A Pilot Study on the Relationship between Tongue Manifestation and the Degree of Neurological Impairment in Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective:To discuss the relationship between tongue manifestation and the degree of neurological impairment in the patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods:Two hundred patients with first unilateral cerebral infarction were recruited.The relationship between different tongue manifestation and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) were analyzed.Results:NIHSS scores in the patients from different tongue color groups were analyzed and further analysis demonstrated that the NIHSS score was higher in the patients with red or bluish-purple tongue than that of those with the pink(P<0.01).On tongue fur,the NIHSS score in the patients with thick fur was higher than that of those with the thin(P=0.003).NIHSS score in patients with slippery,moist or dry fur was significant different(P=0.003),Further analysis demonstrated that the NIHSS score was higher in the patients with dry fur than that of those with moist fur,and had statistical significance(P=0.01).The NIHSS score was higher in patients from greasy fur group than that of the non-greasy(P=0.002).There was significant difference of NHISS score in the patients with different fur color(P=0.000),and further analysis demonstrated that the NHISS score in white-yellow,yellow fur group were higher than that of the white(P=0.06 or 0.000).Conclusion:The changes of tongue manifestation might be associated with the degree of neurological impairment in the patients with acute cerebral infarction.     

使用客观方法对142例湿热型肝癌患者进行舌象观察

Objective: To establish the diagnosis evidence of objective tongue inspection for liver cancer (LC) patients with damp-heat syndrome (DHS) by dynamically observing their tongue figures using modern tongue image analytic apparatus, and to explore the effect of intervention on the tongue figures. Methods: Tongue figures were collected from 142 LC patients with DHS by tongue image analytic apparatus. Red (R), green (G) and blue (B) values were analyzed. The r and g values were calculated requesting r=R/(R+G+B), g=G/(R+G+B), and b=1–r–g, and scored in combination with Chinese medical symptoms scale. The tongue figure and correlated scores were collected from 59 of them 3 days after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization intervention. Results: The range of objective tongue inspection of LC patients with DHS was as follows: as for tongue fur, 0.360Conclusion: The range of objective tongue inspection of LC patients with DHS could be known by collecting and analyzing objective indicator of tongue figures, thus laying foundation for further studies with analysis of correlation between intervention and Chinese medicine based on tongue figures.     

Association of oxysterol binding protein-related protein 9 polymorphism with cerebral infarction in Hunan Han population

Background

Oxysterol binding protein-related protein 9 (ORP9) may be related to the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction since it is closely related with glucose and lipid metabolism. The present study was designed to investigate the genetic relationship between ORP9 gene polymorphisms and cerebral infarction (CI) in Hunan Han population.

Methods

Total 544 cerebral infarction patients (60.0 ± 10.3 years) and 284 healthy controls (59.0 ± 9.5 years) were enrolled. Sociodemographic and clinical data of the subjects, such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking, drinking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein were recorded, and two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ORP9 gene including rs856600 and rs768529 with high mutation annotation format (MAF) values of 0.103 and 0.485 were studied by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP).

Results

No statistical difference was observed in allele distributions and frequencies of the two SNPs between control and CI groups. However, the percentage of atherosclerosis in CI group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001). The frequencies of the TT genotype and T allele of rs768529 were significantly higher in patients with vulnerable plaque than those in patients with stable plaque (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). Logistic association analysis showed no correlations between cerebral infarction and different alleles (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

T allele of rs768529 may be a risk factor for the formation of the carotid vulnerable plaque in Chinese Hunan Han population.     

Influence of Shengmai Capsule (生脉胶囊) on recovery of living capacity in patients after myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT Objective： To observe the effect of long-term application of Shengmai Capsule （生脉胶囊, SMC） on recovery of patients after myocardial infarction. Methods： A total of 120 myocardial infarction patients were assigned into two groups. Changes of angina pectoris, electrocardiogram （ECG）, living capacity and heart function in patients were observed after 6-month treatment. Results： The total effective rate in alleviating angina pectods was 90.0% and that in improving ECG figure was 93.3% in the treatment group, both were significantly higher than those in the control group, 73.4% and 70.0% respectively （P〈0.05）. The Karnofsky Performance Status scores of heart function were increased and the Activity of Daily Living scores in living capacity decreased in both groups, but the improvements were better in the treatment group （P〈0.01 and P〈0.05）. The parameters of cardiac function, including cardiac output, stroke volume, cardiac index and ejection fraction, were increased in both groups, but the increments in the treatment group were more significant （P〈0.01 or P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Long-term application of SMC could effectively prevent and treat angina pectoris, improve the living capacity and accelerate the recovery of heart function in patients after myocardial infarction.     

