ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Therapeutic angiogenesis represents a promising strategy for recovery following myocardial infarction (MI). Yiqi Huoxue Formula (YQHX), a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, is widely utilized in clinical practice to treat myocardial ischemia and enhance cardiac performance in patients with MI. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory role of YQHX on mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) via the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway in promoting post-MI angiogenesis and restoring cardiac function. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An in vivo MI model was established via left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation in rats, and an in vitro model was developed using hypoxia-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The effects of YQHX on cardiac function and HUVEC behaviors (proliferation, migration, and tube formation) were evaluated. Myocardial histopathology and endothelial damage were assessed using HE/Masson staining and biochemical assays. Angiogenesis in the infarct border zone was visualized by platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) immunofluorescence. Ultrastructural changes in MAMs, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and mitochondria were observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca 2+) levels were detected using fluorescent probes. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed to identify key therapeutic pathways, followed by validation of the cGMP/PKG axis and MAMs-associated proteins (including cGMP, PKG, IP3R2, GRP75, FUNDC1, VDAC1, CYPD, and MCU) using ELISA, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS:Echocardiography and biochemical analysis demonstrated that high-dose YQHX demonstrated comparable efficacy to the first-line clinical drug Perindopril in preserving cardiac function and mitigating myocardial injury. Immunofluorescence revealed that while the infarct border zone in the MI group exhibited disordered and dysfunctional capillary proliferation, YQHX treatment promoted the formation of organized and functional microvessels. TEM revealed significant disruption of MAMs ultrastructure post-MI. Furthermore, the colocalization of IP3R2 and VDAC1 was markedly reduced in MI tissues and hypoxic HUVECs, an effect that was reversed by YQHX. Transcriptomic analysis identified the cGMP/PKG pathway as a pivotal mechanism. Activation of this pathway by YQHX restored MAMs structural integrity and rescued impaired cytosolic Ca2+ signaling, as confirmed by TEM, Western blotting, triple-labeling immunofluorescence, and calcium assays. Consequently, YQHX-mediated MAMs repair enhanced HUVEC proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity. CONCLUSION:This study demonstrates that MI/hypoxia impairs endothelial function by disrupting the structural and functional integrity of MAMs. YQHX effectively preserves MAMs architecture and restores intracellular Ca2+ signaling via the cGMP/PKG signaling axis, thereby promoting post-MI angiogenesis and improving cardiac performance. These findings identify a novel therapeutic target for MI and highlight the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine formulas in modulating subcellular organelle interactions. However, given the inherent variability of botanical materials, these mechanistic findings are based on a single validated batch, and future multi-batch standardizations are warranted.

Background The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patent medicine Huangjing Zanyu capsule (HJZY capsule) has achieved satisfactory clinical effects in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia (OAS). This study aimed to elucidate the impact of HJZY capsule on the reproductive system, focusing on oxidative stress and metabolism profiling during the intervention, to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of HJZY capsule in treating OAS. Methods Cyclophosphamide was used to establish OAS model rats. Time-sequence specimen collection was applied to monitor the dynamic development of the pharmacological effect of HJZY capsule. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were evaluated by biochemistry kits to examine the impact of HJZY capsule on oxidative stress. Non-targeted metabolomics was conducted for urine and testis samples, respectively, to investigate metabolic pathways through which the HJZY capsule takes effect. Results The HJZY capsule elevated sperm density from 62.1±8.28, passing 68.4±7.52, to 75.9±8.48×106/mL, and sperm motility from 62.0%±3.94%, passing 70.8%±9.72%, to 68.8%±4.37%. Meanwhile, SOD (P<0.05 in week 2) and GPX activity levels of HJZY groups were elevated to a certain degree, respectively, and lipid oxidation was attenuated, as shown by decreased MDA content (P<0.05 in week 2). Metabolomics results showed that the HJZY capsule could modulate pathways including taurine metabolism, purine and pyrimidine metabolism, glycerolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolism, and multiple amino acid metabolisms, among others. The cluster analysis results showed that urinary and testicular metabolomics differed in the strength of discrimination between rats in the OAS model and the HJZY groups. Conclusions The HJZY capsule exerts a comprehensive effect on OAS through influencing various metabolic pathways. Non-targeted metabolomics provides an effective way for profiling complex TCM prescriptions.

