Dryopteris crassirhizoma has anti-cancer effects through both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways and G0/G1 phase arrest in human prostate cancer cells

Aim of the study

The inhibitory effect of Dryopteris crassirhizoma on the proliferation of human metastatic prostate PC3-MM2 cells and the mechanism of action were examined to identify its anti-cancer properties. The effect of the extract on cell cycle progression and its combined cytotoxic effect with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on PC3-MM2 cells were also investigated.

Materials and methods

The anti-proliferative effects of Dryopteris crassirhizoma were examined by culturing PC3-MM2 cells in the presence or absence of various concentrations of Dryopteris crassirhizoma extract, and the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation were determined by Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 analysis. The quantities of apoptosis-inducing proteins were measured by western blotting analysis. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by PI staining using flow cytometry.

Results

Dryopteris crassirhizoma (50 and 100 μg/ml) inhibited markedly the proliferation of PC-3 and PC3-MM2 cells without cytotoxicity to normal (spleen) cells from BALB/C mice. Dryopteris crassirhizoma (100 μg/ml) effectively induced apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3, -8, -9, bid, and PARP in PC3-MM2 cells. The cells exposed to Dryopteris crassirhizoma increased significantly the accumulation of the DNA contents in the G0/G1 phase and sub-G1 phase in contrast to the control. The combined cytotoxic effects of Dryopteris crassirhizoma and TRAIL induced the increased activity of 29% in contrast to the sum of the inhibitory effects of each agent alone.

Conclusions

Dryopteris crassirhizoma has anti-cancer properties by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the extrinsic and intrinsic pathway in PC3-MM2 cells. The extract also showed a combined effect with TRAIL on the inhibition of proliferation in the cells. These findings suggest that possibly its extract could be used for treating androgen-independent prostate cancer with minimal side effects.     

The anti-cancer effects of poi (Colocasia esculenta) on colonic adenocarcinoma cells In vitro

Hawaiians tend to have lower incidence rates of colorectal cancer and it was hypothesized that this may be due to ethnic differences in diet, specifically, their consumption of poi, a starchy paste made from the taro (Colocasia esulenta L.) plant corm. Soluble extracts of poi were incubated at 100 mg/mL in vitro for antiproliferative activity against the rat YYT colon cancer cell line. (3)H-thymidine incorporation studies were conducted to demonstrate that the poi inhibited the proliferation of these cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The greatest suppression of YYT colon cancer growth occurred when 25% concentration was used. When poi was incubated with the YYT cells after 2 days, the YYT cells underwent apoptotic changes as evidenced by a positive terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) stain. Poi enhanced the proliferation of normal mouse splenocyte control cells, suggesting that poi is not simply toxic to all cells but even has a positive immunostimulatory role. By flow cytometry, T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) were predominantly activated by the poi. Although numerous factors can contribute to the risk of colon cancer, perhaps poi consumption may contribute to the lower colon cancer rates among Hawaiians by two distinct mechanisms. First, by inducing apoptosis within colon cancer cells; second, by non-specifically activating lymphocytes, which in turn can lyse cancerous cells. Our results suggest for the first time that poi may have novel tumor specific anti-cancer activities and future research is suggested with animal studies and human clinical trials.     

HPLC/MS对蟾蜍甾烯类化合物在大鼠胃肠道中的吸收和转化的初步研究

目的：研究蟾酥提取物中蟾蜍甾烯类化合物在大鼠胃肠道的吸收和生物转化的情况。方法：通过原位襻吸收和胃肠道体外转化实验,以液质联用的方法测定大鼠胃、肠灌注液中药物的含量。结果：蟾蜍甾烯在小肠中的吸收率是在胃中的2.5-7倍。极性小的蟾蜍甾烯比极性大的蟾蜍甾烯更容易被胃肠道吸收。小肠远端内容物对蟾酥甾烯的转化能力较弱,盲肠内容物对蟾蜍甾烯的转化能力最强,华蟾毒精在盲肠中的转化率超过了90%。结论：蟾酥提取物中的蟾蜍甾烯类成分,一小部分以原型形式被胃肠道直接吸收进入体内,而大部分主要是在盲肠部位经肠内生菌代谢转化为相应的产物。推测代谢产物通过肝肠循环,由胆汁将其再次排泄到小肠后重新被吸收进入体内。     

中医药疗法治疗肩袖损伤的研究进展

肩袖损伤是临床常见的疾病,属中医学"痹证""肩痹"范畴。中医药治疗该病的历史悠久,具有效果好、安全性高、费用低等优势。目前针对肩袖损伤的中医药疗法较多,但疗效不一,且尚无统一标准。本文从针刀疗法、物理疗法、针刺疗法、推拿疗法、中药疗法及其他疗法6个方面对中医药疗法治疗肩袖损伤的研究进展进行了综述。     

