Effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Eupolyphaga Steleophaga on liver protection mechanism based on pharmacokinetics and metabonomicsOA

Objective: Based on metabonomics technology of high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS) and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(¹H NMR), the pharmacokinetic characteristics and therapeutic mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RhRR, Dahuang in Chinese), Eupolyphaga Steleophaga(EuS, Tubiechong in Chinese) combined with RhRR acting on acute liver injury were explored.Methods: Models of acute liver injury were established, and the pharmacokinetic met...     

Pyrolysisi Characteristics of Radix Rhizoma Rhei,Cortex Moudan Radicis,and Radix San-guisorbac and correlations with the carbonizing process of Chinese herbs简

AIM： The aim of the work is to study the pyrolysis characteristics of Radix Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Moudan Radicis, and Radix Sanguisorbae in an inert atmosphere of argon （Ar）, and to investigate the mechanism of the carbonizing process of the three traditional Chinese herbs. METHODS： The pyrolysis characteristics of the crude materials and their extracts were studied by thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry （TG-MS） in a carrier gas of argon, coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry （FTIR） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） methods. Correlation of the pyrolysis behaviors with the carbonizing process by stir-frying of traditional Chinese medicines was made. RESULTS： Within the temperature range of 200-300 ℃, which is the testing range for the study of the carbonizing process of Chinese herbs, the temperatures indicated by the maximum weight loss rate peak of the above three extracts were taken as the upper-limit temperatures of the carbonizing process of the herbs, and which were 200, 240 and 247 ℃ for Radix Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Moudan Radicis, and Radix Sanguisorbae, respectively. The ion monitoring signal peaks detected by the TG-MS method corresponded with reports that the level of chemical components of traditional Chinese medicinal materials would decrease after the carbonizing process. It was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry （FTIR） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） methods that better results of ＂medicinal property preservation＂ could be obtained by heating at 200 ℃ for Radix Rhizoma Rhei, at about 250 ℃ for Cortex Moudan Radicis, and Radix Sanguisorbae, as the relative intensity values of the common peaks were among the middle of their three carbonized samples by programmed heating. CONCLUSION： The upper-limit temperatures of the carbonizing process for Radix Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Moudan Radicis and Radix Sanguisorbae were 200, 240 and 247 ℃ respectively. It is feasible to research the mechanism and technology of the carbonizing process of traditional Chinese medicinal materials using thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy methods.     

Meta-analysis on protective effect of electroacupuncture at “Nèiguān” ( PC 6) in rats with reperfusion injury induced myocardial ischemia

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the protection effect of electroacupuncture at “Nèiguān” (

PC 6) on myocardial damage by means of evidence-based medicine.MethodsDatabases were retrieved by computer, while dissertation compilations and conference proceedings were searched manually. Data were analyzed statistically by using RevMan5.2 software.ResultsTwelve studies were enrolled. Compared with myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury model group,

the magnitude of ECG ST II segment elevation can be reduced by means of electroacupuncture at PC 6 (WMD= –73.95, 95%CI[–109.69, –38.20]) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.0001);

the ATPase in myocardial cells can be increased by means of electroacupuncture at PC 6 (SMD=2.28, 95% CI [1.50, 3.07]) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.00001);

the release of cTnT can be reduced by means of electroacupuncture at PC 6 (WMD= –2.69, 95%CI[–3.16, –2.22]) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.00001);

the size of myocardial infarction can be reduced by means of electroacupuncture at PC 6 (WMD= –17.99, 95% CI [–19.88, –16.09]) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.00001);

the release of CK can be reduced by means of electroacupuncture at PC 6 (WMD= –0.44, 95%CI[–0.61, –0.27]) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.00001);

the release of CK-MB can be reduced by means of electroacupuncture at PC 6 (SMD=–2.85, 95%CI[–4.46, –1.24]) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001);

the release of LDH can be reduced by means of electroacupuncture at PC 6 (SMD=–2.97, 95%CI [–4.87, –1.07]) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01).ConclusionBased on the current experimental evidences, electroacupuncture at PC 6 has a higher protective effect on myocardium.     

The protective effect of smilax glabra extract on advanced glycation end products-induced endothelial dysfunction in HUVECs via RAGE-ERK1/2-NF-κB pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGR) is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used in folk for the treatment of diabetic vascular complications. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced endothelial dysfunction has been thought to be a major cause of diabetic vascular complications. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of SGR extract on AGEs-induced endothelial dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to 200 μg/ml AGEs to induce endothelial dysfunction. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescence assay and Annexin-V/PI double-staining were performed to determine endothelium apoptosis. Dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence probe, SOD and MDA kits were used to evaluate oxidative stress. The effect of SGR extract on AGEs-induced TGF-beta1 expression was determined by immunocytochemistry and western blotting. Attenuations of SGR extract on receptor for AGEs (RAGE) expression, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2) activation and NF-κB phosphorylation were determined by immunofluorescence assay and western blotting. The blockade assays for RAGE and ERK1/2 were carried out using a specific RAGE-antibody (RAGE-Ab) or a selective ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 in immunofluorescence assay.

Results

The pretreatment of SGR extract (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg crude drug/ml) significantly attenuated AGEs-induced endothelium apoptosis, and down-regulated TGF-beta1 protein expression in HUVECs. It was also well shown that SGR extract could down-regulate dose-dependently ROS over-generation, MDA content, TGF-beta1 expression, ERK1/2 and NF-κB activation whereas increase significantly SOD activity. Furthermore, the AGEs-induced ERK1/2 activation could be attenuated by the blockade of RAGE-Ab (5 μg/ml) while the NF-κB activation was ameliorated by ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (10 μM).

