Effect Of Shenmai Injection Research Articles

Comparison of Protective Effects of Shenmai Injections Produced by Medicinal Materials from Different Origins on Cardiomyocytes.

Shenmai injection is mainly used for the treatment of heart-related diseases, including coronary heart disease, viral myocarditis, chronic cor pulmonale, and shock in Asia. Medicinal materials from different origins produce Shenmai injections for clinical use, and their protective effects on cardiomyocytes may vary with the choice of raw materials. In this study, we compared the protective effects of Shenmai injections produced from different raw materials on cardiomyocytes. Results showed that the protective effects of various Shenmai injections on hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injury were mainly attributed to total ginsenosides extract, with few differences between them. However, the protective effects of different Shenmai injections on doxorubicin and oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte injury were significantly different; the protective effects of Shenmai injection with Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus as raw material were significantly better than those with Sichuan Ophiopogon japonicus, consistent with our previous research results. Our study reveals the different cardiomyocyte protective effects of Shenmai injections produced by medicinal materials from different origins, laying a scientific foundation for their clinical selection.

The Inhibition Effects of Shenmai Injection on Acetylcholine-Induced Catecholamine Synthesis and Secretion by Modulating Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ion Channels in Cultured Bovine Adrenal Medullary Cells.

Shenmai injection (SMI) has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. Cardiovascular disorders are often related to excessive catecholamine (CA) secretion. Here, we report the effects of SMI on CA secretion and synthesis in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. We found that SMI significantly reduced CA secretion induced by 300 μM acetylcholine (ACh). Cotreatment with SMI (10 μL/mL) and either of the ACh receptor α-subunit inhibitors, HEX (α3) or DhβE (α4β2), did not produce any further inhibition, indicating that SMI may play a role through α3 and α4β2 channels. Furthermore, SMI reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity induced by ACh by inhibiting the phosphorylation of TH at Ser19 and Ser40. TH is phosphorylated at Ser19 by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) and at Ser40 by protein kinase A (PKA). KN-93 and H89, the antagonists of CaM kinase II and PKA, respectively, inhibited the ACh-induced phosphorylation at Ser19 and Ser40, and the addition of SMI did not augment the inhibitory effect. Taken together, our results show that SMI likely inhibits CA secretion by blocking TH activity at its Ser19 and Ser40 sites.

Effect of Shenmai injection on cognitive function after cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgical patients: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication after cardiac surgery that influences the clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Shenmai injection (SMI) on POCD of patients who underwent cardiac valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).MethodsThis prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted from September 2014 to January 2017. Eighty-eight patients receiving cardiac valve replacement under CPB were randomized into the control (C) or the SMI (S) group. SMI (0.6 mL/kg) was administered intravenously from the time of anesthesia induction to the beginning of CPB. Cognitive function was assessed at 3 days before surgery and 3 days, 7 days, and 1 month after surgery using the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BJ) score. The serum levels of neuroglobin (Ngb), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were measured at 30 min after induction (T0), immediately after the endonasal temperature rewarmed to 36 °C (T1), and 1 h (T2), 6 h (T3), 24 h (T4), 48 h (T5), and 72 h (T6) after CPB.ResultsCompared with the baseline values at T0, the serum Ngb levels in group C were significantly decreased at T1–2 and then increased at T3–6, while the levels in group S were decreased at T1–2 and increased at T4–6, compared to group C (p < 0.05). The serum HIF-1α levels at T1–4 and the serum NSE levels at T1–6 were significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.05). The serum levels of Ngb at T3, HIF-1α at T1–3, and NSE at T3–4,6 were lower in group S, compared to group C (p < 0.01). The MoCA-BJ scores were decreased at 3 and 7 days after surgery in both groups, and the MoCA-BJ scores in group S were higher than those in group C at 3 and 7 days after surgery (p < 0.01).ConclusionCognitive function is impaired postoperatively in patients who have undergone cardiac valve replacement under CPB. In addition, treatment with the traditional Chinese medicine SMI decreases the serum levels of Ngb, HIF-1α, and NSE as well as attenuates cognitive dysfunction.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov as ChiCTR-TRC-14004373 on March 11, 2014.