Neutroprotective efficacy of sodium tanshinone B on hippocampus neuron in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia

<正>Objective:To investigate the protective effects of sodium tanshinone B(STB) on brain damage following focal ischemia-reperfusion(l/R) injury through interfering with N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor(NMDAR) and excitatory and inhibitory amino acids,and evaluate the potential mechanisms of the neuroprotective activity of STB.Methods:Transient forebrain ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).The rats were randomized into a sham operated group,a model group(l/R) and three STB different dose groups.Rats were pretreated with STB at the doses of 4,8,16 mg/kg(STB_1,STB_2,STB_3) for 3 days before MCAO.The expression of NMDAR1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The concentrations of glutamate and y -aminobutyric acid(GABA) were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography.Results:STB treatment reduced neurological defect scores,cerebral infarction volume and brain water content.The levels of NMDAR1 were significantly higher in the l/R and STB,groups than that of the sham and the STB_3 groups(P0.01).Optical density of NMDAR1 was significantly increased in cornu ammonis(CA)1 region of the l/R group(P0.05).STB treatment reduced NMDAR1 optical density in the CA1 region(P0.01).The levels of glutamate were significantly lower in the hippocampus in the STB_3 group than that of the l/R,STB,and STB_2 groups(P0.01).Conclusion:Preconditioning with STB appears to be a simple and promising strategy to reduce or even prevent cerebral l/R injury and has potential for future clinical application.     

Efficacy of Xuebijing Injection (血必净注射液) on Cardiopulmonary Bypass-Associated Pulmonary Injury: A Prospective, Single-center, Double Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Xuebijing Injection (血必净注射液, XBJ) on the lung injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: Fifty patients undergoing CPB were randomized to either the saline group or XBJ group according to a random number table (25 cases in each group). The patients in the saline group received saline and patients in XBJ group received XBJ at 12 h prior to the operation, at the beginning of the operation, and at 12 h after the second injection. The PaO2/FiO2 at extubation 3 days post-operation, duration of ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU), and lengths of stay in the ICU and hospital were recorded. The levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma were measured. The neutrophil count and elastase neutrophil elastase in BALF were also measured. In addition, adverse events were monitored. Results: The PaO2/FiO2 in the XBJ group was higher than that in the saline group from 12 to 72 h post-operation (all P<0.05). The blood levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and CRP in the XBJ group from 12 to 72 h were all significantly lower than those in the saline group (all P<0.05). In contrast, the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly higher in the XBJ group than in the saline group (P<0.05). In addition, 4 patients presented with atelectasis in the saline group and none in the XBJ group. Ten patients experienced mild acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during hospitalization, and 5 patients with mild ARDS were in the XBJ group (P<0.05). Conclusion: XBJ shows protective potential against lung injury in patients who undergo CPB surgery, possibly through the downregulation of inflammatory mediators, reduction in neutrophil infiltration, and upregulation of IL-10 (Trial registry: ChiCTR-TRC-14004628).     

Increased mean platelet volume in cervicocephalic artery dissections

Aim

We aimed to investigate the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of cervicocephalic artery dissections by measuring the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count.

Methods

Thirty-four patients with evidence of cervicocephalic artery dissection were included in the study. Cervicocephalic artery dissection patients were divided into two subgroups as vertebral artery dissections and carotid artery dissections. There were 30 control subjects with similar baseline characteristics. The platelet count and MPV were compared between groups.

Results

The analysis showed a significant difference between the MPV values of the cervicocephalic artery dissection group and the control group (p?<?0.05). However, when we compared subgroups with controls, we found a significantly higher MPV values only in the vertebral artery dissection group. We did not find any significant difference for total platelet count between the cervicocephalic artery dissection groups and controls.

