Protective effects of Radix Codonopsis on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats after kidney transplantation

Establishment of in vitro culture system for Codonopsis pilosula transgenic hairy roots

The aim of the study was to establish a reliable system of transgenic hairy roots in Codonopsis pilosula through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. For this, we optimized several steps in the process of A. rhizogenes strain C58C1 mediated hairy root induction, including the most appropriate medium, explant type, time for infection and co-cultivation. We achieved an induction rate of up to 100% when the roots of C. pilosula seedlings were used as explants, infected with A. rhizogenes C58C1 harboring pCAMBIA1305 for 5 min, followed by induction on 1/2MS supplemented with 0.2 mg/L naphthylacetic acid and 200 mg/L cefotaxime sodium. The co-transformed hairy roots were confirmed by PCR amplification of hygromycin phosphotransferase II gene and histochemical GUS assay, and the efficiency of transformation was 70% and 68.3%, respectively, when no hygromycin selection pressure was exerted. To increase biomass production, we excised and self-propagated the transformed hairy roots, which produce saponins. Our successful establishment of an in vitro culture system of transgenic hairy root for this species lays the foundation not only for assessing gene expression and function but also for obtaining high levels of secondary metabolites through genetic engineering technology.

Renoprotective approaches and strategies in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major renal disease associated with high mortality rate and increasing prevalence. Decades of research have suggested numerous chemical and biological agents with beneficial effects in AKI. In addition, cell therapy and molecular targeting have been explored for reducing kidney tissue damage and promoting kidney repair or recovery from AKI. Mechanistically, these approaches may mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and mitochondrial and other organellar damage, or activate cytoprotective mechanisms such as autophagy and pro-survival factors. However, none of these findings has been successfully translated into clinical treatment of AKI. In this review, we analyze these findings and propose experimental strategies for the identification of renoprotective agents or methods with clinical potential. Moreover, we propose the consideration of combination therapy by targeting multiple targets in AKI.

The genus Codonopsis (Campanulaceae): a review of phytochemistry, bioactivity and quality control

Codonopsis, in the family Campanulaceae, is a genus containing 42 species of dicotyledonous herbaceous perennial plants, predominantly found in Central, East and South Asia. Several Codonopsis species are widely used in traditional medicine and are considered to have multiple medicinal properties. Among the Codonopsis species, Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. and C. lanceolata (Sieb. et Zucc.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex Trautv. are more popular than others according to the findings, especially phytochemical and bioactive studies. Phytochemical research shows that Codonopsis species contain mainly polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which contribute to multiple bioactivities. However, the mechanisms of their bioactivities need to be further elucidated. The less popular Codonopsis species remain to be studied and exploited. In addition, although a series of methods for the quality evaluation of Codonopsis species have been developed, a feasible and reliable approach to the efficacious and safe use of various Codonopsis species is still needed, with considering botanical origin, chemical constituents and bioactive effects. This review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the phytochemistry, bioactivity and quality control of medicinal plants in the genus Codonopsis and to highlight current gaps in knowledge, which is useful for the wider development of the Codonopsis genus.

HPLC/UV analysis of polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoid and pyrrolidine alkaloids in medicinally used Codonopsis species

INTRODUCTION

Codonopsis Radix is commonly used as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is no suitable method to assess the quality of Codonopsis Radix based on multiple components having potential bioactivities.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a HPLC/UV method for simultaneous quantitation of polyacetylenes (lobetyol, lobetyolin, lobetyolinin, cordifolioidyne B), phenylpropanoid (tangshenoside I) and pyrrolidine alkaloids (codonopyrrolidiums A, B) in Codonopsis Radix.

METHODS

Large-scale methanol extraction of Codonopsis Radix, followed by chromatographic separation, provided the seven analytes for quantitation standards. Ultrasound-assisted methanol extracts of samples were analysed using reversed phase, gradient elution HPLC monitored at 215 nm.

RESULTS

The method developed allowed efficient separation of the seven compounds and the detection and quantitation limits of the seven analytes were 0.10-0.32 µg/mL and 0.35-1.07 µg/mL, respectively. All calibration curves showed good linearities (r>0.9993) within the test ranges. Intraday and interday precisions were good with RSD<2.84%. The recoveries of all analytes ranged from 95.8 to 104.7%.

CONCLUSION

HPLC/UV is an efficient and accurate method of analysis for simultaneous quantitation of seven components in Codonopsis Radix.

Prevention of allergic airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in mice by Astragaliradix antiasthmatic decoction

Background

Astragali radix Antiasthmatic Decoction (AAD), a traditional Chinese medication, is found effective in treating allergic diseases and chronic cough. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this medication could suppress allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and remodeling in mice, and its possible mechanisms.

Methods

A mouse model of chronic asthma was used to investigate the effects of AAD on the airway lesions. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the extent of AHR and airway remodeling were characterized. Cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined.

Results

AAD treatment effectively decreased OVA-induced AHR, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and collagen deposition around the airway. It significantly reduced the levels of IL-13 and TGF-β1, but exerted inconsiderable effect on INF-γ and IL-10.

Conclusions

AAD greatly improves the symptoms of allergic airway remodeling probably through inhibition of Th2 cytokines and TGF-β1.