Effects of Shenmai injection on the values of CO, SV, and EF in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft: A randomized, clinical trial.

Background:To explore the effects of Shenmai (SM) injection on the values of cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and the ejection fraction (EF) in patients treated with off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG).Methods:Forty patients undergoing OPCABG were randomly divided into SM group (n = 20) and the 5% glucose (G) group (n = 20). The control liquids were injected from the beginning of the operation to the start of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The values of CO, SV, and EF before induction (t1), at the beginning of operation (t2), 30 minutes after the start of operation (t3), at the beginning of coronary artery bypass graft (t4), at the end of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (t5), and at the end of operation (t6) were recorded.Results:The values of CO, SV, and EF in the patients of SM group at t3 to t6 were found to be significantly higher than those at t1 (P < .05). The values of CO, SV, and EF in the patients of G group were found to be increased at t5 and t6 (P < .05). At t3 and t4, the values of CO, SV, and EF in SM group were significantly higher than those in the G group (P < .05).Conclusion:In patients with OPCABG, the infusion of SM injection can effectively increase the values of CO, SV, and EF and increase the safety of anesthesia management.

Effects of Shenmai injection and its bioactive components following ischemia/reperfusion in cardiomyocytes.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the myocardial protective function of Shenmai injection (SM) during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is attributable to its regulation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and phospholamban (PLB) levels. Cultured neonatal Sprague Dawley rat cardiomyocytes were used to compare the effects of normoxia, total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG), ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) and SM treatments in rat myocardial cells following I/R. For each of these treatment groups, the mRNA and protein levels of PLB and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) were evaluated, in addition to the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i and the rate of apoptosis. The results indicated that I/R markedly decreased phosphorylated PLB and SERCA expression and that SM was able to mitigate this effect, while TPSG and Rg1 were not. Furthermore, SM appeared to prevent aberrant apoptosis and restore the depleted [Ca2+]i resulting from I/R. The protective efficacy of SM against heart disease following I/R may, therefore, be due in part to its effect on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. SM may exert its protective effects by relieving PLB inhibition, and the pharmacodynamic actions of SM appear to be significantly more effective than those of its bioreactive components, TPSG and Rgl.

Effect of Shenmai injection on vascular endothelium in rats with focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion

Objective To observe the effect of Shenmai injection on vascular endothelial function after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats. Methods 30 rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group and a Shenmai group, with 10 in each. Except the sham operation group, animal models of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury were established by the right internal carotid artery occlusion of middle cerebral artery. Then shenmai injection was given to the Shenmai group, 2 ml/100 g Sodium Chloride was given to the other groups, once per day, for successive 7 days. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) were tested. Results In Shenmai group, ET-1(126.10 ± 6.07 ng/ml vs. 105.41 ± 0.09 ng/ml), hs-CRP (15.93 ± 2.79 mg/L vs. 9.33 ± 1.32 mg/L) and Hcy (11.01 ± 0.98 μmol/L vs. 8.13 ± 0.46 μmol/L) were decreased after the treatment, while NOS (168.87 ± 9.25 U/ml vs. 242.25 ± 10.36 U/ml) and NO (84.03 ± 6.02 vs. 102.42 ± 5.05) were increased after the treatment with statistical difference (P＜0.05). Conclusion Shenmai injection can improve NOS activity and promote the synthesis of NO, decrease the level of plasma ET-1, hs-CRP and Hcy, reduce endothelial inflammatory exudation, and prevent vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Key words: Shenmai injection; Focal cerebral ischemia; Vascular endothelial

Effects of Shenmai injection on afterdepolarization and triggered activities in left ventricular papillary muscle in rat cardiac hypertrophy

This study is to evaluate the effects of Shenmai injection on the temporal alterations of action potential (AP), early afterdepolarization (EAD) and delayed afterdepolarization (DAD) in papillary muscles. The action potentials were recorded by a glass electrode. APD at 90% repolarization (APD9 ) was measured, and spontaneous EAD and DAD were observed. The results show APD90 was significantly prolonged in model group compared with sham-operated group, whereas it was remained unchanged in Shenmai injec- tion treatment group and amiodarone group. The spontaneous EADs and DADs were frequently visible in model group. In conclusion, EAD, DAD and trigger activities increase gradually during pathological progression of rat cardiac hypertrophy, and Shenmai injection could improve the action potential change in rat cardiac hypertrophy.

