Mechanism of herb pair containing Astragali Radix and Spatholobi Caulis in the treatment of myelosuppression based on network pharmacology and experimental investigation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Astragali Radix and Spatholobi Caulis herb pair (ARSC) is one of the most commonly used herbal combinations for bone marrow suppression. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Astragali Radix strengthens the spleen and replenishes qi, while Spatholobi Caulis is a hematinic agent that promotes blood circulation and enrichment. The compatibility of the two helps the body to tonify the spleen and kidneys and compensate for visceral deficiencies. However, the multi-target mechanism of ARSC in bone marrow suppression has remained largely unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to explore the key targets and signaling pathways of the traditional Chinese herbal pair ARSC for the treatment of bone marrow suppression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The active components of ARSC and targets for myelosuppression were screened using network databases. Cytoscape 3.8.0 was used to construct compound-target, compound-disease-target and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Go-function and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the potential mechanism. In vivo animal experiments were conducted to verify the molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

The 36 active compounds were identified from the ARSC, and a total of 108 genes involved in myelosuppression were screened. VEGFA, IL6, TNF, JUN, STAT3, PTGS2, CASP3 and MMP9 genes were identified as potential drug targets in the PPI network analyzed by CytoHubba. Enrichment analysis indicated that ARSC may treat myelosuppression through various biological processes, such as apoptosis, TNF-α signaling pathway via NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, P53 signaling pathway and G2/M checkpoint signaling pathway. The results of the experiment showed that the aqueous extract of ARSC significantly alleviated myelosuppression, reduced the apoptosis rate of bone marrow cells, upregulated the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF, and promoted NF-κB phosphorylation in myelosuppressed mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified the active components and relevant mechanisms of ARSC in the treatment of myelosuppression. Our findings predicted that ARSC could treat bone marrow suppression through multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways. Pharmacological experiments showed that ARSC alleviated fluorouracil-induced myelosuppression by reducing the apoptosis rate of bone marrow cells and regulating the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Diosmetin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside suppresses endothelial-mesenchymal transformation through endoplasmic reticulum stress in cardiac fibrosis

Diosmetin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (Diosmetin-7-O-glucoside) is a natural flavonoid glycoside known to have a therapeutic application for cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac fibrosis is the main pathological change in the end stage of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial-mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) via Src pathways is involved in the process of cardiac fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether and how diosmetin-7-O-glucoside regulates EndMT and ER stress to treat cardiac fibrosis. In this study, molecular docking results showed that diosmetin-7-O-glucoside bound well to ER stress and Src pathway markers. Diosmetin-7-O-glucoside suppressed cardiac fibrosis induced by isoprenaline (ISO) and reduced the levels of EndMT, ER stress in mice heart. Primary cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) were induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to perform EndMT. Diosmetin-7-O-glucoside could effectively regulate EndMT and diminish the accumulation of collagen I and collagen III. We also showed that the tube formation in CMECs was restored, and the capacity of migration was partially inhibited. Diosmetin-7-O-glucoside also ameliorated ER stress through the three unfolded protein response branches, as evidenced by organelle structure in transmission electron microscopy images and the expression of protein biomarkers like the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Further analysis showed that diosmetin-7-O-glucoside could suppress the expression level of Src phosphorylation, then block EndMT with the maintenance of endothelial appearance and endothelial marker expression. These results suggested that the diosmetin-7-O-glucoside can regulate EndMT through ER stress, at least in part via Src-dependent pathways.

Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway mediates both liver and kidney injuries in mice with hepatorenal syndrome

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a complication of cirrhosis with high morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism involving how kidney injury aggravates the progression of cirrhosis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in mediating liver and kidney injuries in HRS mice induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and/or bile duct ligation (BDL). Two weeks after UUO, there were no obvious pathological changes in mouse liver and the unligated side of kidney. Nevertheless, impaired liver and kidney functions, inflammatory response, and fibrosis were examined in mice after 2 wk of BDL. Compared with those of other groups, mice in the BDL + UUO group presented severer liver and kidney injuries, higher levels of inflammatory factors, and faster deposition of collagens, suggesting that kidney injuries accelerated the aggravation of HRS. Correlation analysis identified a positive correlation between expression levels of inflammatory factors and fibrotic levels. Meanwhile, TLR4 and its ligand MyD88 were upregulated during the process of liver and kidney injuries in HRS mice. Further animal experiments in transgenic TLR4^-/- mice or in those treated with TAK242, a small molecule inhibitor of TLR4, showed that blocking the TLR4 signaling pathway significantly improved survival quality and survival rate in HRS mice by alleviating liver fibrosis and kidney injury. It is concluded that kidney dysfunction plays an important role in the aggravation of cirrhosis, which may be attributed to the TLR4 signaling pathway. Targeting TLR4 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for protecting both liver and kidneys in patients with HRS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study established BDL, UUO, and BDL + UUO models, providing a novel idea for analyzing liver and kidney diseases. It is highlighted that the kidney injury accelerated the aggravation of HRS via inflammatory response, which could be protected by inhibiting the TLR4 signaling pathway. We believed that targeting TLR4 was a promising therapeutic strategy for protecting both liver and kidney functions in patients with HRS.

Total C-21 Steroidal Glycosides From Baishouwu Ameliorate Hepatic and Renal Fibrosis by Regulating IL-1β/MyD88 Inflammation Signaling

Fibrosis is a worldwide public health problem, which typically results from chronic diseases and often leads to organ malfunction. Chronic inflammation has been suggested to be the major trigger for fibrogenesis, yet mechanisms by which inflammatory signals drive fibrogenesis have not been fully elucidated. Total C-21 steroidal glycosides (TCSG) from Baishouwu are the main active components of the root of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, which exert hepatoprotective and anti-inflammation properties. In this study, we established a mouse model with the coexistence of hepatic and renal fibrosis and aimed to investigate the effects of TCSG from Baishouwu on fibrosis and explored the potential mechanisms. The results of biochemical and pathological examinations showed that TCSG from Baishouwu improved liver and kidney function and alleviated hepatic and renal fibrosis by reducing collagen and extracellular matrix deposition in bile duct ligation and unilateral ureteral occlusion (BDL&UUO) mice. According to network pharmacology analysis, the mechanisms underlying the effects of TCSG from Baishouwu on hepatic and renal fibrosis were associated with inflammatory response pathways, including “Signaling by interleukins”, “MAP kinase activation”, “MyD88 cascade initiated on plasma membrane”, and “Interleukin-1 family signaling”. Regression analysis and western blot results revealed that IL-1β/MyD88 inflammation signaling played an essential role in the anti-fibrotic effects of TCSG from Baishouwu. Further data displayed that TCSG from Baishouwu affected inflammatory response and extracellular matrix deposition via suppressing the activation of p38 MAPK/JNK and NF-κB p65 signaling cascades both in the liver and kidney of BDL&UUO mice. Thus, our findings suggest TCSG from Baishouwu as a natural regimen against hepatic and renal fibrosis and provide direct evidence that IL-1β/MyD88 signaling crucially contributes to hepatic and renal fibrosis and modulates liver-kidney crosstalk by maintaining tight control over inflammatory responses.

[Space maintenance for the premature loss of the second primary molar]

Space reduction after the premature loss of the second primary molars is one of the important factors affecting the occurrence of malocclusion, often increasing the demand for orthodontic treatment. It has great significance to select and apply appropriate appliances to maintainthe space soon after the premature loss of the second primary molars. The space should be maintained until the adjacent teeth and the successors erupt successfully. This review summarizes the selection and clinical application of the space maintainer for the premature loss of the second primary molars in different periods, to improve dentists' awareness of the importance of space maintainers and to provide advises for clinical choices.