紫杉醇的抗癌作用和临床研究进展

本文对红豆杉的抗肿瘤活性成分．紫杉醇的药理和临床研究进行综述,尤其对抗肿瘤重大药物制剂．紫杉醇制剂的临床疗效和不良反应进行较为全面的论述,为进一步的深入研究提供依据。     

国内鲜药研究的状况与展望

本文对近 10年来国内鲜药的临床应用、传统保鲜方法、现代保鲜技术、鲜干药品化学成分与药效作用区别、鲜药制剂的开发应用等方面的进展加以综述 ,并探讨了本领域在新世纪中的发展趋势     

中医外治法治疗软组织损伤的研究进展

软组织损伤相当于中医学的筋伤,由直接或间接暴力、慢性劳损、外邪侵袭等引起,以局部疼痛、肿胀、功能障碍为主要临床表现。中医外治法是软组织损伤的常用疗法,包括针灸、理筋手法、中药外用等,具有镇痛效果良好、可以避免口服西药引起的胃肠道不良反应等优点。本文从针灸、理筋手法、中药外用3个方面,对中医外治法治疗软组织损伤的研究进展进行了综述。     

Antinociceptive effects of bee venom acupuncture (apipuncture) in rodent animal models: a comparative study of acupoint versus non-acupoint stimulation

From a clinical perspective, the alternative forms of acupoint stimulation including electroacupuncture, moxibustion and acupressure appear to have more potent analgesic effects than manual needle acupuncture. Bee venom (BV) injection has also been reported to produce persistent nociceptive stimulation and to cause neuronal activation in the spinal cord. In previous study, we observed that BV stimulation into acupoint, namely BV acupuncture or Apipuncture, produced more potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potency in rodent arthritis model as comparing with that of non-acupoint injection. Based on previous report, we decided to further investigate that BV injection into an acupoint produces antinociception as a result of its potent chemical stimulatory effect in both abdominal stretch assay and formalin test. Different doses of BV were injected into an acupoint or a non-acupoint 30 min prior to intraplantar formalin injection or intraperitoneal acetic acid injection. Using the abdominal stretch assay, we found that the high dose of BV (1:100 diluted in 20microl saline) produced a potent antinociceptive effect irrespective of the site of BV injection. In contrast the antinociceptive effect observed in both the writhing and formalin tests following administration of a low dose of BV (1:1000 diluted in 20microl saline) was significantly different between acupoint and non-acupoint sites. BV injection into an acupoint (Zhongwan, Cv. 12) was found to produce significantly greater antinociception than non-acupoint injection (10 mm from Zhongwan, Cv. 12) in the abdominal stretch assay. Similarly, in the formalin test, acupoint (Zusanli, St. 36) injection of BV produced more potent antinociception than non-acupoint injection (gluteal muscle). In contrast, BV injection into an arbitrary non-acupoint site on the back did not produce antinociception in either the writhing or formalin test. These results indicate that BV injection directly into an acupoint can produce a potent antinociceptive effect and suggest that this alternative form of acupoint stimulation (Apipuncture) may be a promising method for the relief of pain.     

软枣固态发酵工艺筛选及发酵产物药效学研究

目的:筛选软枣固态发酵的最佳发酵工艺及比较软枣发酵前后的抗癌效果。方法:采用纳豆芽孢杆菌对软枣进行固态发酵,以总黄酮含量和活菌数为考察指标,首先对发酵温度进行单因素考察,再采用正交设计进行优选,最终筛选出软枣发酵的最佳发酵工艺。采用MTT法,考察软枣发酵前后对人肝癌细胞SMMC-7721的作用效果。结果:软枣固态发酵最佳工艺为发酵温度为37℃,软枣与大豆配比为5:3,发酵时间为4天,初始含水量为100%,接种量为15%。软枣发酵后产物的抗癌作用强于发酵前软枣。结论:验证试验表明,筛选的软枣固态发酵最佳发酵工艺稳定、可行,发酵后抗癌效果增强,本试验为充分利用此药材提供了基础资料。     

The genus Clematis (Ranunculaceae): Chemical and pharmacological perspectives

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Twenty six species of the genus Clematis (Ranunculaceae) have been traditionally used in various systems of medicine for the treatment of ailments such as nervous disorders, syphilis, gout, malaria, dysentry, rheumatism, asthma, and as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antitumour, antibacterial and anticancer.

Aim of the review

To emphasize on ethnopharmacology, chemical constituents, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical studies of various species of the genus Clematis.

