Effect and mechanism of matrine on steatosis Chang Liver cells induced by oleic acid / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of matrine （MT） on steatosis Chang Liver cell model induced by oleic acid （OA） and its possible mechanism. METHODS Chang Liver cells were divided into blank group， model group and MT low-dose， medium-dose group and high-dose groups （0.1， 0.5， 1.0 mmol/L）. Except for blank group， the other groups were treated with 1.0 mmol/L OA for 24 h to establish steatosis model， and MT groups were given corresponding concentrations of drugs for 24 h. The activities of steatosis Chang Liver cells were observed； the morphologies of intracellular lipid droplets were observed and lipid content was also determined. The contents of liver function indexes [alanine transaminase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， total bilirubin （TBIL）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）]， as well as mRNA and protein expressions of farnesoid X receptor （FXR）， cytochrome P450 7A1 （CYP7A1） and fibroblast growth factor 19 （FGF19） were all detected. RESULTS OA and MT had no significant effect on the activity of Chang Liver cells. After OA treatment， orange lipid droplets formed in cytoplasm； compared with blank group， relative lipid content and the levels of liver function indexes were increased significantly， while the mRNA and protein expressions of FXR， CYP7A1 and FGF19 were down-regulated significantly （P＜0.05）. After treatment of low， medium and high concentrations of MT， above indexes were all reversed significantly （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS MT could significantly improve the lipid content and liver function indexes of steatosis Chang Liver cells induced by OA though regulating FXR/CYP7A1/ FGF19 signaling pathway.

Improvement effect and mechanism of matrine on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether matrine exerts improvement effect on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis （EAE） mice by regulating ferroptosis pathway. METHODS Totally 30 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into normal group， model group and matrine group， with 10 mice in each group. Model group and matrine group were given antigen emulsion containing inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis and MOG35-55 to induce EAE model. Matrine group was injected with Matrine injection （50 mg/kg） intraperitoneally since the 7th day after immunization； normal group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intraperitoneally， once a day， since 18th day after immunization. The neurofunctional score of mice was recorded， and hematoxylin and eosin staining and Luxol fast blue staining were used to observe inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination in spinal cord tissue. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot assay were performed to determine the mRNA expressions of transferrin receptor 1 （TFR1）， nuclear receptor coactivator 4 （NCOA4） and hephaestin （Heph）， and the protein expressions of system Xc－ （xCT） and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPx4）. RESULTS Compared with normal group， accumulative neurofunctional score was significantly increased in model group （P＜0.01）； inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination were obvious in spinal cord tissue， and related scores were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. The mRNA expressions of TFR1 and NCOA4 in myelin tissue were up-regulated significantly， while the mRNA expression of Heph and the protein expressions of xCT and GPx4 were down-regulated significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with model group， above indexes of matrine group were all improved significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Matrine can improve EAE mice， the mechanism of which may be associated with regulating iron metabolism pathway and xCT/GPx4 pathway in ferroptosis.

