复方钩藤降压片对自发性高血压大鼠血压及炎症水平的影响

目的:试从干预高血压病炎症的角度,为复方钩藤降压片治疗高血压病及防治靶器官损害提供理论依据。方法:21只7周龄雄性自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)随机分为3组:模型组(SHR-S组)、复方钩藤降压片组(SHR-G组)、缬沙坦组(SHR-D组),另7只WKY大鼠为空白对照组(WKY组)。无创测压仪测量血压,连续干预6周,ELISA法测定血清CRP、TNF-α、IL-6的水平。结果:1对血压的影响:自第1周开始,SHR-G组血压均低于SHR-S组(P<0.01),而均较SHR-D组、WKY组高(P<0.01),一直持续到实验结束;实验前后血压值比较:SHR-S组治疗前较治疗后升高(P<0.01),SHR-G组与SHR-D组治疗前较治疗后减低(P<0.01);2对炎症因子的影响:SHR-G组及SHR-D组血清CRP、TNF-α、IL-6水平低于SHR-S组,与SHR-D组比较,SHR-G组除血清CRP水平高于SHR-D组(P<0.01),血清TNF-α、IL-6水平无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论:1SHR血压及炎症水平明显升高;2复方钩藤降压片具有较好的降压疗效;3复方钩藤降压片能有效降低高血压病炎症水平,可能是其有效降低血压及防治靶器官损害的机制,具体的抗炎机制还有待进一步研究。     

霉茶蛋白对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血压和血管的作用

目的:研究霉茶蛋白连续给药后对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血压和血管的作用及机制。方法:将40只雄性SHR随机分为模型组(等容量蒸馏水),复方罗布麻片阳性药组(50 mg·kg~(-1)),霉茶蛋白低、高剂量(70,140 mg·kg~(-1))组。ig容量均为10 m L·kg~(-1)体重,各组每天上午和下午各ig给药1次,连续给药7周。测定给药前大鼠尾动脉血压,并在给药后每周测1次大鼠尾动脉血压。末次给药后取血并取其胸主动脉,检测血清一氧化氮(NO)和内皮素~(-1)(ET~(-1))的含量,实时荧光聚合酸链式反应(Real-time PCR)测定血管内皮型一氧化氮合酶(e NOS),血管紧张素转换酶(ACE),血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ),原癌基因(c-Myc),p27,B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(Bcl-2)mRNA的表达。结果:与模型组比较,霉茶蛋白低、高剂量组从第2周开始可显著降低SHR的血压值,能够升高血清中NO的含量,降低ET~(-1)的含量,抑制基因c-Myc,Bcl-2,ACE mRNA的表达,促进e NOS mRNA的表达(P0.05,P0.01),但对p27 mRNA无影响。结论:霉茶蛋白对SHR有显著降压作用,对血管有保护作用,其机制可能与改变其血清中NO和ET~(-1)水平,以及与血管基因c-Myc,Bcl-2,ACE,AngⅡ和e NOS的表达有关。     

自发性高血压大鼠微循环障碍与血瘀、出血的相关性研究

目的:动态观察自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)视网膜和肠系膜等微循环损伤的变化,分析其与瘀血、出血的相关性,以期为临床诊断及治疗提供实验依据。方法:实验分两组,模型组为雄性SHR 20只,对照组为雄性健康Wistar大鼠20只。采用视网膜照相机及肠系膜微循环观测系统,分别于大鼠6月龄、10月龄时随机各取10只进行检测;同时取血进行血流变学检测。结果:6月龄与10月龄模型组大鼠均可见视网膜及肠系膜微血管形态异常、数量减少、血液流速明显减慢、微动脉变细、DA/DV明显减小等瘀血反应,与对照组相比,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01);随着月龄的增加,血压增高,瘀血损伤反应加重,出现微血管瘤及出血等改变。结论:随着病程的改变,自发性高血压大鼠可出现血瘀、出血的病理改变。     

