Screening and appraisal for immunological adjuvant-active fractions from Platycodon grandiflorum total saponins

In this study, the total saponins from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum (PGS_t) was subjected to D101 macroreticular resin column chromatography to afford four fractions (PGS₃₀, PGS₅₀, PGS₇₅ and PGS₉₅). PGS_t and its four fractions were evaluated and compared for the haemolytic activities and adjuvant potentials on the specific cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). PGS_t, PGS₃₀, PGS₅₀, PGS₇₅, and PGS₇₅ showed a slight haemolytic effect, with their concentration inducing 50% of the maximum haemolysis (HD₅₀) being 16.13?±?0.81, >200, 17.53?±?0.24, 20.16?±?0.76, 76.31?±?2.20?μg/mL against 0.5% rabbit red blood cell, respectively. PGS_t, PGS₅₀, and PGS₇₅ significantly not only enhanced the Con A-, lipopolysaccharide-, and HBsAg-induced splenocyte proliferation, but promoted the killing activities of natural killer (NK) cells from splenocytes in HBsAg-immunized mice (P?<?0.01 or P?<?0.001). HBsAg-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibody levels in serum were also significantly enhanced by PGS_t, PGS₅₀, and PGS₇₅ compared with HBsAg control group (P?<?0.05, P?<?0.01, or P?<?0.001). Moreover, the adjuvant effects of PGS₅₀ and PGS₇₅ on the cellular immune responses and HBsAg-specific IgG2a and IgG2b antibody responses were more significant than those of Alum, PGS₃₀, and PGS₉₅. The results indicated that PGS₅₀ and PGS₇₅ could improve both cellular and humoral immune responses, and elicit a balanced Th1/Th2 response to HBsAg in mice, and that PGS₇₅ may be developed as an ideal candidate adjuvant for hepatitis B vaccine.     

Pharmacokinetics,tissue distribution and excretion study of a furostanol glycoside-based standardized fenugreek seed extract in rats

Abstract

The furostanol glycoside isolated from the seed of fenugreek (SFSE-G) has an array of pharmacological activities. To date, no validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been reported for quantification of SFSE-G in biological samples. Hence, the aim of the present study was to study the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion profiles of SFSE-G after oral administration in rats. A rapid, sensitive, selective, robust and reproducible HPLC method has been developed for determination of SFSE-G in the rat biological samples. The chromatographic separation was accomplished on a reversed-phase C18 column using formic acid and acetonitrile (80:20) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0?mL/min and 274?nm as a detection wavelength. The assay was linear for SFSE-G with the correlation coefficients (R²) >0.996. The analytes were stable during samples storage and handling, and no matrix effects were observed. After oral dosing of SFSE-G at a dose of 200?mg/kg, the elimination half-life was app. 40.10?h. It showed relatively slowly distribution and eliminated in urine and feces after 24?h, and could be detected until 108?h post-dosing. Following oral single dose (200?mg/kg), SFSE-G was detected in lung and brain which indicated that it could cross the blood–brain barrier. It is a major route of elimination is excretion through urine and feces. In conclusion, oral administration of SFSE-G showed slow distribution to tissues, such as lung and brain, but showed fast renal elimination.     

Stromal vascular fraction improves deep partial thickness burn wound healing

ObjectiveThe practice of early burn wound excision and wound closure by immediate autologous skin or skin substitutes is the preferred treatment in extensive deep partial and full-thickness burns. To date there is no proven definite medical treatment to decrease burn wound size and accelerate burn wound healing in modern clinical practice. Stromal vascular fraction is an autologous mixture that has multiple proven beneficial effects on different kinds of wounds. In our study, we investigated the effects of stromal vascular fraction on deep partial-thickness burn wound healing.MethodsIn this study, 20 Wistar albino rats were used. Inguinal adipose tissue of the rats was surgically removed and stromal vascular fraction was isolated. Thereafter, deep second-degree burns were performed on the back of the rats by hot water. The rats were divided into two groups in a randomized fashion. The therapy group received stromal vascular fraction, whereas the control group received only physiologic serum by intradermal injection. Assessment of the burn wound healing between the groups was carried out by histopathologic and immuno-histochemical data.ResultsStromal vascular fraction increased vascular endothelial growth factor, proliferating cell nuclear antigen index, and reduced inflammation of the burn wound. Furthermore, vascularization and fibroblastic activity were achieved earlier and observed to be at higher levels in the stromal vascular fraction group.ConclusionsStromal vascular fraction improves burn wound healing by increasing cell proliferation and vascularization, reducing inflammation, and increasing fibroblastic activity.