Neurotoxicity mechanism of aconitine in HT22 cells studied by microfluidic chip-mass spectrometry / 药物分析学报

Aconitine,a common and main toxic component of Aconitum,is toxic to the central nervous system.However,the mechanism of aconitine neurotoxicity is not yet clear.In this work,we had the hypothesis that excitatory amino acids can trigger excitotoxicity as a pointcut to explore the mechanism of neurotoxicity induced by aconitine.HT22 cells were simulated by aconitine and the changes of target cell metabolites were real-time online investigated based on a microfluidic chip-mass spectrometry system.Meanwhile,to confirm the metabolic mechanism of aconitine toxicity on HT22 cells,the levels of lactate dehydrogenase,intracellular Ca2+,reactive oxygen species,glutathione and superoxide dismutase,and ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein were detected by molecular biotechnology.Integration of the detected results revealed that neurotoxicity induced by aconitine was associated with the process of excitotoxicity caused by glutamic acid and aspartic acid,which was followed by the accumulation of lactic acid and reduction of glucose.The surge of extracellular glutamic acid could further lead to a series of cascade reactions including intracellular Ca2+overload and oxidative stress,and eventually result in cell apoptosis.In general,we illustrated a new mechanism of aconitine neurotoxicity and presented a novel analysis strategy that real-time online monitoring of cell metabolites can provide a new approach to mechanism analysis.

Synergistic Effect of Baicalin and Wogonoside on NF-κB Signaling Pathway Based on Medium-efficiency Equation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:Quantitative analysis of anti-inflammatory synergistic pharmacodynamics mechanism of baicalin and wogonoside by medium efficiency principle. Method:inflammatory cell model was constructed by stimulating RAW264.7 cells by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） 100 μg·L-1 in vitro. The experiment was performed in the normal group， the model group， the andrographolide group （10 μmol·L-1）， the baicalin group （2.06，4.13，8.25，16.5，33，66，132 μmol·L-1） and the wogonoside group （2.94，5.88，11.75，23.5，47，94，188 μmol·L-1） and the baicalin-wogonoside combination group ［（2.06+2.94）（4.13+5.88）（8.25+11.75）（16.5+23.5）（33+47）（66+94）（132+188） μmol·L-1］. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in the cell culture supernatants after drug intervention for 50 min and 4 h were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） method. The level of nitric oxide （NO） in the cell culture supernatant after drug intervention for 24 h were detected by Griess method. Western blot was used to detect the activation levels of phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65（p-NF-κB p65） and inducible nitric oxide synthase（iNOS） in cells after drug intervention for 2 h and 12 h. The fa/fu-dose profile of each indicator was drawn to observe the increase or decrease of effect. Result:Compared with normal group， the expression of p-NF-кB p65， iNOS and cytokines including TNF-α， IL-6 and NO （P<0.05，P<0.01） in the model group were significantly up-regulated. Compared with the model group， each group at high doses could inhibit the phosphorylation of NF-кB p65 protein（P<0.05），the baicalin group and the combined group could down-regulate the expression of iNOS protein in a concentration-dependent manner（P<0.01） and the baicalin group had no obvious inhibitory effect. each administration group at high dose could significantly inhibit the production of NO（P<0.05），but each group had no inhibitory effect on IL-6 production. The baicalin group and the combined group could significantly Inhibit the production of TNF-α（P<0.05） and there was no significant difference between the baicalin group and the model group. At the experimental dose， the fa/fu-dose table showed that the fa/fu value of p-NF-кB p65 and IL-6 in the combined group was not greater than the baicalin group and the wogonoside group. The fa/fu value of iNOS， TNF-α and NO in the combined group is higher than the baicalin group and the wogonoside group. Conclusion:The baicalin and wogonoside have different effects on different targets in the NF-κB pathway. The wogonoside is the main pharmacological substance in this combination and the combination shows different degrees of synergy or antagonism effects on different targets.