重组降血压肽-聚（乳酸-羟基乙酸）共聚物缓释微球对自发性高血压大鼠的降压作用

 目的 考察重组降血压肽（recombinant antihypertensive peptide,rAHP,序列为VLPVPR）可生物降解聚（乳酸-羟基乙酸）共聚物(PLGA)缓释微球对自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）的降压作用。方法 采用口服和皮下注射两种给药方式,分别给予按体质量和血压均衡分组的自发性高血压大鼠重组降血压肽-聚（乳酸-羟基乙酸）共聚物缓释微球,空白组给予等量生理盐水。结果 口服给予rAHP缓释微球后8 h,自发性高血压大鼠的血压降至最低,且药效可以持续30 h;皮下注射重组降血压肽-聚（乳酸-羟基乙酸）共聚物缓释微球后20 h,血压降至最低,且可以持续约8 d。重组降血压肽-聚（乳酸-羟基乙酸）共聚物缓释微球对正常血压无影响。结论 重组降血压肽-聚（乳酸-羟基乙酸）共聚物缓释微球具有显著的降压效果,并有明显的缓释作用。     

Crocetin,a Carotenoid from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis,Protects against Hypertension and Cerebral Thrombogenesis in Stroke‐prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid that is found in the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Cape Jasmine) and in the stamen and pistil of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). It is used worldwide as an important spice, food colorant, and herbal medicine. In the current investigation, we have examined the cardiovascular effects of crocetin using stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). Male SHRSPs (6 weeks old) were classified into three groups: a control group and two crocetin groups (25 and 50 mg/kg/day). The animals were given crocetin for 3 weeks. Body weights in each group were not significantly different during the treatment period, but the increase in systolic blood pressures observed with age was significantly moderated by crocetin. Thrombogenesis, assessed using a He‐Ne laser technique in pial vessels, was significantly decreased. Antioxidant activity, assessed by measuring urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels, together with urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels, was increased significantly after treatment. Acetylcholine‐induced vasodilation was measured using the aorta and indicated that endothelial function was significantly improved by crocetin. These results strongly suggest that the antihypertensive and antithrombotic effects of crocetin were related to an increase in bioavailable NO, possibly mediated by decreased inactivation of NO by reactive oxygen species. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

昆仑雪菊水提液对高血压模型大鼠血脂和血压的影响

目的:研究昆仑雪菊对高脂、高盐复合饲料所致高血压模型大鼠血脂、血压的影响。方法:将实验大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型组和昆仑雪菊治疗组,后2组使用高脂、高盐复合饲料喂养以诱发高血压疾病模型,在造模的同时昆仑雪菊治疗组给予灌胃昆仑雪菊水提物。第8周末测定大鼠血脂、血压变化情况。结果:第8周末模型组已具有高血压的特征,与空白对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),昆仑雪菊治疗组大鼠血脂、血压较模型组明显降低(P0.05)。结论:昆仑雪菊具有明显延缓高脂高盐复合饮食诱发高血脂高血压发生的进程,具有一定降血脂、降血压作用。     

三物降压汤对高血压病患者血压及淋巴因子激活的杀伤细胞的影响

目的：研究三物降压汤对血压、淋巴因子激活的杀伤（ＬＡＫ）细胞的影响及其可能机制。方法：用随机、单盲、自身、组间平行对照法用三物降压汤对轻度高血压病患者（n＝３０）进行为期８周的治疗观察，并与开搏通治疗组（n＝３０）比较。分别检测治疗前后的血压、ＬＡＫ细胞的增殖与活性、ＬＡＫ细胞表达的超氧化物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）样物质及其对自由基的清除能力，为进一步了解ＬＡＫ细胞与血压之间的关系，并观察了自发性高血压大鼠（ＳＨＲ）胸主动脉环对硝酸甘油和乙酰胆碱（Ａch）的舒张反应以及ＬＡＫ细胞与ＳＯＤ标准品对ＳＨＲ胸主动脉环对Ａch舒张反应的影响并与京都威斯特大鼠及经三物降压汤治疗后的ＳＨＲ比较。结果：三物降压汤在降血压同时，ＬＡＫ细胞增殖、活性、其所表达的ＳＯＤ及清除自由基效应均明显增加。结论：三物降压汤既能降血压又能调节免疫功能。     