Influence of matrine on Th17/Treg balance in rats with inflammatory bowel disease by regulating IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the influence of matrine (MT) on the balance of T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) in rats with inflammatory bowel disease by regulating interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. 【Methods】 SD rats were grouped into control check group (CK group), model group, low-dose MT group (MT-L group, 50 mg/kg), medium-dose MT group (MT-M group, 100 mg/kg), high-dose MT group (MT-H group, 200 mg/kg), mesalazine group (MSLM group, 0.42 g/kg), and MT-H+rIL-6 (IL-6 activator) group (200 mg/kg+0.05 mg/kg) according to the random number table method, with 18 in each group. Except for the CK group, the rats in other groups all received with 5% trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (20 mg/kg) buffer solution mixed with 50% ethanol at a ratio of 1∶1 and then enema to construct a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease. After the successful modeling, they were treated with drug administration once a day for 7 weeks. The body weight of rats was measured at 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks of administration; the changes of colon length of rats in each group were compared; HE staining was used to detect the pathological damage of rat colon tissue; the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 in serum of rats were detected by ELISA; the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of rats were detected by flow cytometry; Western blottingt was performed to detect the protein expression of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3), IL-6, p-STAT3, and p-NF-κB p65 in rat colon tissue. 【Results】 Compared with the CK group, the colon tissue of the model group was severely damaged by pathology, and the body weight (at 3, 5, and 7 weeks), the level of IL-10, the proportion of Treg cell, and the expression of Foxp3 protein were decreased, the colon length shortened, the levels of TNF-α, IL-17, the proportions of Th17 cell, Th17/Treg ratio, and the protein expression of RORγt, IL-6, p-STAT3, and p-NF-κB p65 increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the corresponding indicators of the MT-L group, MT-M group, MT-H group, and MSLM group had the opposite trends (P<0.05); rIL-6 attenuated the promoting effect of high-dose MT on Th17/Treg balance in inflammatory bowel disease rats. 【Conclusion】 MT may promote Th17/Treg balance in inflammatory bowel disease rats by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Study on Mechanism of Action of Matrine in Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on Zebrafish Model and Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of matrine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） based on the zebrafish model and network pharmacology. MethodThe IBD model of zebrafish was established using 2，4，6-trinitro-benzenesulfonicacid （TNBS）， and the intestinal phagocytic function， goblet cell secretion， and neutrophil aggregation were evaluated using neutral red staining， alcian blue staining， and neutrophil number changes. Changes in tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α and cholecystokinin （CCK） content in zebrafish were determined by using relevant reagent kits. Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to predict the potential mechanism of matrine in the treatment of IBD. Gene expression of relevant targets was verified through Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the model group， the matrine administration group can increase the neutral red staining area in a dose-dependent manner and improve intestinal phagocytic function（P<0.05，P<0.01）. It can reduce the staining area of alcian blue and affect the secretion of intestinal goblet cells（P<0.01）. It can reduce the number of neutrophil granulocytes， relieve its aggregation， significantly reduce TNF-α content（P<0.01）， and increase the CCK content. Network pharmacology analysis identifies 28 potential targets for matrine in the treatment of IBD. The top five targets by protein-protein interaction （PPI） network analysis are CHRNA7， DRD1， CHRNA4， SLC6A3， and GRM5. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） results show that the treatment of IBD with matrine may be related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction， cholinergic synapse， and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Real-time PCR results show that matrine can affect the expression level of related target genes. Conclusionmatrine has a certain therapeutic effect on IBD and can affect the inflammatory response of IBD. Its therapeutic effect may be related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and other pathways.

Effects of compound matrine injection on proliferation of bladder cancer cell line BIU-87 and bladder orthotopic transplanted tumor in nude mice / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the effects of compound matrine injection on the proliferation of bladder cancer cell line BIU-87 and bladder orthotopic transplantated tumor in nude mice.Methods:BIU-87 cells in logarithmic growth phase were divided into experimental group (adding 300.00, 150.00, 75.00, 37.50, 18.75 μl/ml compound matrine injection 200μl) and negative control group (adding equal volume of culturing medium). The proliferation inhibition rate and the half inhibitory concentration ( IC50) of BIU-87 cells were detected and calculated by methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) method. Twenty BALB/c-nu female nude mice were injected with 100 μl of BIU-87 cell suspension with a cell density of 2×10 7/ml in the bladder to establish an animal model of bladder orthotopic transplanted tumor. After 24 hours of perfusion of BIU-87 cell suspension, intravesical perfusion administration (100 μl per nude mouse) was started, and the mice were divided into compound matrine injection group (intravesical perfusion of matrine solution) and pirarubicin group (intravesical perfusion of 1 mg/ml pirarubicin), model control group (intravesical perfusion of the same volume of sterile water), blank control group (without intravesical perfusion of BIU-87 cell suspension or administration). The observation time was 90 d. The survival status and bladder wet weight of the animals were observed and recorded, and the tumor formation rate, tumor inhibition rate and life prolongation rate were calculated. Results:Different concentrations of compound matrine injection acted on BIU-87 cells for 48 hours, and the absorbance ( A) values ??of 300.00, 150.00, 75.00, 37.50, 18.75 μl/ml compound matrine injection group and negative control group were 0.027±0.006, 0.065±0.010, 1.695±0.105, 2.387±0.017, 2.427±0.134 and 2.721±0.080 ( F = 742.67, P < 0.05), the A values ??of each concentration of compound matrine injection group were compared with the negative control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The IC50 of compound matrine injection on BIU-87 cells was 70.05 μl/ml. On the 90th day of observation, the bladder wet weights of nude mice in blank control group, model control group, pirarubicin group and compound matrine injection group were (0.018±0.004) mg, (0.422±0.130) mg, (0.219±0.136) mg and (0.237±0.113) mg ( F = 14.01, P < 0.001), and the survival time of nude mice was (90±0) d, (54±12) d, (72±4) d and (69±8) d ( F = 18.53, P < 0.001). The inhibition rates of bladder cancer in the pirarubicin group and compound matrine injection group were 48.10% and 43.84%, and the life prolongation rates of the nude mice were 34.95% and 29.53%. Conclusions:Compound matrine injection can inhibit the proliferation of BIU-87 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compound matrine injection can increase the tumor inhibition rate and prolong the survival time of nude mice models of bladder orthotopic transplanted tumor.