Total C-21 steroidal glycosides, isolated from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, attenuate hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury and inflammation in L02 cells

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathology of liver disorders. Total C-21 steroidal glycosides (TCSGs), isolated from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, have been reported to exert numerous effects, including liver protective and antioxidant effects. In order to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of TCSGs on liver function, the present study used the human normal liver cell line, L02, to evaluate the effects of TCSGs on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative injury and inflammatory responses. The L02 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of TCSGs, followed by exposure to 1.5 mM H₂O₂. Cell viability was determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-di-phenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured using colorimetric assays. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) were also determined. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using a fluorescent probe. H₂O₂-induced oxidative toxicity was attenuated following treatment with TCSGs, as indicated by the increase in cell viability, the decreased levels of ALT, AST, LDH, NO, MDA and ROS, and the increased activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. To further explore the possible mechanisms of action of TCSGs, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF)-κB pathways were examined. The results revealed that treatment with TCSGs markedly induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the L02 cells damaged by H₂O₂. In addition, pretreatment with TCSGs inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway by blocking the degradation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα (IκBα), thereby reducing the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, as well as reducing the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that TCSGs can protect L02 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative toxicity and inflammatory injury by increasing the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Salidroside, A Natural Antioxidant, Improves β-Cell Survival and Function via Activating AMPK Pathway

Aim: The enhanced oxidative stress contributes to progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and induces β-cell failure. Salidroside is a natural antioxidant extracted from medicinal food plant Rhodiola rosea. This study was aimed to evaluate protective effects of salidroside on β-cells against diabetes associated oxidative stress. Methods and Results: In diabetic db/db and high-fat diet-induced mice, we found salidroside ameliorated hyperglycemia and relieved oxidative stress. More importantly, salidroside increased β-cell mass and β-cell replication of diabetic mice. Mechanism study in Min6 cells revealed that, under diabetic stimuli, salidroside suppressed reactive oxygen species production and restore mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) via reducing NOX2 expression and inhibiting JNK-caspase 3 apoptotic cascade subsequently to protect β-cell survival. Simultaneously, diabetes associated oxidative stress also activated FOXO1 and triggered nuclear exclusion of PDX1 which resulted in β-cell dysfunction. This deleterious result was reversed by salidroside by activating AMPK-AKT to inhibit FOXO1 and recover PDX1 nuclear localization. The efficacy of salidroside in improving β-cell survival and function was further confirmed in isolated cultured mouse islets. Moreover, the protective effects of salidroside on β-cells against diabetic stimuli can be abolished by an AMPK inhibitor compound C, which indicated functions of salidroside on β-cells were AMPK activation dependent. Conclusion: These results confirmed beneficial metabolic effects of salidroside and identified a novel role for salidroside in preventing β-cell failure via AMPK activation. Our finding highlights the potential value of Rhodiola rosea as a dietary supplement for diabetes control.

Nanoemulsion delivery system of tea polyphenols enhanced the bioavailability of catechins in rats

Tea polyphenols (TP) were emulsified with corn oil and polysorbate 80 by high-pressure homogenization. The oil in water (O/W) TP nanoemulsion had droplet sizes of 99.42±1.25nm after preparation. The TP nanoemulsion was stable during storage at 4, 25 or 40°C for 20days. An in vitro simulated digestion assay showed that the bioaccessibility of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was increased in the nanoemulsion compared to that in aqueous solution, but that the bioaccessibilities of (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin (EC) and (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG) were greatly decreased. Compared with rats fed an aqueous TP solution, rats fed the TP nanoemulsion had significantly lower maximum plasma concentrations (C_max) of EGCG and EGC, but the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC_0-t) was increased. The data show that use of a nanoemulsion system to deliver tea polyphenols may enhance the absorption of EGCG through controlled release.