Mechanism of Rhein on Renal Toxicity of Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe effect of long-term administration of rhein on the kidney toxicity of mice, and explore its possible toxic mechanism, in order to provide some basis for rational clinical drug use and further research. Method:The 30 Kunming mice (half male and half female) were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group, low-dose rhein group and high-dose rhein group (0.175,0.35 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The intragastric administration lasted for 60 days. During administration, general situations of the mice were observed and recorded. Serum urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (SCr), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected after drug withdrawal. Kidney index was calculated, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio were measured. The kidneys were collected and histopathologically examined, and the protein expressions of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3 (Caspase-3) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Result:Compared with the control group of the same sex, BUN and SCr of the administration group increased significantly(PPPPα and Caspase-3 increased significantly(PPPPβ1 was increased(PConclusion:The toxicity of rhein in the kidney of mice was obvious at the dose of 0.35 g·kg-1·d-1, and the toxicity in male organism is more obvious. The mechanism of its potential toxicity may cause the imbalance of glutathione antioxidant system, induce excessive oxidation, trigger inflammatory reaction, activate the expression of Caspase-3, and then induce apoptosis.

Mechanism of Nephrotoxicity of Aloe Emodin in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study nephrotoxicity induced by long-term administration of different doses of aloe-emodin in mice, and explore its mechanism. Method:A total of 30 male and female Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, and low-dose aloe-emodin group,high-dose aloe-emodin group (0.8,1.6 g·kg-1). Every dose of group was administered intragastrically for 11 weeks,twice daily. effect of serum urea nitrogen (BUN),creatinine (SCr),superoxide dismutase (SOD),malondialdehyde (MDA),Glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were detected by biochemical kits according to manufacturer's instruction. Enzyme-linked immune assay was used to determine serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukins(IL)-6 levels. Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining was used to detect renal pathological changes in kidney tissues, and cysteine aspartic acid specific protease(Caspase)-3 and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry. Result:According to results,compared with normal control group,the levels of BUN and SCr in serum with high-dose aloe-emodin were increased. The renal tubules in low-dose group were mildly injured,while renal tubules and glomeruli of high-dose group were moderately damaged. Compared with normal control group,the level of SOD was significant decreased (PPPPα and IL-6 were increased,the expression of TGF-β1 protein in kidneys was increased in low-dose and high-dose groups (PConclusion:results show that 1.6 g·kg-1 aloe-emodin was administered intragastrically for 11 weeks,which had toxic effects on kidney in mice. The mechanism may be related to oxidative stress,apoptosis and TGF-β1 protein expression.

Apoptosis Mechanism of Emodin on Renal Toxicity in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of long-term administration of emodin on the kidney toxicity of mice, explore its possible toxic mechanism, and provide some basis for clinical rational drug use and further research. Method:The 30 Kunming mice, half male and half female, were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group, emodin low dose group and emodin high dose groups (0.8, 1.6 g·kg-1), 10 mice in each group. Continuous intragastric administration was given for 11 weeks. During administration, the general situation of the mice was observed and recorded. After treatment, the serum urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (SCr), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected. Kidney index was calculated and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio were measured. The kidneys were taken for histopathological examination and the protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3 (Caspase-3) were then detected by immunohistochemistry assay. Result:As compared with control group of the same sex, the weight of mice in the administration groups was decreased significantly, renal index was decreased while BUN and SCr levels were increased significantly (PPPPα was increased significantly (PP PPConclusion:The long-term administration of emodin at a large dose would show toxicity effect on mice kidney, and the toxicity was obvious at the dose of 1.6 g·kg-1·d-1, but there was no significant difference between the sexes. The mechanism of its potential toxicity may be related to the disorder of oxidation system, the injury of oxidative stress, the triggering of inflammatory reaction, and the apoptosis of cells.

Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Its Attenuation Methods / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is a common medicine in clinic, which is widely used for a variety of diseases,such as constipation, jaundice, peptic ulcer, bacillary dysentery. In recent years, there have been many cases of clinical abuse and increasing number of adverse reactions about Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. Many reports concerned with its toxicity have drawn more and more attention at home and abroad. This review makes a brief summary on the toxicity research of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma in recent years in the aspects of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and its corresponding toxicity-controlling methods. Liver and kidney toxicity of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma was explained in various aspects, including liver and kidney biochemical indicators, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, gene and protein expression and signaling pathway. Besides, the attenuation methods of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were summarized in aspects of processing and compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine. In conclusion, this study explains hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma objectively, and explore relevant toxicological mechanisms, in order to provide proper reference for its further research and the safety of clinical use.

Chemical components and pharmacological action of Aconiti Radix / 中国中药杂志

Aconiti Radix is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) herb in clinic,with the effects in expelling wind and removing damness,warming menstruation and relieving pain. With a long medicinal history and high medicinal value,it was used for anemofrigid-damp arthralgia,arthralgia,cold hernia and anesthesia analgesia. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Aconiti Radix has a good therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis,neuropathic pain and hypertension. As a well-known toxic TCM herb,its main pharmacodynamic and toxic components are alkaloids,which can lead to neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity while exerting anti-inflammatory,analgesic,anti-tumor and other pharmacodynamic effects. Therefore,it is often processed to reduce its toxicity or combined with Paeoniae Radix Alba and Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix to achieve the purpose of reducing toxicity and increasing efficacy in clinic.In recent years,with the deepening of the study on the incompatibility of TCM represented by " eighteen incompatible herbs",there have been new findings about TCM incompatibility. It has been found complementary effect,rather than no obvious toxic and side effects after the combination with incompatible herbs of Aconiti Radix. To provide the basis for further study and clinical application of Aconiti Radix,this paper reviewed chemical components,pharmacological action,toxicity and compatibility of Aconiti Radix by consulting relevant literatures published in recent years at home and abroad. Meanwhile,this paper also described the relationship between chemical constituents,as well as anti-inflammatory,analgesic,anti-tumor and other pharmacological effects and toxicity.

Correlation study on Tibetan medicine Pterocephalus hookeri of bitter taste receptors based on molecular docking technology / 中国中药杂志

In order to study the interaction between Pterocephalus hookeri and bitter taste receptors,three-dimensional structural models of bitter taste receptors TAS2 R16,TAS2 R14 and TAS2 R13 were established by homology modeling in this paper. Maestro software was used for docking the chemical constituents of P. hookeri with bitter taste receptors. The results showed that 25 chemical components of P. hookeri can regulate three bitter taste receptors. And these components were mainly iridoid glycosides and phenolic acids.This research focused on the comprehensive application of homology modeling and molecular docking technology to explore the interaction between bitter chemical constituents of P. hookeri and bitter taste receptors. This study provided assistance in revealing pharmacodynamic basis of bitter Tibetan medicine at molecular level. It also provided new ideas and methods for the study of Tibetan medicine.

Simultaneous determination of ten major compounds including iridoid glycosides and phenolic acids in Pterocephalus hookeri by UPLC-PDA / 中国中药杂志

This study is to develop an UPLC-PDA method for determination of 10 major components in Pterocephalus. The UPLC-PDA assay was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLCR BEH C₁₈（2.1 mm ×100 mm,1.7 μm）, and the column temperature was at 30 ℃. The mobile phase consists of water containing 0.2% phosphoric acid (A) and acetonitrile (B) in gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL•min⁻¹. The detection wave length was set at 237 and 325 nm, and the injection volume was 1 μL in the UPLC system. The linear range of 10 detected compounds were good (r≥0.999 7), and the overall recoveries ranged from 96.30% to 103.0%, with the RSD ranging from 0.72% to 2.9%. The method was simple, accurate and reproducible, which can be used for the simultaneous determination of the content of ten major components in P. hookeri.