Compound Kushen injection induces immediate hypersensitivity reaction through promoting the production of platelet-activating factor via de novo pathway / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Compound Kushen injection (CKI) is a bis-herbal formulation extracted from Kushen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) and Baituling (Rhizoma Heterosmilacis Japonicae). Clinically, it is used as the adjuvant treat?ment of cancer. However, with the increased application, the cases of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) also gradually rise. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism(s) and active constituent(s) for CKI-induced IHRs in experimental models. METHODS T helper 2 (Th2) immunity-amplified mice were prepared by aluminum adjuvant. Anaphylactic shock was detected by measuring rectal thermometry in propranolol pretreated mice. For evaluating micro?vascular permeability, Evans blue extravasation assay was used. Platelet-activating factor (PAF), serum total IgE (tIgE) and mouse mast cell protease 1 (MMCP1) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS The obtained results showed that CKI did not elevate serum tIgE and MMCP1 after consecutive immunization for five weeks, but could induce Evans blue extravasation (local) and cause obvious hypothermia (systemic) after a single injection. Further study showed that alka?loids in Kushen, especially matrine, were responsible for CKI-induced IHRs. Mechanism study showed that various PAF receptor antagonists could significantly counter CKI-induced IHRs locally or systemically. In cell system, CKI was able to promote PAF production in a non-cell-selective manner. In cell lysate, the effect of CKI on PAF production became stron?ger and could be abolished by blocking de novo pathway. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study identifies, for the first time, that CKI is a PAF inducer. It causes non-immunologic IHRs, rather than IgE-dependent IHRs, by promoting PAF production through de novo pathway. Alkaloids in Kushen, especially matrine, are the prime culprits for IHRs. Our find?ings may provide a potential approach for preventing and treating CKI-induced IHRs.

High performance liquid chromatograohy method for determination of alkaloid, method validation in Norbu-7 granule / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction @#The roots of Sophora Flavescentis is one of the key ingredient in Norbu 7 traditional medicine, the bioactive compound being quinolizidine alkaloids, matrine and oxymatrine. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to determine matrine, oxymatrine simultaneously in the traditional medicine. The HPLC method was tested and validated for selective determination of matrine and oxymatrine in the Norbu 7 granule. The proposed method was validated for linearity, precision (system precision, method precision, intermediate or inter- day precision) and accuracy, stability in analytical solution, system suitability and ruggedness.@*Goal@#The goal of this study was to develop validated determination method of alkaloid in Norbu 7 granule for quality control.@*Material and Method@#HPLC analysis was performed on Chromecore amino bonded silica gel as the stationary phase (250 mm : 4.6 mm i.d., 5µm) using mixture of acetonitrile, dehydrated ethanol and 3% phosphoric acid (80:10:10) as the mobile phase, 220 nm as the UV light detection. </br> The research methodology was approved by Research Ethic Review Committee of Mongolian University of Pharmaceutical Science on 16th of November, 2020. @*Results@#The calibration curve of oxymatrine showed good linearity (R2=0.9955) within the established range of 8 – 64 µg/ml. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 10.13 µg/ml and 30.71 µg/ ml respectively. Good results were achieved with repeatability (%RSD < 2.0) and recovery (93.08 – 104.32%).@*Conclusion@#The method was found to be selective, accurate, reproducible and the other components did not interfere with determinations. It was successfully used to analyze the granule traditional medicine with 7 different plant formulation and additives. The HPLC method can be used to evaluate and control quality, stability of Norbu 7 granules.