Conclusions

MPV is a marker of platelet function and activation. Increased MPV may be a result of dissection. In addition, it may be a risk factor for dissection-related stroke. Our study supports the notion that platelet reactivity is important in the pathogenesis of the cervicocephalic artery dissections, especially in vertebral artery dissections.     

Clinical study on therapeutic effect of shuwei decoction on functional dyspepsia

Objective

To explore the clinical effectiveness and therapeutic mechanism of Shuwei Decoction in treating functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods

A total of 124 FD patients were randomly divided into two groups: Shuwei Decoction group (60 cases) and the control group (64 cases) treated with cisapride. After one month treatment, all patients were examined with motilin and electrogastrography (EGG).

Results

The therapeutic effectiveness of Shuwei Decoction group was much better than that of the control group (P<0. 05), while the changes on motilin and EGG in the two groups were relatively similar (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Shuwei Decoction could effectively raise motilin level, promote gastric movement and improve the clinical symptoms in FD patients.     

Haoqin Qingdan Decoction (蒿芩清胆汤) and Ribavirin Therapy Downregulate CD14 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Febrile Disease with Dampness-Heat Syndrome in A Mouse Model

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Chinese medicine Haoqin Qingdan Decoction(蒿芩清胆汤, HQD) for febrile disease dampness-heat syndrome(FDDHS). Methods: Forty mice were divided into four groups, including normal control, FDDHS(induced by Radix et Rhizoma Rhei recipe and influenza virus A1 FM1 model), HQD, and the ribavirin groups(10 in each). The normal control and FDDHS groups were administered normal saline. HQD and the ribavirin groups were administered HQD and ribavirin intragastrically once daily at a dose of 64 g/(kg·d) and 0.07 g/(kg·d), respectively for 7 days. Lethargy, rough hair, diarrhea, tongue color and sole color were evaluated for pathological changes in morphology. The tongue and lung tissues were collected for histology. The CD14 and toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) expression levels were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: More than 80% of the FDDHS mice showed hypokinesia and lethargy, and pathological changes associated with rough hair, diarrhea, tongue color and sole color. With advanced treatment for 7 days, the thick greasy tongue fur of the HQD and ribavirin groups were thinner than that of the FDDHS group(P0.05), and it was the thinnest in the ribavirin group as compared with that in other groups(P0.05). The CD14 and TLR4 expression levels in the lung tissues of HQD and ribavirin groups significantly delined compared with the model group(P0.05 or P0.01). CD14 was down-regulated more remarkably in the HQD group compared with the ribavirin group(P0.05), whereas the converse was true with TLR4(P0.05). Conclusions: We established a FDDHS mouse model showing systemic clinical symptoms. Both HQD and ribavirin can inhibit the expression of CD14 and TLR4 in FDDHS mice, while the effect of ribavirin might be much more violent. The expression changes of CD14 and TLR4 consistently refers to lipopolysaccharide, the commonly and hotly inducing factor in FDDHS.     

Clinical observation of treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn by integrated traditional chinese and western medicine

Objective: To find a method of treatment for correcting hyperbilirubinemia timely and effectively to prevent bilirubin induced cerebral damage in the newborn. Methods: The newborns with hyperbilirubinemia in the treated group were treated with conventional treatment plus Butyribacterial preparation (BBP) and Simo Decoction (SMD, 四磨饮) taken orally, and the effect was compared with that in control group A treated with conventional treatment only and that in control group B treated with conventional treatment plus BBP. Results: The mean daily decreasing rate of bilirubin in the treated group was 51.11±25.03 μmol/L, which was higher than that in control groups A (39.36±22.44 μmol/L) and B (43.24±24.18 μmol/L), respectively (P<0.01 and P<0.05). The bilirubin decreasing value on the first day and the speed of bilirubin decreasing (to 102.6 μmol/L) in the treated group were both higher than those in the control groups, P<0.01. Conclusion: The combined therapy of conventional treatment plus BBP and SMD could rapidly reduce the blood bilirubin level in the newborn with hyperbilirubinemia, and shorten the therapeutic course markedly, and the therapeutic effect is superior to that of the conventional treatment alone or that of the conventional treatment plus BBP only.     