Action mechanism of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides in treatment of myocardial ischemia based on network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

In this study, a network pharmacological screening method was adopted to further study the active ingredients and action mechanism of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides(TFH) for the treatment of myocardial ischemia. Firstly TCMSP database and PubChem database were searched, and then the data were combined with oral bioavailability and drug analysis to screen flavonoids of H.rhamnoides compounds. Then predictive analysis was conducted for the 7 screened compounds by ChemMapper server.The obtained potential targets were imported into MAS 3.0. Database, and KEGG database was also used for targets analysis and pathway analysis. Finally Cystoscope 3.3.0 software was used to draw "compounds-targets-pathway" network diagram. Virtual experiments predicted 68 potential targets and 60 signaling pathways, and 31 targets and 23 pathways of them were directly or indirectly associated with myocardial ischemia. The results showed that TFH played a synergistic rolemainly through the regulation of calcium signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway and gap junction signaling pathway, which was consistent with literature reports. These results indicated that it can enhance heart function, protect vascular endothelial cells, and fight against myocardial ischemia probably by regulating platelet aggregation, lipid metabolism, inflammation and other processes.

Medication rules for prescriptions containing Pterocephali Herba based on data mining / 中国中药杂志

This study was aimed to discuss and analyze the medication rules for prescriptions containing Pterocephali Herba in Chinese Medical Encyclopedia - Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medicine Prescription Modern Research and Clinical Application, and Interpretation of Common Tibetan Medicines based on the collection of Pterocephali Herba and by using the "Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support system(V2.0.1)",with the use of association rules, apriori algorithm and other data mining methods. The frequency of single drug, the frequency of drug combination, the association rule and the combination of core drugs were analyzed. Through collection of the prescriptions, a total of 215 prescriptions were included, involving a total of 376 herbs. Through the "frequency statistics", the prescriptions containing Pterocephali Herba were commonly used to treat cold fever, distemper virus and arthritis. The highest frequently (frequency≥15) used drugs were Corydalis Herba, Lagotidis Herba, and Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, et al. The most frequently used drug combinations were "Pterocephali Herba, Corydalis Herba","Pterocephali Herba, Lagotidis Herba", and "Pterocephali Herba, Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix" et al. The prescriptions containing Pterocephali Herba were used to primarily treat disease for Tourette syndrome caused by the dampness heat toxin, fever, arthritis etc, such as pestilent toxicity, pneumonia and influenza, rheumatoid arthritis etc. The drugs in the prescriptions mostly had the effects of heat-clearing and detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, dispelling wind and dampness, often in compatible use with heat-clearing drugs. The drug use was concentrated and reflected the clear thought of prescription statutes.

Determination of six alkaloids in six types of Coptidis Rhizoma pieces by RP-HPLC and spectrum-effect relationships with anti-diabetes pharmacodynamics data / 中国中药杂志

