OBJECTIVE: To assess the immunosuppressive effect of Artemisia vestita Wall Extract (AV-ext) on mice.METHODS: The proliferative reaction of lymphocyte and the mixed lymphocytes reaction were used to determine the effects of AV-ext on the proliferation of mouse splenocyte in vitro and in vivo; Proliferative reaction of mouse splenocyte was used for detecting the effects of AV-ext on the level of IL-2 secreted by mouse activated splenocyte in vitro. Gelatin enzymogram method and adherence analytical method were employed to disclose the effects of AV-ext on mouse activated T-lymphocytes mobility and adherence.
RESULTS: 1-100 microg/mL AV-ext exerted no obvious toxicity to mouse splenocyte, but it had obvious inhibitory effect on proliferative reaction of mouse splenocyte and mixed lymphocytes reaction induced by ConA. It also had obvious inhibitory effect on the level of IL-2 secreted by mouse activated splenocyte, on the production of MMP-9 by mouse activated T-lymphocytes, and on adherence. 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of AV-ext, given to mouse per os for 7 days, could inhibit the proliferation of splenocyte and the secretion of MMP-9 by activated splenocyte of mouse.
CONCLUSION: AV-ext can inhibit the cellular immune reaction of mouse obviously.
Mining and smelting are important economic activities. However, mining-related industries are also some of the largest sources of environmental pollution from heavy metals. China is one of the largest producers and consumers of lead and zinc in the world. A large amount of lead, zinc, and related elements, such as cadmium, have been released into the environment due to mineral processing activities and have impacted water resources, soils, vegetables, and crops. In some areas, this pollution is hazardous to human health. This article reviews studies published in the past 10 years (2000–2009), on the environmental and human health consequences of lead/zinc mineral exploitation in China. Polluted areas are concentrated in the following areas: the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces, west-central Hunan province, central Guangxi province, northern Guangdong, northwestern Henan province, the border between Shanxi and Gansu provinces, and the region of Liaoning province near Bohai. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are the main pollutants and are associated with human health effects such as high lead blood levels in children, arthralgia, osteomalacia, and excessive cadmium in urine.
Objectives: Meconopsis integrifolia (M. integrifolia) is one of the most popular members in Traditional Tibetan Medicine. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of M. integrifolia and to detect the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and trypan blue assay were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of M. integrifolia. Changes in cell nuclear morphology and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were observed by fluorescent microscopy. Apoptosis ratio, DNA damage and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting assay was adopted to detect the proteins related to apoptosis. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the release of cytochrome C. Results: The obtained data revealed that M. integrifolia could significantly inhibit K562 cell viability, mainly by targeting apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Collapse in cell morphology, chromatin condensation, DNA damage and ROS accumulation were observed. Further mechanism detection revealed that mitochondrion might be a key factor in M. integrifolia-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: M. integrifolia could induce mitochondria mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase with little damage to normal cells, suggesting that M. integrifolia might be a potential and efficient anticancer agent that deserves further investigation.
OBJECTIVES: Meconopsis integrifolia (M. integrifolia) is one of the most popular members in Traditional Tibetan Medicine. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of M. integrifolia and to detect the underlying mechanisms of these effects. METHODS: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and trypan blue assay were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of M. integrifolia. Changes in cell nuclear morphology and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were observed by fluorescent microscopy. Apoptosis ratio, DNA damage and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting assay was adopted to detect the proteins related to apoptosis. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the release of cytochrome C. RESULTS: The obtained data revealed that M. integrifolia could significantly inhibit K562 cell viability, mainly by targeting apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Collapse in cell morphology, chromatin condensation, DNA damage and ROS accumulation were observed. Further mechanism detection revealed that mitochondrion might be a key factor in M. integrifolia-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: M. integrifolia could induce mitochondria mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase with little damage to normal cells, suggesting that M. integrifolia might be a potential and efficient anticancer agent that deserves further investigation.