男科名老中医经验的传承与发展对于今后中医男科的继续发展有着较大的意义.首先,必须重视名老中医临床验案研究,尽可能全面地收集与积累,从回顾性总结这一最基本的工作做起,找出其中的规律性.二是在此基础上,对其学术思想体系进行研究,包括学术思想的主要内涵与特点、形成的理论渊源及指导临床实践的过程与意义等,掌握其学术思想的核心,在临床实践中加以应用.三是通过申请各级各类科研课题,将名老中医的经验进行规范化总结,将高新技术检测手段作为名老中医验案总结的观察指标,客观评价其疗效,从较深层次探讨名老中医经验的作用机制.此外,还应通过引进现代化检测指标,探索名老中医辨证分型经验的规律,丰富和发展中医辨证手段,对逐渐改变中医辨证仅依赖望闻问切传统四诊的状况做出探索.

Objective . Epilepsy is a neuronal disorder that is characterized by epileptic seizures and linked with abnormal neural functioning in the brain. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Chaibei Zhixian decoction (CZD) has been widely used for epilepsy in China while the pharmacological mechanisms are still unclear. In the present study, systematic and comprehensive network pharmacology was utilized for the first time to reveal the potential pharmacological mechanisms of CZD on epilepsy. Methods . Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and analysis platform was utilized for the development of an ingredients-targets database. After identifying epileptic targets of CZD, their interaction with other proteins was estimated based on protein-protein interaction network created from STITCH and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis utilizing Cytoscape-ClueGO plugin. Results . CZD formula was found to have 643 chemical ingredients, and the potential protein targets of these ingredients were 5230, as retrieved from TCMSP database. Twenty-six protein targets were found to be associated with epilepsy. Thirteen hub genes were regulated by CZD in epilepsy, including estradiol, ESR1, ESR2, SRC, CTNNB1, EP300, MAPK1, MAPK3, SP1, BRCA1, NCOA3, CHRM1, and GSK3B. The results of GO terms analysis showed that 8 GO terms were recovered in the form of 3 clusters, including negative regulation of protein kinase B signaling, positive regulation of interleukin-1 production, and microvillus assembly. Conclusions . Network pharmacology approach provides better understanding of the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of CZD on epilepsy. Estradiol, ESR1, ESR2, CTNNB1, EP300, MAPK1, MAPK3, BRCA1, and GSK3B are likely to be important molecules regulated by CZD in treatment of epilepsy. Negative regulation of protein kinase B signaling may play vital roles in the treatment of epilepsy by CZD.

目的 观察益气活血颗粒对心肌梗死后大鼠尿液中代谢物质的影响.方法 采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支制备SD大鼠的心肌梗死(MI)模型,将造模成功的大鼠随机分为7 d组和28 d组.每组再次随机分为模型组、培哚普利组、芪参益气滴丸组和益气活血颗粒组,另设只穿刺不结扎的假手术组.术后第2天开始培哚普利组(0.4 mg/kg)、芪参益气滴丸组(30 mg/kg)、益气活血颗粒组(21 g/kg)每天给予相应药物灌胃,模型组和假手术组给予等量蒸馏水灌胃.分别于灌胃7 d和28 d后收集大鼠尿液.尿液样本中含有的代谢物质种类相同,但含量不同,通过核磁共振氢谱检测分别筛选出7 d组和28 d组中差异代谢物质,并在假手术组和模型组比较得到的共同差异代谢物基础上,比较益气活血颗粒组与模型组的差异.结果 灌胃7d后初步筛选出有差异的代谢物质16种(P<0.05).模型组与假手术组相比,尿液中找到差异代谢物9种(P<0.05),其中模型组赖氨酸、β-羟丁酸、脯氨酸、谷氨酸、草酰乙酸酯含量较假手术组降低,而天冬酰胺、果糖、异亮氨酸、丝氨酸含量较假手术组升高.益气活血颗粒组与模型组比较,找到差异代谢物6种(P<0.05),益气活血颗粒组赖氨酸、β-羟丁酸、谷氨酸、草酰乙酸酯的含量较模型组升高,果糖、异亮氨酸含量较模型组降低.灌胃28 d后初步筛选出差异代谢物质25种(P<0.05).模型组与假手术组相比,尿液中找到差异代谢物14种(P<0.05),其中模型组β-羟丁酸、谷氨酸、甲胺、半胱氨酸、甜菜碱、胆碱、乳酸、脯氨酸、苏氨酸、苹果酸、烟酸含量较假手术组降低,而鸟氨酸、γ-氨基丁酸、α-葡萄糖含量较假手术组升高.益气活血颗粒组与模型组比较找到差异代谢物12种(P<0.05),益气活血颗粒组谷氨酸、半胱氨酸、甜菜碱、胆碱、乳酸、脯氨酸、苏氨酸、苹果酸、烟酸含量较模型组升高,鸟氨酸、甲胺、α-葡萄糖的含量较模型组降低.结论 MI后大鼠出现多种代谢障碍,而益气活血颗粒可有效调节紊乱的代谢产物,促使其向正常范围转归.