Effects of Shenmai injection on intrapulmonary shunt during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery

Objective To evaluate the effects of Shenmai injection on intrapulmonary shunt during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.Methods Sixty ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes,aged 40-60 yr,with body mass index of 18-25 kg/m2,scheduled for elective thoracic surgery,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n =30 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and Shenmai injection group (group SM).Anesthesia was induced with midazolam,sufentanil,rocuronium,and etomidate.Starting from the end of induction of anesthesia until the time point immediately before one-lung ventilation,Shenmai injection 0.6 ml/kg (in 250 ml normal saline) was infused intravenously in SM group,and the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in C group.Immediately before one-lung ventilation,at 10 and 60 min of one-lung ventilation and at 10 min of two-lung ventilation,arterial and venous blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis and PaO2 was recorded.Intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) and alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference (P(A-a)DO2) were calculated.Results Compared with group C,PaO2 was significantly increased at 10 and 60 min of one-lung ventilation,and Qs/Qt and P(A-a)DO2 were decreased in group SM.Conclusion Shenmai injection 0.6 ml/kg infused intravenously before one-lung ventilation can reduce the intrapulmonary shunt during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Key words: Chinese herbs; Respiration, artificial; Pulmonary circulation

Shenmai injection improves lung injury induced by severe acute pancreatitis in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of Shenmai injection on severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)-associated lung injury and the possible mechanism in rats.Methods The animals were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group(sham group,n=10),severe acute pancreatitis(SAP group,n=10)and Shenmai injection treatment group(SM group, n=10).The rat model of SAP was induced by injection of 5%sodium taurocholate to the pancreatic duct.The rats in SM group were given Shenmai injection(8mL/kg)via tail vein 10min before sodium taurocholate injecting.24hafter the model was made,1mL blood was drawn for serum amylase detection.Left lung tissues and pancreatic tissues were harvested for pathology and immunohistochemistry.Right lung tissue was homogenated for detection of myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity and levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results There were no obvious damages to pancreas and lung in the sham group.While in the SAP group,the plasma amylase was greatly increased,the pancreatic lobular structures were severely damaged,and the pulmonary alveoli were destroyed with inflammatory cell infiltration.The MPO activity,MDA,TNF-α,and IL-1βlevels in the SAP lung tissues were significantly increased compared with those in the sham group(P0.01).ICAM-1and caspase-3were strongly positive in the lung tissues of SAP group. These parameters in the SM group were improved compared with those in the SAP group.Conclusion Shenmai injection has a protective effect on SAP-associated lung injury,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of apoptosis and reduction of oxygen free radical and inflammatory content.

Myocardial protection of Shenmai injection in patients subject to beating-heart surgery

