Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Ningdong granule on regulating dopamine (DA)/serotonin (5-TH) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) in patients with Tourette syndrome.
Abstract
Many studies have indicated that a variety of neurotransmitters are implicated in the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome (TS), including dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-TH), homovanillic acid (HVA), and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). Our previous studies found that Ningdong granule (NDG) is effective on a rat model with TS. NDG can regulate the metabolic disturbance of DA, 5-TH and HVA in the rat brain. However, the mechanisms of NDG in patients with TS are still not clear. To further evaluate the efficiency, safety, and possible mechanisms of NDG, a randomized and double-blind study was carried out. One hundred and twenty patients with TS were enrolled in this study, that were randomly divided into 4 groups (NDG group, Haloperidol (Hal) group, NDG + Hal group and Control group). First, the efficiency of NDG was assessed using the Yale Global Tic Severity Score (YGTSS). Second, the concentration of DA, HVA, 5-TH, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and GABA in sera were tested by ELISA. In addition, the influence of NDG on liver and renal function was recorded. We found that NDG could ameliorate tics significantly according the YGTSS score. The concentration of HVA and GABA were increased after treatment with NDG. Furthermore, we found that there was no liver or renal damage in children treated with NDG. We also found that the NDG + Hal group was more effective and safe compared with other groups. In conclusion, the current study indicates that NDG might be effective on patients with TS by regulating dopamine (DA)/serotonin (5-TH) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA).
Clinical controlled trial on infantile Tourette syndrome treated with integrated therapy of acupuncture and medicine
CONCLUSION:
The integrated therapy of acupuncture and medicine achieves the similar effect on infantile Tourette syndrome to haloperidol tablets and the side effects of it are less.
Chinese Medicine Formula “Jian-Pi-Zhi-Dong Decoction” Attenuates Tourette Syndrome via Downregulating the Expression of Dopamine Transporter in Mice.
Abstract
Jian-Pi-Zhi-Dong Decoction (JPZDD) is dedicated to the treatment for Tourette syndrome (TS) with the guidance of the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This study aims to investigate the expression of dopamine transporter (DAT) in the striatum and stereotyped behavior of TS mice model by intervention of JPZDD. Mice were induced by 3,3′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN, 350 mg kg(-1) day(-1), i.p.) for 7 days and divided into 4 groups (n = 20, each): control and IDPN groups were gavaged with saline and the remaining 2 groups with Tiapride (Tia, 50 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and JPZDD (20 g kg(-1) day(-1)), respectively. The results showed that the scores of stereotyped behavior in IDPN+JPZDD group were significantly reduced. A noticeably increased (11)C-β-CFT binding at bilateral striatum was observed after administration of JPZDD versus that of IDPN or Tia. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization studies manifested higher levels of DAT protein and mRNA in IDPN+JPZDD group. These findings not only demonstrated that JPZDD could effectively inhibit the abnormal behaviors of TS mice model, but also increase the level of DAT in striatum. Therefore, JPZDD could be one of potential treatments of patients with TS.