电针刺激曲池、足三里穴对自发性高血压大鼠血压和肾功能的影响

目的探讨电针刺激曲池、足三里穴对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血压和肾功能的影响。方法随机把24只雄性SHR分为电针组、模型组、培哚普利组,每组8只,进行相应干预措施;另取8只同龄雄性WKY大鼠为正常对照组。每两周测1次血压,治疗6周后,ELISA法测尿微量白蛋白(mALB)、尿β2微球蛋白(β2-MG)含量,生化分析仪测血清肌酐(Scr)、尿素氮(BUN)含量;HE染色观察肾组织形态结构。结果与模型组相比,电针组和培哚普利组大鼠血压明显下降;血清Scr、BUN,尿mALB、β2-MG含量显著降低;肾脏病理结构损害亦较轻。结论电针刺激曲池、足三里可降低SHR血压,保护其肾功能。     

芒果苷对自发性高血压大鼠相关血管形态学及MCP-1/CCR-2通路的影响

目的:观察自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)颈动脉、胸主动脉、肠系膜上动脉形态学变化,进一步深入研究芒果苷对SHR相关血管炎性因子表达及单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)/趋化因子受体-2(CCR-2)通路的影响。方法:SHR 40只,随机分为模型组,苯那普利组(10 mg·kg~(-1))与芒果苷低、中、高剂量组(25,50,100 mg·kg~(-1)),另选同周龄8只雄性Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)大鼠为正常组。连续灌胃8周后,每两周观察各组大鼠收缩压情况,苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察颈动脉、胸主动脉、肠系膜上动脉形态学,免疫组化(IHC)和蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测胸主动脉MCP-1,CCR-2的蛋白表达水平,实时荧光定量PCR(Real-time PCR)检测胸主动脉MCP-1,CCR-2 mRNA的表达。结果:与正常组比较,模型组炎症细胞明显增多,收缩压显著高于WKY组血压(P 0. 01),胸主动脉中MCP-1,CCR-2蛋白和mRNA表达显著升高(P 0. 01);与模型组比较,苯那普利以及芒果苷高剂量组炎症细胞明显减少,内皮边缘有改善、纤维组织浸润明显好转,收缩压显著降低(P 0. 01),苯那普利及芒果苷低、中、高剂量组胸主动脉中MCP-1,CCR-2蛋白和mRNA表达水平显著降低(P 0. 01)。结论:自发性高血压大鼠颈动脉、胸主动脉、肠系膜上动脉存在一定的炎症损伤。其机制可能是芒果苷通过抑制SHR血管中MCP-1/CCR-2通路表达,从而对血管产生抗炎作用。     

Preventive Effects of Hesperidin, Glucosyl Hesperidin and Naringin on Hypertension and Cerebral Thrombosis in Stroke-prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effects of hesperidin, glucosyl hesperidin (G‐hesperidin), a water‐soluble derivative of hesperidin, and naringin on blood pressure and cerebral thrombosis were investigated using stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Hesperidin, G‐hesperidin and naringin were mixed with diet and fed to the animals for 4 weeks. No effect was evident on body weight, but the supplements significantly suppressed the age related increase in blood pressure. Thrombotic tendency, as assessed using a He‐Ne laser technique in the cerebral blood vessels, was significantly decreased in the treated animals compared with the control animals. Measurements of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) demonstrated that the supplements had strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, these supplements significantly increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in urine measured with Griess reagent. Vasodilation induced by acetylcholine‐mediated NO production in the endothelium was assessed using thoracic aortic ring preparations and indicated that endothelial function was significantly improved by the administration of these supplements. These findings suggest that the strong antioxidant properties of hesperidin, G‐hesperidin and naringin could modulate the inactivation of NO and protect endothelial function from reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this manner, the flavonoids could contribute beneficial effects on the mechanisms of hypertension and thrombosis by increasing the bioavailability of NO. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