Context: Pain-relieving plaster (PRP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been widely used with satisfactory results in the treatment of some diseases related to inflammation, such as bruises, chronic arthritis. Objective: The mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory actions of PRP are investigated in this study for the first time. Materials and methods: The anti-inflammatory effects of PRP extracts were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or calcium ionophore A23187-treated murine peritoneal macrophages (PMs). Tumor necrosis factor-αÎł (TNF-αÎł), interleukin-1βÎø (IL-1βÎø), prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> (PGE<sub>2</sub>), and leukotrienes B<sub>4</sub> (LTB<sub>4</sub>) were evaluated by ELISA assays. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κÎðB)--DNA-binding activity was determined by gel mobility shift assay. Results: PRP extracts were found to inhibit the production of TNF-αÎł, IL-1βÎø, and PGE<sub>2</sub>, reduce the expressions of COX-2 at the mRNA and protein levels induced by LPS, and reduced the production of LTB<sub>4</sub> induced by A23187. Furthermore, PRP extracts significantly attenuated LPS-induced NF-κÎðB--DNA-binding activity. Discussion and conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effects of PRP possibly are related to reduction of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-αÎł and IL-1βÎø), inducible inflammatory enzyme (COX-2), and its metabolite PGE<sub>2</sub> via NF-κÎðB signal pathway. Moreover, PRP extracts also notably inhibited the production of LTB<sub>4</sub>, indicating that PRP inhibited the 5-LOX pathway, which may be the other mechanism for its anti-inflammatory action.
Innovative development extends the vitality of ethnomedicines. Developing ethnomedicines is not only beneficial to the public but also to the related industry and transforms economic growth, driving local social and economic development further. Its economic benefit can be used to optimize and promote the hardware and software of the platform, as well as support the sustainable development of ethnomedicines. Apart from research and discussion on the innovative development of ethnomedicines on the basis of theory and regulations, this series of articles also summarizes cases that are conducive to the overall understanding of the necessity and feasibility of the innovative development. In terms of industrial development, large enterprises and products, such as Yunnan Baiyao, Guizhou Miao ethnomedicines, Cheezheng Tibetan Medicine, products developed from Dengzhanhua (Erigeron breviscapus), the Gold series of Yi ethnomedicines, and products developed from Sanqi (Panax notoginseng), in China are introduced and summarized, focusing on resource superiority, sustainable innovation, standard research and development, and production, as well as intellectual property protection.
Innovative development extends the vitality of ethnomedicines. Developing ethnomedicines is not only beneficial to the public but also to the related industry and transforms economic growth, driving local social and economic development further. Its economic benefit can be used to optimize and promote the hardware and software of the platform, as well as support the sustainable development of ethnomedicines. Apart from research and discussion on the innovative development of ethnomedicines on the basis of theory and regulations, this series of articles also summarizes cases that are conducive to the overall understanding of the necessity and feasibility of the innovative development. In terms of industrial development, large enterprises and products, such as Yunnan Baiyao, Guizhou Miao ethnomedicines, Cheezheng Tibetan Medicine, products developed from Dengzhanhua (Erigeron breviscapus), the Gold series of Yi ethnomedicines, and products developed from Sanqi (Panax notoginseng), in China are introduced and summarized, focusing on resource superiority, sustainable innovation, standard research and development, and production, as well as intellectual property protection.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Prevailing literature explains how depression, compulsion, and mindfulness affect heroin use; however, there is no comprehensive framework that explains their overall relationships. We therefore proposed and examined a hypothetical depression-compulsion-heroin use and mindfulness (DCHm) model.
METHODS:
We recruited 234 male heroin users. Self-reported levels of depression, mindfulness, compulsion to use, and severity of heroin use were measured. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the proposed DCHm model.
RESULTS:
Compulsion was a mediator between depression and heroin use. In addition, the DCHm model had satisfactory model fit indices. Depression indirectly affected heroin use through compulsion to use. The moderating effects of mindfulness in the two competing models were compared between the high- and low-mindfulness groups. The DCHm model in the high-mindfulness group had more favorable model fit indices than it did in the low-mindfulness group.
CONCLUSIONS:
Through learned emotional regulation strategies, addicted people with higher mindfulness were less likely to compulsively take drugs because of a depressive mood than were those with lower mindfulness. Furthermore, effective emotion-regulation strategies should be developed and examined in future studies.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE:
These results raise questions about the effect of compulsion on heroin use disorders. Mindfulness-based approaches to emotional regulatory strategies should be developed based on these findings. Further experimentation and prospective studies are needed to more fully examine the moderating role of mindfulness on depression and compulsion.