Effect of cistanche desertica polysaccharides on learning and memory functions and infrastructure of cerebral neurons in experimental aging mice

Objective

To observe the effects of Cistanche desertica polysaccharides (CDP) on the learning and memory functions and cerebral ultrastructure in experimental aging mice.

Methods

CDP was administrated intragastrically 50 or 100 mg/kg per day for 64 successive days to experimental aging model mice induced by D-galactose, then the learning and memory functions of mice were estimated by step-down test and Y-maze test; organelles of brain tissue and cerebral ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscope and physical strength was determined by swimming test.

Results

CDP could obviously enhance the learning and memory functions (P<0.01) and prolong the swimming time (P<0.05), decrease the number of lipofuscin and slow down the degeneration of mitochondria in neurons(P<0.05), and improve the degeneration of cerebral ultra-structure in aging mice.

Conclusion

CDP could improve the impaired physiological function and alleviate cerebral morphological change in experimental aging mice.     

Clinical observation on treatment of postpartum hemorrhage by xuesaitong soft capsule

Objective

To observe the effect of Xuesaitong (XST) soft capsule in treating postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods

Sixty parturients were randomly divided into the treated group (A) and the control group (B), 30 cases in each, and they were treated with XST and placebo respectively from the delivery day for 7 days to observe the changes of hemorrhagic conditions.

Results

After delivery, the hemoglobin, RBC count, hematocrit and cardiac index were lower at 3rd day than those before delivery in both groupsP<0.05 orP<0.01), reticulocyte count lowered insignificantly as compared with that before delivery in group A but significantly in control group B; the bleeding time shortened significantly in group A (P < 0.05) but unchanged in group B; significant change of blood viscosity only found in group B (P<0.05). The amount of bleeding 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hrs and 24 hrs after delivery in group A was all lower than that in group B respectively (P<0.01 orP<0.05). Involution of uterus in group A at 2nd, 4th and 7th day after delivery was all better than that in group B respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

XST has definite effect in decreasing postpartum hemorrhage, it also shows effects in promoting involution of uterus, reducing lochia and accelerating recovery of parturients.     

Caffeic acid ester fraction from Erigeron breviscapus inhibits microglial activation and provides neuroprotection

Objective:To investigate the effects of caffeic acid ester fraction(Caf)from Erigeron breviscapus, mainly composed of dicaffeoylquinic acids(diCQAs),on microglial activation in vitro and focal cerebral ischemia in vivo.Methods:The production of nitric oxide(NO),tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)treatment in rat primary cultured microglia were measured by Griess reaction or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cell viability of cortical neurons was measured using AlamarBlue reagent.The behavioral tests and the infarct area of brain were used to evaluate the damage to central nervous system in rat middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model of cerebral ischemia.Real time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), TNF-αand IL-1βmRNA in ischemic cerebral tissues.Results:Caf inhibited the production of NO,TNF-αand IL-1βinduced by LPS treatment in primary microglia in a dose-dependent manner.Exposure of cortical neurons to conditioned medium from Caf-treated microglia increased neuronal cell viability(P<0.01)compared with conditioned medium from LPS-treated alone.In MCAO rat model of cerebral ischemia,Caf could significantly improve neurobehavioural performance and reduce percentage infarct volume compared with the vehicle group (P<0.05).Caf could also significantly inhibit the up-regulation of iNOS,TNF-α,and IL-1βgene expressions in ischemic cerebral tissues.Conclusion:Caf could suppress microglial activation,which may be one mechanism of its neuroprotective effect against ischemia.     