Metabolic profiling of the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of Ginkgolic acids in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-definition mass spectrometry

Ginkgolic acids (GAs) are thought to be the potentially hazardous constituents corresponding to the toxic side effects of Ginkgo products. In this study, toxicological and metabolomics studies of GAs were carried out by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-definition mass spectrometry (UPLC-HDMS). Significant changes in serum clinical chemistry were observed in the both low (100 mg/kg) and high (900 mg/kg) doses. Especially the serum enzyme of ALT, AST, LDH, and CK decreased in treated groups. The histopathological observation demonstrated hepatic steatosis in liver and tubular vacuolar degeneration in kidney. These results demonstrated the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of GAs. Functional disorders are more likely to be toxic induced by GAs. Metabolic profiling within seven days revealed the change of the body status after oral administration. The results indicated the body function was significantly influenced at the 3rd day and could recover in seven days. Metabolomic analysis showed alterations in 14 metabolites from plasma such as LysoPC(18:0), LysoPC(18:2) and other lipids. The results suggested that exposure to GAs could cause disturbances in liver and kidney function associated with the metabolisms of lipids, glucose and the enzyme activity.

Characterization of Collagen Peptides in Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu Aqueous Extract with Proliferative Activity on Osteoblasts Using Nano-Liquid Chromatography in Tandem with Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry

First documented in Shennong Bencao Jing (about 200 B.C.–200 A.D.), Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu (EDC) has been recorded for its effects in strengthening bones and balancing other aspects of overall health for approximately 2000 years. In the present study, our aim was to investigate which are the components of the active EDC fraction by a peptidomic strategy. We explored the extent to which EDC increases the proliferation of osteoblasts by measuring the elevations in osteonectin and type I collagen mRNA levels and characterized it using nano-flow liquid chromatography in tandem with orbitrap mass spectrometry. In total, 272 peptide sequences from collagens were determined. “Hot regions” in parent proteins determined by peptide heat maps which indicated that amino acid sequences in the regions might undergo proteolysis easily and generate peptides. Among the identified peptides, 90.2% were hydrophilic, and the molecular weight of 97.1% of identified peptides was lower than 2000 Da. According to these results, EDC collagen-derived peptides were easily analyzed and identified. Moreover, this methodology is feasible to characterize the active peptides matrices originated from collagen hydrolysates or some other animal horn- derived TCMs.

Liposome encapsulation attenuated venenum bufonis induced vascular irritation in rabbit ear vein via regulating TLR/MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Venenum bufonis (VB) induced vascular irritation was related with the regulation of TLR/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, and liposome encapsulation significantly attenuated VB induced vascular irritation while maintaining its anticancer activity.

Gualou Xiebai decoction inhibits cardiac dysfunction and inflammation in cardiac fibrosis rats

Background

Gualou Xiebai Decoction (GXD) is a well-known traditional Chinese recipe. It has been used to treat cardiovascular disorders for nearly two thousand years. But there is a lack of reports on cardiac fibrosis and underlying mechanism.

Methods

Myocardial infarction was performed by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in male Wistar rats. Rats with myocardial infarction were treated with GXD (1.14 g/kg, 4.53 g/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Hemodynamic parameters and infarct size were measured in each group. Myocardial enzymes were examined by biochemical tests. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed by ELISA, and interrelated proteins were detected by western blot.

Results

Cardiac function was significantly improved in GXD-treatment rats after myocardial infarction (MI), which was accompanied with decreased infarct size. Administration of GXD to myocardial fibrosis rats significantly ameliorated the activities of AST, LDH and CK-MB in serum. The increase in inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β) were markedly reduced upon GXD treatment. Furthermore, the inflammatory mediators (NF-κB p65, TNF-α, MCP-1) were down-regulated by GXD in the myocardial fibrosis rats.

Conclusions

Treatment with GXD improved cardiac function induced by myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting expression of inflammatory mediators associated with NF-κB.