To establish a method for determining the contents of six alkaloids (jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, columbamine hydrochloride, epiberberine hydrochloride, coptisine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride) in six types of Coptidis Rhizoma pieces (crude pieces, ginger juice stir-fried pieces, vinegar stir-fried pieces, wine steamed pieces, wine stir-fried pieces, evodiae juice stir-fried pieces) by RP-HPLC, and explore the relationship with the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and pharmacodynamics results. The chromatographic column was Welch XtimateTM C₁₈ (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm), with 0.1% triethylamine solution (adjust pH at 10 with ammonium bicarbonate and ammonia) as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B for gradient elution (0-15 min, 10%-25%B; 15-25 min, 25%-30%B; 25-40 min, 30%-45%B) at a rate of 1.0 mL•min⁻¹. The column temperature was set at 30 ℃, and the wavelength was set at 270 nm. The six alkaloids showed a good linear relationship within the range of 0.85-16.96 mg•L⁻¹ (r=0.999 7), 1.25-24.96 mg•L⁻¹ (r=0.999 9), 2.05-40.96 mg•L⁻¹ (r=0.999 9), 3.65-72.96 mg•L⁻¹ (r=0.999 9), 2.88-57.60 mg•L⁻¹ (r=0.999 8), and 13.25-264.96 mg•L⁻¹ (r=0.999 6) respectively. The average recoveries (n=9) of the six alkaloids were 102.4% (RSD 1.2%), 101.8% (RSD 1.3%), 100.3% (RSD 1.8%), 100.7%(RSD 1.8%), 101.2% (RSD 1.5%) and 97.90% (RSD 2.0%) respectively, and their average contents were 3.55, 4.49, 9.12, 19.17, 15.69, 62.56 mg•g⁻¹, respectively. This determination method was accurate and repeatable, which could be used for the content determination in six types of Coptidis Rhizoma pieces. Data analysis on contents determination and preliminary pharmacodynamics results was conducted by using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The analysis results showed that three types of Coptidis Rhizoma pieces (wine steamed pieces, wine stir-fried pieces, and evodiae juice stir-fried pieces) had significant differences with crude pieces, and the wine steamed Coptidis Rhizoma pieces showed most difference with crude pieces especially, mainly related to triglyceride (TG) and fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) in serum. In addition, columbamine hydrochloride was most affected among the six alkaloids. Those three types of Coptidis Rhizoma pieces (wine steamed pieces, wine stir-fried pieces, and evodiae juice stir-fried pieces), had more advantages for "anti-diabetes" in TCM clinical application, especially in the treatment of diabetic hyperlipidemia.

Mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma combined with Scutellariae Radix on liver inflammation in rats with endotoxin disease based on p38MAPK pathway / 中国中药杂志

To explore the mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma combined with Scutellariae Radix in regulatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver inflammation in rats with endotoxin blood, 50 male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into blank group, model group, dexamethasone group, herbal pair high dose group, herbal pair low dose group, with 10 in each group. Rats in each were given preventive drugs for 7 consecutive days. At 0.5 h after the final administration, the model was built through the tail vein injection with LPS (5 mg•kg⁻¹). Then, animal anal temperatures were determined and recorded once every 0.5 h. The rats were killed at 4 h after the modeling to determine spleen thymus coefficient. ELISA method was used to detect cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in liver tissues. The colorimetric method was applied in determination of oxidation nitrogen (NO) content in liver tissues. Western Blot method was adopted to detect Toll-like receptor protein 4, p38MAPK p38MAPK, phosphorylated p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expressions. The results showed that compared with the blank group, in the model group, TLR4 protein expression, iNOS protein expression and p38 phosphorylation expression, IL-1β, NO and TNF-α content increased significantly in liver tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). And compared with the model group, the herbal pair high dose group showed significantly reduction in IL-1β, NO and TNF-α expressions in rat liver tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), down-regulation in iNOS protein expression and p38 phosphorylation expression in rat liver tissues (P<0.05), but without significant up-regulation in TLR4 protein. Low-dose herbal pair can significantly reduce IL-1β and NO expression in model rat liver tissues (P<0.01), significantly down-regulate iNOS protein expression (P<0.01), with a slight down-regulation in phosphorylation of p38 but no statistical significance, and no reduction in TLR4 expression. In conclusion, the compatibility of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma combined with Scutellariae Radix may reduce the expression of iNOS protein and the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, NO and TNF-α by decreasing p38 protein phosphorylation expression and blocking p38MAPK signaling pathways, so as to alleviate the inflammation reaction and protect the liver.

