Neuroprotective activity of two active chemical constituents from Tinospora hainanensis

Objective To determine the chemical structure of the new compound and investigate the protective effects of Tinosporaic acid A and B towards in-vitro neuro. Methods The structures of two new compounds were established by analyzing its 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as HRESIMS. Their neuroprotective effects with respect to the antioxidant properties were evaluated by radical scavenging tests and hydrogen peroxide-injured oxidative stress model in PC12 cell lines. Cell morphology of treated PC12 cells was observed by phase contrast microscopy. In-vitro MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase activity assay and oxidative stress markers (intracellular ROS production, MDA level, and caspase-3 activity) were used to evaluate the protective effects against hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. Results The two new compounds, named Tinosporaic acid A and B, were isolated and identified from the stem bark of Tinospora hainanensis. Cell viability studies identified a representative concentration for each extract that was subsequently used to measure oxidative stress markers. Both extracts were able to reverse the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, thus promoting PC12 cells survival. The concentration of Tinosporaic acid A and B were 86.34 μg/mL and 22.06 μg/mL respectively, which is neuroprotective for EC50. The results indicated that both of them significantly attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity. Conclusion The two new compounds isolated from ethanol extracts of Tinospora hainanensis are the promising natural ones with neuroprotective activity and needed for further research.

Neuroprotective activity of two active chemical constituents from Tinospora hainanensis

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the chemical structure of the new compound and investigate the protective effects of Tinosporaic acid A and B towards in-vitro neuro.@*METHODS@#The structures of two new compounds were established by analyzing its 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as HRESIMS. Their neuroprotective effects with respect to the antioxidant properties were evaluated by radical scavenging tests and hydrogen peroxide-injured oxidative stress model in PC12 cell lines. Cell morphology of treated PC12 cells was observed by phase contrast microscopy. In-vitro MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase activity assay and oxidative stress markers (intracellular ROS production, MDA level, and caspase-3 activity) were used to evaluate the protective effects against hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells.@*RESULTS@#The two new compounds, named Tinosporaic acid A and B, were isolated and identified from the stem bark of Tinospora hainanensis. Cell viability studies identified a representative concentration for each extract that was subsequently used to measure oxidative stress markers. Both extracts were able to reverse the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, thus promoting PC12 cells survival. The concentration of Tinosporaic acid A and B were 86.34 μg/mL and 22.06 μg/mL respectively, which is neuroprotective for EC50. The results indicated that both of them significantly attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity.@*CONCLUSION@#The two new compounds isolated from ethanol extracts of Tinospora hainanensis are the promising natural ones with neuroprotective activity and needed for further research.

Use of Clozapine for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: Findings of the 2006 Research on the China Psychotropic Prescription Studies

OBJECTIVE: Clozapine is one of the most commonly used antipsychotic drugs in China. To date, few studies have investigated the patterns the prescription of clozapine nationwide. The present study examined these patterns in China in 2006 and identified the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of clozapine. METHODS: Using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure, we surveyed 5,898 patients with schizophrenia in 10 provinces with differing levels of economic development. RESULTS: Overall, clozapine had been prescribed for 31.9% (n=1,883) of the patients; however we found considerable variation among the 10 provinces. The frequency of clozapine use was highest in Sichuan (39.3%) and lowest in Beijing (17.3%). The mean daily dose of clozapine was 210.36+/-128.72 mg/day, and 25.1% of the patients were treated with clozapine in combination with other antipsychotics. Compared with the group not receiving clozapine, clozapine-user had been treated for longer durations and had experienced a greater number of relapses and hospitalizations. Furthermore, those in the clozapine-user had lower family incomes, were less able to seek psychiatric services, and more likely to be male and have a positive family history of schizophrenia. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sex, professional help-seeking behaviors, duration of illness, economic status, educational level, and clinical manifestations were associated with the use of clozapine. CONCLUSION: Clozapine use is common in China. However, use of the antipsychotic varies among provinces, and demographic and clinical factors play important roles in the prescription of clozapine.

Factors That Influence the Prescription of Antipsychotics for Patients with Schizophrenia in China

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the patterns of antipsychotic use in China and to analyze the factors that influence antipsychotic prescriptions. METHODS: A standardized survey was conducted from May 20 to 24 2002 in five different regions of China with varying economic levels. The patterns of antipsychotic medication use were analyzed in a sample of 4,779 patients with schizophrenia. The survey gathered information on demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, and antipsychotic medications prescribed. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze factors related to patterns of antipsychotic medication use. RESULTS: A plurality of patients with schizophrenia was treated with clozapine (39%); this was followed by risperidone, sulpride, chlorpromazine, perphenazine, and haloperidol. More than 56.3% of patients were treated with only one atypical antipsychotic. The mean daily dose of chlorpromazine was 365+/-253 mg (mean+/-standard deviation), and 6.5% of patients were treated with depot injections of typical antipsychotic medications. A total of 73.7% (n=3,523) of patients with schizophrenia received monotherapy, 24.8% (n=1,183) received two antipsychotics, 1.1% (n=52) received three antipsychotics, and one received four different antipsychotics. Patients often simultaneously received other classes of medications including anticholinergic agents, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Economic status and clinical symptoms were the main factors that contributed to the patterns of antipsychotic prescription. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that atypical antipsychotic medications, especially clozapine, are the primary psychiatric treatments of choice in the management of schizophrenia in China. Moreover, the economic status and clinical profile of the patient are the major factors affecting the prescription of antipsychotic medication.