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Lu Dangshen, a traditional authentic medicinal material of Codonopsis Radix is mainly produced in Shangdang (Changzhi) area of Shanxi Province. Baitiao Dangshen is mainly produced in Gansu Province. Codonopsis Radix contains many kinds of components such as phenylpropanoids, polyalkynes, alkaloids, terpenes, fatty acids, flavonoids, and so on. At present, the effect of producing areas on its chemical compositions has not been systematically studied. This study analyzed the differences of metabolites among Codonopsis pilosula from different producing areas by UPLC-HRMS. PCA, OPLS-DA coupled with Thermo mzcloud online and local databases were used to compare the overall differences of metabolites among Codonopsis pilosula from different producing areas, and the chemical constituents were identified to further screen and find out the different metabolites and analyze the metabolic pathways by information retrieval in HMDB, PubChem, Chemspider and KEGG databases. The results showed that 72 differential metabolites were identified in this study. There were 15 kinds of up-regulated and 57 kinds of down-regulated metabolites of Lu Dangshen compared with Baitiao Dangshen. The top 30 metabolic pathways were analyzed by KEGG enrichment, and the most important metabolic pathways were phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which was demonstrated that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and related intermediate metabolites could be used as the characteristics of distinguishing Lu Dangshen from different habitats of Codonopsis pilosula. The present study provided a basis for analyzing the influence of producing areas on the chemical components of Codonopsis pilosula and reasonably evaluating the quality of Codonopsis Radix, and also provided a new idea for expounding the authenticity of Lu Dangshen.
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Objective:To investigate the regulatory effects of mitofusin 1 (MFN1) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Raw264.7 mouse macrophages pyroptosis and to provide reference for further study on the prevention of inflammation and fibrosis caused by macrophage dysfunction.Methods:Raw264.7 mouse macrophages were cultured in vitro and used to construct a model of LPS-induced pyroptosis. CCK-8 staining, PI staining, LDH release assay and Western blot were used to verify the Raw264.7 pyroptosis induced by LPS. MFN1 expression was detected by Western blot. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the synthesis of total reactive oxygen species (ROS); Mito-SOX was used to detect mitochondrial ROS; JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by fluorescence probe to reflect mitochondrial damage. Based on Ubibrowser database, it was predicted that MFN1 could bind to a variety of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Then, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) were used to analyze MFN1 ubiquitination. An overexpression plasmid for MFN1 was constructed and transfected into Raw264.7 cells to detect the changes in pyroptosis and mitochondrial function. Results:LPS could induce the pyroptosis of Raw264.7 cells and mitochondrial dysfunction. MFN1 expression was decreased after LPS stimulation. Ubiquitinated MFN1 was detected by CO-IP. Ubiquitination inhibitor MG-132 inhibited LPS-induced expression of pyroptosis-related proteins including NLRP3, Pro-caspase-1, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 and improved mitochondrial function. MFN1 overexpression relieved the mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis of Raw264.7 cells induced by LPS.Conclusions:The ubiquitination of MFN1 induced by LPS was involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and macrophage pyroptosis, suggesting that MFN1 was a potential target for the treatment of macrophage-induced inflammation and related diseases.