Objective To evaluate the myocardial protective effects of Shenmai injection in patients udnergoing cardiopul-monary bypass (CPB) surgery on beating-heart.Methods Sixty patients with rheumatic heart disease preparing for mitral valve replacement were randomly divided into two groups:control group (group A,n =30) and experimental group (group B,n =30).The patients in group B were given Shenmai injection 0.6 ml/kg in circuit priming fluids,and those in group A were given equal volume of normal saline.Blood samples were collected before surgery (T1),at 30 min of CPB (T2),at the end of CPB (T3) and operation (T4),24 h after operation (T5),and 72 h after operation (T6) for assessment of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),CK-MB,cardiac Troponin T (cTnT),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA).Results (1) The levels of LDH were significantly lower in group B than in group A at T3 to T6 [(258.55 ± 21.83) U/L vs.(345.12 ± 25.28) U/L,(306.40 ± 26.11) U/L vs.(396.36 ± 22.66) U/L,(335.62 ± 26.72) U/L vs.(415.74 ± 39.56) U/L,(380.00 ± 31.53) U/L vs.(435.45 ±41.39) U/L] (P ＜0.05).The levels of CK-MB were significantly lower in group B than in group A at T2 to T5 [(33.70 ± 12.60) U/L vs.(42.31 ± 11.03) U/L,(48.91 ± 12.30) U/L vs.(78.81 ±15.03) U/L,(55.82±15.28) U/Lvs.(90.76±20.14) U/L,(73.09 ±24.34) U/Lvs.(109.05 ±24.33) U/L] (P ＜0.05).The levels of cTnT were significantly lower in group B than in group AatT2 to T6 [(0.89 ± 0.27) U/Lvs.(2.61 ±0.25) U/L,(5.49±1.79) U/Lvs.(11.48±2.41) U/L,(8.31 ±2.44) U/L vs.(18.34 ±3.76) U/L,(17.91 ±3.42) U/L vs.(27.05 ±4.24) U/L,(5.10 ± 1.42) U/L vs.(11.19 ±2.80) U/L] (P＜0.05).(2) The levels of SOD were significantly higher in group B than in group A at T2 to T6[(68.69 ±7.26) U/L vs.(55.22 ±7.30) U/L,(54.28 ±7.94) U/L vs.(35.11 ±6.61) U/L,(44.03 ±6.17) U/L vs.(25.41 ±3.98) U/L,(53.93 ±6.76) U/L vs.(41.60 ± 3.79) U/L,(64.27 ± 7.13) U/L vs.(50.02 ± 4.45) U/L] (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of MDA were significantly lower in group B than in group A at T2 to T6 [(4.38 ± 0.54) μmol/L vs.(6.97 ± 0.76) μmol/L,(6.13 ±0.65) μmol/L vs.(8.59 ±0.96) μmol/L,(8.02 ±0.95) μmol/L vs.(10.28 ±0.58) μmol/L,(5.78 ±0.63) μmol/L vs.(8.55 ±0.57) μmol/L,(4.53 ±0.51) μmol/L vs.(6.62 ± 0.55) μmol/L] (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Shenmai injection offers protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury during beating heart surgery,by increasing the activity of SOD and reducing the production of myocardial enzyme leak and MDA. Key words: Shenmai injection; Cardiopulmonary bypass ; Myocardial protection; Oxygen free radical

Effect of Shenmai injection on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To investigate the effect of Shenmai injection (SMI) on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Forty ASA Ⅱl or Ⅲ patients (NYHA Ⅱ or Ⅲ),with body mass index of 18-28 kg/m2,with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores≥ 26,undergoing cardiac valve replacement with CPB,were randomly divided into control group (group C) and SMI group (group S).After induction of anesthesia,SMI 0.6 ml/kg (in 250 ml of normal saline) was infused intravenously in group S,while the equival volume of normal saline was given in group C,and the infusion was completed before CPB.Aortic clamping time,CPB time,duration of anesthesia and consumption of anesthetics were recorded.MoCA scores were assessed on day 3 before surgery and at days 3 and 7 and 14d after surgery.The patients were diagnosed as having postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) when MoCA scores ＜ 26.POCD was recorded within 14 d after surgery.Results There was no significant difference in the aortic clamping time,CPB time,duration of anesthesia and consumption of anesthetics between the two groups (P＞ 0.05).MoCA scores were lower on days 3 and 7 after surgery in group C and on day 3 after surgery in group S than those on day 3 before surgery (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with group C,MoCA scores were increased on days 3 and 7 after surgery and the incidence of POCD was decreased in group S (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion SMIcan improve the postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with CPB. Key words: Drugs, Chinese herbal; Cardiopulmonary bypass; Cognition disorders; Postoperative complications

Effects of Shenmai injection on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in rats with severe acute panereatitis