Anti-tumor and Phenotypic Regulation Effect of Matrine on Dendritic Cells through Regulating TLRs Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of matrine on antigen presentation of dendritic cells (DCs), and to explore the pharmacological mechanism of matrine on anti-tumor effect.@*METHODS@#Different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 µ g/mL) of matrine were co-cultured with DCs, the harvested DCs were co-cultured with antigens of Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells, and then DCs and T cells were co-cultured to produce DCs-activated killer (DAK) cells, which have significant tumor-killing activity. The expression of cytokines, mRNA and protein of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in DCs were detected by enzyme linked immunosobent assay, polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. And the killing effect of DAK were measured by MTT assay.@*RESULTS@#Matrine significantly increased the mRNA expression of TLR7, TLR8, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6) and I κ B kinase (IKK), as well as the protein expression of TLR7 and TLR8, and up-regulated the levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), meanwhile, it also increased the expressions of MHC-II, CD54, CD80 and CD86 in DCs. DCs-activated effector T cells had significant tumor-killing activity. When the concentration of matrine was more than 4 µg/mL, all indices had significant difference (P<0.01 or P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Matrine plays an anti-tumor role by regulating TLRs signal transduction pathway, promoting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and enhancing immune function.

Matrine inhibits proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells by downregulating ERK1/2 signaling pathways

Objective: To research the effect of matrine on the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells through extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. Methods: HepG2 cell was selected and divided into blank control group, experimental group (matrine 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL), and positive control group (PD98059, ERK1/2 inhibitor). MTT measure was used to detect the effective time and concentration which matrine inhibits HepG2 cells. After 24 h, the effect of effective concentration of matrine on the of morphological changing HepG2 cells was observed. The invasion ability was assayed by transwell method, the expression of ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were detected through Western blot, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to test the expression level of ERK1/2 mRNA. Results: With the increase of matrine concentration, the number of adherent HepG2 cells gradually decreased, the morphologic changes gradually became spherical, some cell morphology was incomplete, and even cell fragments appeared. The proliferation and invasion ability of HepG2 cells decreased. The expression of ERK1/2, pERK1/2, and ERK1/2 mRNA downregulated with the increase of matrine concentration (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Matrine inhibits the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells by downregulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Construction of Matrine Solid Lipid Nanoparticle and Determination of the Entrapment Efficiency / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To prepare matrine solid lipoid nanoparticle,establish preparating method and determine the encapshlation efficiency. METHODS: Matrine solid lipoid nanoparticle was prepared by microemulsion-probe ultrasonic method and its quality was evaluated by particle size, Zeta potential, microscopic morphology and in vitro release. The encapsulation efficiency of the carrier was measured by different methods and their effect was compared. RESULTS: The diameter of matrine solid lipoid nanoparticle was (116.7±2.6) nm and its Zeta potential was (-45±1.7)mV. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the solid lipoid nanoparticle was uniform in size and spherical. The in vitro release result suggested the carrier exhibited control release character. Dextran gel microcolumn centrifugation can effectively separate free drugs and carriers, and the measured encapsulation efficiency data has little difference in stability. CONCLUSION: Matrine solid lipoid nanoparticle is successfully prepared and their particle size, Zeta potential and in vitro release quality are evaluated.Dextran gel microcolumn method is effective in the measurement of matrine solid lipoid nanoparticle, providing a reliable reference for the determination of water-soluble drug encapsulation efficiency.