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【Objective】 To explore the role of visfatin-nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase （Nampt） axis in the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer （EOC） and its effect on the patients’ prognosis. 【Methods】 Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression of Nampt protein in tissues from epithelial ovarian cancer and normal ovary； ELISA was used to determine the level of visfatin in serum. Then the two were further analyzed to estimate their effects on clinicopathological characteristics and the EOC patients’ overall survival. 【Results】 The mean level of serum visfatin in these EOC patients was significantly elevated compared with that of the patients with benign ovarian tumors and normal population. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve （AUC） of serum visfatin for diagnosis of EOC was 0.744， with a cut-off value of 5.95 ng/mL. Serum visfatin of the EOC patients was related to T， N and FIGO stage （P<0.05）， and was positively correlated with CA125 （rs=0.389， P=0.001）. The rate of Nampt positive expression in tissues from EOC was significantly increased and correlated with FIGO stage and serum visfatin （P<0.05）. Nampt protein expression in EOC was positively correlated with serum visfatin level （rs=0.55， P<0.001）. The 1-year， 3-year and 5-year survival rate of these patients with EOC was 98.6%， 74.3% and 34.3%， respectively. Survival analysis demonstrated that the overall survival of these patients was related to T， N， FIGO stage， serum visfatin and Nampt expression in EOC， and both FIGO stage and Nampt expression were independent prognostic factors （P<0.05）. 【Conclusion】 The overall survival of these EOC patients was related to T， N， FIGO stage， serum visfatin and Nampt expression， and FIGO stage and Nampt expression are independent factors predicting the outcome. This highlights that visfatin-Nampt axis promotes the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer and affects the prognosis of EOC patients.
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Objective:To establish the grade evaluation method for Codonopsis Radix slices based relative quality constants， in order to provide scientific theoretical basis for grading of Codonopsis Radix slices. Method:Through literature and market research，the main production areas of Codonopsis Radix slices were determined，and 67 batches of Ludangshen slices（52 batches） and Baitiaodang slices （15 batches） were collected. The appearance traits （average quality and average thickness of Codonopsis Radix slices） were observed and measured. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia （2015 edition）， the extract and the content of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide was determined by phenol-sulphoacid method. Then the relative quality constant was calculated，and the results of grade evaluation were evaluated through systematic cluster analysis and correlation analysis. Result:Relative quality constants of 67 batches of Codonopsis Radix slices were between 0.32-2.97. If these samples were divided into three grades：the first-grade relative quality constants were greater than or equal to 2.08，the second grade was greater than or equal to 0.89 but less than 2.08，while the third grade was less than 0.89. The results of systematic cluster analysis showed that 67 batches of Codonopsis Radix slices were clustered into 3 categories，and the results were basically consistent with the classification. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the content of the extracts and the polysaccharide content （P<0.05）. Conclusion:This method links the extrinsic characteristics to the intrinsic quality，and objectively grade Codonopsis Radix slices， so as to provide a basis for its grade standards.
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OBJECTIVE@#To summarize and elucidate the characteristics and evolvement of Chinese medicine (CM) patterns reflecting the physical and mental conditions of participants in the Mars 500 long-term closed environment.@*METHODS@#The DS01-T Digital TCM Four-Diagnostic Instrument and CM Inquiring Diagnostic Questionnaire were used to collect information from 6 participants in the Mars 500 International Joint Research Project, through diagnostic methods of observation, palpation and inquiry according to CM theory. During the 520 days of the experiment, data collection was performed 37 times; a total of over 400 digital images of tongues and facial complexion and over 20,000 data were collected. These data were then analyzed by a team of experts in CM, statistics, and data mining.@*RESULTS@#The CM pattern evolvement of participants in the long-term closed environment followed some common trends. Qi deficiency was the main CM pattern observed, with individual features depending on constitutional differences [manifested in varying degrees of accompanying patterns of Gan (Liver) qi stagnation, Pi (Spleen) deficiency, dampness encumbering, or yin deficiency].@*CONCLUSION@#The research has verified the effectiveness of CM syndrome differentiation based on the four diagnostic methods, which should serve as a solid foundation for observation, monitoring, and intervention in regard to the health conditions of astronauts in long-term space flights in the future.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the influence of pre-pregnancy parental body mass index (BMI), maternal weight gain during pregnancy, and their interaction on neonatal birth weight.@*METHODS@#A total of 1 127 pregnant women who underwent regular prenatal examinations and full-term singleton delivery in the First Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2017 to October 2018 were enrolled. The data on their pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy BMI of the husband, and neonatal birth weight were collected. The interaction between pre-pregnancy parental BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy was analyzed, and their correlation with neonatal birth weight was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Among the 1 127 full-term neonates, the detection rates of low birth weight neonates and macrosomia were 2.22% (25/1 127) and 3.82% (43/1 127) respectively. There were significant differences in pre-pregnancy parental BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy among the low birth weight, normal birth weight, and macrosomia groups (P<0.05). Neonatal birth weight was positively correlated with pre-pregnancy parental BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy (r=0.097-0.322, P<0.05). Low maternal weight before pregnancy increased the risk of low birth weight (RR=4.17, 95%CI: 1.86-9.38), and maternal overweight/obesity before pregnancy (RR=3.59, 95%CI: 1.93-6.67) and excessive weight gain during pregnancy (RR=3.21, 95%CI: 1.39-7.37) increased the risk of macrosomia. No interaction between pre-pregnancy maternal BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy was observed.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Pre-pregnancy parental BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy are related to neonatal birth weight, and there is no interaction between pre-pregnancy maternal BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy.
