Xueshuantong Capsule Research Articles

Efficacy of compound xueshuantong capsule in reducing cardiovascular diseases and associated ophthalmic complications: a multi-centre retrospective study

IntroductionThis study aims to explore the effectiveness and value of compound xueshuantong capsule (CXC) in the treatment of diseases by evaluating its potential to reduce cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and ophthalmic complications. MethodsA total of 5104 patients with fundus vascular diseases including retinal artery occlusion (RAO), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic retinopathy (DR), hypertensive retinopathy, periphlebitis of retina, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION) were enroled across seven hospitals from 2002 to 2022. All participants were randomised categorised into two groups: CXC combination group (CXC alone or combined with hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, or anti-hypertensive drugs, and other microcirculation and fundus angiopathy medications), and non-CXC group (only taking the above-mentioned medicines). ResultsKaplan-Meier curves illustrated a lower incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular events and ophthalmic complications in CXC group compared with other group at a significant difference observed. Further stratification revealed a decreased risk of ophthalmic complications in CXC group, and supported by multivariate analysis through adjusting for baseline confounding factors. Discussion/ConclusionsOur findings further confirmed the potential value of CXC in treating cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and associated ophthalmic complications, and accompanying with less side effects at the same time.

Pharmacodynamic and targeted amino acid metabolomics researches on the improvement of diabetic retinopathy with Fufang Xueshuantong component compatibility

The Fufang Xueshuantong capsule (FXT) has significant preventive and therapeutic effects on diabetic retinopathy(DR), but the compatibility of its active components remains to be thoroughly explored. In this study, a zebrafish diabetic retinopathy model was established using high-mixed sugars, and the optimal ratios of notoginseng total saponins, total salvianolic acid, astragaloside, and harpagide were selected through orthogonal experiments. Furthermore, we used UPLC-QqQ/MS to detect the changes in amino acid content of DR zebrafish tissues after administration of FXT and its compatible formula to analyze the effects of FXT and its compatible formula on amino acid metabolites. The results showed that the final compatibility ratios of the components were 8: 5: 1: 6.6 by comprehensive evaluation of the indicators. FXT and its compatibility formula had beneficial effects on retinal vasodilatation, lipid accumulation in the liver, total glucose, and VEGF levels in DR zebrafish, and all of them could call back some amino acid levels in DR zebrafish. In this research, we determined the compatible formulation of the active ingredients in the FXT and investigated their efficacy in DR zebrafish for further clinical applications.

Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Vascular Lesions in Diabetic Rats by Activating Nrf-2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Macrovascular lesions are the main cause of death and disability in diabetes mellitus, and excessive accumulation of cholesterol and lipids can lead to long-term and repeated damage of vascular endothelial cells. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) can attenuate vascular endothelial damage in type 1 diabetic mice, while Fufang Xueshuantong capsule (FXC) has a protective effect on endothelial function; however, whether FXC in combination with UCMSCs can improve T2DM macrovascular lesions as well as its mechanism of action are not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the role of FXC + UCMSCs in T2DM vasculopathy and their potential mechanism in the treatment of T2DM. The control and T2DM groups were intragastrically administered with equal amounts of saline, the UCMSCs group was injected with UCMSCs (1×106, resuspended cells with 0.5 mL PBS) in the tail vein, the FXC group was intragastrically administered with 0.58 g/kg FXC, and the UCMSCs + FXC group was injected with UCMSCs (1×106) in the tail vein, followed by FXC (0.58 g/kg), for 8 weeks. We found that FXC+UCMSCs effectively reduced lipid levels (TG, TC, and LDL-C) and ameliorated aortic lesions in T2DM rats. Meanwhile, Nrf2 and HO-1 expression were upregulated. We demonstrated that inhibition of Nrf-2 expression blocked the inhibitory effect of FXC+UCMSCs-CM on apoptosis and oxidative stress injury. Our data suggest that FXC+UCMSCs may attenuate oxidative stress injury and macroangiopathy in T2DM by activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Comparative effect of laser therapy and Fufang xueshuantong capsules in patients with diabetic retinopathy and ocular hemodynamic characteristics