Mechanism of matrine inhibiting proliferation of cervical squamous carcinoma cells by up-regulating LncRNA BDNF-AS / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of matrine inhibiting the proliferation of cervical squamous cancer cells. Methods: CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of matrine on the survival rate of SiHa and C33A cells, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle. High throughput sequencing technology was used to screen the differentially expressed genes between control cells and cells being treated with matrine. qRT-PCR and Western blotting method were used to detect the expression of BDNF-AS and BDNF in cervical squamous cancer cells and allograft tumor tissue. A total of 32 cases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues were collected in the Second People’s Hospital of Nanyang from March 2013 to December 2016. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of BDNF-AS in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues of these cases. Results: Matrine significantly inhibited the proliferation of cervical squamous carcinoma cells. A total of 924 differentially expressed genes were screened out from cervical squamous carcinoma cells before and after being treated with matrine, 637 (68.9%) were up-regulated while 287 (31.1%) were down-regulated. Matrine up-regulated the expression of BDNF-AS. The expression of BDNF-AS was negative correlated with the degree of pathological differentiation and clinical stage (P < 0.05). BDNF-AS expression in tissues was associated with survival of patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Multivariate analyses suggested the expression of BDNF-AS was served as an independent predictor for overall survival. Conclusion: BDNF-AS may be a tumor suppressor in the tumorigenesis and tumor progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Matrine may inhibit the proliferation of cervical squamous carcinoma cells by up-regulating the expression of BDNF-AS.

The treatment of chronic eczema in mice by matrine hydrogels / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective: To prepare and characterize the matrine-loaded poloxamer hydrogels and explore their therapeutic effect on chronic eczema in mice. Methods: The matrine hydrogels were prepared with poloxamer 407 and 188 as matrix. The viscoelasticity of the matrine hydrogels was characterized by rheometer. The ear swelling and weight difference were tested, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were detected by ELISA method. The histopathological change of mouse ear tissues was examined via HE-staining, and the immunohistochemical examination was performed to detect the protease-activated re-ceptor-2(PAR-2)expression in mouse ear. These assays were performed to investigate the therapeutic effect of matrine hydrogels on chronic eczema in mice. Results: The matrine hydrogels had good fluidity and spreadability, and rapidly formed a transparent, viscous uniform hydrogel at the skin temperature. Compared with the normal group, the ear weight difference and swelling degree were significantly increased(P<0.05)at the 3, 5 and 10 days after the establishment of the chronic eczema model. Compared with the model group, the ear weight difference and swelling degree were reduced significantly in the martrine hydrogel group(P<0.01), and the serum TNF-α and IL-6 level(P<0.01)and the PAR-2 expression in the chronic eczema tissue(P<0.01, P<0.05)were both significantly decreased in the martrine hydrogel group. Conclusion: Martrine hydrogels could inhibit the inflammatory infiltration of dermal layer and the epidermal layer damage caused by chronic eczema, which are expected to be a good topical gel preparation for treating chronic eczema of skin.

Clinical efficacy of Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection in treatment of 40 cases of COVID-19 / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, we analyzed medical records of 40 patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), in order to explore the clinical efficacy of Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection in the treatment of COVID-19. The investigation was based on the results of a previous animal test, which was aimed to investigate and confirme the clinical efficacy of Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection in the treatment of COVID-19. The animal test demonstrated that Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection has a significant therapeutic effect on the human coronavirus pneumonia for the model mice. The lung inhibition index reached up to 86.86%. The evaluation was conducted on 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 treated at Jingzhou Hospital of Infectious Disease(Chest Hospital) of Hubei Pro-vince from January 30~(th) to March 21~(th), 2020. In these cases, patients were treated with other integrated Chinese and Western medicines regimens in the recommended Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection diagnosis and treatment regimen. The clinical manifestations, laboratory data, nucleic acid clearance time, and imaging data were compared and analyzed before and after treatment. After administration with Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection, the clinical symptoms of 40 cases were alleviated markedly, and their blood analysis and biochemical indexes returned to normal. The lung CT showed more than 50% of lesion absorption rate, and the viral nucleic acid test showed the average clearance time of patients was 16.6 days, and the average length of hospital stay was 25.9 days. After administration with Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection, the symptoms of cough and fatigue were alleviated significantly, and the appetite was significantly improved compared with before, especially for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, laboratory indicators, especially absolute value and ratio of lymphocytes and CRP were significantly alleviated. According to the chest CT for short-term review, the absorption of lung lesions was faster than before, especially for grid-like and fibrotic lesions. Compared with antiviral drugs, such as Abidol and Kriging, the nucleic acid clearance time was significantly shorter than the cases treated with Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection. The clinical effective rate of 40 cases was 100.0%. We believed that Matrine and Sodium Chloride Injection have a good clinical effect in the treatment of COVID-19, and suggested increasing the clinical application and further conducting large-sample-size cli-nical verification.

