Herbal mixtures in the traditional medicine of eastern Cuba

Herbal mixtures in the traditional medicine of Eastern Cuba. Traditional herbal mixtures in Eastern Cuba are investigated through interviews with 130 knowledgeable people and traditional healers of the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo. One hundred seventy plant species and other products are used in 199 formulas, galones being the more complex. Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae), Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae), Cissus sicyoides L. (Vitaceae), Erythroxylum havanense Jacq. (Erythroxylaceae) and Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl. (Verbenaceae) are the species most frequently cited. The ecological distribution of the taxa and cultural and anthropological aspects of mixtures are highlighted; particularly American and African influences that have shaped local knowledge about plant combinations are discussed.     

Morin promotes the production of Th2 cytokine by modulating bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

Our previous studies had reported that morin decreased the interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages, suggesting that morin may promote helper T type 2 (Th2) response in vivo. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cells and known to play a major role in the differentiation of helper T type 1 (Th1) and Th2 responses. This study aimed to reveal whether morin is able to control the Th differentiation through modulating the maturation and functions of DCs. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) were incubated with various concentrations of morin and their characteristics were studied. The results indicated that morin significantly affects the phenotype and cytokine expression of BM-DCs. Morin reduced the production of IL-12 and TNF-alpha in BM-DCs, in response to LPS stimulation. In addition, the proliferative response of stimulated alloreactive T cells was significantly decreased by morin in BM-DCs. Furthermore, allogeneic T cells secreted higher IL-4 and lower IFN-gamma in response to morin in BM-DCs. In conclusion, these results suggested that morin favors Th2 cell differentiation through modulating the maturation and function of BM-DCs.     

Selective Th1 upregulation by ethyl acetate fraction of Labisia pumila

Aim of the study

Labisia pumila has rejuvenating properties that help women to regain the strength and vigour after giving birth (Burkill, 1935) leading us to speculate that Labisia pumila might also modulate the immune matrix as it is one of the important aspect of healthy state of the living body.

Materials and methods

Studies were carried out for the evaluation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in murine neutrophils followed by expression of T cell-surface markers and corresponding intracellular expression of cytokines related to T helper1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) activity.

Results

The ethyl acetate fraction (A001/3b) obtained from ethanolic extract of leaves of Labisia pumila at graded doses (in vitro) showed increased expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12. IL-12 is a strong inducer of Th1 response in activated CD4+ T cells and accordingly T cell studies were carried out (in vivo). These specific studies showed A001/3b to cause marked stimulation of CD4+ T helper cells and related cytokine expression like IL-2 and IFN-gamma (a potent Th1 inducer), thereby, having a predominant Th1 upregulation pathway. This was further validated by suppression of IL-4 and IL-10 expression which are the Th2 pathway cytokines.

Conclusion

This study showed ethyl acetate fraction (A001/3b) of Labisia pumila to have Th1 upregulating activity and suggests its possible usefulness as a therapeutic agent in immune compromised patients.     

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??OBJECTIVE To investigage the effects of celastrol-triggered HeLa cells autophagy and the molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The antiproliferative effect of celastrol was detected using MTT assay. Apoptotic rate and cell cycle were evaluated using flow cytometric analysis. Autophagy was detected using fluorescence microscope. Protein expression was evaluated using Western blotting. Tumor growth was evaluated by subcutaneous xenograft model in vivo. RESULTS Celastrol inhibited HeLa cells proliferation and induced HeLa cells autophagy and cell cycle arrest at G₀/G₁ phase, but not induced HeLa cell apoptosis in vitro. The protein expression of Beclin 1 was up-regulated and the conversion from LC3 ?? to LC3 ?? was increase in HeLa cells in vitro after treatment with celastrol. Moreover, celastrol promoted the protein expression of PTEN??p-ERK1/2??p-MEK1/2 and inhibited the phosphorylated of Akt, p70S6K and mTOR in HeLa cells. After pretreatment with 3-methyladenine (5 mmol??L^-1), the antiproliferative and induced-autophagy effects of celastrol were reversed. Furthermore, celastrol inhibited tumor growth and the protein expression of p-Akt and p-mTOR, but up-regulated the protein expression of LC3 ?? and Beclin 1 in vivo. CONCLUSION Antitumor effect of celastrol dependent on cells autophagy in HeLa cells via inhibition of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.     