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of combined administration of laser and Fufang xueshuantong capsules in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and its influence on ocular hemodynamics.Methods: A total of 193 patients with diabetic retinopathy in the Ophthalmology Department of Hebei University Affiliated Hospital from October 2020 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: study group (127 patients) and control group (66 patients). Control group received laser therapy in the fundus while the study group was administered 3 capsules (i.e., 1.5 g) of Fufang xueshuantong thrice daily for 7 days. Changes in the fundus and visual acuity, hemodynamic indices of the ophthalmic artery, and changes in macular edema diameter, and adverse reactions in both groups were recorded.Results: In the study group, after treatment, eyeground changes were especially effective (67.37 %), effective (30.51 %), or ineffective (2.12 %). Visual acuity improved (58.90 %), (unchanged at 38.56 %), or decreased (2.54 %). In the control group, laser treatment was especially effective (42.61 %), effective (44.35 %), or ineffective (13.04 %); however, visual acuity increased (36.52 %), unchanged (47.83 %), or decreased (15.65 %). The changes were significant (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ophthalmic artery hemodynamics between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). After treatment, however, peak systolic velocity (Psv), end diastolic blood flow velocity (Edv), mean velocity (Vm), resistance index (RI), and pulsatile index (PI) in the study group were significantly different from those of the control group (p < 0.05); There was also no significant difference between the two groups before and 1 day after the operation (p > 0.05), neither was there a significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Fufang xueshuantong capsule is effective in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, and significantly improves ophthalmic artery hemodynamics. Further clinical trials, however, are required for the validation of the findings of this study.

The comparative effects of oral Chinese patent medicines in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy: A Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), a common diabetic complication with high morbidity, is featured by impaired visual function and fundus lesions. It has been reported that oral Chinese patent medicines (OCPMs) may improve visual acuity and fund signs. However, the best possible OCPMs for NPDR remain questionable and merit further investigation. From inception to October 20, 2022, seven databases were searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The outcomes were clinical effective rate, visual acuity, visual field gray value, microaneurysm volume, hemorrhage area, macular thickness, and adverse events rate. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB 2) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Network meta-analysis was performed using R 4.1.3 and STATA 15.0 software. We included 42 RCTs with 4,858 patients (5,978 eyes). The Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) combined with calcium dobesilate (CD) had the most improvement in clinical efficacy rate (SUCRA, 88.58%). The Compound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXC) combined with CD may be the best intervention (SUCRA, 98.51%) for the improvement of visual acuity. CDDP alone may be the most effective treatment option (SUCRA, 91.83%) for improving visual field gray value. The Hexuemingmu Tablet (HXMMT) and Shuangdan Mingmu Capsule (SDMMC) combined with CD may be the most effective treatment for reducing microaneurysm volume and hemorrhage area (SUCRA, 94.48%, and 86.24%), respectively. Referring to reducing macular thickness, CXC combined with CD ranked first (SUCRA, 86.23%). Moreover, all OCPMs did not cause serious adversereactions. OCPMs are effective and safe for NPDR. CDDP alone, and combined with CD, may be the most effective in improving visual field gray value and clinical efficacy rate, respectively; CXC combined with CD may be the best in enhancing BCVA and reducing macular thickness; HXMMT and SDMMC combined with CD, maybe the most effective regarding microaneurysm volume and hemorrhage area, respectively. However, the reporting of methodology in the primary study is poor, potential biases may exist when synthesizing evidence and interpreting the results. The current findings need to be confirmed by more large-sample, double-blind, multi-center RCTs of rigorous design and robust methods in the future. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022367867.

Efficacy of compound Xueshuantong capsule combined with citicoline in the treatment of glaucoma optic nerve atrophy.

Efficacy of compound Xueshuantong capsule combined with citicoline in the treatment of glaucoma optic nerve atrophy.