Materials and methods

The available information on Clematis species was collected through electronic search of major scientific databases.

Results

A survey of literature revealed that triterpene saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, steroids, coumarins, macrocyclic compounds, phenolic glycosides, anemonin and volatile oils constitute major classes of chemical constituents in the genus Clematis. Preliminary analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiarthritis, hepatoprotective, hypotensive and HIV-1 protease inhibitor activity studies have been carried out on crude extracts of 26 traditionally used and medicinally promising species of Clematis genus.

Conclusions

The species of the genus Clematis emerged as good source of traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Although few experimental studies validated their traditional claims, but employed uncharacterized crude extracts. Such Clematis species need to be explored properly following bioactivity-directed fractionation with a view to isolate bioactive constituents, and to evaluate their possible mode of actions. These species hold great potential for detailed clinical studies so that these could be exploited as potential drugs. The review will help researchers to select medicinally potential species of Clematis genus for future research.     

Anti-snake venom properties of Schizolobium parahyba (Caesalpinoideae) aqueous leaves extract

Many medicinal plants have been recommended for the treatment of snakebites. The aqueous extracts prepared from the leaves of Schizolobium parahyba (a plant found in Mata Atlantica in Southeastern Brazil) were assayed for their ability to inhibit some enzymatic and biological activities induced by Bothrops pauloensis and Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms as well as by their isolated toxins neuwiedase (metalloproteinase), BnSP-7 (basic Lys49 PLA(2)) and CB (PLA(2) from crotoxin complex). Phospholipase A(2), coagulant, fibrinogenolytic, hemorrhagic and myotoxic activities induced by B. pauloensis and C. d. terrificus venoms, as well as by their isolated toxins were significantly inhibited when different amounts of S. parahyba were incubated previously with these venoms and toxins before assays. However, when S. parahyba was administered at the same route as the venoms or toxins injections, the tissue local damage, such as hemorrhage and myotoxicity was only partially inhibited. The study also evaluated the inhibitory effect of S. parahyba upon the spreading of venom proteins from the injected area into the systemic circulation. The neutralization of systemic alterations induced by i.m. injection of B. pauloensis venom was evaluated by measuring platelet and plasma fibrinogen levels which were significantly maintained when S. parahyba extract inoculation occurred at the same route after B. pauloensis venom injection. In conclusion, the observations confirmed that the aqueous extract of S. parahyba possesses potent snake venom neutralizing properties. It may be used as an alternative treatment to serum therapy and as a rich source of potential inhibitors of toxins involved in several physiopathological human and animal diseases.     

The anti-snake venom properties of Tamarindus indica (leguminosae) seed extract

In Indian traditional medicine, various plants have been used widely as a remedy for treating snake bites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tamarindus indica seed extract on the pharmacological as well as the enzymatic effects induced by V. russelli venom. Tamarind seed extract inhibited the PLA(2), protease, hyaluronidase, l-amino acid oxidase and 5'-nucleotidase enzyme activities of venom in a dose-dependent manner. These are the major hydrolytic enzymes responsible for the early effects of envenomation, such as local tissue damage, inflammation and hypotension. Furthermore, the extract neutralized the degradation of the Bbeta chain of human fibrinogen and indirect hemolysis caused by venom. It was also observed that the extract exerted a moderate effect on the clotting time, prolonging it only to a small extent. Edema, hemorrhage and myotoxic effects including lethality, induced by venom were neutralized significantly when different doses of the extract were preincubated with venom before the assays. On the other hand, animals that received extract 10 min after the injection of venom were protected from venom induced toxicity. Since it inhibits hydrolytic enzymes and pharmacological effects, it may be used as an alternative treatment to serum therapy and, in addition, as a rich source of potential inhibitors of PLA(2), metalloproteinases, serine proteases, hyaluronidases and 5 cent-nucleotidases, the enzymes involved in several physiopathological human and animal diseases.     

Efficacy of Silene arenosa extract on acetylcholinesterase in Bungarus sindanus(krait)venom

OBJECTIVE:To examine the efficacy of Silene arenosa extract on acetylcholinesterase(AChE)of krait(Bungarus Sindanus)snake venom.METHODS:The present project desi...     