大蒜素可预防心肌梗死猪模型再灌注无复流现象

Objective： To evaluate whether garlicin can prevent reperfusion no-reflow in a catheter-based porcine model of acute myocardial infarction （AMI）. Methods： Twenty-two male Chinese mini swines were randomized into 3 groups： sham-operation group （n=6）, control group （n=8）, and garlicin group （n=8）. The distal part of left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） in swines of the latter two groups was completely occluded by dilated balloon for 2 h and a successful AMI model was confirmed by coronary angiography （CAG） and electrocardiograph （ECG）, which was then reperfused for 3 h. In the sham-operation group, balloon was placed in LAD without dilatation. Garlicin at a dosage of 1.88 mg/kg was injected 10 min before LAD occlusion until reperfusion for 1 h in the garlicin group. To assess serial cardiac function, hemodynamic data were examined by catheter method before AMI, 2 h after occlusion and 1, 2, and 3 h after reperfusion. Myocardial contrast echocardiography （MCE） and double staining with Evans blue and thioflavin-S were performed to evaluate myocardial no-reflow area （NRA） and risk area （RA）. Results： Left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure significantly improved in the garlicin group after reperfusion compared with the control group （P〈0.05） and 2 h after AMI （P〈0.05）. MCE showed garlicin decreased reperfusion NRA after AMI compared with the control group （P〈0.05）. In double staining, NRNRA in the garlicin group was 18.78%, significantly lower than that of the control group （49.84%, P〈0.01）. Conclustions： Garlicin has a preventive effect on the porcine model of myocardial infarction reperfusion no-reflow by improving hemodynamics and decreasing NRA.     

Effect of shuxinyin on in-stent restenosis after coronary artery stenting

Objective

To evaluate the effect of anti-platelet regimens and it’s combination with Shuxinyin (SXY,) on in-stent restenosis after stent implantation.

Methods

Forty-four patients with successful stent implantation in a coronary artery were randomly assigned to the treated group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 24). The treated group received SXY and anti-platelet therapy. The control group were treated with anti-platelet regimens only. Platelet activation was assessed before and immediately after the stenting by flow cy-tometry, the expression of P-selectin (CD₆₂P) and glycoprotein(GP) П b/Ш a receptor. It was reassessed on the 30th day after stenting. Plasma fibrinogen (Fg) and C-reaction protein (CRP) were measured by biuret and laser scattering turbidimetry respectively at the same time. Observation was made on the scoring of the symptoms of Qi deficiency syndrome, Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome in the two groups. Differences between groups were compared.

Results

Compared with the control group, combination with SXY and anti-platelet therapy was remarkable in reducing plasma CRP (P < 0.05), and also with the tendency to decrease plasma Fg, GP П b/Шa and CD₆₂P. It could also evidently decrease the scoring of Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome, Qi deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome after stenting (P <0.05, 0.01, 0.01) respectively. Followup survey found 40 % relapse of angina pectoris with 4 cases of in-stent restenosis proved by angiography in the treated group. But the relapse of angina pectoris in the control group was 67% with 2 cases of mypcardial infarction (MI), 7 cases of in-stent restenosis proved by angiography and one death.

Conclusions

Combination with SXY and anti-platelet regimens can prevent stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis after stent implantation, and it seems superior to anti-platelet therapy only.     

以布阿节提取物对糖尿病性皮肤溃疡局部治疗作用的实验性研究

Objective: To study the role and mechanism of the Yi medicine, Yi Bu A Jie (以布阿节) extract, in topical treatment of diabetic skin ulcers, with a view to finding a breakthrough natural drug for the prevention and treatment of diabetic skin ulcers. Methods: A model of diabetic skin ulcers in Kunming mice was developed. Yi Bu A Jie was extracted in a Soxhlet extractor. Two different concentrations of the extract (0.005 mg/mL and 0.01 mg/mL) were applied to the wound of diabetic skin ulcers once every 3 days, and local skin appearance and histopathological changes were observed. Results: The shortest healing time was 25.25±2.06 day with a low concentration (P=0.0037 compared with the high concentration group, 33.14±2.21 day; P=0.0082 compared with control group, 28.21±2.14 days). The longest healing time was in the high concentration group (P=0.0025 compared with the control group). In both groups, a large number of inflammatory neutrophil cells were exuded during the experimental period. In the low concentration group, capillary-rich granulation tissue and actively growing fibroblasts appeared in the wound, while there was much necrotic tissue in the high concentration group. Conclusion: Yi Bu A Jie extract has an inhibitory effect on diabetic skin ulcers in mice, and the low concentration is more suitable.     