Selective Th1 up-regulating activity of Withania somnifera aqueous extract in an experimental system using flow cytometry

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is reported to be immunoprotective and immunoadjuvant. We studied its roots aqueous extract on T helper (Th) immunity using flow cytometry. This extract was standardized with six withanolides as marker compounds using HPLC. Once daily dose ranging from 25 to 400 mg/kg/p.o. was used to study effect on Th1: IFN-gamma, IL-2 and Th2: IL-4 cytokine modulation. We also studied effect on CD4 and CD8 in normal and immunesuppressed mice. The results indicate that extract at 100 mg/kg resulted significant selective up-regulation of Th1 response. Treatment with extract showed significant increase in CD4 and CD8 counts as compared to control and cyclopsorin A, with a faster recovery of CD4+ T cells in immunesuppressed animals. Under immunesuppressed conditions, potentiation of cellular and humoral immune responses of extract was comparable to levamisole. This study indicates the selective Th1 up-regulating effect of extract and suggests its use for selective Th1/Th2 modulation.     

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??OBJECTIVE To clone target gene by RT-PCR method, construct VEGF₁₆₅ lentivirus vectors, transfect adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) and verify the expression of VEGF₁₆₅ in vitro and in vivo. METHODS RT-PCR technology was employed to clone VEGF₁₆₅ gene, and this gene was cloned to lentivirus vector pLVX-EF1??-IRES2-AcGFP1 to construct a lentiviral vector pLVX-EF1??-VEGF₁₆₅-IRES2-AcGFP1. Bacterial colonies PCR and sequencing analysis were used for identification. Then, Lenti-X 293T cells were transfected with main vector pLVX-EF1??-VEGF₁₆₅-IRES2-AcGFP1, packaging plasmid gag-pro, vpr-pol, Tet-Off^TM, tat-IRES-rev and coating plasmid env(VSV-G). Lentiviral vectors were packaged and the titer was determined. ADSCs were isolated by collagenase digestion method, then cultured, and identificated by morphology, immunofluorescence and multi-directional differentiation. ADSCs was transfected with packaged VEGF₁₆₅ lentivirus. Immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to detect the expression of VEGF₁₆₅ in vitro. ADSCs transfected with VEGF₁₆₅ lentivirus were injected into nude mice. ELISA was used to detect the expression of VEGF₁₆₅. RESULTS The VEGF₁₆₅ gene fragment was cloned successfully, and the lentiviral vector plasmid pLVX-EF1??-HVEGF₁₆₅-IRES2-AcGFP1 was confirmed to contain VEGF₁₆₅ gene fragment as shown by bacterial colonies PCR. DNA sequencing analysis confirmed that VEGF₁₆₅ gene sequencing was exactly the same with that reported by Genbank. After transfection, a large number of Lenti-X 293T cells with green fluorescence were observed by fluorescent microscopy. The concentration of the virus titer was 1??10⁸ TU??mL^-1. ADSCs were identified by morphology, immunofluorescence and multi-directional differentiation methods, in line with the literature reported ADSCs characteristics. There were about 90% of ADSCs which could express VEGF₁₆₅ after being transfected with the viruses by immunofluorescence detection, also, VEGF₁₆₅ protein was proved by ELISA to express stably and efficiently in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Lentiviral vectors expressing VEGF₁₆₅ are successfully constructed by cloning target gene with RT-PCR method. After transfection, ADSCs expressing VEGF165 protein stably in vitro and in vivo can be obtained.
     