榅桲不同药用部位对肾性高血压大鼠血压及血液流变学指标的影响

目的: 研究榅桲果和叶的不同溶剂提取物对肾性高血压大鼠(RHR)血压及血液流变学指标的影响。 方法: 采用两肾一夹法(2K1C)制造肾性高血压大鼠 (RHR) 模型,随机分为11组:假手术组、模型组、榅桲果水提取物高、低剂量组、榅桲果乙醇提取物高、低剂量组、榅桲叶水提取物高、低剂量组、榅桲叶乙醇提取物高、低剂量组(均为160,80 mg·kg^-1)、阳性对照药卡托普利组(25 mg·kg^-1),每组10只。连续给药8周,在给药前和给药后每2周利用动物无创血压测试仪测量大鼠的收缩压(SBP)和舒张压(DBP)的变化,末次给药后测定血液流变学指标。 结果: 给药8周后,榅桲果和叶各提取物能不同程度降低RHR的收缩压和舒张压(P<0.05),降低RHR的全血黏度和血浆黏度(P<0.05),降低红细胞压积(P<0.05)、红细胞聚集指数(P<0.05)和红细胞刚性指数(P<0.05),升高红细胞变形指数(P<0.05),醇提物各组作用更加显著。 结论: 榅桲具有一定的降血压作用,对血液流变性具有一定影响,且有效成分在乙醇提取物中含量较高。     

丹芪降压冲剂对二肾一夹型高血压大鼠血压的影响及其机理研究

目的:研究丹芪降压冲剂对二肾一夹型高血压大鼠血压的影响和可能机制。方法:建立二肾一夹型高血压大鼠模型,随机分为假手术组、高血压对照组、中药低剂量组、中药高剂量组、开搏通组,用放免法测定血浆肾素活性(PRA)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)、β-内啡肽(β-EP)和精氨酸加压素(AVP)浓度。结果:造模后大鼠血压升高;与假手术组比较,血浆 PRA、AngⅡ略升高,差异无显著性(P>0.05),血浆β-EP 降低,AVP 升高(P<0.05)。各给药组治疗后血压明显下降(P<0.05);各组治疗后高血压大鼠血浆 Ang Ⅱ、AVP降低,β-EP 升高(P<0.05)。结论:丹芪降压冲剂有降压作用,其机理可能与升高血浆β-EP,降低血浆 AVP、AngⅡ有关。     

决明子水提液对高血压小鼠血压血脂及肾脏结构的影响

目的: 检测决明子水提液对冷激诱导的高血压小鼠血压、血脂及肾脏结构的影响。 方法: 制备决明子水提液备用。实验小鼠分为正常对照组、冷激对照组、冷激决明子饲喂组(5,10,20 mg·kg^-1.BW),对照组相应给予等量生理盐水,连续饲喂18 d。检测各组小鼠血压、血脂含量,切片观察肾脏结构。 结果: 冷激对照组血压显著高于正常对照组( P <0.01),决明子水提液饲喂组小鼠的收缩压、舒张压、平均动脉压与正常对照组相比,差异不显著( P >0.05)。冷激对照组TG含量显著高于正常对照组( P<0.01 ),而冷激饲喂组TG含量明显降低( P<0.05 );冷激饲喂(10 mg·kg^-1,20 mg·kg^-1)组TC含量降低( P<0.05 );冷激饲喂(10 mg·kg^-1)组LDL与HDL含量均降低,其他饲喂组与冷激对照组相比含量虽有降低但无统计学意义。冷激对照组肾小管管壁水肿,内腔极度缩小,肾小球明显胀大,肾小囊腔显著变窄,决明子饲喂组肾小管水肿基本消失,内腔明显增大,肾小球、肾小囊结构趋于正常。 结论: 决明子水提液具有降血压、降血脂、改善病变肾脏结构的作用。     

