The effect of chinese medicinal herbs in relieving menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized chinese women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a defined formula of Chinese medicinal herbs, GengNianAn (GNA, also called menopausal symptom-relieving formula) formula in relieving menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized women.

Design: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Method: Between May 2003 and June 2006, 69 ovariectomized Chinese women were recruited to complete 12 weeks of intervention with either a defined formula of GNA (n = 36) or placebo (n = 33) taken twice daily as a beverage.

[Effect of xianzhen tablet on content of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) and mRNA expression of AGE-specific cellular receptor in renal cortex of diabetic rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Xianzhen tablet (XZT, a Chinese patent compound recipe) on advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) and mRNA expression of AGE-specific cellular receptor (RAGE) in renal cortex of diabetic rats in order to explore the mechanism of XZT in protecting kidney.

Methods: The diabetic rat model with persistent hyperglycemic renal damage was reproduced by streptozotocin. Fluorescent assay and RT-PCR were used to determine the content of AGEs and expression of RAGE mRNA in renal cortex in model rats, which were treated with XZT and controlled by aminoguanidine (AG) administration.

Cardiovascular and renal characteristics, and responses to acute volume expansion of a rat model of diabetic pregnancy.

The objective of this study was to characterize the cardiovascular and renal alterations that occur during diabetic pregnancy, and to evaluate the effect of insulin treatment in 12-14 days pregnant diabetic rats. Four groups of female Sprague Dawley rats were studied: virgin control group (NP), pregnant control group (CP), diabetic pregnant group (DP), and diabetic pregnant group with insulin treatment (DPI). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP) was increased on day 12, whereas heart rate (HR) decreased starting with day 3 in DP group of rats.

Effects of insulin on renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure and natriuretic response to volume expansion in diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by alterations in fluid balance and blood volume homeostasis. Renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure (RIHP) has been shown to play a critical role in mediating sodium and water excretion under various conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of immediate and delayed initiation of insulin treatment on the restoration of the relationship between RIHP, natriuretic, and diuretic responses to acute saline volume expansion (VE) in diabetic rats.

Application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of infertility.

The philosophy and practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been evolving for thousands of years in China, Japan and other Asian countries. TCM is now generating popular interest worldwide for reproductive health care and disease prevention, including applications for treating infertility and improving sexual function. This review focuses on the application of TCM for infertility patients, and provides a critical reflection on the efficacy and safety of selected Chinese herbal formulas.

Role of nitric oxide in the natriuretic and diuretic responses in pregnant rats.

Normal pregnancy is characterized by sodium conservation and increase in plasma volume, yet the natriuretic response to acute saline volume expansion (VE) is intact in pregnant rats. Nitric oxide (NO) has been suggested to play a role in renal and cardiovascular adaptations to normal pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine the role of NO in the natriuretic and diuretic responses to VE during pregnancy.

[Effect of wenjingtong composita on blood glucose and advanced glycosylation end products in sciatic nerve of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Wenjingtong Composita (WJTC) on blood glucose and advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in sciatic nerve of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: STZ-induced diabetic rats were randomized to WJTC prevention group and WJTC treatment group. The levels of blood glucose and AGEs in sciatic nerve of the animals were checked after 12 weeks treatment and compared with that of aminoguanidine (AG) treatment group.