Puerarin Protects Pancreatic β-Cells in Obese Diabetic Mice via Activation of GLP-1R Signaling

Diabetes is characterized by a loss and dysfunction of the β-cell. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling plays an important role in β-cell survival and function. It is meaningful to identify promising agents from natural products which might activate GLP-1R signaling. In this study, puerarin, a diet isoflavone, was evaluated its beneficial effects on β-cell survival and GLP-1R pathway. We showed that puerarin reduced the body weight gain, normalized blood glucose, and improved glucose tolerance in high-fat diet-induced and db/db diabetic mice. Most importantly, increased β-cell mass and β-cell proliferation but decreased β-cell apoptosis were observed in puerarin-treated diabetic mice as examined by immunostaining of mice pancreatic sections. The protective effect of puerarin on β-cell survival was confirmed in isolated mouse islets treated with high glucose. Further mechanism studies showed that the circulating level of GLP-1 in mice was unaffected by puerarin. However, puerarin enhanced GLP-1R signaling by up-regulating expressions of GLP-1R and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, which subsequently led to protein kinase B (Akt) activation but forkhead box O1 inactivation, and promoted β-cell survival. The protective effect of puerarin was remarkably suppressed by Exendin(9-39), an antagonist of GLP-1R. Our study demonstrated puerarin improved glucose homeostasis in obese diabetic mice and identified a novel role of puerarin in protecting β-cell survival by mechanisms involving activation of GLP-1R signaling and downstream targets.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of CYP2C9-mediated herb-herb interaction of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix

According to traditional Chinese medicine theories, Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix should not be used together in one prescription, because their interaction leads to an unexpected consequence. However, the mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to find out whether CYP2C9 was involved in this herb–herb interaction by using tolbutamide as a probe substrate in vivo and in vitro. Both Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix showed induction activity toward CYP2C9, while the combination of them showed a more potent induction activity toward CYP2C9 in vivo. In vitro study revealed only the combination of the herbs could induce the activity of CYP2C9. Thus, both in vivo and in vitro study indicated combination of Glycyrrhizae Radix and Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix could induce the activity of CYP2C9 to a high level, which may result in decreased plasma levels of major active ingredients of these two herbs, as well as other herbs in the prescriptions. Further research also appears to be necessary to identify the main enzymes involved in the metabolism of the active ingredients in Glycyrrhizae Radix and Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix.

Gualou Xiebai Decoction prevents myocardial fibrosis by blocking TGF-beta/Smad signalling

OBJECTIVES

The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of Gualou Xiebai Decoction (GXD) ethanol extract on myocardial fibrosis and clarify the possible mechanism.

METHODS

Rats with ligated left anterior descending coronary artery were treated with GXD ethanol extract (1.14 g/kg, 2.27 g/kg, 4.53 g/kg) daily via gavage for 4 weeks. Histopathological changes and collagen distribution were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The mRNA levels of Collagen I and Collagen III were detected by real-time PCR. The expressions of TGF-β1, TGFβ receptor (TGFβR)I, TGFβRII, P-Smad2/3 and Smad7 were determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

GXD treatment was significantly reduced the heart weight/body weight ratio (P < 0.05) as well as the left ventricle weight/body weight ratio (P < 0.05). It also significantly alleviated the degree of inflammation, decreased myocardial collagen volume fraction (P < 0.05 ∼ 0.01), together with markedly prevented the upregulations of Collagen I and Collagen III (P < 0.05 ∼ 0.01). Moreover, GXD downregulated expressions of TGF-β1, TGFβRI, TGFβRII, Smad2/3 whereas improved Smad7 expression in the myocardial fibrosis rats.

CONCLUSIONS

GXD ameliorates myocardial fibrosis induced by cardiac infarction with ligated left anterior descending coronary artery, the mechanism maybe involve in inhibiting the TGF-β1 signalling pathway.

Metabolism study of notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1 and ginsenoside Rb1 of radix Panax notoginseng in zebrafish

Zebrafish, a common model organism for studies of vertebrate development and gene function, has been used in pharmaceutical research as a new and powerful tool in recent years. In the present study, we applied zebrafish for the first time in a metabolic study of notoginsenoside (R1), ginsenoside (Rg1) and ginsenoside (Rb1), which are saponins isolated from Panax notoginseng. Metabolites of these three saponin compounds in zebrafish after exposure for 24 h were identified by high performance liquid chromatography - electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) with a Zorbax C-18 column for separation using a binary gradient elution of 0.05% formic acid acetonitrile - 0.05% formic acid water. The quasi-molecular ions of compounds were detected in negative mode. Step-wise deglycosylation metabolites and hydroxylation metabolites of the three saponins were found, which were coincide with regular methods for metabolic analysis. Our study demonstrated that the zebrafish model can successfully imitate the current metabolic model with advantages of lower cost, far less amount of compound needed, easy set up and high performance. Our data suggests that the zebrafish metabolic model has the potential for developing a novel method for quickly predicting the metabolism of Chinese herb components, including those of trace compounds.