Effect of matrine sodium chloride injection on a mouse model combining disease with syndrome of human coronavirus pneumonia with cold-dampness pestilence attacking the lung / 药学学报

"TCM syndrome of plague attack lung" is a classification of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of the novel coronavirus pneumonia by the Beijing Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this study, a mouse model combining disease with syndrome of human coronavirus pneumonia with cold-dampness pestilence attacking the lung was established for the first time, and the therapeutic effect of matrine sodium chloride injection was evaluated based on immune regulation and inflammatory damage. Lung index, lung index inhibition rate and HE stain were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of matrine sodium chloride injection on the model mice; the viral load in lung tissue was measured by RT-PCR to evaluate its antiviral effect; the percentage of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and B cells were detected by flow cytometry to evaluate its immunomodulatory effect; the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured by ELISA to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect. All interventions and operations in the experiment were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and conformed to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Beijing Experimental Animal Ethics Committee. The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of the high-dose (36.67 mL·kg-1·d-1) and low-dose (18.33 mL·kg-1·d-1) of matrine sodium chloride injection significantly improved the pathological damage of lung tissue and reduced lung index. The lung index inhibition rates were 86.86% and 76.53%, respectively. The production of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, as well as the viral load in lung tissue were reduced significantly compared to the model; the percentage of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and B cells in peripheral blood were increased compared to the model. These results indicated that the matrine sodium chloride injection has an evident therapeutic effect on the model, and its mechanism was related to the inhibition virus replication, regulation of immunity function and inhibition of inflammatory factor release. This study provided laboratory data support for matrine sodium chloride injection which was used to treat the novel coronavirus pneumonia in clinical in Hubei province. These results indicated that the matrine sodium chloride injection has a good prospect for prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Study on the Effects and Mechanism of Matrine on Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis of Hepatic Stellate Cells CFSC-8B Activated by Acetaldehyde / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the effects of matrine on proliferation and collagen synthesis of rat hepatic stellate cells CFSC-8B activated by acetaldehyde ，and to investigate its possible mechanism. METHODS ：CFSC-8B cells cultured in vitro were divided into blank control group ，model group ，positive control group （2.5 μmol/L colchicine）and matrine low ，medium and high concentration groups （30，60，120 μmol/L）. Except for blank control group ，other groups were activated with 200 μmol/L acetaldehyde for 24 h；medicine groups were intervened with relevant medicine for 24 h（blank control group and model group were intervened with equal volume blank medium ）. Survival rate of cell was detected by CCK- 8 assay. C ells were divided into blank control group ，model group ，positive control group （2.5 μmol/L colchicine），matrine medium and high concentration groups （60，120 μmol/L），then activated and treated with same method. Hydroxyprolin （Hyp）content in cell culture solution was tested by enzyme digestion. The contents of Col- Ⅰ and Col- Ⅲ in cell culture solution were determined by ELISA. mRNA expressionss of α-SMA，TGF-β1，TβR-І，TβR-Ⅱ，Smad3，Smad4 and Smad 7 in cells were detected by RT-PCR. The protein expressions of α-SMA，TGF-β1，TβR-Ⅰ，TβR- Ⅱ，Smad3，Smad4 and Samd 7 in cells were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS ：Compared with blank control group ，survival rate of cells in model group was increased significantly （P＜0.05）；the contents of Hyp ，Col-Ⅰ and Col- Ⅲ in cell culture solution ，mRNA and its protein expressions of α-SMA，TGF-β1，TβR-Ⅰ，TβR-Ⅱ，Smad3，Smad4 in cells were increased significantly in model group （P＜0.05），while the mRNA and protein expression of Smad 7 was decreased significantly（P＜0.05）. Compared with model group ，survival rate of cells ，the contents of Hyp ，Col-Ⅰ and Col- Ⅲ in cell culture solution，the mRNA and protein expressions of α-SMA and Smad 4 were decreased significantly in positive control group and matrine medium and high concentration groups （P＜0.05）， while the mRNA and protein expression of Smad 7 was WF-0099） increased significantly （P＜0.05）；the mRNA and proteinexpressions of TGF-β1，TβR-Ⅰ，TβR-Ⅱ and Smad 3 were decreased significantly in positive control group and matrine high concentration group （P＜0.05）. Compared with matrine medium concentration group ，all above indexes were improved significantly in matrine high concentration group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：Matrine can suppress the proliferation and collagen synthesis of CFSC- 8B cells activated by acetaldehyde ，with a centain concentrlation dependence ，the mechanism of which may be associated with regulating the conduction of TGFβ/Smad signal pathway.