Objective: To explore the effect of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction on the metabolomics of acute myocardial infarction rats. Method: Left anterior descending coronary artery ligation was used to establish an acute myocardial infarction animal model. The rats were randomly divided into model, perindopril, QishenYiqi Dropping Pill and Yiqi Huoxue Decoction groups and compared with a sham-operation group. Blood metabolite changes were detected by nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics 7 and 28 days after operation. Metabolite differences between the administration and model groups were analyzed. P-values of the differences in metabolite levels between the drug and model groups were statistically analyzed. Results: Compared with the sham-operation group, there were 22 altered metabolites in the model group identified after 7 days and 15 identified after 28 days. Products of energy, carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism were the primary metabolites observed in the analyzed samples. Conclusion: After intervention with traditional Chinese medicine, there were clear changes in energy, carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism that restored the metabolic phenotype to the normal range, thus repairing the damage caused by myocardial infarction.

Objective To investigate the myocardial expressions of protein kinase B (Akt)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and effective mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Fang depending on model of myocardial ischemia.Methods The model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established through ligation of left coronary anterior descending branch in SD rats, and randomly divided into model group, perindopril group, Qishen Yiqi Gutta Pills group, Yiqi Huoxue Fang group and sham-operation group, and all groups were given orally corresponding medications respectively 2 d after operation.The observation time points were set on the 7th d and 28th d.The changes of heart function and structure were detected by using ultrasonic testing, changes of myocardial pathomorphology were observed after HE staining, and expressions of Akt, mTOR, p-Akt and p-mTOR in infarction marginal zone were detected by using Western blot test, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry technique in all groups.Results The level of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) decreased significantly in model group compared with sham-operation group on the 7th d and 28th d (P<0.01).The level of left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) increased significantly on the 7th d (P<0.01), and levels of LVESV and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) increased significantly (P<0.01) on the 28th d in model group.The levels of LVEF and LVFS increased and levels of LVEDV and LVESV decreased significantly in all medicated groups compared with model group (P<0.01).The thinner ventricular wall, less cardiomyocytes, disorder myocardial cells arrangement and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in infarction marginal zone in model group, and disorder myocardial cells arrangement and less cardiomyocytes were observed in all medicated groups.The ratio of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR increased (P<0.05), expressions of Akt m-RNA and mTOR m-RNA increased significantly (P<0.01), and levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR positive cell rates increased significantly (P<0.01) in model group.The ratio of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR increased (P<0.05), expressions of Akt m-RNA and mTOR m-RNA increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR positive cell rates increased significantly (P<0.05) in all medicated groups.Conclusion Yiqi Huoxue Fang can improve heart function and protect myocardial cells through activating cardiac self-protective mechanism-Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in rats with myocardial infarction.

Canolol is a decarboxylated derivative of sinapic acid. Due to lipophilic nature, canolol is an excellent orally bioavailable phenol. It mainly occurs in roasted rapeseeds. It is documented in the literature as a potent antioxidant and safe for human health. The mode of antioxidant activity of canolol involves the suppression of various free radicals such as 02, ONOO and 'OOH. As evident from the literature, few studies have been carried out to explore the free radical scavenging activity of canolol. Thus, the objective of this review article is to summarize the available literature about free radical scavenging potential of this promising phenol to pave the path for further investigations about biological activities of canolol.

Introduction: The aim of the study is to evaluate the ability of Real Time Elastography (RTE) to assess the stiffness of carotid plaque in patients.Materials and methods: 96 patients with carotid plaque were enrolled in this study. hypo-echo plaques, complex-echo plaques and strong-echo plaques in 96 patients were found by gray scale ultrasound. Meanwhile, RTE was used to display a color-coded strain map and calculate the strain ratio of different types of echo plaques with surrounding tissue.Results: Color-coded RTE image showed that the hypo-echo plaques were mainly red or green, complex-echo plaques were blue and green, and the strong-echo plaques were blue and white. The mean strain ratio of hypo-echo plaques, compounded-echo plaques and strong-echo plaques were 1.21+/-0.69, 435+/-3.19 and 41.14+/-33.09, respectively. There was statistic difference (P<0.05).Conclusion: The strain ratio of hypo-echo plaques, complex-echo plaques, strong-echo plaques increased in turn. RTE combined conventional ultrasound to provide more information in the diagnosis of carotid artery plaque stability.

