induction of apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that SRI produces obvious anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo. It supports the viability of developing SRI as a novel therapeutic prodrug for CRC treatment, as well as providing a method for identifying new anti-tumor drugs in TCM.

Association between height and weight catch-up growth with insulin resistance in pre-pubertal Chinese children born small for gestational age at two different ages

This study was performed to test whether children born small for gestational age (SGA) with catch-up growth (CUG) could be associated with the early development of insulin resistance and the β-cell dysfunction and to explore the impacts of height CUG and weight CUG on the insulin resistance in a Chinese population. A total of 30 children born SGA with CUG, 37 non-CUG (NCUG), and 42 born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with normal height were recruited. Their fasting serum insulin, fasting glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, and the homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA%) were evaluated. The values of HOMA-IR in CUG SGA were significantly higher than that in NCUG SGA (P = 0.002) and AGA children (P = 0.036), respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the concentrations of fasting serum insulin were positively correlated with IGF-1 (r = 0.443, P = 0.001) and Δheight standard deviation score (SDS; r = 0.500, P = 0.002) in ≤ 6-year-old SGA children, but only with Δweight SDS (r = 0.496, P = 0.030) in >6-year-old children. In conclusion, SGA children with CUG in height and a higher body mass index are prone to the development of insulin resistance. Higher levels of insulin were closely correlated with the postnatal height CUG in young SGA children and with the weight CUG in old children.

Effect of sophoridine on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice

Sophoridine (SRI), one of the quinolizidine alkaloids, is a new anticancer drug with noticeable antitumor action and lower toxicity. To our knowledge, there is no report about its effect on colitis. Repeated colitis was induced by administration of four cycles of 4% DSS. The severity of colitis was assessed on the basis of clinical signs, colon length and histology scores. Moreover, cecum secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and plasma haptoglobin (HP) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ICAM-1, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene expression was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction using SYBR Green I. SRI administration significantly attenuated the damage and caused substantial reduction of the rise in plasma HP, and maintained the level of cecum sIgA. SRI inhibited the ICAM-1 gene expression and had no effect on MIF gene expression. In conclusion, for the first time, the activity of SRI on DSS-induced colitis mice was investigated, which suggests that SRI could be an attractive therapeutic option in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides increases the expression of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs and IL-10 in rats with experimental colitis

Previous studies have demonstrated that the total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides (TASA), which contains many different ingredients like sophocarpine, matrine, oxymatrine, sophoridine, sophoramine, aloperine and cytosine, were able to protect colon against ulcers caused by 2,4,6-trinitrobenze sulphonic acid (TNBS)/ethanol treated models. In order to elucidate the mechanisms by which TASA exerts its effect of anti-inflammation and immunoregulation on rats with colitis, DAI (disease activity index) and histological grading of colitis were evaluated in the animal model. Moreover, the expression of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10 in rats with experimental colitis were observed by FCM, ELISA and RT-PCR in this study. Results showed that TASA (15, 30 or 60 mg/kg/day) significantly up-regulated CD4(+)CD25(+)Tregs (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, P = 0.03) and IL-10 levels (ELISA: P = 0.03, P = 0.02, P = 0.00; RT-PCR: P = 0.04, P = 0.02, P = 0.01) respectively and decreased the DAI and histological grading of colitis in the peripheral blood (PB) and colon of rat colitis models (3.44 +/- 1.53, 4.25 +/- 1.27, 4.42 +/- 1.24 and 3.50 +/- 1.42, 4.05 +/- 1.32, 4.51 +/- 1.55 vs. 7.18 +/- 1.32 and 7.38 +/- 1.52, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Most interestingly, a negative correlation was demonstrated between the expression of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs and DAI (Pearson r(PB) = -0.677, P < 0.01; Pearson r(COLON) = -0.663, P < 0.01, n = 60), or histological grading of colitis (Pearson r(PB) = -0.725, P < 0.01; Pearson r(COLON) = -0.623, P < 0.01, n = 60). Simultaneously, a positive correlation existed between CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs and IL-10 cytokine (IL-10 mRNA) in the colon and PB of rats (Pearson r(PB) = 0.789, P < 0.01, n = 60; Pearson r(COLON) = 0.678, P < 0.01, n = 60). These results may explain to some extent the mechanisms of TASA on treating rats with experimental colitis.