Intervention of Compound Xueshuantong Capsule on the incidence of heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction after PCI based on the combination of disease and syndrome: A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Heart failure (HF), manifested as a severe or end stage of various cardiac diseases, is characterized by increased incidence, mortality, re-hospitalization, and economic burden. Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common and important causes of HF. Since 2005, acute MI (AMI)-associated mortality in China has been on the rise, and MI accounts for 23.1% of the causes of HF. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the unique advantages of controlling angina pectoris and HF symptoms, and improving patients' quality of life. Compound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXSTC), also named as Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule, has the effect of increasing cardiac output and protecting myocardial function. In this trial, we aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of CXSTC in the prophylactic treatment of post-infarction HF and attempt to provide a clinical evidence-based basis for the prophylactic treatment of HF after AMI using TCM. This will be a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-parallel controlled trial. A total of 300 patients diagnosed with AMI and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention within 12 hours of diagnosis will be randomized 1:1 into 2 groups: the control group that will be administered conventional Western medicine plus placebo and the trial group that will be administered XST along with the conventional Western medicine. The duration of treatment will be 3 months and the follow-up will be up to 6 months for both groups. The main efficacy indicator is the incidence of HF. The secondary efficacy indicators are cardiac function classification, 6-minute walk test score, TCM syndrome score, survival quality score, brain natriuretic peptide level, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein level, and cardiac ultrasound result. Data will be collected to analyze the underlying mechanisms by using IBM SPSS 23.0 software. By investigating the efficacy and safety of CXSTC, this study will provide a clinical evidence base for the use of TCM in the prophylactic treatment of post-infarction HF.

Investigation into the potential mechanism and molecular targets of Fufang Xueshuantong capsule for the treatment of ischemic stroke based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Fufang Xueshuantong (FFXST) capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation used to activate blood circulation, resolve stasis, benefit qi, and nourish yin in clinical practice. However, its potential mechanism and molecular targets after ischemic stroke (IS) have not been investigated. The aim of this research was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of FFXST in the treatment of IS based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) to collect candidate compounds of four herbs in FFXST; disease-related differential genes were screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and a compound–disease network was created using Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. The topological analysis of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was then created to determine the candidate targets of FFXST against IS. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted using the clusterProfiler package in R. The gene–pathway network of FFXST against IS was created to obtain the key target genes. Molecular docking was used to validate the core targets using AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. A total of 455 candidate compounds of FFXST and 18,544 disease-related differential genes were screened. Among them, FFXST targets for IS treatment had 67 active compounds and 10 targets in the PPI network related to STAT1, STAT3, and HIF1A. The biological processes of GO analysis included the regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic process, cellular response to chemical stress, regulation of angiogenesis, regulation of vasculature development, positive regulation of cytokine production, and response to oxidative stress. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection, microRNAs in the cancer signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, and HIF-1 signaling pathway were significantly enriched. The network pharmacology outcomes were further verified by molecular docking. We demonstrated that FFXST protection against IS may relate to the regulation of oxidative stress, immune inflammatory response, and angiogenesis through the relevant signaling pathways. Our study systematically illustrated the application of network pharmacology and molecular docking in evaluating characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway of FFXST for IS.

Clinical Effect of Laser Treatment Combined with Compound Xueshuantong Capsule in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective: To determine the clinical value of compound Xueshuantong capsule in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy on the basis of laser treatment. Methods: Data were collected from 98 patients with diabetic retinopathy from February 2021 to February 2022. They were divided into two groups by drawing lots. The experimental group was treated with compound Xueshuantong capsule and laser treatment, whereas the control group was treated with laser treatment alone. Results: The absorption of exudation, resolution of retinal edema, and absorption of bleeding took longer in the control group; the incidence of visual acuity recovery to more than 0.5 and the patients’ blood glucose levels were better in the experimental group, p < 0.05. Conclusion: For patients with diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment combined with compound Xueshuantong capsule can effectively improve the visual function and rehabilitation efficiency of patients with diabetic retinopathy as well as stabilize their blood sugar levels. It has high clinical application value.

Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Comparatively Predict the Active Ingredients and Molecular Targets of Compound Xueshuantong Capsule and Hexuemingmu Tablet in the Treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

Background Compound Xueshuantong capsule (CXC) and Hexuemingmu tablet (HXMMT) are two important Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) frequently used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), especially when complicated with vitreous hemorrhage (VH). However, a network pharmacology approach to understand the therapeutic mechanisms of these two CPMs in PDR has not been applied. Objective To identify differences in the active ingredients between CXC and HXMMT and to comparatively predict and further analyze the molecular targets shared by these CPMs and PDR. Materials and methods. The differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) between normal retinal tissues in healthy individuals and active fibrovascular membranes in PDR patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The active ingredients of CXC and HXMMT and the targets of these ingredients were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. The intersections of the CPM (CXC and HXMMT) targets and PDR targets were determined. Then, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed, and the ingredient-target networks, protein-protein interaction networks, and KEGG-target (KEGG-T) networks were constructed. Results CXC contains 4 herbs, and HXMMT contains 19. Radix salviae is the only herb common to both. CXC had 34 potential therapeutic targets in PDR, while HXMMT had these 34 and 10 additional targets. Both CPMs shared the following main processes: response to reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, regulation of blood vessel diameter and size, vasoconstriction, smooth muscle contraction, hemostasis, and blood coagulation. The shared pathways included the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Conclusions Both CXC and HXMMT include components effective at treating PDR and affect the following main processes: response to reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, regulation of blood vessels, and blood coagulation. Radix salviae, the only herb common to both CPMs, contains many useful active ingredients. The PDR-CXC and PDR-HXMMT networks shared 34 common genes (RELA, HSPA8, HSP90AA, HSP90AB1, BRCA, EWSR1, CUL7, HNRNPU, MYC, CTNNB1, MDM2, YWHAZ, CDK2, AR, FN1, HUWE1, TP53, TUBB, EP300, GRB2, VCP, MCM2, EEF1A1, NTRK1, TRAF6, EGFR, PRKDC, SRC, HDAC5, APP, ESR1, AKT1, UBC, and COPS5), and the PDR-HXMMT network has 10 additional genes (RNF2, VNL, RPS27, COPS5, XPO1, PARP1, RACK1, YWHAB, and ITGA4). The top 5 pathways with the highest gene ratio in both networks were the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and focal adhesion. Additional pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway were enriched with HXMMT targets. Thus, HXMMT has more therapeutic targets shared by different active ingredients and more abundant gene functions than CXC, which may be two major reasons why HXMMT is more strongly recommended than CXC as an auxiliary treatment for new-onset VH secondary to PDR. However, the underlying mechanisms still need to be further explored.

近红外分析技术应用于复方血栓通胶囊三七浓缩过程的快速质量检测

近红外分析技术应用于复方血栓通胶囊三七浓缩过程的快速质量检测

Ranibizumab plus fufang xueshuantong capsule versus ranibizumab alone for exudative age-related macular degeneration.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of ranibizumab plus fufang xueshuantong capsule (cFXST) with the efficacy of ranibizumab alone in treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.MethodsThis prospective, randomized, controlled, pilot study included 38 eyes from 38 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that were randomly allocated into two cohorts of 19 eyes each: ranibizumab (Cr) and ranibizumab plus cFXST (Cfr). All patients received three monthly injections of ranibizumab. Patients in Cfr also received daily oral supplementation of cFXST. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and thickness of the choroidal neovascularization-pigment epithelial detachment (CNV-PED) complex (measured by optical coherence tomography) were recorded at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after the first intravitreal injection of ranibizumab.ResultsIn the Cfr, the CNV-PED complex thickness was reduced by 31.7% and 36.1% at 1 and 3 months, respectively; these reductions were significantly greater than the 19.7% and 24.2% reductions in the Cr. BCVA improvement was significantly greater in the Cfr than in the Cr after 3 months; the proportion of patients with functional response was also greater in the Cfr than in the Cr (16/16 vs. 8/17).ConclusionOral cFXST increases the efficacy of short-term ranibizumab treatment for exudative AMD.

Data-Dependent Acquisition and Database-Driven Efficient Peak Annotation for the Comprehensive Profiling and Characterization of the Multicomponents from Compound Xueshuantong Capsule by UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS.

The state of the art ion mobility quadrupole time of flight (IM-QTOF) mass spectrometer coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) can offer four-dimensional information supporting the comprehensive multicomponent characterization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXC) is a four-component Chinese patent medicine prescribed to treat ophthalmic disease and angina. However, research systematically elucidating its chemical composition is not available. An approach was established by integrating reversed-phase UHPLC separation, IM-QTOF-MS operating in both the negative and positive electrospray ionization modes, and a “Component Knockout” strategy. An in-house ginsenoside library and the incorporated TCM library of UNIFITM drove automated peak annotation. With the aid of 85 reference compounds, we could separate and characterize 230 components from CXC, including 155 ginsenosides, six astragalosides, 16 phenolic acids, 16 tanshinones, 13 flavonoids, six iridoids, ten phenylpropanoid, and eight others. Major components of CXC were from the monarch drug, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. This study first clarifies the chemical complexity of CXC and the results obtained can assist to unveil the bioactive components and improve its quality control.