Determination of plasma concentration of quercetin, kaempferid and isorhamnetin in Hippophae rhamnoides extract by HPLC-MS/MS and pharmacokinetics in rats / 中国中药杂志

To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of quercetin, kaempferid and isorhamnetin in rats plasma and study its pharmamacokinetics after an intragastrical administration of Hippophae rhamnoides extracts. Five healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given single doses of H. rhamnoides extracts (quercetin 26.35 mg x kg(-1), kaempferid 4.040 mg x kg(-1), isorhamnetin 31.37 mg x kg(-1)), and then their orbital sinus blood samples were collected at different time points. The drug plasma concentration of the three flavonoids was determined by HPLC-MS/MS method. After that, the main pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated by using Kinetica 5. 0. 11 software. The methodological test showed that the linear concentration ranges of quercetin, kaempferid and isorhamnetin were 7.500-600.0 μg x L(-1) (R2 = 0.998 5), 1.000-80.00 μg x L(-1) (R2 = 0.998 5 ) and 10.00-800.0 μg x L(-1) (R2 = 0.998 0), respectively. The inner and inter-days precisions were both less than 14.0%. The plasma samples showed a good stability and consistency with the requirement of biological sample analysis after the samples were frozen once and placed at - 20 degrees C for 15 d and room temperature for 6 h and the treated analytes were placed at -20 degrees C for 24 h. For quercetin, the pharmacokinetic parameter t(½β), AUC(0-∞), MRT(0.∞), C.(max) and T(max) were (113.3 ± 19.37) min, (12 542.14 ± 3 504.05) μg x h x L(-1), (119.6 ± 13.29) h, (164.6 ± 27.33) μg x L(-1) and (5.199 ± 0.840 3) h, respectively. For kaempferid, the pharmacokinetic parameters t(½β), AUC(0-t), MRT(0-∞), C(max) and T(max) were (79.85 ± 17.15) min, (934.51 ± 94.59) μg x h x L(-1), (81.50 ± 13.75) h, (80.15 ± 14.24) μg x L(-1) and (3.827 ± 0.902 7) h, respectively. For isorhamnetin, the pharmacokinetic parameters t1,2,, AUC(0-t), MRT(0-∞), C(max) and T(max) were (118.3 ± 20.73) min, (26 067.77 ± 4 124.60) μg x h x L(-1), (129.0 ± 16.30) h, (269.6 ± 29.32) μg x L(-1) and (6.513 ± 1.450) h, respectively. The HPLC-MS/MS analysis method established in this study was proved to be sensitive and accurate and could be applied in the pharmacokinetic study of quercetin, kaempferid and isorhamnetin in rat plasma.

Oxygen glucose deprivation post-conditioning protects cortical neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation injury: Role of HSP70 and inhibition of apoptosis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In the present study, we examined the effect of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) post-conditioning (PostC) on neural cell apoptosis in OGD-PostC model and the protective effect on primary cortical neurons against OGD injury in vitro. Four-h OGD was induced by OGD by using a specialized and humidified chamber. To initiate OGD, culture medium was replaced with de-oxygenated and glucose-free extracellular solution-Locke's medium. After OGD treatment for 4 h, cells were then allowed to recover for 6 h or 20 h. Then lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, Western blotting and flow cytometry were used to detect cell death, protein levels and apoptotic cells, respectively. For the PostC treatment, three cycles of 15-min OGD, followed by 15 min normal cultivation, were applied immediately after injurious 4-h OGD. Cells were then allowed to recover for 6 h or 20 h, and cell death was assessed by LDH release assay. Apoptotic cells were flow cytometrically evaluated after 4-h OGD, followed by re-oxygenation for 20 h (O4/R20). In addition, Western blotting was used to examine the expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70), Bcl-2 and Bax. The ratio of Bcl-2 expression was (0.44±0.08)% and (0.76±0.10)%, and that of Bax expression was (0.51±0.05)% and (0.39±0.04)%, and that of HSP70 was (0.42±0.031)% and (0.72±0.045)% respectively in OGD group and PostC group. After O4/R6, the rate of neuron death in PostC group and OGD groups was (28.96±3.03)% and (37.02±4.47)%, respectively. Therefore, the PostC treatment could up-regulate the expression of HSP70 and Bcl-2, but down-regulate Bax expression. As compared with OGD group, OGD-induced neuron death and apoptosis were significantly decreased in PostC group (P<0.05). These findings suggest that PostC inhibited OGD-induced neuron death. This neuro-protective effect is likely achieved by anti-apoptotic mechanisms and is associated with over-expression of HSP70.