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??OBJECTIVE To evaluate the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity of herpetrione nanosuspension (PEDX-NS) both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS HepG2 2.2.15 cells and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infected ducks as in vitro and in vivo models were used to compare the anti-HBV activity of PEDX-NS and PEDX coarse suspension (PEDX-CS). RESULTS In the HepG2 2.2.15 cell, PEDX-NS effectively suppressed the secretion of the HBV antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg) in a dose-dependent manner with significant difference from PEDX-CS (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the in vivo evaluation, PEDX-NS with high dose (100 mg??kg^-1) and middle dose (60 mg??kg^-1) significantly reduced the serum HBV DNA level (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the effect was better than that of PEDX-CS (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION The result revealed that PEDX-NS exhibits anti-HBV activity both in vitro and in vivo and its effect was superior to that of PEDX-CS. The mechanism is probably that the small particle size of PEDX-NS provides a large specific surface area that resulted in better absorption in vivo, thus enhancing its anti-HBV activity.
     

Suppressive effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Saururaceae) extract on Th2 immune response

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Saururaceae), known as 'E-Sung-Cho' in Korea, has been traditionally used for the treatment of herpes simplex, chronic sinusitis, and allergy. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the inhibitory activity of Houttuynia cordata Thunb fractions (HcFs) on the T helper 2 (Th2) immune response, we evaluated the alternation of the release of Th2-type cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol fraction was obtained from dried and powdered whole plants of Houttuynia cordata Thunb using ethanol. The residue was diluted with water and was then successively partitioned with n-hexane, EtOAc and BuOH. HcFs include ethanol, n-hexane, EtOAc, BuOH and water fractions. RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of cytokines. RESULTS: HcFs inhibited the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (CaI) in Jurkat T cells and the human mast cell line, HMC-1. IL-4- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced TARC production was blocked by HcFs in skin fibroblast CCD-986sk cells, particularly by the ethanol extract of Hc. Stimulants included in PMA, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and CaI, increased the mRNA level of CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), a receptor of TARC, in Jurkat T cells, and the ethanol extract of HcF weakly blocked the increased mRNA level. However, the stimulants and ethanol extract had no effect on the CCR4 protein level. The ethanol extract inhibited TARC-induced migration, as well as basal migration of Jurkat T cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study may show the usefulness of HcFs in the ethnopharmacological treatment of Th2-mediated or allergic inflammation, through the down-regulation of the production of Th2 cytokines and TARC, as well as cell migration.     

新型眼用硝酸毛果芸香碱六角液晶凝胶的制备和评价

目的 本研究以硝酸毛果芸香碱(PN)为模型药,以植烷三醇(PHYT)/三辛酸甘油酯(TAG)/水三元系统制备六角相液晶(HⅡ)凝胶,通过眼部给药提高PN的眼用生物利用度.方法 采用偏光显微镜(CPLM)、小角X射线散射仪(SAXS)和流变学对HⅡ凝胶的内部结构进行表征;通过体外释放和离体角膜渗透对HⅡ凝胶的体外行为进行...     

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??OBJECTIVE To study the hepatotoxicity of Polygonum multiflorum on the basic of the bilirubin metabolism mediated by glucuronidation of UGT1A1 enzyme. METHODS Inspected the enzyme kinetic parameters after giving the rats Polygonum multiflorum extract orally(in vivo), and added the Polygonum multiflorum extract into the human liver microsome(rat liver microsome; human recombinant UGT1A1 enzyme) to test the hepatotoxicity using the bilirubin as UGT1A1 enzyme substrate, investigating the inhibition of the UGT1A1 enzyme(in vitro). Apparent inhibition constant K_i and enzyme kinetic parameters were used to evaluate the hepatotoxicity. RESULTS Polygonum multiflorum extract has a strong inhibiton to the UGT1A1 enzyme in all the three systems in vitro. All the type of inhibition is the competitive inhibition. While Polygonum multiflorum extract has a strong inhibiton to the UGT1A1 enzyme in vivo, but the type of inhibition is the uncompetitive inhibition.CONCLUSION The method we had established in our study provides a new idea and a new method to evaluate the hepatotoxicity and the safety of Chinese herbs.     