<p>This article looks at the Tibetan tradition of writing on wooden slips. Tibetan documents from the Tu-fan dynasty were preserved in one of three ways: 1) inscriptions on metal and stone, 2) writings on scrolls, and 3) writings on wodden slips. (Mark Premo-Hopkins 2004-07-13)</p>
Stress has been demonstrated to play an important role in hair follicle function and the pathogenesis of some hair disorders. The central hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated by stress stimuli, synthesizes and releases various components and eventually induces the pathogenesis and recurrence of peripheral diseases. Our aim is to compare the different responses under exposure of stress in hair follicle function among different mouse strains, and to detect the involvement of the central HPA axis after stress in hair follicle growth and melanogenesis. In this study, we exposed different mouse strains (C57BL/6, CBA/J, C3H/HeN, BALB/c and ICR) to a 21-day chronic restraint stress protocol and selected C57BL/6, CBA/J and BALB/c mice for further study because of their significant behavioral alterations. Then, we evaluated and compared the different responses and sensitivity to chronic restraint stress in hair follicle function and central HPA axis among the selected strains. The results showed that expression of POMC, CRF and GR mRNA and protein and serum levels of corticosterone were inhibited in response to stress. These findings suggested that chronic restraint stress may inhibit hair follicle growth and melanogenesis via regulating the key elements of the central HPA axis. In addition, the results revealed different mouse strains exhibit different responses in the central HPA axis and hair follicle after stress exposure. C57BL/6 might be the most sensitive strain among the three strains tested as well as an appropriate strain to study possible pathophysiological mechanisms by which the nervous system influences skin function and screen dermatological drugs suitable for psychotherapy. We believe the current study will provide some useful information for researchers who are interested in the bidirectional communication between the nervous and skin systems and the management of stress-induced cutaneous diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Stress has been demonstrated to play an important role in hair follicle function and the pathogenesis of some hair disorders. The central hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated by stress stimuli, synthesizes and releases various components and eventually induces the pathogenesis and recurrence of peripheral diseases. Our aim is to compare the different responses under exposure of stress in hair follicle function among different mouse strains, and to detect the involvement of the central HPA axis after stress in hair follicle growth and melanogenesis. In this study, we exposed different mouse strains (C57BL/6, CBA/J, C3H/HeN, BALB/c and ICR) to a 21-day chronic restraint stress protocol and selected C57BL/6, CBA/J and BALB/c mice for further study because of their significant behavioral alterations. Then, we evaluated and compared the different responses and sensitivity to chronic restraint stress in hair follicle function and central HPA axis among the selected strains. The results showed that expression of POMC, CRF and GR mRNA and protein and serum levels of corticosterone were inhibited in response to stress. These findings suggested that chronic restraint stress may inhibit hair follicle growth and melanogenesis via regulating the key elements of the central HPA axis. In addition, the results revealed different mouse strains exhibit different responses in the central HPA axis and hair follicle after stress exposure. C57BL/6 might be the most sensitive strain among the three strains tested as well as an appropriate strain to study possible pathophysiological mechanisms by which the nervous system influences skin function and screen dermatological drugs suitable for psychotherapy. We believe the current study will provide some useful information for researchers who are interested in the bidirectional communication between the nervous and skin systems and the management of stress-induced cutaneous diseases.
Nitraria tangutorum Bor., having edible berries, is valued for reputed health benefits in Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The phytochemical research on the fruit juice of N. tangutorum led to the isolation of twenty-six compounds including five new compounds, tangutorids A-D (1, 2, 3a, and 3b), and (3E,5E)-7-O-β-glucosyl-4-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)hepta-3,5-dienoic acid (15). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Tangutorids A-F were the first examples of glucose-derived β-carbolines from natural products. The biogenetic pathways of 1-8 were proposed to involve Pictet-Spengler reactions and described starting from the co-isolated tryptophan (10) and corresponding aldehydes. All isolates were evaluated for their antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Compounds 21, 22, and 24 showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values ranging from 12.2±1.9 to 30.4±2.7μg/mL, and compound 1 showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 63.3±4.6μg/mL.