目的:探讨超声评估早期颈动脉粥样硬化危险程度的方法.方法:将49只雄性新西兰兔随机分为7组:正常组、模型组1和2、中药组1和2、西药组1和2.正常组:喂以正常饮食;模型组1和2:分别接受球囊损伤术加高脂饮食喂养6周和12周;中药组1和2:分别接受球囊损伤术、高脂饮食喂养加调脂通脉颗粒治疗6周和12周;西药组1和2:分别接受球囊损伤术、高脂饮食喂养加阿托伐他汀治疗6周和12周.超声测量各实验组兔左颈总动脉的管腔内径、内中膜厚度和收缩期峰值流速,Image-Pro-Plus 6.0计算H&E染色切片血管的内弹力膜围绕半径和最大内膜厚度百分比,评价超声测量指标与病理的对应程度,寻找一致性高且灵敏的预测疾病危险度的指标.结果:超声测量管腔内径、内中膜厚度,均未能显示出其与病理内弹力膜围绕半径和最大内膜厚度百分比相一致的变化特点;而测量收缩期峰值流速,则能够较灵敏地反映出病理内弹力膜围绕半径的变化规律.结论:超声测量收缩期峰值流速可用以评估颈动脉正性重塑的程度,从而在早期预测动脉粥样硬化的进展及危险程度.

The aim of this study was the effects of supplementing qi and herbs that promote neovascularization on angiogenesis and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin protein in experimentally induced acute myocardial infarction in rats. Left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated to establish the acute myocardial infarction model. Microvascular vascular count and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin protein were detected and indexes were detected at 7th, 14th and 28th day. The results showed large doses of qi herbs combined with small doses of activating herbs are superior to other groups in promoting the angiogenesis, increasing vascular endothelial growth factor protein expressions and reducing endostatin protein expressions. It also showed that there was a dose-response effect of supplementing qi and activating blood circulation herbs promoting angiogenesis. The mechanism of supplementing qi and activating blood circulation herbs and combination of both promoted angiogenesis due to possibly to increased vascular endothelial growth factor protein expressions and reduced endostatin protein expressions.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is associated with the mitochondrial dysfunction, defective synapses, and impaired cognition in elderly patients. The accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in synapses and synaptic mitochondria is thought one of the critical pathological events of synaptic defect and impaired mitochondrial dynamics in AD neurons. In order to understand disease progression and designing therapeutic agents using available molecular targets, extensive research is in progress throughout the world. However, no drug has been reported, up to now, as effectively preventing and treating moiety for AD, due to hidden knowledge about exact mode of AD pathogenesis. However, some hypotheses based-drugs, possessing capability of regulating amyloid β precursor protein, have been indicated for alleviation of psychological and behavioral symptoms of AD patients. This review article briefly describes the recent developments made for exploring the Aβ induced-mitochondrial defects in AD and some treatment possibilities through Aβ-targeting approaches for AD therapy.

Introduction: To determine an effective and non-invasive medical method for evaluating the severity level of extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis by comparing the detection performances of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) and digital subtraction angiography(DSA). Materials and methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients (7 women and 25 men; mean age: 65.0 +/- 9.4 years, range: 43-78 years) with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis were examined by CEUS and DSA. The studies were performed using a Hitachi Preirus ultrasound machine for CEUS and Allura Xper FD20 system (Philips Medical Systems, Nederland B.V.) for DSA. The contrast-enhancing agent used was 1.2 ml SonoVize (Bracco, Switzerland),In addition, the performances of CEUS and DSA in assessing the patency of ICA and suitability of CEA (carotid endarterectomy) were explored. Results: There was no significant difference between the distributions detected by CEUS and DSA for the four groups. The diameter stenosis percentage measured by CEUS strongly correlated with the DSA image measurements. CEUS reliably identified patients with good sensitivity and specificity at the three cut-off values of 100%, 70%, and 50%. CEUS performed better than DSA in assessing the patency of ICA and suitability of CEA. Conclusion: CEUS is an accurate non-invasive imaging test for carotid artery stenosis that is feasible tolerated in patients with different degrees of carotid stenosis.