Objective To explore the impact of Shenmai injection on the levels of plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( sICAM-1 ) and ICAM-1 mRNA in the pancreas tissue of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods One hundred and eight SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group (group A),SAP model group (group B),Shenmai injection group ( group C).The rats in groups B and C were further divided into four subgroups based on the time points of constructing model:4,8,16 and 24 h subgroups (n =12 each).The levels of plasma sICAM-1 and the ICAM-1 mRNA in the pancreas tissue of rats were compared among the three groups.Results The levels of plasma sICAM-1 were significantly higher in group B than in 4,8,16 and 24 h subgroups of group A (128.07±15.86 vs 87.31 ±13.16,142.33±22.61 vs 98.82 ±11.39,187.45±17.39 vs 129.51 ±15.61,and 176.18 ± 19.36 vs 123.57 ± 17.03) ( all P ＜0.05).The levels of plasma sICAM-1 were significantly lower in group C than those in 4,8,16 and 24 h subgroups of group B (92.55 ± 8.09 vs 128.07 ± 15.86,105.28 ± 14.29 vs 142.33 ± 22.61,142.36 ± 18.25 vs 187.45 ± 17.39,131.32 ± 21.83 vs 176.18 ±19.36) ( all P ＜ 0.05 ).The expression of 1CAM-1 mRNA in the pancreatic tissue was significantly higher in group B than that in4,8,16 and 24 h subgroups of group A (0.97 ±0.12 vs 0.52 ±0.11,1.08 ±0.18 vs 0.61±0.13,1.32±0.18 vs0.82±0.14,1.23 ±0.09vs0.74±0.13) (allP＜0.05).The expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in the pancreatic tissue was significantly lower in group C than that in 4,8,16 and 24 h subgroups of group B ( 0.59 ± 0.13 vs 0.97 ± 0.12,0.68 ± 0.09 vs 1.08 ± 0.18,0.96 ±0.20vs1.32±0.18,0.88±0.09vs1.23±0.09) (allP＜0.05).Conclusion Shenmai injection could improve microcirculation and protect rats with SAP through decreasing the levels of plasma sICAM-1and the ICAM-1 mRNA of the pancreas tissue. Key words: Severe acute pancreatitis ; Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ; Shenmai injection

Effects of Shenmai injection on the expression of endothelin in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Objective To explore the changes of plasma endothelin(ET) as well as the effects of Shenmai in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods Sixty patients with SAP were collected,and divided into routine treatment group (group A) and Shenmai treatment group (group B).The clinical data and ET levels were analyzed.Results The levels of ET were significantly higher in group A than those in group B at the day 2 and 4 [ ( 80.36 ± 11.05 ) vs (98.18 ± 11.83 ),and (93.63 ± 8.59) vs ( 107.53 ± 9.26) ] ( both P ＜ 0.05 ).The levels of ET were significantly higher in group A than those in group B at the day 7 (76.25 ± 10.81 vs 93.17 ± 12.42,P ＜0.01 ).There was no significant difference between group A and group B in age,gender,andAPACHE Ⅱ score(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Shenmai injection can effectively reduce the plasma levels of ET in SAP patients,and exert its therapeutic effect through improving microcirculation of SAP patients. Key words: Severe acute pancreatitis; Endothelin; Shenmai injection

Clinical effect of shenmai injection combined with low molecular weight heparin treatment of unstable ngina