[Effects of bushen huoxue decoction on neurobiochemical markers in the hippocampus of female rats with repeated immobilization stress]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect o f Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BHD) on neurobiochemical markers in the hippocampus of female rats with repeated immobilization stress.

METHODS

Sixty female rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the positive control group (treated with Liuwei Dihuang Pill at the dose of 3.3 g crude drug/kg), and the high, middle, and low BHD treated groups (at the dose of 8, 4, 2 g crude drug/kg), ten in each group. Chronic psychological stress was induced using repeated immobilization stress in rats. Medication was conducted by gastrogavage while modeling once a day for twenty successive days. The hippocampal neurohumoral levels were detected with high-performance liquid chromatography. The expression levels of BDNF and its receptor in the hippocampus were detected by Westem blot. Effect of BHD on neurobiochemical markers in the hippocampus of rats with repeated immobilization stress was observed.

RESULTS

The levels of Glu, GABA, and BDNF in the hippocampus of the normal group were 1280.0 +/- 258.3 ng/mg, 588.3 +/- 115.1 ng/mg, and 13.26 +/- 2.57 gray value, respectively. But the hippocampal neurohumoral levels and the expression of BDNF in the model group obviously decreased when compared with the normal group, being 1016.9 +/- 215.9 ng/mg, 485.1 +/- 71.0 ng/mg, and 7.23 +/- 0.61 gray value, respectively. The levels of Glu (ng/mg) in hippocampus of the three BHD treated groups were 1459.1 +/- 413.5, 1894.7 +/- 542.8, and 1373.3 +/- 345.7, respectively. GABA levels (ng/mg) inthe hippocampus were 631.6 +/- 161.4, 899.1 +/- 262.1, and 656.4 +/- 140.8, respectively. BDNF levels (gray value) were 16.57 +/- 1.52, 29.85 +/- 1.37, and 24.44 +/- 3.81, respectively, significantly higher than that of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The level of Glu in the positive control group (1216.5 +/- 193.8 ng/mg) was significantly higher than that of model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

BHD showed significant accommodation on the hippocampal neurohumoral levels and the expression of BDNF in the female rats with repeated immobilization stress.

[Nourishing-yin effect and mechanism of different parts of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate nourishing-yin effect and mechanism of different parts of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani in rats.

METHOD

The model of yin asthenia rats was built by thy roxine. The substance metabolism, pain threshold, hormone levels and biochemical indicators in serum were measured.

RESULTS

The ethanol extract of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani could regulate the substance metabolism and raise the pain threshold in yin asthenia model rats. Furthermore, it could regulate the hormone levels, biochemical indicators in serum and it could improvte the antioxidant ability.

CONCLUSION

The ethanol extract of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani showed significant nourishing-yin effect in rats and the possible mechanism is correlated with regulating the neuroendocrine network.

[Optimization of the hydrolysis process for C21 steroidal glycoside of bai shou wu by acetic acid with multi-target orthogonal design]

OBJECTIVE

To study the optimizal hydrolysis process for C21 steroidal glycoside of Bai Shou Wu by acetic acid.

METHOD

The effects of acetic acid concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time had been investigated using orthogonal design and the contents of kidjoranin 3-O-beta-digitoxopyranoside, caudatin, kidjoranin 3-O-alpha-L-diginopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-cymaropyranoside and caudatin 3-O-beta-cymaropyranoside as response indexs were determined by the high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULT

The factors influencing acetic extraction efficiency were as follows: A > B > C (A. reaction temperature; B. reaction time; C. acetic acid concentration). The optimal hydrolysis condition obtained was: refluxing for 6 hours with 5.0% dilute CH3COOH solution at 100 degrees C.