艾滋病呼吸困难中医临床证治探讨

呼吸困难是艾滋病人常见症状之一,大多与卡氏肺孢子虫、结核杆菌、霉菌等机会性感染相关,临床表现缺乏特异性,早期诊断困难。中医辨证论治可以早期干预,对改善症状、控制疾病进展具有积极作用。文章对近年来与艾滋病相关呼吸困难的中医研究进行了概述,为进一步制定相关的中医诊疗标准奠定一定的基础。     

中药抗感2号解热镇痛作用研究

目的：观察抗感2号的解热镇痛作用。方法：用干酵母混悬液制备大鼠发热模型；用醋酸和热板两种方法致痛观察小鼠痛反应。结果：抗感2号对致热大鼠的体温升高有显的抑制作用，对醋酸致痛小鼠扭体反应及热板法致痛均有明显抑制作用。结论：抗感2号对发热和疼痛动物模型有明显解热和镇痛作用。     

牛蒡子抗肿瘤活性成分及作用机制研究进展

牛蒡子是临床常用中药,具有抗肿瘤、抗病毒、抗炎、降血糖等多种药理作用。现代研究表明,木脂素类成分是牛蒡子中的主要抗肿瘤活性成分,其主要抗肿瘤作用机制包括:抑制肿瘤细胞增殖、诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡、直接细胞毒作用、抗肿瘤细胞转移、免疫增强作用、诱导分化作用以及抗突变作用等。对牛蒡子抗肿瘤主要活性成分及作用机制进行了综述,为牛蒡子在抗肿瘤方面的临床应用提供依据。     

蝎毒多肽提取物对A549细胞增殖抑制作用机制研究

目的:观察蝎毒多肽提取物(PESV)对非小细胞肺癌细胞株A549的增殖抑制作用及可能的作用机制。方法:采用噻唑蓝(MTT)法观察不同浓度PESV对A549细胞生长与增殖的影响,下游实验将对数生长期的A549细胞分为阴性对照组、PESV低、中、高剂量组,应用流式细胞术、免疫细胞化学法、Western blot法检测PESV干预后细胞周期及VEGF,HIF-1α和PTEN蛋白表达的变化。结果:MTT结果显示,PESV在一定浓度范围内对A549细胞的增殖活性有明显抑制作用(P<0.01)。流式细胞法、免疫细胞化学法及Western blot法结果显示,PESV干预后能使A549细胞阻滞于G0/G1期,并显著下调HIF-1α,VEGF表达,上调PTEN表达。结论:PESV能够抑制A549细胞的增殖,其作用机制可能与影响血管生成因子VEGF,HIF-1α和PTEN的表达而直接抑制细胞增殖、阻滞细胞周期和抑制血管生成有关。     

The genus Stephania (Menispermaceae): Chemical and pharmacological perspectives

The plants of the genus Stephania (Menispermaceae) are widely distributed, and have long been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as asthma, tuberculosis, dysentery, hyperglycemia, malaria, cancer and fever. Over 150 alkaloids together with flavonoids, lignans, steroids, terpenoids and coumarins have been identified in the genus, and many of these have been evaluated for biological activity. This review presents comprehensive information on the chemistry and pharmacology of the genus together with the traditional uses of many of its plants. In addition, this review discusses the structure-activity relationship of different compounds as well as recent developments and the scope for future research in this aspect.     

Cardiovascular effect of a senso (toad venom) - containing drug in anesthetized dogs (2): Influence of propranolol.

Effects of a Senso (toad venom)-containing drug KY on systemic hemodynamics were examined, and participation of beta-adrenoceptor in its action was evaluated by using propranolol in anesthetized dogs. KY produced a positive inotropic action, and decreased total peripheral (TPR) and coronary vascular resistances (CR), while renal vascular resistance (RR) was increased. After propranolol, KY significantly increased TPR, CR, vertebral vascular resistance and RR. KY-induced positive inotropic action was partly diminished but not abolished by beta-blockade. These results indicate that the beta-adrenergic action may be involved in the vasodilating effect of KY and partly in the positive inotropic action.     

蟾蜍甾烯对舌鳞癌细胞Tca-8113的细胞毒性及构效关系分析

目的:通过研究比较蟾蜍甾肿瘤活性之间的相关性。方法:采用改良MTT法,测定不同浓度的蟾蜍甾烯(Bu)类化合物与Tca-8113细胞共培养一定时间后对细胞的增殖抑制作用;分析10种化合物化学结构与细胞毒性的相关性。结果:10种蟾蜍甾烯类化合物对Tca-8113细胞有明显的增殖抑制作用,其作用强度大小依次为BulCbgBtlArgTelDebHelCtlGtlRbg。含有14-氧环的A型母核的活性明显低于含有14-OH的B型结构母核。在A、B母核中,羟基数量不同,以及是否含有乙酰基,对活性的影响趋势也不相同。结论:10种蟾蜍甾烯类化合物均能有效抑制Tca-8113细胞的增殖,呈现明显的剂量依赖性和构效关系。