Asterothamnus centrali-asiaticus, a kind of characteristic shrub abundant in grassland and desert areas, has been used as forage fodder for camels and goats in Central Asia, and this plant also plays a critical role in the maintenance of desert grassland ecosystems as a result of its tolerance to poor soils and sand burial. However, its chemical composition has been rarely reported. In this study, phytochemical investigation of this pasturage was performed and three new triterpenoid saponins (1-3) were isolated together with nine known triterpenoid saponins (4-12) using preparative two-dimensional reversed-phase liquid chromatography/hydrophilic interaction chromatography (2D RPLC/HILIC). Their structures were elucidated via diverse spectroscopic analyses, including infrared (IR) spectrometry, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS), and one-dimensional (1D) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). All isolated triterpenoid saponins (1-12) were reported from this genus for the first time, and they were further evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines (A549, HepG2, MGC-803, and MFC), which indicated that compound 11 showed potent cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line, with an IC50 value of 6.85 μg/mL.
In this study, a valid method was established for the isolation and purification of flavone glycosides from Hippophae rhamnoides L. seed residues using high-speed counter-current chromatography in one step, with a solvent system of ethyl acetate-methanol-n-butyl alcohol-water (9:1:0.5:9, v/v/v/v). A total of 28.8 mg compound I and 57.3 mg compound II were obtained from 200 mg of flavone H-glycosides rich extract, with purities of 98.3 and 96.4%, respectively. The structures of two compounds were identified by MS and NMR. 3-O-β-D-Sophorosylkaempferol-7-O-{3-O-[2(E)-2,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxyocta-2,7-dienoyl]}-α-L-rhamnoside is compound I and compound II named hippophanone is a new compound were identified by MS and NMR. The method was efficient and convenient, which could be used for the preparative separation of flavone glycosides from H. rhamnoides L. seed residues.
Antioxidant potencies of an ethanolic extract and its components from <i>Lepidium latifolium</i> were investigated. In this study, we found that the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of <i>L. latifolium</i> was a rich source of antioxidant, resulting from its high total phenolic content. To determine the antioxidant components of the ethyl acetate fraction, a bioassay-guided fractionation approach using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate), and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays were conducted. Nine compounds were isolated and their structures were identified by MS and NMR spectral data and comparison to reported data. They are Quercetin-3-O-β-<i>d</i>-sophoroside-7-O-α-<i>l</i>-rhamnoside (<i>1</i>), Apetalumoside B6 (<i>2</i>), Kaempferol-3-O-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranoside-7-O-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranoside (<i>3</i>), Kaempferol-7-O-α-<i>l</i>-rhamnopyranoside (<i>4</i>), Kaempferol-3-O-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-<i>l</i>-rhamnopyranoside (<i>5</i>), Kaempferol-3-O-(2-O-feruloyl-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranoside)-7-O-glucopyranoside (<i>6</i>), Kaempferol-3-O-β-<i>d</i>-sophoroside-7-O-α-<i>l</i>-rhamnoside (<i>7</i>), Kaempferol-3-O-robinoside-7-O-(2″″-(E)-feruloyl)-sophoroside (<i>8</i>), Quercetin-3-O-(2,6-di-O-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranosyl)-β-<i>d</i>-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-<i>l</i>-rhamnopyranoside (<i>9</i>), compounds <i>1</i>, <i>2</i>, <i>4</i>, and <i>8</i> had potent free radical scavenging activity. The IC<sub>50</sub> values of these compounds were 9.8-12.3 and 7.4-31.4 μg/mL in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The results indicate that <i>L. latifolium</i> is a potential natural source of antioxidants to treat several diseases related to oxidant by-products of human metabolism.