Anti-thrombosis Effects and Mechanisms by Xueshuantong Capsule Under Different Flow Conditions.

Xueshuantong capsule (XST) is a patented traditional Chinese medicine used for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. The molecular mechanism of anti-thrombotic effect of XST was investigated through the cross-talk among the platelets/leukocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and flow shear stress. The Bioflux 1000 system was used to generate two levels of shear stress conditions: 0.1 and 0.9 Pa. Bioflux Metamorph microscopic imaging system was used to analyze the adhesion cell numbers. Protein expressions were detected by western blotting and flow cytometry. The flow-cytometry results showed that under 0.1 Pa flow, XST decreased ADP induced platelets CD62p surface expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Under 0.9 Pa flow, XST at a concentration of 0.15 g⋅L-1 reduced the platelets activation by 29.5%, and aspirin (ASA) showed no inhibitory effects. XST showed similar efficiency on monocytes adhesion both under 0.1 and 0.9 Pa flow conditions, and the inhibition rate was 30.2 and 28.3%, respectively. Under 0.9 Pa flow, the anti-adhesive effects of XST might be associated with the suppression of VE-cadherin and Cx43 in HUVECs. Blood flow not only acts as a drug transporter, but also exerts its effects to influence the pharmacodynamics of XST. Effects of XST on inhibiting platelets activation and suppressing platelets/leukocytes adhesion to injured ECs are not only concentration-dependent, but also shear stress-dependent. The mechanic forces combined with traditional Chinese medicine may be used as a precise treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

Curative effect evaluation of compound Xueshuantong capsule combined with calcium dobesilate for patients with early diabetic retinopathy

Curative effect evaluation of compound Xueshuantong capsule combined with calcium dobesilate for patients with early diabetic retinopathy

Protective effects of traditional Chinese herbal formula Compound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXC) on rats with blood circulation disorders

ABSTRACTCompound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXC) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula composed of root of Panax pseudoginseng var. notoginseng (Burkill) G. Hoo & C.L. Tseng, root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bunge) P.K. Hsiao, root of Salvia miltiorrhiza var. charbonnelii (H. Lév.) C.Y. Wu, and root of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. CXC was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration in 2003 (No. Z20030017) based on the positive clinical effect in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The present study was designed to elucidate the mode of action of CXC in the regulation of the haemorheology, blood coagulation, oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Rats were placed in ice-cold water (0–4 °C) for 5 min during the time interval (4 h) between two adrenaline injections to induce blood circulation disorders. Blood was collected from abdominal aorta to detect whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, maximum platelet aggregation rate, erythrocyte aggregation index, red corpuscle electrophoresis index, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. Myocardial tissue was homogenized to detect total antioxidant capacity, myeloperoxidase, Na+–K+ ATPase, and Ca2+ ATPase. The results indicated that, in addition to preventing haemorheological disorders, CXC could perform anti-platelet and anticoagulant effects, promote total antioxidant capacity and regulate myocardial energy metabolism, which might partly account for its mechanisms of action against cardiovascular diseases.

The Hippo signaling pathway: a potential therapeutic target is reversed by a Chinese patent drug in rats with diabetic retinopathy

BackgroundThe Hippo signaling pathway is reported to be involved in angiogenesis, but the roles of the Hippo pathway in diabetic retinopathy have not been addressed. Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule has been used to treat diabetic retinopathy in China; however, the effect of Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule on the Hippo pathway has not been investigated.MethodsIn this study, diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Twenty weeks later, Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule was administered for 12 weeks. When the administration ended, the eyes were isolated for western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. The levels of P- mammalian sterile 20-like (MST), large tumor suppressor homolog (Lats), P- yes-associated protein (YAP), transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) and TEA domain family members (TEAD) were measured.ResultsDiabetic rats had a decreased P-MST level in the inner plexiform layer and reduced expression of P-YAP in the photoreceptor layers of their eyes. In addition, diabetic rats displayed remarkable increases in Lats, TAZ and TEAD in their retinas. Furthermore, Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule restored the changes in the Hippo pathway.ConclusionsThe Hippo signaling pathway is important for the progression of diabetic retinopathy and will hopefully be a targeted therapeutic approach for the prevention of diabetic retinopathy.

