ABSTRACT
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas have attracted increasing attention worldwide in the past few years for treating complex disease including rheumatoid arthritis. However, their mechanisms are complex and remain unclear. Guan-Jie-Kang (GJK), a prescription modified from "Wu Tou Decoction," was found to significantly relieve arthritis symptoms in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis after 30-day treatment, especially in the 24 g/kg/day group. By analyzing 1749 targets related to 358 compounds in the five herbs of GJK, we identified the possible anti-arthritis pathways of GJK, including the calcium signaling and metabolic pathways. Bone damage levels were assessed by micro-computed tomography, and greater bone protective effect was observed with GJK treatment than with methotrexate. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-RANK signaling, which is related to calcium signaling, was significantly regulated by GJK. Moreover, a target metabolomics assay of serum was conducted; 17 metabolic biomarkers showed significant correlations with treatment. An integrated pathway analysis revealed that pyruvate metabolism, purine metabolism, and glycolysis metabolism were significantly associated with the effects of GJK in arthritis treatment. Thus, this study establishes a new omics analytical method integrated with bioinformatics analysis for elucidating the multi-pathway mechanisms of TCM.
ABSTRACT
Objective To prepare nifedipine( NF)sustained-release pellet tablets,and study of its release behavior in vitro. Methods Soluplus was selected as a carrier to prepare solid dispersion of NF by hot melt extrusion technique( HME), and the ratio of the drug to carrier was 1:1. The samples were validated as the solid dispersion by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). Extrusion-spheronization technique was introduced to prepare NF pellets and EudragitRS 30D was used as the coating material. The NF sustained-release tablets were prepared by direct compression of the coated pellets and suitable excipients. Results The release data in vitro proved that the drug release from the tablets was steady and complete over 24 hours. Conclusion The release of NF from sustained-release tablets is slow and steady. The method is easy to operate. The in vitro drug release pattern follows first-order kinetics.
ABSTRACT
As a potent anticoagulant, leech a traditional Chinese medicine, has become increasing topics. Hirudin, which is the primary effective component in leech, is a specific and efficient inhibitor of thrombin, mainly used in prevention and treatment of thrombus on the clinic practice. However, there is still no accurate and convenient method reported about the determination of it's biological activity. This paper reported a method for the determination of the biological activity the of extract from hirudo. The extra thrombin, which was not inhibited by hirudin in the extract from hirudo, reacted with N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester and was determined. The biological activity of the hirudo extract was determined, indirectly. The linear of calibration curve and accuracy were both perfect, the method was accurate and reliable.