To alleviate the adverse effects of pesticide residues on the environment, development of a more safe, economical, and reliable usage approach of pesticides is critically urgent. In the present study, a novel pesticide carrier LA-NSM (lauric acid-modified Nitraria seed meal) with controlled release property was prepared through grafting esterification of lauric acid onto Nitraria seed meal substrates. The structure of the obtained samples was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements. The results indicated that LA-NSM products had a well-defined hydrophobic surface and irregular holes for efficient loading of pesticide molecules. Deltamethrin (DEL), a representative insoluble pyrethroid insecticide in water, was deliberately selected as the index pesticide to evaluate the loading and releasing efficiency of LA-NSM. The loading capacity of LA-NSM for DEL can reach about 1068 mg/g. pH, humidity of soil, and temperature had a significant influence on controlled release performance of LA-NSM@DEL. Moreover, the releasing kinetics of LA-NSM@DEL composites could be fitted well with the Higuchi model. Overall, the highly hydrophobic property, excellent loading, and controlled release ability of LA-NSM made it a promising candidate in agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Unprecedented levels of nitrogen (N) have entered terrestrial ecosystems over the past century, which substantially influences the carbon (C) exchange between the atmosphere and biosphere. Temperature and moisture are generally regarded as the major controllers over the N effects on ecosystem C uptake and release. N-phosphorous (P) stoichiometry regulates the growth and metabolisms of plants and soil organisms, thereby affecting many ecosystem C processes. However, it remains unclear how the N-induced shift in the plant N:P ratio affects ecosystem production and C fluxes and its relative importance. We conducted a field manipulative experiment with eight N addition levels in a Tibetan alpine steppe and assessed the influences of N on aboveground net primary production (ANPP), gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and net ecosystem exchange (NEE); we used linear mixed-effects models to further determine the relative contributions of various factors to the N-induced changes in these parameters. Our results showed that the ANPP, GEP, ER, and NEE all exhibited nonlinear responses to increasing N additions. Further analysis demonstrated that the plant N:P ratio played a dominate role in shaping these C exchange processes. There was a positive relationship between the N-induced changes in ANPP (ΔANPP) and the plant N:P ratio (ΔN:P), whereas the ΔGEP, ΔER, and ΔNEE exhibited quadratic correlations with the ΔN:P. In contrast, soil temperature and moisture were only secondary predictors for the changes in ecosystem production and C fluxes along the N addition gradient. These findings highlight the importance of plant N:P ratio in regulating ecosystem C exchange, which is crucial for improving our understanding of C cycles under the scenarios of global N enrichment.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)1 is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet (CG) is a common traditional Uighur medicine, and it has been widely used as active therapy on various hepatic diseases. Recently, lipid-lowering effect has been revealed on CG. Polysaccharides are principal component of CG which could be the possible lipid-lowering compound in CG. In this study, extraction and purification of CG polysaccharides (CGP) was performed, and the lipid regulation effect of CGP was investigated on NAFLD zebrafish model. The results showed that CGP significantly decreased the levels of TC, TG, and decreased the mRNA expression of srebf-1, and fas, increased the expression of pparab. The findings suggest that the lipid-lowering effects of CGP mainly depend on facilitation of lipolysis (mainly beta-oxidation) or inhibition of lipogenesis. Furthermore, CGP could prevent and causes the regression of steatosis in NAFLD via its lipid metabolism regulation effect.
BackgroundMacrophage migration inhibitory factor is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been associated with various psychiatric disorders. MicroRNA-451a can directly target macrophage migration inhibitory factor and downregulate its expression in cells. However, the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and microRNA-451a in psychiatric patients treated with psychotherapeutic interventions is unknown. In this study, our aim was to investigate levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its regulating microRNA-451a in patients with depression, anxiety, or stress and adjustment disorders who underwent mindfulness-based therapy or treatment as usual.
Methods
A total of 168 patients with psychiatric disorders were included from a randomized controlled trial that compared mindfulness-based therapy with treatment as usual. Plasma levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and microRNA-451a were measured at baseline and after the 8-week follow-up using Luminex assay and qPCR.
Results
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels decreased significantly in patients posttreatment, whereas microRNA-451a levels showed a nonsignificant change. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels were inversely associated with microRNA-451a expression levels at baseline (β=−0.04, P=.008). The change in macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels (follow-up levels minus baseline levels) was associated with the change in microRNA-451a (follow-up levels minus baseline levels) (β=−0.06, P < .0001). The change in either macrophage migration inhibitory factor or microRNA-451a was not associated with improvement in psychiatric symptoms.
Conclusion
We demonstrate that the levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor decreased after psychotherapeutic interventions in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, this reduction was not associated with an improvement in psychiatric symptoms in response to the treatment. We also found an association between macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its regulating microRNA. However, this association needs to be further examined in future studies.