Conclusion

These results indicated that SGR extract could attenuate AGEs-induced endothelial dysfunction via RAGE-ERK1/2-NF-κB pathways. Our findings suggest that SGR extract may be beneficial for attenuating endothelial dysfunction in diabetic vascular complications.     

The effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on the male rats׳ reproductive system and spermatogenic cell apoptosis exposed to low-dose ionizing irradiation

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Lycium barbarum, a Solanaceous defoliated shrubbery, has been used as a kind of traditional Chinese herbal medicines for thousands of years. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main bioactive component of Lycium barbarum. The aim of this study was to investigate the radioresistant effect of LBP on the damage of male rats’ reproductive system and spermatogenic cells caused by low-dose ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation. Materials and methods: Male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups and treated with irradiation and/or LBP: normal control group, irradiation control group 1, irradiation control group 2, irradiation control group 3, LBP + irradiation group 1, LBP + irradiation group 2, and LBP + irradiation group 3. Results: It is found that mating function and testis organ coefficient in LBP + irradiation groups were significantly better than that of the corresponding irradiation control groups. LBP significantly up-regulates the expression of Bcl-2 while down-regulating the expression of Bax. And LBP also plays an important role in prevention mitochondrial membrane potential decrease. In addition, LBP can significantly reduce spermatogenic cells apoptosis. Conclusion: LBP has obvious protective effect on the male rats’ reproductive function and spermatogenic dysfunction induced by irradiation.     

The effect of the extract of Crocus sativus on tracheal responsiveness and plasma levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, total NO and nitrite in ovalbumin sensitized Guinea-pigs

Ethnomedical relevance

Anti-inflammatory, anti oxidant and effect of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) on Th₁/Th₂ balance were described previously.

Aim of the study

The preventive effects of the extract of Crocus sativus on tracheal responsiveness and plasma levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, total NO and nitrite were examined on sensitized guinea pigs.

Materials and methods

Five groups of sensitized guinea pigs to ovalbumin (OVA), were given drinking water containing three concentrations of the extract of Crocus sativus, dexamethasone (S+D) or alone (group S). Tracheal responses (TR) of control animals (group C) and sensitized guinea pigs (n=6, for each group) to methacholine, OVA and the levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, total NO and nitrite in serum were examined.

Results

The TR to both methacholine and OVA, the levels of serum IL-4, total NO and nitrite in S guinea pigs were significantly increased but that of IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (Th₁/Th₂ balance) were decreased compared to the controls (p<0.05 to p<0.001). In the treated animals with dexamethasone and all concentrations of the extract, TR to both methacholine and OVA, IL-4, total NO and nitrite were significantly decreased but IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio increased compared to S group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). The effects of the highest concentration of the extract was greater than those of other concentrations and the effect of dexamethasone (p<0.05 to p<0.01).

Conclusions

These results not only showed a preventive effect of C. sativus extract on tracheal responses and serum levels of inflammatory mediators in sensitized guinea pigs but also showed increased Th₁/Th₂ balance.     

Protective effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning at zúsānlĭ (足三里 ST36) on mitochondria in the intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Objective

The study explored the effect of applying electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning at ST 36 on mitochondria in rats with intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Elucidation of the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of Melastoma dodecandrum Lour. based on network pharmacology and experimental validationOA

Objective: To systematically explore the effect and mechanism of melastomatis dodecandri herba(Melastoma dodecandrum Lour.) in the treatment of hepatitis based on network pharmacology.Method: We evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of M. dodecandrum in concanavalin A(Con A)-induced hepatitis in mice by assessing survival rate, histological analysis, serum transaminases, and related cytokines. Then the mechanism of action was predicted by a network pharmacology-based strategy. Based on the resu...     

Inhibitory effect of medicinal plant-derived carboxylic acids on the human transporters hOAT1, hOAT3, hOATP1B1, and hOATP2B1简

A significant number of organic carboxylic acids have been shown to influence the absorption and distribution of drugs mediated by organic anion transporters （OATs）. In this study, uptake experiments were performed to assess the inhibitory effects of cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, oleanolic acid, deoxycholic acid, and cynarin on bOAT1, hOAT3, hOATP 1B l, and hOATP2B 1. After a drug-drug interaction （DDI） investigation, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, deoxycholic acid, and cynarin were found and validated to inhibit hOAT1 in a competitive manner, and deoxycholic acid was found to be an inhibitor of all four transporters. The apparent 50% inhibitory concentrations of cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, deoxycholic acid, and cynarin were estimated to be 133.87, 3.69, 90.03 and 6.03 μmol·L ^-1 for hOAT1, respectively. The apparent 50% inhibitory concentrations of deoxycholic acid were estimated to be 9.57μmol·L ^-1 for hOAT3, 70.54 μmol·L ^-1 for hOATP1B1, and 168.27μmol·L ^-1 for hOATP2B1. Because cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and cynarin are ingredients of food or food additives, the present study suggests there are new food-drug interactions to be disclosed. In addition, deoxycholic acid may be used as a probe for studying the correlation of OATs and OATPs.