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Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Birth Weight , Body Mass Index , Gestational Weight Gain , Pregnancy Complications , Risk Factors , Weight GainABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effect of corpus luteum blood flow measured by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound on pregnancy in elderly women.Methods We selected 464 elderly women with normal ovulation who came to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2016 to July 2017 as study group.Another 436 women aged less than 35 years old who planned pregnancy in the same period were selected as control group.The clinical data were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in average diameter of dominant follicles and endometrial thickness at each monitoring point between the two groups (P＞0.05).There was no significant difference in corpus luteum blood flow grade 1 day after ovulation (P＞0.05),but corpus luteum blood flow grade 7 to 9 days after ovulation in study group was significantly reduced as compared with control group (P＜0.05).The two groups did not differ significantly in corpus luteum volume (V)or vascular parameters 1 day after ovulation,corpus luteum V 7-9 days after ovulation (P＞0.05).However,luteum vascularization index (VI),flow index (FI)and vascularization flow index (VFI) significantly decreased in study group compared with control group (P＜0.05).Biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate were 1 6 .3 8% and 9 .05 % in study group ,which were significantly lower than 2 3 .1 7 % and 19.04% in control group,respectively (P＜0.05).Miscarriage rate of biochemical pregnancy in study group was 7. 33%,significantly higher than 4.13% in control group (P＜0.05).Corpus luteum V and vascular parameters in women with biochemical pregnancy abortion in both groups were significantly lower than those with clinical pregnancy (P＜0.05).Conclusion The decreased of blood supply of the corpus luteum in embryo implantation window of elderly women may be related to the reduction of endometrial receptivity and pregnancy rate.Regardless of old age,biochemical pregnancy abortion is likely to lead to loss of corpus luteum blood supply,which results in pregnancy failure.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To comprehensively evaluate the health status of 6 volunteers from the Mars 500 Project through analyzing their pulse graphs and determining the changes in cardiovascular function, degree of fatigue and autonomic nervous function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six volunteers were recruited; all were male aged 26-38 years (average 31.83±4.96 years). Characteristic parameters reflflecting the status of cardiovascular functions were extracted, which included left ventricular contraction, vascular elasticity and peripheral resistance. The degree of fatigue was determined depending on the difference between the calendar age and biological age, which was calculated through the analysis of blood pressure value and characteristic parameters. Based on the values of pulse height variation and pulse time variation on a 30-s pulse graph, autonomic nervous function was evaluated. All parameters examined were marked on an equilateral polygon to form an irregular polygon of the actual fifigure, then health status was evaluated based on the coverage area of the actual fifigure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results demonstrated: (1) volunteers developed weakened pulse power, increased vascular tension and peripheral resistance, and slight decreased ventricular systolic function; (2) the degree of fatigue was basically mild or moderate; and (3) autonomic nervous function was excited but generally balanced.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These volunteers were in the state of sub-health. According to Chinese medicine theories, such symptoms are mainly caused by the weakening of healthy qi, Gan (Liver) failing in free coursing, and disharmony between Gan and Wei (Stomach), which manifests as a weak and string-like pulse.</p>