Inhibition of Th1 and Th17 Cells by Medicinal Plants and Their Derivatives: A Systematic Review

Searching for new natural drugs that are capable of targeting Th1 and Th17 may lead to development of more effective treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Most of the natural drugs can be derived from plants that are used in traditional medicine and folk medicine. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and introduce plants or plant derivatives that are effective on inflammatory diseases by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 responses. To achieve this purpose, the search terms herb, herbal medicine, herbal drug, medicinal plant, phytochemical, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, natural compound, inflammation, inflammatory diseases, Th1, Th17, T helper 1 or T helper 17 were used separately in Title/Keywords/Abstract in Web of Science and PubMed databases. In articles investigating the effect of the medicinal plants and their derivatives in inhibiting Th1 and Th17 cells, the effects of eight extracts of the medicinal plants, 21 plant‐based compounds and some of their derivatives, and eight drugs derived from the medicinal plants' compounds in inhibiting Th1 and Th17 cells were reviewed. The results showed that medicinal plants and their derivates are able to suppress Th17 and Th1 T cell functions as well as cytokine secretion and differentiation. The results can be used to produce herbal drugs that suppress Th, especially Th17, responses. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Immunomodulatory effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, Chi-Shie-Shuang-Bu-An-Shen-Tang, on BALB/c mice

Chi-Shie-Shuang-Bu-An-Shen-Tang (CST), a traditional Chinese medicine, has long been used to stabilize one's spirit and treatment of body weakness caused by fatigue. In order to understand whether the CST possess the immunological function and effect of thermal processing on its activities, sterilized (SCST) and nonsterilized CST (NCST) extracts were orally administrated to BABL/c mice for 1 or 3 weeks as drinking water. The results showed that CST extract after sterilization at 121 degrees C for 15 min had higher immunological activities than nonsterilized CST. SCST revealed mitogenic effects on splenocyte stimulated by concanavalin A (Con A) and mediated the changes of total serum antibodies; production of IgG increased and IgE reduced. Among cytokines, secretion of IFN-gamma increased and IL-5 decreased, which fit in with the Th1 cell profile, however cytolytic activity of natural killer cells did not show any significant difference. Furthermore, the population of CD4(+) T cells in the mice spleen increased after oral administration of SCST for 3 weeks. These results suggest that SCST had the immunomodulatory effects which drove CD4(+) T cells into Th1 cells and had potential benefit to cope with CD4(+) T lymphopenia condition.     

A fraction of Acorus calamus L. extract devoid of beta-asarone enhances adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells

The effects of fractions partitioned from the ethanol extract of Acorus calamus L. (AC) on adipocyte differentiation were investigated using cultured mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The degree of differentiation was evaluated by measuring the cellular triglycerides and protein expression of the glucose transporter GLUT4 in 3T3-L1 cells. The ethyl acetate fraction of the AC extract (ACE) was found to enhance adipocyte differentiation as did rosiglitazone. The results of further fractionation of ACE indicated that the active fraction does not consist of beta-asarone, which is a toxic component of this plant. This finding suggests that ACE has potential insulin-sensitizing activity like rosiglitazone, and may improve type 2 diabetes.     

Total coumarins from Urtica dentata Hand prevent murine autoimmune diabetes via suppression of the TLR4-signaling pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Urtica dentata Hand (UDH), the root of Laportea bulbifera (Sieb. et. Zucc.) Wedd, has been traditionally used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory agent for rheumatoid arthritis and some other autoimmune diseases treatment. And the coumarins are the major components of UDH.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effect of total coumarins (TC) isolated from UDH on the development of autoimmune diabetes.

Materials and methods

Eight-week-old non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, low-dose (37.5 mg/kg), middle-dose (75 mg/kg), and high-dose (150 mg/kg) TC-treatment groups. NOD mice were then given with a suspension of TC or saline by intragastric (i.g.) administration every other day. After 4 weeks of treatment, 8 mice at 12-weeks of age per group were randomly selected to be sacrificed to perform intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, examine histopathological insulitis, spleen T lymphocyte proliferation, the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cell (Treg), dendritic cell (DC) surface molecules, toll-like receptor (TLR)4 expression and signal pathways involved. The remaining 10 mice per group were kept until 26 weeks of age to assess the incidence of diabetes. We also studied the direct effect of TC on DC and CD4+CD25+ Tregs in vitro.