Objective To explore the effecf of Shenmai injection combined with low molecular weight heparin treatment of unstable angina with the clinical experience. Methods 120 patients with unstable angina pectoris as the research object,using control study ,patients were randomly divided into two groups( 60 cases)and control group (60). Control group with conventional therapy,the treatment group were given treatment on the basis of low molecular weight heparin calcium Shenmai joint treatment, two groups were compared before and after treatment by bleeding time,coagulation time,prothrombin time,and ECG changes,compared two groups. Results After 2 courses of treatment,52 cases was effective in observation group,the effective rate was 86.67％ ;36 cases was effective in the control group,the effective rate was 60.00％. The difference of effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant(x2 =9.19,P ＜0.05) ;The difference of bleeding time,coagulation time, prothrombin time between before and treatment were not statistically significant( all P ＞ 0.05 ), ECG,53 cases was effective in observation group, the effective rate was 88.33％ ,39 cases was effective in the control group, the effective rate was 65.00％. the difference of effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant( x2 =8.83 ,P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion The addition of conventional therapy combined low molecular weight heparin Shenmai treatment of unstable angina was significant effect,safe and reliable,and worthy of clinical use. Key words: Angina, unstable; Low molecular weight heparin; Shenmai iniection

Clinical Observation of the effect of Shenmai injection on congestive heart failure

Objective To observe the effect of Shenmai injection on congestive heart failure(CHF) and the effect on thyroid hormone as well as medicine security. Methods 52 patieits with CHF were enrolled,Shenmai injection was used with regular western medicine in the treatment. And observed its effect and test serum thyroid hormone: TSH,T3 ,T4 ,rT3. Another 50 CHF patients were enrolled as a control. Results The results of observation were that 25 cases were very effective,23 were effective,4 had no effect and the total effective rate was 92%. The results of control group were that 21 were very effective, 16 were effective, 13 had no effect and the total effective rate was 74%. The differences between the two groups were significant (P > 0.05). By comparing two thyroid hormone T3, T4, rT3, the observation T3 and T4 was obviously higher than the control. rT3 was lower than the control. Conclusion Shenmai injection could efficiently improve the heart function of CHF,cure arrhythmin and correct the illness caused by thyroid hormone. Key words: Heart failure,congestive; Shenmai injection; Thyroid hormone

Shenmai Injection (参麦注射液) inhibiting the extracellular signal regulated kinase-induced human airway smooth muscle proliferation in asthma

To investigate the relationship between the proliferation of sensitized human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and the expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on HASMCs. The HASMCs cultured in vitro were divided into three groups: (1) control group; (2) sensitized group: containing 10% asthmatic serum; (3) SMI group: further divided into three different concentration subgroups interferred with 10 microL/mL, 50 microL/mL, and 100 microL/mL SMI, respectively. The proliferation of HASMCs was detected using MTT method, the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen (PCNA) in HASMCs was detected using immunocytochemical staining, and the expression of phosphoration-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) protein was detected using Western-blot. After passive sensitization,: the optical density value (A A(490) value) of HASMCs was significantly increased from 0.366+/-0.086 to 0.839+/- 0.168 (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of PCNA was significantly increased from 28.7%+/-5.9% in the control group to 69.8%+/-7.5% in the sensitized group (P<0.05). At the same time, the expression of p-ERK1/2 in passively sensitized HASMCs was significantly increased compared with the control group (all P<0.05). After application of 10 microL/mL, 50 microL/mL, and 100 microL/mL SMI to the cultured media of passively sensitized group, the A(570) value was significantly decreased from 0.839+/-0.168 to 0.612+/-0.100, 0.412+/-0.092, and 0.339+/-0.077, respectively (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression of PCNA was significantly decreased from 69.8%+/-7.5% to 57.8%+/-6.2%, 40.7%+/-5.4%, and 26.1%+/-5.2%, respectively. At the same time, the expression of p-ERK1/2 in each SMI group was significantly decreased compared with the sensitized group (all P<0.05). ERK signal transduction pathway may be involved in the airway remodeling in asthma. The expression of ERK can be inhibited by SMI in a dose-dependent manner, thus preventing the proliferation of HASMCs.