Effect of compatible herbs on the pharmacokinetics of effective components of Panax notoginseng in Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule.

Fufang Xueshuantong (FXT) is a well-known Chinese herbal formula which has been used to treat cardiovascular and ophthalmic diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy. Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen (PN) is the main herb of FXT, whose major bioactive constituents are ginsenosides. However, the scientific basis of the compatibility of FXT is still ambiguous. The present study investigated the scientific basis of the compatibility of FXT by comparing the pharmacokinetics of marker compounds after oral administrations of PN and FXT. A high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous detection of notoginsenoside R1 (NR1), ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), and ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) in rat plasma. The pharmacokinetic studies of FXT and PN were performed using the established method with the pharmacokinetic parameters being determined by non-compartmental analysis. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum concentration, area under the curve (AUC0-t), clearance, and mean residence time) of NR1, GRg1, and GRb1 were significantly different after oral administration of FXT (P<0.05) compared with PN. The AUC0-t values of GRg1 and GRb1 were 1.7- and 3.4-fold greater, respectively, in FXT than in PN. The compatible herbs of FXT could prolong the retention time and increase the systemic exposure of NR1, GRg1, and GRb1 compared with PN in vivo, providing some scientific basis for the compatibility and clinical use of FXT.

Anti-platelet adhesive effect and mechanisms of Xueshuantong capsules under flow conditions

To investigate the anti-platelet adhesive effect and possible mechanisms of Xueshuantong capsule (XST) under flow conditions. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human platelets were employed as experimental materials, and TNF-α (20 μg•L⁻¹) was used to establish vascular endothelial cell injury models. In vivo flow conditions were simulated under controlled shear stress of 0.1 Pa and 0.9 Pa by Bioflux1000 assays accordingly. Anti-platelet adhesive effects of XST at 0.3 g•L⁻¹ were dynamically monitored by microscopic time-lapse photography. Western blotting was employed to detect the VCAM-1 expression on endothelial cells, and the release of 6-keto-PGF1α and TXB2 was tested by radioimmunoassay. The results showed that XST could inhibit the platelets adhesion under both physiological and pathological flow conditions, and the inhibition rate was 15.0% and 34.1% respectively. Under pathological low shear stress or static conditions, XST could significantly inhibit endothelial cells VCAM-1 expression and TXB2 release (P<0.05). These results suggested that XST inhibited platelets adhering to injured endothelium via decreasing VCAM-1 expression and TXA2 secretion from endothelium. From the interactions among blood flow, vascular endothelium and platelets, the anti-thrombosis effects of XST were possibly related to endothelial cells protection and therefore inhibiting platelets adhesion. Under different flow conditions, the antiplatelet adhesion effect of XST was different, and the pathological low shear stress was more conducive to the efficacy of XST.

Distribution of chemical compounds of Fufang Xueshuantong capsule in eyes and kidney of beagle dogs

Diabetic retinopathy(DR) and diabetic nephropathy(DN) are the most common complications of diabetes, and the main causes of death and disability of diabetes. Clinical reports showed that Fufang Xueshuantong capsule(FXT) had effective curative effect on DR and DN, but there was no report on the distribution of chemical compounds of FXT in beagle dog eyes and kidneys. In this study, FXT was given by gavage administration in Beagle dogs for 3 days, and then their eyeballs and kidneys were taken. The chemical compounds in beagle dog eyes and kidneys were detected by HPLC LTQ-Orbitrap technology. Furthermore, by comparing with the data from retrieving literature and references, the chemical compounds were identified by the accurate mass, retention time (tR), and MS/MS. Fourteen and 19 types of notoginsenosides were respectively identified in eyeballs and kidneys in this study, and these results could lay foundation for clarifying the effective ingredients of FXT in treatment of DR and DN.