ABSTRACT
The complete chloroplast genome of medicinal plant Asarum caudigerum Hance and its close relative A. cardiophyllum Franchet were sequenced using Illumina Hiseq technology, and assembled, annotated, and characterized by bioinformatic methods in this study. Then phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of A. caudigerum, A. cardiophyllum, and twelve published species was conducted. The results indicated that the chloroplast genomes ranged from 186 215-186 985 bp in length, with a large single copy (LSC, 89 445-90 169 bp) and two inverted repeats (IRa/IRb, 48 387-48 408 bp). The overall GC content was 37.4%-37.5%. A total of 144 chloroplast genes were annotated, including 98 protein coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. In addition, complex genomic rearrangements were detected in the chloroplast genome of Asarum. Meanwhile, visual evaluation of the discrete type of the sequence indicated that the variation level of non-coding region was higher than that of coding region. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that A. caudigerum and A. cardiophyllum were clustered into a single clade and A. cardiophyllum, A. sieboldii var. seoulense, A. misandrum and A. maculatum were clustered into another single branch. These two clade were sister species. This study provides a scientific basis for the identification, phylogenetic relationship, molecular breeding of Asarum species.
ABSTRACT
@#Lenvatinib mesylate (LF), a multi-target tyrosinase inhibitor mainly used in the treatment of a variety of cancers, has low oral bioavailability mainly due to its gelation during the dissolution process. In the current study, in order to enhance dissolution and eliminate gelation of LF, a supramolecular coamorphous system of LF-baicalein (BAI) (molar ratio, 1∶1) was prepared by rotary evaporation and characterized by PLM, PXRD, DSC and FTIR. Results indicated the formation of coamorphous system with a single Tg of 118 °C. Different from original LF crystal, no gelation phenomenon was observed during the dissolution of coamorphous LF-BAI. In addition, the dissolution rate of LF was increased by 2.2-fold after coamorphization. Meanwhile, the dissolution rate of the co-former BAI was also enhanced by more than 25.4-fold. Stability test showed that the prepared coamorphous system had a good physical stability for at least 90 days under 25 °C/ 60%RH and 40 °C /75%RH conditions.
ABSTRACT
@#Objective To investigate the effects of a chitosan product on scarring and adhesion after never injury in laminectomy in rats. Methods 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into group A and group B, and carried laminectomy of L4-5, and injured the right spinal nerve roots. The normal saline was smeared on the operation field in the group A, while the chitosan product was smeared in the group B. The adhesion was assessed with Rydell score 1 (groups A1/B1), 2 (groups A2/B2) and 4 (groups A3/B3) weeks after operation, while the spinal nerves were observed with HE staining and Masson staining, and the adhesion was assessed with Nussbaum score. The complete blood count and the series of blood chemistries and enzymes for liver and kidney functioning were measured. Results The Rydell scores of adhesion was I grade in group A1, II grade in A2 and III grade in A3, while was 0 grade in B1, 0 grade in B2 and II grade in B3. The scar and adhesion contact more loosely in the group B than in the group A, and the Nussbaum score was less in the group B than in the group A at the same time (P<0.05). The complete blood count and the series of blood chemistries and enzymes for liver and kidney functioning were in normal. Conclusion This chitosan product can prevent the formation of epidural scar and adhesion around the spinal and the nerve roots after laminectomy, with little toxicity and side effects.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigated the effect of lovastatin on hypoxia and serum deprivation (Hypoxia/SD) induced rat MSCs apoptosis in vitro and associated signaling pathway changes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. The anti-apoptotic effects of lovastatin were detected using Hoechst33342 and annexin V-FITC/PI binding assay by Flow cytometric analysis. The phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2, the cytochrome C and the cleaved caspase-3 were detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Lovastatin (0.01 - 1 micromol/L) significantly reduced Hypoxia/SD-induced MSCs apoptosis and increased Akt phosphorylation, reduced caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol in a time dependent manner. These effects could be significantly blocked by both PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 and ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results showed that lovastatin protects MSCs from Hypoxia/SD-induced apoptosis via activating PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways suggesting a potential role of statins as an adjunct therapeutic agent during transplanting MSCs into damaged heart after myocardial infarction.</p>