Effect of Shenmai injection on expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage: experiment with rats

To investigate the effects of Shenmai injection containing active principles of Ginseng and ophiopogon root on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1alpha) in brain after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). 108 neonatal SD rats were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: (1) Shenmai group (Group SM), undergoing ligation of the right common carotid artery to establish HIBD models, breathing immediately a mixed gas with 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen for 2 hours to cause HI insult, and then injected intraperitoneally with Shenmai injection 10 mg/kg once a day for 7 days, and (2) normal saline (NS) group (Group NS) undergoing ligation of the right common carotid artery to establish HIBD models, breathing immediately a mixed gas with 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen for 2 h, and then injected intraperitoneally with NS 10 mg/kg once a day for 7 days. Another 54 neonatal rats underwent sham operation but did not undergo hypoxia as control group (Group C), 2, 12, and 24 hours, and 3, 7, and 14 days after HI insult 9 rats from each group were killed with their right hippocampal tissues taken out. Flow cytometry was used to examine the apoptotic rate of the hippocampal neurons. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of HIF-1alpha. (1) The apoptosis rate of the right hippocampal tissues began increase 2 h after Hi insult, peaked 24 h after HI, then gradually decreased, and almost returned to the original levels 14 d after HI. There was no significant differences in apoptosis rates 14d after HI among the 3 groups (all P > 0.05). The neuron apoptosis rates 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, and 7 d after HI of Group SM were all significantly lower than those of Group NS (e.g 24 h: (11.95 +/- 1.13)% vs (16.80 +/- 1.44)%, all P < 0.05). (2) The HIF-1alpha mRNA expression level in right brain began to increase 2 h after HI, peaked 24 h after HI, then gradually decreases, and returned to the original level 14 d after Hi in both Group SM and Group NS; The HIF-1alpha mRNA expression in right brain 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, and 7 d after HI of Group SM were all significantly higher than those of Group NS (e.g 24 h: (44.32 +/- 4.03)% vs (35.63 +/- 3.73)%, all P < 0.05). The HIF-1alpha mRNA expression in brain tissue is up-regulated after HI insult. Shenmai injection helps increase the mRNA expression of HIF-1alpha in brain and reduces the apoptosis of hippocampus neurons after HI insult.

Effect of shenmai injection on L-type calcium current of diaphragmatic muscle in rats.

In this study, whole cell patch clamp recording technique was employed to investigate the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on L-type calcium current of diaphragmatic muscle in rats. The result showed that when the diaphragmatic muscle cell was held at -80 mV and depolarized to +60 mV, 10 microl/ml, 50 microl/ml and 100 microl/ml SMI enhanced the inner peak L-type calcium current from -(6.8 +/- 0.7) pA/pF (n=7) to -(7.3 +/- 0.8) pA/pF (P>0.05, n=7), -(8.6 +/- 1.0) pA/pF (P<0.05, n=7) and -(9.4 +/- 1.2) pA/pF (P<0.05, n=7), respectively, The rates of L-type calcium current were increased by (7.34 +/- 2.37)%, (25.72 +/- 5.94)%, and (38.16 +/- 7.33)%, respectively. However, it had no significant effect on maximal activation potential and reversal potential. Our results suggested that SMI could activate the calcium channel of the diaphragmatic fibers of the rats, increase the influx of Ca2+, and enhance the contractility of diaphragmatic muscles.

Clinical study on effect of Shenmai Injection in treating congestive heart failure

To observe the therapeutic effect of Shenmai Injection (SI) in treating congestive heart failure (CHF). The changes in cAMP, cGMP, serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT, a specific marker reflecting myocardial injury), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were simultaneously monitored in 62 chronic CHF patients, distributed in the two groups, the routine treatment group and the routine treatment + SI group, by randomized grouping method, and the therapeutic effect of the two groups was compared. The plasma cAMP/cGMP ratio increased in early stage and decreased in late stage of the course of CHF. The serum cTnT level was progressively increased along with heart function deterioration. After treated with SI for 2 weeks, the CHF patients' hemodynamics got stable and heart function obviously improved. No serious adverse reaction was found in the therapeutic course. The level of serum cTnT might be taken as a reliable biochemical parameter to predict the prognosis of CHF patients. SI is an effective and safe agent in treating CHF.

3P-0625 The investigation of effect of Shenmai injection on antiangiogenesis

3P-0625 The investigation of effect of Shenmai injection on antiangiogenesis