Oxygen glucose deprivation post-conditioning protects cortical neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation injury: role of HSP70 and inhibition of apoptosis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In the present study, we examined the effect of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) post-conditioning (PostC) on neural cell apoptosis in OGD-PostC model and the protective effect on primary cortical neurons against OGD injury in vitro. Four-h OGD was induced by OGD by using a specialized and humidified chamber. To initiate OGD, culture medium was replaced with de-oxygenated and glucose-free extracellular solution-Locke's medium. After OGD treatment for 4 h, cells were then allowed to recover for 6 h or 20 h. Then lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, Western blotting and flow cytometry were used to detect cell death, protein levels and apoptotic cells, respectively. For the PostC treatment, three cycles of 15-min OGD, followed by 15 min normal cultivation, were applied immediately after injurious 4-h OGD. Cells were then allowed to recover for 6 h or 20 h, and cell death was assessed by LDH release assay. Apoptotic cells were flow cytometrically evaluated after 4-h OGD, followed by re-oxygenation for 20 h (O4/R20). In addition, Western blotting was used to examine the expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70), Bcl-2 and Bax. The ratio of Bcl-2 expression was (0.44±0.08)% and (0.76±0.10)%, and that of Bax expression was (0.51±0.05)% and (0.39±0.04)%, and that of HSP70 was (0.42±0.031)% and (0.72±0.045)% respectively in OGD group and PostC group. After O4/R6, the rate of neuron death in PostC group and OGD groups was (28.96±3.03)% and (37.02±4.47)%, respectively. Therefore, the PostC treatment could up-regulate the expression of HSP70 and Bcl-2, but down-regulate Bax expression. As compared with OGD group, OGD-induced neuron death and apoptosis were significantly decreased in PostC group (P<0.05). These findings suggest that PostC inhibited OGD-induced neuron death. This neuro-protective effect is likely achieved by anti-apoptotic mechanisms and is associated with over-expression of HSP70.

Identification of chemical components of mahuang decoction by GC-MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国中药杂志

Since the polyjuice potion ingredient is complex, we need to develop an analysis method with well separation and high stability to perform qualitative analysis. After dividing chemical components of Mahuang Decoction into fat-soluble and water-soluble constituents by gradient extraction, GC-MS was used to analyze the chemical components of the ethyl acetate extraction. The results showed that forty compounds had been identified by NIST MS search 2.0 standard mass spectrometry Library and literatures. Next, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was applied to idendify the chemical components of the water extraction. The results showed that thirty-nine compounds had been identified by MZmine-2.9.1, Isotope Pattern, fragmentation regularity of mass spectrometry and literatures. This experiment will provide evidences for elucidation of the effective substance in Mahuang decoction and can be used as a simple, shortcut method for analysis and identification for the polyjuice potion.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of antipyretic and reducing plasma concentration of NO effects of Rheum palmatum in rat / 中国中药杂志

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling was used to characterize the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects in rats of Rhein, a major component in rhubarb. Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly into four groups, of 6 each. The rats in first group were injected intravenously with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 microg x kg(-1)). The second group rats were given rhubarb decoction (RD, 1.54 g x kg(-1)) by oral administration alone. The rats belonging to third group were administered orally RD 30 min after LPS injection. The rest rats were given normal saline only as control group. Orbital sinus blood sampling was collected at different time points. The Rhein and NO concentration in plasma and body temperature (BT) were measured. Relevant data of PK-PD modeling were performed with Kinetica 5. 0. 11. RD could suppress the rise in BT and plasma NO concentration. The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory responses were best described by a Sigmod-E(max) model. Delay between exposure and response was accounted for by a transit compartment model with two parallel transit compartment chains. The results showed that some parameters such as t1/2, C(max) and AUC were significantly increased in rats treated with LPS, compared to those in rats treated with normal saline. The EC50 for antipyretic effect and decrease of plasma NO concentration was respectively equal to 114.1, 90.80 microg x L(-1). The E(max) for antipyretic effect was about 111% of that for increase in BT after LPS injection. The E(max) for anti-inflammatory action was close to 8.399% of that for elevated NO level after modeling. Meanwhile, there was a difference in pharmacokinetic process of Rhein between the impact of normal saline and LPS. So, it can be concluded that the targets of regulating NO production and BT after RD administration may be at the same location. Not only do that, the antipyretic effect induced by RD maybe completely manifest through reducing the plasma concentration of NO.