CONCLUSION

The content of antitumor active ingredients under the optimum hydrolysis condition is raised obviously and has a great part in studying this antitumor drug.

[Chromatographic fingerprint of Dipsacus asper and analysis by HPLC-MS]

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for fingerprint of Dipsacus asper. Analysis were carried out on a Zorbax C-18 column by gradient elution using 0.1% phosphoric acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phases. The column was maintained at 25 degrees C, the flow rate was 1 mL x min(-1), and the detection wavelength was set at 205 nm. Asperosaponin VI was selected as reference compound, Seventeen common peaks were selected, and the fingerprint with good precision, stability and repeatability was successfully used to evaluate quality of 24 batches of crude extracts of D. asper. Chemical characteristics of D. asper was analyzed by DAD detection and HPLC-MS techniques with an ESI source. The quasi-molecular ions of compounds in both negative and positive modes were observed for molecule mass information of 33 compounds, and the potential structures of 10 characteristic components were identified by study on the mass spectra of compounds and comparing with reference data and some of standards. The results indicate the HPLC fingerprint of D. asper will show more characters through identification of component structures using an HPLC-ESI-MS method, and will control the quality of D. asper more effectively and reasonable.

Antitumor activity of C-21 steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight

The antitumor activities of six C-21 steroidal glycosides isolated from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight were performed according to a microculture tetrazolium (MTT) method on human tumor cell lines SMMC-7721, MCF-7 and Hela. Of these compounds, caudatin-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methy-β-D-cymaropyranoside and caudatin were found to be of the highest effects against human tumor cell line SMMC-7721 with IC(50) values of 13.49 and 24.95 μM, respectively. Then the in vivo assay further showed that caudatin-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methy-β-D-cymaropyranoside and caudatin significantly inhibited the growth of transplantable H(22) tumors in mice.

Two new cytotoxic pregnane glycosides from Cynanchum auriculatum

Two new pregnane glycosides, kidjoranin 3- O- alpha-diginopyranosyl-(1-->4)- beta-cymaropyranoside (1) and kidjoranin 3-O-beta-digitoxopyranoside (2), together with one known compound caudatin 3 -O-beta-cymaropyranoside (3), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum. Their structures were established on the basis of NMR analyses. Compounds 1 - 3 were tested for their in vitro inhibitory activity against the growth of human tumor cell lines SMMC-7721, HeLa and MCF7; all of them displayed marked cytotoxic activities against cells SMMC-7721 and HeLa with IC (50) values ranging from 8.6 microM to 58.5 microM, yet no activity against the cell line MCF7 was detected.

Analysis of chemical and metabolic components in traditional Chinese medicinal combined prescription containing Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza and Radix Panax notoginseng by LC-ESI-MS methods

High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) methods were developed for the analysis of chemical and metabolic components in traditional Chinese medicinal combined prescription containing Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza and Radix Panax notoginseng (commonly known as Fufang Danshen prescription, FDP). The HPLC experiments used a reversed-phase Zorbax C(18) column with the column temperature at 30 degrees C and a binary mobile phase system consisting of aqueous formic acid (0.1%, v/v) and acetonitrile using a gradient elution at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The ESI-MS was operated with a single-quadrupole mass spectrometer in both negative and positive ion modes. 36 major chromatographic peaks of FDP, including 14 saponins, 13 phenolic acids and nine diterpenoid quinones were characterized by their MS spectra and in comparison with some of the reference standards. In addition, after oral administration of extraction of FDP, the rat's plasma, urine and feces were also analyzed; 53 metabolic components including 30 original components and 23 transformative components of FDP were detected, and possible metabolic pathways of some components in FDP were given. The analysis of chemical and metabolic components in FDP by HPLC-MS methods could be a useful means of identifying the multi-components of FDP and to hint at their possible metabolic mechanism of action in the body.