Effect of chidamide combined with matrine on proliferation and apoptosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cell lines HH and Hut78 and possible apoptotic mechanisms / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of chidamide combined with matrine on proliferation and apoptosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cell lines HH and Hut78,and to explore their apoptotic mechanisms.Methods Both HH and Hut78 cells were treated with 0.4 μmol/L chidamide and 0.6 g/L matrine alone or in combination for 24,48 and 72 hours,with those treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) serving as control groups.MTS assay was performed to deteet cellular proliferation rates of HH and Hut78 cells at each time point.After 48-hour treatment,flow cytometry was conducted to detect cell apoptosis,and Western blot analysis to determine expression of apoptosis-related proteins in these cells.Statistical analysis was carried out by using repeated measures analysis of variance,one-way analysis of variance,and least significant difference (LSD)-t test for multiple comparisons.Results Compared with DMSO,chidamide and matrine alone or in combination could inhibit the proliferation of HH and Hut78cells to different extents (F =15.88,558.26,P ＜ 0.05,＜ 0.001,respectively).At 48 hours,the apoptosis rate in Hut78 cells was significantly higher in the matrine group (20.98％ ± 1.53％),chidamide group (22.44％ ± 7.74％) and combination group (44.53％ ± 1.85％) than in the control group (8.42％ ± 4.23％;LSD-t =4.76,5.31,13.69 respectively,all P ＜ 0.05),as well as in the combination group than in the matrine group and chidamide group (LSD-t =8.93,8.37 respectively,both P ＜ 0.01);no significant differences were observed in the apoptosis rate of HH cells between the matrine group (13.98％ ± 3.86％)or chidamide group (13.61％ ± 1.62％) and control group (11.44％ ± 1.43％,both P ＞ 0.05),while the combination group (20.94％ ± 0.64％) showed a significantly higher apoptosis rate compared with the control group,matrine group and chidamide group (LSD-t =7.37,5.40,5.69 respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).In the case of HH cells,the combination group showed significantly higher cleaved caspase-3 expression (all P ＜ 0.05),but significantly lower protein expression of E-cadherin,nuclear factor (NF)-κB,phosphorylated-Bad (p-Bad) and Bcl-2 compared with the other 3 groups (all P ＜ 0.05).In the case of Hut78 cells,the expression of E-cadherin,NF-κB,p-Bad and Bcl-2 was significantly lower in the matrine group,chidamide group and combination group than in the control group (all P ＜ 0.05),while cleaved caspase-3 expression was significantly higher in the chidamide group and combination group than in the control group (both P ＜0.05).No matter in HH cells or in Hut78 cells,there were no significant differences in Bad protein expression between the 4 groups (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Chidamide in combination with matrine can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of HH and Hut78 cells,likely by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins E-cadherin,NF-κB,p-Bad,Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3.

Total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides- and matrine-induced reactive oxygen species impair biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis and increase bacterial susceptibility to ciprofloxacin / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the mechanism by which total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides (TASA) and matrine (MT) impair biofilm to increase the susceptibility of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) to ciprofloxacin. Methods: The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (mBIC) was determined using a 2-fold dilution method. Structure of biofilm of S. epidermidis was examined by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). The cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using a DCFH-DA assay. The key factors related to the regulation of ROS were accessed using respective kits. Results: TASA and MT were more beneficial to impair biofilm of S. epidermidis than ciprofloxacin (CIP) (P < 0.05). TASA and MT were not easily developed resistance to biofilm-producing S. epidermidis. The mBIC of CIP decreased by 2–6-fold following the treatment of sub-biofilm inhibitory concentration (sub-BIC) TASA and MT, whereas the mBIC of CIP increased by 2-fold following a treatment of sub-BIC CIP from the first to sixth generations. TASA and MT can improve the production of ROS in biofilm-producing S. epidermidis. The ROS content was decreased 23%−33% following the treatment of sub-mBIC CIP, whereas ROS content increased 7%−24% following treatment with TASA + CIP and MT + CIP combination from the first to sixth generations. Nitric oxide (NO) as a ROS, which was consistent with the previously confirmed relationship between ROS and drug resistance. Related regulatory factors-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) could synergistically maintain the redox balance in vivo. Conclusion: TASA and MT enhanced reactive oxygen species to restore the susceptibility of S. epidermidis to ciprofloxacin.