Ameliorative Effects of Pine Bark Extract on Spermatotoxicity by α‐Chlorohydrin in Rats

We investigated the protective effects of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®, PYC, Horphag Research Ltd., Route de Belis, France) against α‐chlorohydrin (ACH)‐induced spermatotoxicity in rats. Rats were orally administered ACH (30 mg/kg/day) with or without PYC (20 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Administration of ACH significantly decreased sperm motility. α‐Chlorohydrin also caused histopathological alterations and apoptotic changes in caput epididymides. An increased malondialdehyde concentration and decreased glutathione content, as well as catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were also found. In contrast, PYC treatment significantly prevented ACH‐induced spermatotoxicity, including decreased sperm motility, histopathological lesions, and apoptotic changes in the caput epididymis. Pycnogenol® also had an antioxidant benefit by decreasing malondialdehyde and increasing levels of the antioxidant glutathione and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and peroxidase in epididymal tissues. These results indicate that PYC treatment attenuated ACH‐induced spermatotoxicity through antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Clinical Evaluation of Blood Pressure Lowering,Endothelial Function Improving,Hypolipidemic and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Pomegranate Juice in Hypertensive Subjects

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice (PJ) contains different types of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols and has been reported to promote cardiovascular health through several mechanisms. The present study aimed to examine the effects of 2‐week intake of fresh PJ on blood pressure, flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), serum lipid profile and concentrations of inflammatory and endothelial function biomarkers. Twenty‐one hypertensive patients (aged 30–67 years) were recruited into the trial and assigned to receive either PJ (150 ml/day in a single occasion between lunch and dinner; n = 11) or the same amount of water (n = 10) for a period of 2 weeks. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressures together with FMD and serum concentrations of lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins A and B, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular endothelial adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1), E‐selectin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were measured at baseline and at the end of trial. PJ consumption was associated with significant reductions in SBP (p = 0.002) and DBP (p = 0.038) but not FMD (p > 0.05). Serum levels of VCAM‐1 (p = 0.008) were significantly reduced by PJ while those of E‐selectin were elevated (p = 0.039). However, no significant effect was observed from PJ on serum levels of ICAM‐1, hs‐CRP, lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins and IL‐6 in any of the study groups (p > 0.05). Consumption of PJ for 2 weeks has effective hypotensive effects, and may improve endothelial function by decreasing serum concentrations of VCAM‐1. These findings suggest PJ as a beneficial cardioprotective supplement for hypertensive subjects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

3‐O‐Acetyloleanolic Acid Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Carcinoma Hct‐116 Cells

The cytotoxic effect of 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid, an oleanolic acid derivative isolated from the seeds of Vigna sinensis K., was investigated in human colon carcinoma HCT‐116 cells. 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid dose‐dependently inhibited the viability of HCT‐116 cells. Apoptosis was characterized by detection of cell surface annexin V and sub‐G1 apoptotic cell populations. The number of immunostained cells with annexin V‐FITC was increased after treatment with 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid. The sub‐G1 cell population was also increased. Expression of TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis signaling‐related death receptor DR5 was increased in 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid‐treated HCT‐116 cells. Activation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐3, critical mediators of extrinsic apoptosis signaling, was also increased by 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid. The results indicate that 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid induces apoptosis in HCT‐116 cells mediated by an extrinsic apoptosis signaling cascade via up‐regulation of DR5. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

β‐Eudesmol Induces JNK‐Dependent Apoptosis through the Mitochondrial Pathway in HL60 Cells