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of the C-terminal truncated human apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and its biological effect on MCF-7 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PcDNA3.0-FDT-AIFδ1-480 was transfected into human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells with lipofectamine. The expression of the truncated AIF gene was detected by Western blotting, and its effects on the biological behaviors of MCF-7 cells and on the expression of cytochrome c (cytC) were evaluated using flow cytometry, MTT assay, colony-forming assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential measurement.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PcDNA3.0-FDT-AIFδ1-480 enhanced AIF expression in MCF-7 cells, obviously inhibited the cell proliferation, and significantly reduced the mitochondrial membrane potentials (P<0.05). Transfection of the cells with PcDNA3.0-FDT-AIFδ1-480 promoted the expression of cytC and resulted in significantly increased apoptosis of MCF-7 cells (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of C-terminal truncated human AIF gene can induce apoptosis of human MCF-7 cells by promoting cytC release from mitochondria.</p>
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Female , Humans , Apoptosis , Apoptosis Inducing Factor , Genetics , Metabolism , Breast Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Cell Proliferation , Cytochromes c , Genetics , Metabolism , MCF-7 Cells , Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial , Mitochondria , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a method for the determination of harpagide and harpagoside in Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen) by HPLC-UV under double wavelength, and to study the changes of these two constituents during processing, and to set the limitation of harpagide and harpagoside contents in crude drug and sliced pieces of Xuanshen.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The analyses were performed on an Agilent Technologies ZORBAX SB-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) eluted with acetonitrile-water (containing 0.03% phosphoric acid) in gradient model. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) . The column temperature was 25 degrees C. The UV detector wavelength was set at 210 nm before 13 min and then changed to 280 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Harpagide and harpagoside were separated well. The linear calibration curves were obtained over of 0.0549 - 1.46 microg for harpagide (r = 0.9999, n =7) ,0.0225 - 0.900 microg for harpagoside (r = 0.9998, n = 9). The recoveries ( +/- RSD)% were 98.1 (+/- 2.4)% for harpagide and 98.8 (+/- 4.3)% for harpagoside. The contents of harpagide were 0. 277% - 0.620%, harpagoside were 0.078% - 0.362% in Xuanshen, and harpagide were 0.276% - 1.059%, harpagoside were 0. 059% - 0.183% in sliced Xuanshen, respectively. After the processing of Scrophulariae Radix, the content of harpagide increases 13.7% - 96.0%, while harpagoside decreases 11.0%-73.9%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method is simple, accurate, and can be used for the quality control of Scrophulariae Radix. We propose that the total content of harpagide and harpagoside in either crude drug or sliced pieces of Scrophulariae Radix should not be less than 0.45%.</p>
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Methods , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Glycosides , Iridoid Glycosides , Magnoliopsida , Chemistry , Plant Roots , Chemistry , Pyrans , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet , MethodsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of L.F04, the active fraction of Lycopus lucidus, on erythrocytes rheological property so as to investigate its mechanism in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The effects of L.F04 (used for treatment for 10 days in different dosages) on deformability, aggregation and membrane liquidity of erythrocytes (MLE) as well as whole blood apparent viscosity (eta(b)) were examined on the basis of rat model of blood-stasis syndrome induced by venous injection of high molecular weight dextran.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>As compared with the normal control group, the model group's RBC deformability and MLE were lower, and the aggregation of erythrocytes and eta(b) were higher. Compared with the model group, both L.F04 0.612 g/kg and 0.306 g/kg showed significant effect in improving deformability and inhibiting aggregation of red blood cells (RBC) and reducing blood viscosity. The trend of improving MLE was also shown.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>L.F04 could significantly improve the abnormal rheological property of erythrocytes.</p>