[Effects of Yi Fu Ning soft gelatin capsules on reproductive endocrine-immune function of ovariectomized rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Yi Fu Ning Soft Gelatin Capsules (YFN) on reproductive endocrine-immune function of ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

60 3-month old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used, 50 of them were ovariectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: ovariectomizy (OVX) group, OVX with diethylstilbestrol tablets (DT) group, OVX with YFN (high dose, middle dose and low dose) group. The others were sham-operated group. The rats were administrated initially in the 4th week after the operation. After drugs had been given for 12 weeks the rats were sacrificed, blood serum hormone, IL-2 content and T lymphocyte subpopulation were detected with methods radioimmunoassay and flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTS

(1) Compared with sham group, the level of serum E2, Te and P significantly decreased (P < 0.01), FSH, LH content significantly increased; Blood T lymphocyte subpopulation CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio significantly decreased, serum IL-2 content also significantly decreased (P < 0.01). (2) Compared with model group, after treated by YFN, the level of serum E2 and P significantly increased (P < 0.01), serum FSH and LH content significantly decreased; T lymphocyte subpopulation CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were improved significantly and serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) content increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

YFN can increase serum sexual hormone content,reduce the level of FSH and LH, and improve imbalanced T lymphocyte subpopulation, stimulate IL-2 excretion, which means YFN can regulate inordinate reproductive endocrine-immune network in ovariectomized rats.

[Effect of pectins of different degree of esterification on in-vitro sophoridine release of hydrophilic matrix tablets containing total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare colon-targetting tablets of total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides and evaluate the effect of pectins of different degree of esterification (DE) on sophoridine release profiles in-vitro.

METHOD

Wet granulation technique was employed to prepare petin-based matrix tablets, then tablets were coated the optimal formulation with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP based on the optimal formulation and analysed their release.

RESULT

Coated formulation E could target total alkaloids of S. alopecuroides to colon and various DE of pectin exerted different effects on sophoridine release. The release of low DE pectin-based matrix tablets coating with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP approximatedly fitted zere-order eqution, which was erosion depended.

CONCLUSION

Low DE pectin-based matrix tablet coating with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP can deliver sophoridine to colon, hence improve the effectiveness of sophoridine.

[Screening on alkaloid of Sophora alopecuraides against adenocarcinoma of colon cell line SW620 in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To test 5 kinds of alkaloid of Sophora alopecuraides L., the effects of TBSA, MT, OMT, SC, SRI against adenocarcinoma of colon cell line SW620.

METHODS

SW620 cell line was treated with alkaloid at various concentrations. The effect on cell proliferative activity was measured by MTT assay and the effects of alkaloids against cell growth were compared. The changes of cell morphology were observed through optical microscope and fluorescence microscope and the cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay after the treatments.

RESULTS

According to the results of MTT assay, all of the 5 kinds of alkaloid especially SRI and MT were identified to produce growth inhibition against SW620 cells. The sequence of the intensity of effect was TBSA < OMT < SC < MT < SRI. Further study of SRI and MT demonstrated their effects on inducing SW620 cell apoptosis, and SRI showed the strongest effect. Both SRI and MT induced SW620 cells to apoptosis in a dose-and-time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

The 5 kinds of alkaloid especially SRI and MT may inhibit the growth of SW620 cells,and induce SW620 cell apoptosis. The results of this study pave the way for further identification of the effective components in Sophora alopecuraides L. that inhibit colorectal carcinoma both in vivo and in vitro.

[Protective effect of Oviductus Ranae capsules on the reproductive organs of aged mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the protective effect of Oviductus Ranae (OR) capsules on the reproductive organs in an aged mouse model established by D-galactose injection.

METHODS

Forty-eight female Kunming mice were randomly divided into 4 equal groups, namely the high- and low-dose OR groups, diethylstilbestrol (DT) group, and model group. The mice received subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 6 weeks to establish aging models. Another 12 mice were injected daily with normal saline (NS) to serve as the normal control group. From the third week of the experiment, the mice were given oral OR at low or high doses (in the OR groups) or vegetable oil (in the model or control groups) till the sixth week. In the last two weeks, the vaginal smears were obtained from the mice for evaluating the changes of the vaginal keratinocytes and counting the days of estrus. After completion of drug administration, all the mice were sacrificed and the serum content of estradiol (E(2)) was detected by radioimmunoassay, with the ovarian and uterine indices determined. The ovarian and uterine pathologies were observed using HE staining, and SOD and MDA activities in the ovary and uterus were also assessed.

