ABSTRACT
Acanthopanax senticosus, a traditional herb commonly found in Northeastern Asia, has been used for treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of its effect on neuroinflammation have not been investigated. In the current study, quantitative proteomics approach was applied to investigate the effect of Acanthopanax senticosus extract [ASE] on nitrosative stress and inflammatory response in BV-2 microglial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide [LPS]. The results showed ASE inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide [NO] production, while no significant toxicity appeared in the cells. Proteomic quantitative analyses using 2D-DIGE [Difference in Gel Electrophoresis] combined with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry [LC-ESIMS/MS] revealed that 17 proteins showed significant changes responding to ASE. Furthermore, signal transduction pathways and network modulated by the ASE were predicted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis [IPA]. These findings indicated the ability of ASE to suppress LPS-induced nitrosative stress in BV-2 cells, and may provide important insights into the molecular mechanism underlying potentially beneficial effect of Acanthopanax senticosus
ABSTRACT
Naturally existing alpha -glucosidase inhibitors from traditional herbal medicines have attracted considerable interest to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. Hundreds of herbs have been reported to have the potential to inhibit alpha - glucosidase. However, most common methods to examine the inhibitors of alpha -glucosidase are usually time-consuming. In the current study, the screening of alpha -glucosidase ligands from Coptis chinensis Franch extract was undertaken by ultrafiltration liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry [ultrafiltration LCESI-MS[n]]. Resultantly, the enzyme inhibition studies showed that Coptis chinensis Franch extract carries the strongest alpha - glucosidase inhibitory activity among the five kinds of Chinese herbal extracts. Subsequently, five compounds that could bind to alpha -glucosidase in the Coptis chinensis Franch extract were found using ultrafiltration liquid chromatography, and their structures were identified by ESI-MS[n] to be coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, palmatine. Cumulatively, these results were anticipated to be encouraging for applying the Coptis chinensis Franch extracts as efficient anti-diabetic drug candidates
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of pregnancy and spontaneous delivery on the morphologic characteristics of the levator ani muscle and innervation of the vaginal mucosa. Methods Eight nullipara without pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and 64 normal primipara undergoing spontaneous delivery were enrolled in this study during July to December 2006 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Biopsy specimens of levator ani muscle (LAM) and anterior and posterior vaginal walls were obtained from the puerpera as well as from the 8 nullipara undergoing vaginal operation. The structures of LAM were examined with histological techniques. Vaginal mucosa specimens were examined using immunohistochemistry staining for protein gene product 9. 5 ( PGP 9. 5), vasoactive intestinal poptide (VIP) and ne uropeptide Y ( NPY),and the positive stained nerve fibers were calculated respectively. Results The LAMs of the puerpera undergoing spontaneous delivery presented myogenetic and neurogenetic changes, both acute and chronic.Type Ⅰ muscular fibers were predominant(79% )with both types increasing in diameters [ (86±9)μm and (79±15) μm]. Significantly different ( P < 0. 05 ) innervation of PGP 9. 5, VIP, and NPY nerve fiberswas observed between epithelial lamina of anterior vaginal wall(5.9±3. 3, 7. 6±3. 1 and 8. 2±3. 2, respectively) and that of posterior vaginal wall (3. 8±2. 9, 5.9±3. 1 and 6. 0±3.0, respectively), with the nerve fibers being more in epithelial lamina of anterior vaginal wall, while no difference in the innervation of nerve fibers was observed in the lamina propria. Significantly different( P <0. 05 ) innervation of PGP 9. 5 and VIP nerve fibers was observed in the lamina propria of the anterior vaginal wall in puerperal undergoing vaginal delivery (6.9±3.2 and 4.9±2. 1) compared with those in nullipara (3.9±3.6 and 3. 1±1.2). Conclusions Pathologic changes occur in LAMs and pelvic floor nerves during labor and delivery. LAM fibers become hypertrophy to adapt to the physiological changes during pregnancy. Richer innervation of PGP 9. 5 and VIP nerve fibers in the lamina propria of the anterior vaginal wall in puerpera undergoing spontaneous delivery is beneficial for dilation of the blood vessels and smooth muscles and makes preparation for delivery.
ABSTRACT
Objective To estimate the maternal.neonatal morbidity associated with induction deliveries compared with spontaneous deliveries in 41 gestational weeks uncomplicated primiparae.Methods Three hundred and seventy.four uncomplicated primiparous deliveries at 41 gestational weeks at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Sept 2002 to Apr 2007 were reviewed.including 225 women undergoing induced labor and 149 women undergoing spontaneous labor.The induction methods included drug induction (173),rupture of membrane induction(5)and combined drug with rupture of membrane induction(47).The maternal morbidity,delivery method,matemal cost on hospital stay and neonatal asphyxia associated with induction deliveries or spantaneous deliveries were retrospectively analyzed.Results (1)There was no maternal death.The caesarean section rate in the induction group(44.0%,99/225)was significantly higher than that of spontaneous group(18.1%,27/149;P<0.05).(2)No statistically significantdifference(P>0.05)was observed between induction group and spontaneous group in the following puerperal complications:postpartum hemorrhage(2.7%,6/225 and 1. 3%,2/149 respectively),puerperal morbidity(0.9%,2/225 and 0.7%,1/149 respectively),severe amniotie fluid contamination (11.6%,26/225 and 13.4%,20/149 respectively),wound infection(0.9%,2/225 and 0.7%.1/149 respectively),urinary retention(4.4%,10/225 and 3.4%,5/149 respectively),traumata(0.4%,1/225and 0 respectively)and neonatal asphyxia(1.3%,3/225 and 2.0%,3/149 respectively).(3)The average duration of first stage of labor in the induction group(413 min)Was not significantly different from tllat of spontaneous group(461 min;P>0.05).In the induction group,more women had precipitate lahore(P<O.05)and the average duration of the second stage of labor Was shorter than that of spontaneous group (40 min and 48 min,P<0.05).(4)Spontaneous group had shorter maternal hospital stay[(5.7±1.9)days VS(6.9±2.7)days,P<0.05]and caesarean section after induction had the highest hospital expense (P<0.05).Conclusions Induction delivery at 41 weeks of gestation increases the rates of caesarean section,precipitate labor,clinical workload and hospital costs.Induction delivery as a prevention method of over due labor needs to be further discussed.Uncomplicated pregnancies of 41 weeks should be intentionally monitored if continued surveillance iS possible.They should wait for spontanous delivery.and decision of induction should be made based on ita benefit to the case.