Matrine Suppresses Pancreatic Fibrosis by Regulating TGF-β/Smad Signaling in Rats

PURPOSE: This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the anti-pancreatic fibrosis effects of matrine in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid was administrated to rats to establish a pancreatic fibrosis model. Rats were divided into four groups: Control, Sham, Model, and Matrine (n=8). Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and Azan staining were performed to evaluate pancreatic fibrosis. Expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I in pancreatic tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β receptor 1 (TβR1), TβR2, and Smad2 in pancreatic tissues were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: In the model group, hyperplasia of glandules around the glandular ducts, mitochondrial swelling of acinous cells, and severe fibrosis were found. Interestingly, in the Matrine group, mitochondrial swelling was only found in a small number of acinous cells, and the fundamental structures of pancreatic tissues were intact. Moreover, pancreatic fibrosis was markedly alleviated. Comparing to the Sham group, expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, and collagen I was sharply elevated in the Model group (p < 0.05); however, their expressions were much lower in the Matrine group, compared to the Model group (p < 0.05). Compared with the Sham group, mRNA and protein levels of Smad2, TβR1, and TβR2 in the Model group were notably raised (p < 0.05). However, their high expression was significantly downregulated in the Matrine group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Matrine suppressed pancreatic fibrosis by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling in rats.

Study on process and rheological parameters of Kucha gynaecological gel / 中草药

Objective To investigate the preparation process of Kucha gynecological gel and prepare a temperature-sensitive in situ gel capable of rapid phase change in vagina. Methods Poloxamer P188 and Poloxamer P407 were used as gel matrix, Lactic acid and sodium lactate were used as the acid buffer solution. The central composite design was performed to optimize the prescription and technology, and the gelation temperature (GT), gelation time, and the effects of different acid buffer solutions on GT, gel stability, and related rheological properties were determined. Results Within a certain concentration range, the gelation temperature was gradually increased with the increase of poloxamer 188 concentration, and the gelation temperature was gradually decreased with the increase of poloxamer 407 concentration, and the optimized prescription by central composite design was poloxamer P188 with a concentration of 3.51% and poloxamer P407 with a concentration of 17.16%. The addition of different buffers has a deviation of 5% of the gelation temperature of the gel in vitro, but the variation in the vaginal fluid is large. The gelation temperatures of the citric acid-sodium citrate buffer and the lactic acid-sodium lactate buffer solution in the vaginal fluid were 68.5 ℃ and 35.8 ℃, respectively, and the rheological data showed that the gel retained better in vivo. Conclusion The Kucha gynecological gel preparation corresponded with the model employed by central composite design, and the screened process can prepare situ gels with good retention and stable properties.

Research progress and prospect on antitumor mechanism of matrine and oxymatrine / 中草药

Sophora flavescens is a traditional herb medicine in China. Matrine and oxymatrine are the primary components in S. flavescens with an outstanding anti-cancer potentials. This review aims to summarize the mechanism of tumor-inhibition of matrine and oxymatrine by screening and analyzing the recent literatures. It was found that the molecular mechanisms of tumor-inhibition of matrine and oxymatrine include the regulation of cell cycle progression, induction of cell apoptosis, anti-metastatic and anti-invasion activities, induction of autophagy of tumor cells, reversion of the multidrug resistance in cancer cells, and regulation of metabolic level in cancer cells. Further research on the molecular mechanisms of matrine and oxymatrine could reveal their cellular signaling network and gene regulation mechanism in the anticancer behaviors, so as to find more accurate tumor therapeutic targets, which have important implications not only for new drugs development in clinical application of cancers, but also for the modernizations and internationalization of Chinese medicine.