ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to combine morphological, microscopic, UHPLC multiple-component assay and fingerprinting studies in order to evaluate the quality of Moutan Cortex (MC) systematically. The root system of Paeonia suffruticosa was measured to compare the morphological variation and the chemical composition of different grades of MC was discussed according to previous studies. The difference between the main microscopic features of MC powder and the xylem powder is dramatic, the MC powder contains great amount of starch granules and clusters of calcium oxalate, while the xylem powder displays considerable vessels. Interestingly, the growth rings of P. suffruticosa was first reported in the xylem of the root transection, this can help to determine the growth years of the plant. Moreover, through the assay of 16 component, MC produced in Tongling and Bozhou in Anhui province were compared, content of PGG in MC produced in Bozhou was significantly higher than MC produced in Tongling (<0.01). MC with different growth years, MC with xylem and unprocessed MC and MC decoction pieces were compared respectively by combining the results of 16 compounds assay and fingerprinting. It is proposed that the quality evaluation standard include the assay of paeoniflorin. Above all, the holistic quality difference can be evaluated more comprehensively by combining multiple analytical methods.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the detrimental effects of hemorrhagic shock on the structure and function of mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) encoding cytochrome oxidase genes in intestinal epithelial cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Wistar rats were used and divided into two groups: hemorrhagic shock group and control group. Hemorrhagic shock model of rats was utilized in this experiment. The mtDNA was extracted from the intestinal epithelial cells and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with different primers of cytochrome oxidase (COX I, COX II and COX III). The products of PCR were directly sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hemorrhagic shock could result in the point mutagenesis in mitochondrial genome encoding cytochrome oxidase (COX I and COX II). There were 4, 4, 22, 16, 35 point mutations in COX I from 5545 to 6838 bp in 5 shocked rats. There were five point mutations in COX II from 7191 to 7542 bp at the site of t7191c, t7212c, a7386g, a7483g, c7542g in 1 shocked rat. There was no mutation found in COX III.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hemorrhagic shock could significantly induce the damage of the gene of cytochrome oxidase encoded by mtDNA.</p>