BackgroundMacrophage migration inhibitory factor is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been associated with various psychiatric disorders. MicroRNA-451a can directly target macrophage migration inhibitory factor and downregulate its expression in cells. However, the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and microRNA-451a in psychiatric patients treated with psychotherapeutic interventions is unknown. In this study, our aim was to investigate levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its regulating microRNA-451a in patients with depression, anxiety, or stress and adjustment disorders who underwent mindfulness-based therapy or treatment as usual.
Methods
A total of 168 patients with psychiatric disorders were included from a randomized controlled trial that compared mindfulness-based therapy with treatment as usual. Plasma levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and microRNA-451a were measured at baseline and after the 8-week follow-up using Luminex assay and qPCR.
Results
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels decreased significantly in patients posttreatment, whereas microRNA-451a levels showed a nonsignificant change. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels were inversely associated with microRNA-451a expression levels at baseline (β=−0.04, P=.008). The change in macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels (follow-up levels minus baseline levels) was associated with the change in microRNA-451a (follow-up levels minus baseline levels) (β=−0.06, P < .0001). The change in either macrophage migration inhibitory factor or microRNA-451a was not associated with improvement in psychiatric symptoms.
Conclusion
We demonstrate that the levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor decreased after psychotherapeutic interventions in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, this reduction was not associated with an improvement in psychiatric symptoms in response to the treatment. We also found an association between macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its regulating microRNA. However, this association needs to be further examined in future studies.
BackgroundMacrophage migration inhibitory factor is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been associated with various psychiatric disorders. MicroRNA-451a can directly target macrophage migration inhibitory factor and downregulate its expression in cells. However, the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and microRNA-451a in psychiatric patients treated with psychotherapeutic interventions is unknown. In this study, our aim was to investigate levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its regulating microRNA-451a in patients with depression, anxiety, or stress and adjustment disorders who underwent mindfulness-based therapy or treatment as usual.
Methods
A total of 168 patients with psychiatric disorders were included from a randomized controlled trial that compared mindfulness-based therapy with treatment as usual. Plasma levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and microRNA-451a were measured at baseline and after the 8-week follow-up using Luminex assay and qPCR.
Results
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels decreased significantly in patients posttreatment, whereas microRNA-451a levels showed a nonsignificant change. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels were inversely associated with microRNA-451a expression levels at baseline (β=−0.04, P=.008). The change in macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels (follow-up levels minus baseline levels) was associated with the change in microRNA-451a (follow-up levels minus baseline levels) (β=−0.06, P < .0001). The change in either macrophage migration inhibitory factor or microRNA-451a was not associated with improvement in psychiatric symptoms.
Conclusion
We demonstrate that the levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor decreased after psychotherapeutic interventions in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, this reduction was not associated with an improvement in psychiatric symptoms in response to the treatment. We also found an association between macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its regulating microRNA. However, this association needs to be further examined in future studies.
This study was aimed to discuss and analyze the medication rules for prescriptions containing Pterocephali Herba in Chinese Medical Encyclopedia - Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medicine Prescription Modern Research and Clinical Application, and Interpretation of Common Tibetan Medicines based on the collection of Pterocephali Herba and by using the "Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support system(V2.0.1)",with the use of association rules, apriori algorithm and other data mining methods. The frequency of single drug, the frequency of drug combination, the association rule and the combination of core drugs were analyzed. Through collection of the prescriptions, a total of 215 prescriptions were included, involving a total of 376 herbs. Through the "frequency statistics", the prescriptions containing Pterocephali Herba were commonly used to treat cold fever, distemper virus and arthritis. The highest frequently (frequency≥15) used drugs were Corydalis Herba, Lagotidis Herba, and Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, et al. The most frequently used drug combinations were "Pterocephali Herba, Corydalis Herba","Pterocephali Herba, Lagotidis Herba", and "Pterocephali Herba, Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix" et al. The prescriptions containing Pterocephali Herba were used to primarily treat disease for Tourette syndrome caused by the dampness heat toxin, fever, arthritis etc, such as pestilent toxicity, pneumonia and influenza, rheumatoid arthritis etc. The drugs in the prescriptions mostly had the effects of heat-clearing and detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, dispelling wind and dampness, often in compatible use with heat-clearing drugs. The drug use was concentrated and reflected the clear thought of prescription statutes.
Pages |