Semen microbiota in normal and leukocytospermic males.

Large numbers of microbes can be present in seminal fluid, and there are differences in the semen microbiota between normal and abnormal semen samples. To evaluate the semen microbiota in patients with leukocytospermia, 87 seminal fluid samples, including 33 samples with a normal seminal leukocyte count and 54 samples with leukocytospermia, were obtained for a cross-sectional analysis. Twenty samples with a normal seminal leukocyte count had normal sperm parameters (Control group), and 13 samples with a normal seminal leukocyte count were from asthenozoospermia patients (Ast group).

decoction improves neurological dysfunction by increasing synapsin expression after traumatic brain injury.

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction has been used for treating traumatic brain injury and improving post-traumatic dysfunction, but its mechanism of action needs further investigation. This study established rat models of traumatic brain injury by controlled cortical impact. Rat models were intragastrically administered 9 and 18 g/kg Xuefu Zhuyu decoction once a day for 14 or 21 days.

Nine traditional Chinese herbal formulas for the treatment of depression: an ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology review.

Depression is a major mental disorder, and is currently recognized as the second-leading cause of disability worldwide. However, the therapeutic effect of antidepressants remains unsatisfactory. For centuries, Chinese herbal formulas (CHFs) have been widely used in the treatment of depression, achieving better therapeutic effects than placebo and having fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants.

Antidepressant-like effects of Chaihu-Shugan-San via SAPK/JNK signal transduction in rat models of depression.

Background: Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS), a traditional Chinese medicinal herbal formula, registered in Jingyue Quanshu, has been indicated that oral administration of the extract from it can remit depressive disorder. C-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) signal transduction plays a key role in the apoptosis of nerve cells, be reported closely correlated with depression. This study was designed to investigate CHSGS antidepressant-like effects in rat models of depression and probe its possible mechanism.

The effect of Chaihu-Shugan-San and its components on the expression of ERK5 in the hippocampus of depressed rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) is a well-known, Chinese traditional medicine used to treat depression. Little is known about the antidepressant mechanism of CSS. The main aims of the this study were to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CSS and its components and further explore the CSS׳s effect upon signal transduction of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) expressions in the hippocampus of rats with depression induced by chronic unpredicted mild stress.

[Screening of specific microRNA in hippocampus of depression model rats and intervention effect of Chaihu Shugan San].

Objective: To screen microRNAs with specific expression of in hippocampus of rats with chronic stress induced depression model, and observe the effect of traditional Chinese medicine Chaihu Shugan San on the expression of microRNA in hippocampus.

Method: SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the normal control group, the model control group and the Chaihu Shugan San group. The depression model was replicated by unpredictable chronic mild stress combined with separation.

Meranzin hydrate exhibits anti-depressive and prokinetic-like effects through regulation of the shared α2-adrenoceptor in the brain-gut axis of rats in the forced swimming test.

Background: In recent years, the brain-gut axis theory has received increasing attention in studies of depression. However, most studies separately address potential antidepressant and prokinetic treatments. Investigations of drugs that could potentially treat comorbid depression and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction via a common mechanism of action have not yet been performed in detail.

The involvement of AMPA-ERK1/2-BDNF pathway in the mechanism of new antidepressant action of prokinetic meranzin hydrate.

It was recently discovered that ketamine can relieve depression in a matter of hours through an action on α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. This is much more rapid than the several weeks required for the available antidepressants to show therapeutic efficacy. However, ketamine has negative side effects.

[Effects of chaihu shugan powder on the behavior and expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe in rat model of depression].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CHSGP) on the behavior and the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase receptors B (TrkB) in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe of depression model rats.

Methods: Sixty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i. e.

[Relationship between symptom stratification and syndrome differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine for depressive episode].

On the basis of medical literature review and clinical research experience, the authors analyzed the reasons for low recognition rate of depression and poor progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation of depression in this paper and put forward that depressive episode symptoms and the corresponding common terminology classification of Chinese and Western medicine should be the breakthrough points. Through symptom stratification and combination, as well as distinguishing between primary and secondary symptoms, the comprehensive integrative medicine clinical assessment of depression was explored so as to further obtain expert consensus and provide a methodology reference for the TCM differentiation of depression and the research of etiology and pathogenesis.

[Effects of Chaihu Shugan San on behavior and plasma levels of corticotropin releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone of rats with chronic mild unpredicted stress depression].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Chaihu Shugan San (CHSGS), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on behavior and plasma levels of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of rats with chronic mild unpredicted stress depression.

Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, untreated group, fluoxetine group and CHSGS group. Except the normal control group, rats were singly housed and exposed to an unpredicted sequence of mild stressor for continuous 4 weeks to induce depression.

[Mechanism and protective effect of glossy ganoderma decoction on the activities of RNA polymerase in hepatocyte of rabbits with Amanita mushroom poisoning].

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of glossy ganoderma decoction in Amanita mushroom poisoning.

Methods: Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, including a normal control, a model poison group, and 2 treatment groups (different doses of glossy ganoderma decoction). The activities of hepatocyte RNA polymerase were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and liver function were measured.

Study on the interrelationship between 5-HTTLPR/G-protein beta3 subunit (C825T) polymorphisms and depressive disorder.

Objective: To assess whether the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and G-protein beta3-subunit (GNbeta3 C825T) polymorphisms are associated with depressive disorder and explore the genetic mechanism concerning the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Methods: The genotypes were determined with polymerase chain reaction and allele-specific restriction enzyme analysis. Patients suffering from depression (n=184) and sex and age-matched controls (n=158) were compared in this study.

Clinical experience in treatment of Amanita mushroom poisoning with Glossy Ganoderma Decoction and routine Western medicines.

Objective: To assess the effects of treatment of Amanita mushroom poisoning with Glossy anoderma Decoction (, GGD).

Methods: Twelve patients with acute Amanita mushroom poisoning received conventional treatment (penicillin and reduced glutathione) combined with oral administration of GGD (treated group), which was prepared out of 200 g Glossy ganoderma decocted in water to 600 mL, and 200 ml was given once, three times a day for 7 successive days; while conventional treatment alone was given to the other 11 patients assigned to the control group. The therapeutic efficacy and changes in serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), bile acids (BA), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in the two groups were compared.

[Anti-tumor effect and mechanism of Paeonol on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7404].

Objective: To investigate the anti-tumor effect of Paeonol (Pae) on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7404 and its molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7404 was treated by Pae in various concentrations and different time points respectively; and then the cell proliferation was assayed by light microscope, MTT method. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL were used to detect the apoptosis.

[Anti-depressive effect of Baisong tablets on the chronic mild unpredicted stress depression in rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Baisong tablets on the nerve-biochemistry and neuroendocrine of chronic mild unpredicted stress depression in rats.

Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups: a normal control (NC), a model control (MC), a fluoxetine control (FC) and a Baisong tablet treatment group (BST). All rats except the control group were singly housed and exposed to an unpredicted sequence of mild stressor.

[The effects of Baisong tablet on the behaviors and CRHmRNA expression in the brain of rats following chronic stress].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Baisong tablet on the behaviors and CRHmRNA expression in the chronic stress rats.

Method: Rats were exposed to different ways of chronic stress. Body weight and behaviors were investigated during the whole procedure, the CRHmRNA expressions in the hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex were semiquantified by the RT-PCR method.