辨证论治是中医药防治疾病的特色和优势之一，如何准确辨证是临床疗效的关键。现代医学的发展拓展和延伸了传统中医“四诊”手段，将传统宏观辨证与现代微观辨证有机结合，指导临床治疗，同时是中西医结合治疗糖尿病合并冠心病的必由之路。本研究从病程和年龄、冠状动脉病变、心功能、血糖、糖化血红蛋白、血脂等方面综述了近些年来糖尿病合并冠心病中医证候相关因素的研究进展，认为今后应采用统一的辨证分型标准，在系统生物学思维指导下进行研究，深入揭示中医证候，为中医临床和科研工作者提供重要参考。

1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ, C6H13NO4, 163.17 g/mol), an alkaloid azasugar or iminosugar, is a biologically active natural compound that exists in mulberry leaves and Commelina communis (dayflower) as well as from several bacterial strains such as Bacillus and Streptomyces species. Deoxynojirimycin possesses antihyperglycemic, anti-obesity, and antiviral features. Therefore, the aim of this detailed review article is to summarize the existing knowledge on occurrence, extraction, purification, determination, chemistry, and bioactivities of DNJ, so that researchers may use it to explore future perspectives of research on DNJ. Moreover, possible molecular targets of DNJ will also be investigated using suitable in silico approach.

Objective: Atherosclerosis is the fundamental pathophysiologic component of cardiovascular disease, and Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules show great efficiency in the treatment of the disease. However, the mechanism of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules is still unclear. In this study, we have combined experiments with network pharmacology to explore the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules. Method: 120 male ApoE−/− mice were randomly divided into three groups: the model group, Chinese herb group and Atorvastatin group. The model group, Atorvastatin group and Chinese herb group were fed with a high-fat diet, a high-fat diet plus atorvastatin (5.1 mg/kg/d) and a high-fat diet plus Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules (16.5 g/kg/d) for 16 weeks, respectively. Atherogenesis was identified by H&E staining. The colocalization of neutral lipid stain BODIPY and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and the colocalization of BODIPY and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) within ApoE−/− mice aortic plaques were tested using fluorescence confocal microscopy and the Pearson's coefficients were calculated. To further explore the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules, the network pharmacology was used to construct the herb-compound-target network. Results: The size of the aortic lipid plaque in the Chinese herb group and Atorvastatin group were smaller compared with the model group on the 16th week. Compared with the model group on the 16th week, the BODIPY and LC3 colocalization rate, the BODIPY and LAMP1 colocalization rate of the Chinese herb group and Atorvastatin group all presented significant increase in the aortic plaque (P < .001), showing that Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules could enhance autophagosome activity in the macrophage. In the herb-compound-target network, 17 active compounds and 27 targets were obtained through literature searching and using LHRI & DAVID Bioinformatics. It was found that 23 targets were correlated with the macrophage. Some of them participated in macrophage inflammatory response, and the other targets could promote/inhibit phagocytosis of the macrophage. It was hypothesized that the active compounds of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules were acting on these targets and having y the biological effects. Conclusions: In the progression stage of atherosclerosis, Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules can still make the macrophage have higher autophagosome activity, and play a role of anti-atherogenesis.

目的 应用声辐射力脉冲成像(ARFI)中的声触诊组织量化(VTQ)技术评估2型糖尿病(T2DM)胰岛素抵抗(IR)患者肝脏弹性的改变.方法 收集62例T2DM患者,分为IR组(n=32)和非IR组(n=30);检测空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG),并计算稳态模型IR指数;应用VTQ技术测定肝脏剪切波速度(SWV),分析其与IR及脂代谢相关血液指标的相关性.结果 IR组平均肝脏SWV值为(1.33±0.18)m/s,非IR组平均肝脏SWV值为(1.04±0.10)m/s,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).随着肝脏SWV值升高,TC、TG、LDL-C升高而HDL-C降低.结论 T2DM患者肝脏SWV值与IR情况及血脂水平有密切关系;ARFI技术可用于评估T2DM IR患者的肝脏弹性及脂代谢情况.