Cox proportional hazard model analysis of prognosis in patients with carcinoma of esophagus and gastric cardia after radical resection / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the factors affecting the long-term survival of patients with carcinoma of esophagus and gastric cardia after curative resection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 906 patients with carcinoma of esophagus and gastric cardia treated by radical resection in 1996 - 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. Twelve clinicopathological factors possibly influencing survival were encoded and assessed by Cox regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 89.8%, 75.4% and 71.7%, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that age, length of tumor, pathological differentiation, number of metastatic lymph nodes, depth of invasion, involvement of adjacent organs and the TNM stage influenced the prognosis significantly (P < 0.01). However, multivariate analysis showed that pathologic differentiation, number of metastatic lymph nodes, involvement of adjacent organs and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The independent prognostic factors of the patients with carcinoma of esophagus and gastric cardia are pathologic differentiation, TNM stage, number of metastatic lymph nodes, and involvement of adjacent organs. The other factors influencing survival are age, length of tumor and depth of invasion. Furthermore, invasion of adjacent organs suggests worse prognosis, and should be followed-up closely.</p>

Influence of number of removed lymph nodes on the TNM staging and survival in advanced esophageal carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the impact of total number of removed regional lymph nodes (LN) during esophagectomy on TNM staging and long-term survival.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between 1984 and 1989, a total of 1098 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus were surgically treated, and the data were retrospectively analyzed. The survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate and univariate analysis were performed using Cox proportional hazard model and Log-rank test respectively in order to compare the survival difference and the impact of <6 or > or =6 removed LN on TNM staging and survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The shortest follow-up time was 10 years with a follow-up rate of 91.4%. Of these 1098 patients, 378 patients were found to have regional LN metastases with a LN metastasis rate of 34.4%. Totally, 4157 LN were removed and tumor spreading into the lymph node was documented in 800 with a lymph node metastasis degree of 19.2%. The mean number of removed LN in each esophgectomy was 3.8. According to the number of total removed LN, patients were divided into group A (removed LN <6, N=825) and group B (removed LN > or =6, N=273). The survival of group A was worse than that of group B. The depth of tumor invasion, degree of lymph node metastasis, tumor location, and tumor residual status were the most important prognostic factors. Even though the lymphatic metastasis rate in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (30.3% vs. 46.9% P < 0.001), the LN metastasis degree was higher in group A than that in group B (21.2% vs. 17.5% P = 0.002) due to less number of removed LN in group A than in group B. With the stratification analysis according to the number of involved lymph nodes, for patients without LN spreading, the survival in group A was significantly worse than that in group B (P = 0.003), but in the patients with only one or > or =2 positive nodes, the survival was similar (P = 0.919 and 0.182, respectively). When stratified patients according to TNM stage, for stage IIa patients (T2N0M0, T3N0M0), the survival in group A was significantly worse than that in group B (P = 0.006), while such difference did not exist in patients with stage IIb or stage lIII(P = 0.302 and 0.108, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A large series of retrospective study on advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus demonstrates that the number of metastatic LN is an important prognostic factor, therefore, it should be considered when refining UICC-TNM classification for esophageal cancer. If the total number of LN removed during each esophagectomy is less than 6, the occult positive regional LN might be missed, resulting in an inaccurate N classification and incorrect staging. Removal of > or = LN for each esophageal cancer patient during esophagectomy recommended by UICC is rational and should be complied with.</p>