RESULTS

OR obviously increased E(2) level and the ovarian and uterine indices in the aged mice, also alleviating the pathological change of the ovary and uterus. OR substantially depressed MDA content and enhanced SOD activity in the ovary and uterus.

CONCLUSION

OR has definite antioxidative effects and ameliorates the degenerative changes of the reproductive organs in mouse models of aging.

[Chemical constituents from Lespedeza virgata]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of Lespedeza virgata.

METHOD

The constituents were isolated by column chromatography and their structures were elucidated by chemical properties and spectroscopic evideuce.

RESULT

Seven components were isolated and identified as quercetin 3-O-[2"-O-( E'-6"-O-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-beta-D-galact opyranoside (1), kaempferol-7-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyransyl-kaempeferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), quercetine (4), E-beta-hydroxycinnamic acid (5), protocatechuic acid (6), p-hydroxybenzoic (7).

CONCLUSION

Seven components are isolated from L. virgata for the first time.

[Effects of total base of Sophora alopecuroides on expression of SOD, MDA, NO, MPO in rats with experimental colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of total base of Sophora alopecuroides on expression of SOD, MDA, NO, MPO in rats with experimental colitis (UC).

METHOD

SD rats were randomized into 6 groups and colitis was induced by administrating 2,4,6-trinitrobenzesulphonic acid (TNB) recatlly in rats. Rats were given drug by stomach after the first day for 3 weeks, and sacrificed at 23rd day to determine the content of MDA and activities of SOD, NO, MPO in colonic mucosa, and to estimate the symptom and colonic histology.

RESULT

In UC rats, SOD was significantly decreased whereas MDA, NO, MPO were increased when compared with the normal group (P < 0.05). In all treatment groups, Sophora alopecuroides could increase SOD, decrease MDA, NO, MPO (P < 0.05), and improve the symptoms and histological damages.

CONCLUSION

The total dose of S. alopecuroides may ameliorates or alleviate the symptoms of UC through inhibiting oxygen free radical reaction, decreasing the generation of NO and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

[Effects of Yifuning soft gelatin capsules on pathology and biomechanical indexes of ovariectomied rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of Yifuning soft gelatin capsules (YFN) on pathology and biomechanical indexes of ovariectomied female rats.

METHOD

Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats without pregnancy and delivery were used,50 of them were ovariectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: ovariectomy(OVX), OVX with diethylstilbestrol tables (DT), OVX with YFN (high dose,middle dose and low dose), the others were sham-operated group. The rats began to take the rats drugs in the fifth week after the operation. After 12 weeks of treat ment the rats were killed, and the bones were collected to inspect. The pathology of bone was observed with the HE stain and the area of trabecular was detected. The electronic testing device was used to detect the biomechanical properties.

RESULT

The results indicated that the rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) was a success. Compared with the model group, after application of the drugs, the observation of HE showed different repairing around trabecular. The biomechanical parameters also increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

YFN can effectively prevent the loss of bone in OVX rats and strengthen bone quality, and has a good effect on PMO oostmenopausal osteoporosis.

[Laboratory study of effects of yifuning soft capsules on postmenopausal osteoporosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of Yifuning soft capsules on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized female rats.

METHOD

60 female sprague-dawley rats in 3-month were used, 50 of them were ovariectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: ovariectomy (OVX), OVX with diethylstilbestrol tables (DT), OVX with YFN (high dose, middle dose and low dose), the others were sham-operated group. Began to give the rats drugs in the fifth week after the operation. After 12 weeks killed the rats. The blood,the uterus and bones were collected to inspect. The content of estrogen (E2) in serum was detected by radioimmunoassay method. The contents of Ca, P, ALP in serum were detected using the automic biochemistry-analyse device. The uterus were weight and the length, width, dry weight and net weight of the shoulder bone were measured. The contents of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn in the bone were measured using the automic absorption spectrophotometer. The right femer and the third lumbar vertebra were detected for BMD using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner and compression test using electronic testing device.

RESULT

After using the drugs,the content of E2, Ca in serum, the weight of uterus, the contents of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn in the bone and the BMD of right femer increased significantly, the content of P, ALP in serum decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Yifuning soft capsules has a good effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis, which provides evidence for clinical use.

[Experimental study on treatment of minimal change nephropathy with Lespedeza michx]

OBJECTIVE

To study the therapeutic effect of Lespedeza Michx in experimental rat model of minimal change nephropathy (MCN).