Objective: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is an integral membrane protein that plays a key role in cellular lipid metabolism, preventing the accumulation of lipids that contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules are a Chinese herbal compound that is capable of treating atherosclerosis. This study was designed to explore the potential pharmacological mechanism by which Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules protect against atherosclerosis. Methods: Forty-nine male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into seven groups: normal control group, normal diet; model groups 1 and 2: balloon injury and high-fat diet for 6 or 12 weeks; statin groups 1 and 2: balloon injury and high-fat diet plus atorvastatin for 6 or 12 weeks; and Chinese herb groups 1 and 2: balloon injury and high-fat diet plus Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules for 6 or12 weeks. The granules were administered at a dose of 1.14 g/kg/d, with atorvastatin (1.14 mg/kg/d) serving as positive control. Serum lipid profiles and liver function indices were measured. Atherogenesis was viewed after H&E staining and quantified by thickened intimal area percentage and maximal intimal thickness percentage. The ABCA1 protein expression in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages of the common carotid arteries (CCA), thoracic aortae (TA), and liver tissues were observed by immunohistochemical staining and evaluated using mean optical density (OD) value in macrophages and ABCA1-positive hepatocyte number. Results: Compared with model group 1 at week 6, Chinese herb group 1 and statin group 1 displayed significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.027, 0.012) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.039, 0.028) levels, as well as marked increases in ABCA1-positive hepatocyte numbers (P all <0.001), and only statin group 1 displayed a markedly reduced maximal intimal thickness percentage in the CCA (P = 0.018). Compared with model group 2 at week 12, Chinese herb group 2 and statin group 2 all presented significant reductions in TC (P = 0.011, 0.003), LDL-C (P = 0.017, 0.010) and thickened intimal area percentage in the CCA (P = 0.001, 0.022), as well as prominent increases in the ABCA1 OD value of both the CCA (P = 0.001, 0.039) and TA (P = 0.001, 0.025) and positive hepatocyte number (P all <0.001). Chinese herb group 2 had a markedly reduced maximal intimal thickness percentage compared with model group 2 (P = 0.006) and a higher positive hepatocytes number than statin group 2 (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules appear to have an anti-atherogenic effect that is most likely mediated by simultaneously upregulating the protein expression of ABCA1 in rabbit atherosclerotic plaque macrophages and in the liver.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Chinese medicinal with actions of regulating blood lipid and unblocking vessels in regulating inflammatory cytokines in rabbits with atherosclerosis. Methods The rabbit model of atherosclerosis was established by using high fat diet and balloon injury method. The rabbits were randomly divided into normal group,model group,sham-operation group, atorvastatin group and Chinese medicinal group. The observations were carried out after treatment for 45 d and 90 d. The levels of serum C-reactive protein( CRP),transforming growth factor-β( TGF-β), interleukin-6( IL-6),IL-10 and IL-17 were detected by applying enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA). Results At different time points,the levels of serum CRP,IL-6 and IL-17 increased significantly( P 0. 01) and TGF-β and IL-10 decreased significantly( P 0. 01) in model group compared with sham-operation group. In Chinese medicinal group,the levels of serum IL-6,CRP and IL-17 decreased significantly( P 0. 01) and TGF-β and IL-10 increased significantly( P 0. 01) compared with model group,but had no difference compared with atorvastatin group. Conclusion The intervention of Chinese medicinal with actions of regulating blood lipid and unblocking vessels can significantly relieve atherosclerosis. The mechanism may be related to that the Chinese medicinal can reduce the levels of IL-6,CRP and IL-17,recover the structure and function of damaged endothelial cells,and abate the intimal lipid deposition in arterial wall.

Objective To observe the change of capillary pericapillary cells in rats with myocardial infarction and the influence of supplementing qi and activating blood circulation herbs,and explore its mechanism of improving myocardial perfusion.Methods The rat model was established by ligaturing the left anterior descending coronary artery.On the base of ECG evaluation,successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,group treated with supplementing qi and activating blood circulation Chinese medicine(activating blood and supplementing qi group),group treated with Perindopril(Perindopril group),group treated with Tongxinluo Capsules(Tongxinluo group).The sham-operation group was taken as the control.There were totally 5 groups.The model group and the sham-operation group were treated with normal saline.The changes of myocardial capillary density(MCD) and number of pericapillary cells on the 7th,28th day after medicinal administration were observed.Results On the 7th and 28th day,the MCD decreased significantly and the number of capillary pericapillary cells increased significantly in the model group compared with the sham-operation group(P 0.01).The MCD increased significantly in the activating blood and supplementing qi group,Perindopril group and Tongxinluo group compared with the model group(P 0.01).The number of pericapillary cells decreased significantly in the activating blood and supplementing qi group,Perindopril group and Tongxinluo group compared with the model group(P 0.01).Conclusion The supplementing qi and activating blood circulation herbs can improve regional myocardial blood supply by decreasing the number of pericytes and promoting regeneration of capillary.