β‐eudesmol, a natural sesquiterpenol present in a variety of Chinese herbs, is known to inhibit the proliferation of human tumor cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of the effect of β‐eudesmol on human tumor cells are unknown. In the present study, we report the cytotoxic effect of β‐eudesmol on the human leukemia HL60 cells and its molecular mechanisms. The cytotoxic effect of β‐eudesmol on HL60 cells was associated with apoptosis, which was characterized by the presence of DNA fragmentation. β‐eudesmol‐induced apoptosis was accompanied by cleavage of caspase‐3, caspase‐9, and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase; downregulation of Bcl‐2 expression; release of cytochrome c from mitochondria; and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK) mitogen‐activated protein kinases was observed in β‐eudesmol‐treated HL60 cells, and the inhibitor of JNK blocked the β‐eudesmol‐induced apoptosis, downregulation of Bcl‐2, and the loss of MMP. These data suggest that β‐eudesmol induces apoptosis in HL60 cells via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, which is controlled through JNK signaling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification of higenamine as a novel α1‐adrenergic receptor antagonist

The α₁‐adrenoceptor (α₁‐AR) antagonists are potential candidates for the treatment of blood pressure. Higenamine (HG) is a novel α₁‐AR antagonist. In this study, we investigated the effects of HG in HEK293A cells transfected with α_1A‐, α_1B‐, and α_1D‐AR in vitro, rat mesenteric artery ex vivo, Wistar–Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats in vivo. The radioligand binding assay showed that HG competitively inhibited the binding of [³H]‐prazosin to α₁‐AR in a concentration‐dependent manner. The affinities (pKi) of HG for the cloned α_1A‐, α_1B‐, and α_1D‐AR were 6.57, 6.48, and 6.35, respectively, indicating that HG displayed no selectivity for the three α₁‐AR subtypes. In in vitro studies, HG was able to blunt inositol monophosphate production. It also displayed an inhibitory effect on the influx and entry of calcium ions and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 induced by phenylephrine (PE). In ex vivo studies, PE caused a dose‐dependent inotropic response curve, and the pA₂ value for HG was 6.86 ± 0.29. In addition, the in vivo results showed that HG could decrease the blood pressure in normotension, spontaneous hypertension, and PE‐induced hypertension models. These results indicate that HG can directly bind to α₁‐AR and it appears to be a novel antagonist for α₁‐AR, which may contribute to its hypotensive effect.     

Parthenolide Inhibits the LPS‐induced Secretion of IL‐6 and TNF‐α and NF‐κB Nuclear Translocation in BV‐2 Microglia

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium [L.] Sch. Bip. [Asteraceae]) is a popular herbal treatment used to prevent and treat headache and migraine. Parthenolide (PTN), the sesquiterpene lactonic derivative that is the plant's major component, might be one of the ingredients that act on mediators of inflammation. In the present study, in cultured lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV‐2 microglia pretreatment with PTN caused a dose‐dependent reduction of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) secretion (29% by 200 nm, p < 0.001; 45% by 1 µm, p < 0.001; 98% by 5 µm, p < 0.001); at 5 µm, the highest concentration tested, it also reduced the secretion of TNF‐α (54%, p < 0.001). Western blotting analysis on separate cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts showed that PTN strongly reduced the translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB to the cell nucleus. The reduction of microglial activation by inhibition of proinflammatory agents may help attenuate the onset and intensity of acute migraine attacks. These in vitro results provide an additional explanation for the efficacy of orally administered T. parthenium as an antimigraine agent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Lonicera japonica Thunb. on Type 2 Diabetes via PPAR‐γ Activation in Rats

Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae) is a traditional herbal medicine and has been used to treat diabetic symptoms. Notwithstanding its use, the scientific basis on anti‐diabetic properties of L. japonica is not yet established. This study is designed to investigate anti‐diabetic effects of L. japonica in type 2 diabetic rats. L. japonica was orally administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg in high‐fat diet‐fed and low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced rats. After the treatment of 4 weeks, L. japonica reduced high blood glucose level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance in diabetic rats. In addition, body weight and food intake were restored by the L. japonica treatment. In the histopathologic examination, the amelioration of damaged β‐islet in pancreas was observed in L. japonica‐treated diabetic rats. The administration of L. japonica elevated peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and insulin receptor subunit‐1 protein expressions. The results demonstrated that L. japonica had anti‐diabetic effects in type 2 diabetic rats via the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma regulatory action of L. japonica as a potential mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.