Results

Treatment with TC for 4 weeks significantly inhibited insulitis, increased pancreatic islet number, delayed the onset and decreased the development of diabetes by 26 weeks of age in NOD mice, compared with the untreated control mice. TC suppressed spleen T lymphocyte proliferation, induced Th2-biased cytokine response, the generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs and Foxp3 mRNA expression. And TC-treated DCs were characterized as low expression of MHC class II and CD86 molecules. TLR4 gene and protein expressions in the spleen, thymus and pancreas were down-regulated in TC-treated groups. The key molecules in the downstream signaling cascades of TLR4, including myeloid differentiation factor (MyD)88, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, IL-1β, Toll–IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β(TRIF), TRIF-related adaptor molecule (TRAM), interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3 and IFN-β, all decreased significantly in TC groups, suggesting that TC inhibits both MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways of TLR4. At the cellular level, however, TLR4 protein expression in DCs, but not in Tregs, was downregulated by TC. And TC strengthened the role of DC, not Treg, in negative immune regulation in vitro. In contrast, anti-TLR4 antibody could block the effect of TC on DCs immune function.

Conclusion

These results suggest that TC extracted from UDH prevent the development of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice via suppression of the TLR4-signaling pathways. TC maintain the DCs in an immature tolerogenic state, at least in part, mediated by down-regulating TLR4-signaling pathways in DCs, then enhance Treg differentiation, shift toward Th2 and suppress T lymphocyte proliferation.     

New insights into roles of basophils in initiating T helper type 2 immunity

Allergic diseases, mainly mediated by T helper type 2 (Th2) immunity, have become a worldwide public health problem. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been used in treating and preventing allergic symptoms. As the new target of anti-allergy TCM, basophils, after approximately 140 years since their discovery, are just now gaining respect as important contributors in the pathogenesis underlying allergic inflammation and disease. In addition to their role as effector cells, basophils can release early IL-4, migrate from circulatory system into draining lymph nodes, present antigen to naive CD4+ T cells, and promote the differentiation of Th2 cells. Herein, we briefly summarized the recent research advances of the essential contributions of basophils in the initiation of Th2 immune responses.     

New insights into roles of basophils in initiating T helper type 2 immunity

Allergic diseases, mainly mediated by T helper type 2(Th2) immunity, have become a worldwide public health problem. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has long been used in treating and preventing allergic symptoms. As the new target of anti-allergy TCM, basophils, after approximately 140 years since their discovery, are just now gaining respect as important contributors in the pathogenesis underlying allergic inflammation and disease. In addition to their role as effector cells, basophils can release early IL-4, migrate from circulatory system into draining lymph nodes, present antigen to naive CD4~+T cells,and promote the differentiation of Th2 cells. Herein, we briefly summarized the recent research advances of the essential contributions of basophils in the initiation of Th2 immune responses.     

Stimulative effects of Drynariae Rhizoma extracts on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Pharmacological factors are needed to prevent bone loss that occurs with increasing age. The chemical compounds that act on bone metabolism in herbal medicines, however, are poorly understood. Effects of traditional Korean medicine, Drynariae Rhizoma [Drynaria fortunei (kunze) J. Sm] extract (DR), on the osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation were investigated. The effect of DR, a natural phyto herb, on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in non-transformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) was studied. DR dose-dependently increased DNA synthesis (significant at 50-150 microg/ml). DR increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and prolyl hydroxylase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells (50-150 microg/ml). Antiestrogen tamoxifen eleminated the stimulation of proliferation and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1, which were induced by DR. DR at concentrations ranged from 30-100 microg/ml inhibited prostaglandin E2 production in MC3T3-E1. These results indicate that DR directly stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. These results also suggest and DR is effective for bone anti-resorptive action in bone cells.