METHOD

The rat MCN model was reproduced by tail-intravenous injection of Adriamycin. The treatment effect of Lespedeza Michx was determined by the detection of urine protein collection for 24 hours, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ATCO, IL-8, TNF-alpha in serum, and renal histopathological changes were observed by microscope.

RESULT

Lespedeza Michx could decrease the contents of urine proteinuria, MDA, IL-8, and TNF-alpha in serum, increase SOD level and improved the pathological change of glomeruli.

CONCLUSION

Lespedeza Michx was effective on MCN.

Tests of the pharmacodynamics and toxicity of Duliang capsule

OBJECTIVE

To study the analgesic efficacy, toxicity and impact of Duliang capsule (DLC) and Duliang pill (DLP), different dosage forms of a patent Chinese herbal medicine, on the hemodynamics in mice and rats.

METHODS

In hotplate and writhing tests in mice, the effects of both drugs on the latency of paw-licking response and the writhing number of times were observed. The changes of blood viscosity in rat models of blood stasis were measured with Viscometer-R80, and acute and chronic toxicity of DLC observed.

RESULTS

DLP at the dose of 5 g/kg.b.w. and DLC at 10, 5 or 3 g/kg.b.w. significantly prolonged the latency of paw-licking response and reduced writhing times. The analgesic effects of DLC and DLP occurred 0.5 and 1 h respectively after the administration, and they could both lower the viscosity of the whole blood and hematocrit level in the blood-stasis rat models. Toxicity of the drug was not observed in acute or chronic toxicity tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Both DLC and DLP possess strong analgesic effect and can lower blood viscosity and hematocrit, but DLC takes effect sooner than DLP as analgesics and can be effectively and safely applied clinically.

[Study of the risk factors of blood pressure in children]

The blood pressure of 495 normal children aged nine to fourteen years were measured. The body height, weight, blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucosum(FBS) were also measured. The children's family history of hypertension and their dietary status and physical exercise status were investigated. The results showed that the older the child, the higher the blood pressure. On single factor analysis, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was positively correlated with age, family history of hypertension, intake of whole lipid milk, body height, weight, BMI, blood TC, LDL-C and FBS, whereas it was negatively correlated with the time of physical exercises and blood HDL-C/TC. Diastolic blood pressure(DBP) was positively correlated with age, body height, weight, IBM, FBS, blood TC and LDL-C, whereas it was negatively correlated with blood HDL-C/TC. Multifactor regression analysis showed that weight, age, blood TC and FBS had significant effects on SBP, while weight, age, blood TC and LDL-C had significant effect on DBP. Therefore, avoiding obesity, improving dietary status, taking more physical exercises and suitably lowering blood lipid and FBS should be carried out in children.

[An experimental study of the effect of Acanthopanax giraldii Harms on the central nervous system]

Experimental data indicated that Acanthopanax giraldii given intraperitoneally in mice had pronounced inhibitory effects on the CNS. It reduced the spontaneous activity, prolonged the hypnotic time of pentobarbital sodium and antagonised the amphetamine-induced hyperactivity. The results suggest that the sedative effect of A. giraldii is probably different from that of diazepam, but perhaps similar to that of reserpine.

[An experimental observation on the analgesic and antipyretic effects and toxicity of Acanthopanax giraldii Harms]

Experimental data indicate that EtOH extract of Acanthopanax giraldii (EAGH) has pronounced analgesic action and reduces not only high temperature induced by proteinic jelly, but also normal body temperature in rabbits. However no effect was observed on the fever induced by choleraic vaccine in rabbits. The acute ip LD50 of EAGH in mice was 73.34 +/- 7.29 g/kg (crude drug). In prolonged toxicity test on rats no harmful effects on body weight, blood picture, liver and kidney functions were observed.

[Effects of the preparation of xiao long ling on experimental prostatic hyperplasia in mice]

The results of the experiments indicate that the prostatic hyperplasia caused by Testosteroni Propionatis in mice, cotton oil-induced local swollen ears of mice and the proliferation of granuloma produced by subcutaneous implantation of cotton pill in rats are inhibited significantly by the preparation of Xiao Long Ling. Xiao Long Ling depresses the increase of vascular permeability induced by a variety of inflammatory media such as histamine, 5-HT and PGE. Xiao Long Ling is found capable of inhibiting the platelet aggregation induced by ADP as well as depolymerizing the aggregated platelets.