探索中医证型的潜在分子机制：一项关于缺血性脑卒中患者中医证型与生物标志物关系的研究

Objective：To investigate whether Chinese medicine（CM）syndrome is associated with particular molecular mechanism,we explored the correlation between CM syndrome and changes of intercellular adhesion molecule-1（ICAM-1）,matrix metalloproteinase 9（MMP-9）and heat shock protein 70（HSP70）in patients with ischemic stroke,which were reported to play an important role in the inflammatory and apoptosis cascade.Methods：CM syndrome factors of 175 patients with ischemic stroke were assessed using Ischemic Stroke CM Syndrome Factor Diagnostic Scale（ISTSFDS）.The patients were grouped according to the main syndrome factor combinations at different time points based on distribution probability of syndrome factor combinations.Blood levels of ICAM-1,MMP-9 and HSP70 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results：ICAM-1 expression was significantly higher in the internal-wind＋phlegm-dampness＋blood-stasis,phlegmdampness＋blood-stasis,internal-fire＋phlegm-dampness＋blood-stasis group than that in the blood-stasis＋qideficiency group within 72 h from stroke onset（P〈0.05）;HSP70 expression was significantly lower in the phlegm-dampness＋blood-stasis,internal-fire＋phlegm-dampness＋blood-stasis,blood-stasis group than that in the phlegm-dampness＋blood-stasis＋qi-deficiency group on the 7th day from stroke onset（P〈0.05）.Conclusions：Phlegm-dampness and blood-stasis exist through the whole process of ischemic stroke.An increased level of ICAM-1 and a reduced level of HSP70 reflect the pathological state of phlegm-stasis mutual binding.These results suggest that inflammation and apoptosis induced by cerebral vascular injury in the pathological processes of ischemic stroke are more prominent in the excess syndrome state like phlegm-dampness and blood-stasis.     

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤) Reduces Infarct Volume and Enhances Estradiol and Estradiol Receptor Concentration in Ovariectomized Rats after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Objective：To investigate the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction（补阳还五汤,BYHWD） on estradiol（E2） and estradiol receptor（ER） in serum and brain in ovariectomized rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion（MCAO）.Methods：Adult female rats were ovariectomized and focal cerebral ischemic was induced by MCAO.Rats were randomly divided into normal,ovariectomy（OVX）,MCAO,OVX＋MCAO,OVX＋MCAO＋E2,and OVX＋MCAO＋BYHWD group.Rats were administered BYHWD 5 g/kg daily,estradiol valerate 500 μg/kg per day or distilled water for 7 consecutive days.Neuronal function and infarct volume were measured on day 7 after artery occlusion,and E2 and ER concentration in serum and brain were checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results：BYHWD significantly improved the neurological behavior,reduced the infarction volume,increased E2concentration in serum and brain,and increased ER concentration in the brain in ovariectomized rats after MCAO.Conclusion：The neuroprotective effects of BYHWD are associated with estrogen and its receptor.     

Clinical study on influence of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on the metabolic imbalance of endothelin and calcitonin gene related peptide in patients with early cerebral infarctionon the metabolic imbalance of endothelin and calcitonin gene related peptide in patients with early cerebral infarction

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) in treating early cerebral infarction.Methods: Seventy cases with early cerebral infarction were randomly divided into two groups. Chinese medicine group (CMG, n = 35) was treated with BHD; western medicine group (WMG, n = 35) was treated with hydroxyethyl starch injection and enteric coated aspirin tablets. The levels of endothelin (ET) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in plasma before and after treatment and the results of clinical treatment were observed. Also healthy subjects were used as the normal control.Results: The levels of ET before treatment in the two treated groups were significantly higher than that of the healthy subjects (P<0. 001), and the levels of CGRP were significantly lower (P < 0.001). After treatment the metabolic imbalance of ET and CGRP improved significantly in the two treated groups (P<0. 001), but the ET and CGRP in CMG improved more obviously than those in WMG (P<0.01, P<0.05). The markedly effective and curative rate of CMG was higher than that of WMG (68. 6 % vs 31.4 %; ?² = 9. 65, P < 0. 01).Conclusion: BHD could improve the metabolic imbalance of ET and CGRP in patients with early cerebral infarction and on the virtue of this mechanism it could be used to treat cerebral infarction.