Mechanism of active components of "Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Drynariae Rhizoma" in treatment of osteoporosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro cell experiment / 中国中药杂志

The present study aimed to explore the main active components and potential mechanisms of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) and osteopractic total flavone(OTF) in the treatment of osteoporosis(OP) through network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro cell experiments, which was expected to provide a theoretical basis for clinical applications. The blood-entering components of PNS and OTF were obtained from literature search and online database, and their potential targets were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction. The OP targets were obtained by means of searching Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) and GeneCards. The common targets of the drug and disease were screened by Venn. Cytoscape was used to construct a "drug-component-target-disease" network, and the core components were screened according to the node degree. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the common targets was constructed by STRING and Cytoscape, and the core targets were screened according to the node degree. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of potential therapeutic targets were carried out by R language. Molecular docking was used to determine the binding activity of some active components to key targets by AutoDock Vina. Finally, HIF-1 signaling pathway was selected for in vitro experimental verification according to the results of KEGG pathway analysis. Network pharmacology showed that there were 45 active components such as leachianone A, kurarinone, 20(R)-protopanaxatriol, 20(S)-protopanaxatriol, and kaempferol, and 103 therapeutic targets such as IL6, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA and MAPK3 involved. PI3K-AKT, HIF-1, TNF and other signaling pathways were enriched. Molecular docking revealed that the core components had good binding ability to the core targets. In vitro experiments found that PNS-OTF could up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and Runx2, indicating that the mechanism of PNS-OTF in treating OP may be related to the activation of HIF-1 signaling pathway, and thus PNS-OTF played a role in promoting angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, this study predicted the core targets and pathways of PNS-OTF in treating OP based on network pharmacology and carried out in vitro experimental verification, which reflected the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway synergy of PNS-OTF, and provided new ideas for the future clinical treatment of OP.

Panax notoginseng Saponins Alleviate TGF-β1-induced Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Injury by Inhibiting Autophagy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） in inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury. MethodNRK-52E renal tubular epithelial cells were cultured and divided into control group， TGF-β1 group，TGF-β1+12.5 mg·L-1 PNS group，TGF-β1+25 mg·L-1 PNS group and TGF-β1+50 mg·L-1 PNS group. After 48 hours of PNS intervention， the cells and the supernatant were collected， and cell morphology was observed by inverted microscope. Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT）-related proteins and autophagy-related proteins. Flow liquid chromatography for multiple protein quantification and flow cytometry were employed to determine the content of inflammatory factors and apoptosis rate， respectively. ResultCompared with the conditions in the control group， after TGF-β1 induction， the cells showed a spindle-shaped change and the expression of E-cadherin was down-regulated （P<0.05）， while the expression of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） was up-regulated （P<0.05）. After PNS treatment， most of the cells tended to be normal and reversed the occurrence of EMT. In addition， compared with the conditions in the control group， the level of TNF-α was increased while that of IL-10 was decreased， with elevated apoptosis rate （P<0.05） in the TGF-β1 group. After PNS treatment， the level of TNF-α was lowered while that of IL-10 was boosted with the increase of the dose， with reduced apoptosis rate （P<0.05）. Moreover， after TGF-β1 induction， the expression of autophagy-related proteins Beclin 1 and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in renal tubular epithelial cells were up-regulated， while PNS inhibited their expression（P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionPNS had a protective effect on TGF-β1-induced renal tubular epithelial cells， and the mechanism might be that it reduced inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy， thus alleviating TGF-β1-induced injury.

Panax notoginseng saponins ameliorated LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB / 药学学报

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a kind of lung disease mainly caused by excessive inflammatory reaction. At present, there is a lack of effective therapeutic drugs in clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on ALI and its potential mechanism. The model of wild-type C57BL/6J mice was established by intratracheal instillation of 50 μL 25 mg·mL-1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 24 h later, 200 and 400 mg·kg-1 PNS was given intragastric, respectively. 24 h after administration, the improvement effect of PNS on ALI mice was evaluated by lung function, wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D), total protein, interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) concentration of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), expression levels of IL6 and TNFα in lung tissues, pathological changes of lung tissues and expression of inflammatory cells in BALF. The protein expression levels of NF-κB and its upstream kinases in Raw264.7 cells and ALI mice lung tissues were further detected to evaluate the potential mechanism of PNS improving ALI mice. The experimental scheme was approved by the Animal Experiment Ethics Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was found that 400 mg·kg-1 PNS could significantly improve the lung function of ALI mice, reduce the contents of W/D, BALF total protein, IL6 and TNFα, neutrophils expression in BALF and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue. In Raw264.7 cells and ALI mice lung tissue, PNS significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB, reduced the protein expression and phosphorylation of NF-κB, promoted the expression of IκBα, and inhibited the inflammatory response. This study showed that PNS can improve ALI by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB, inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory cells infiltration, alleviating lung inflammation.

Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis by Panax Notoginseng Saponins Combined with Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Surgical Patients / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention among real-world surgical inpatients who received panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) combined with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).@*METHODS@#A prospective cohort study was conducted among surgical patients between January 2016 and November 2018 in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Participants received LMWH alone or PNS combined with LMWH for preventing DVT. The primary outcome was incidence of lower extremity DVT, which was screened once a week. Participants in the LMWH group were given LMWH (enoxaparin) via hypodermic injection, 4000-8000 AxalU once daily. Participants in the exposure group received PNS (Xuesaitong oral tablets, 100 mg, 3 times daily) combined with LMWH given the same as LMWH group.@*RESULTS@#Of the 325 patients screened for the study, 281 participants were included in the final analysis. The cohort was divided into PNS + LMWH group and LMWH group with 134 and 147 participants, respectively. There was a significant difference of DVT incidence between two groups (P=0.01), with 21 (15.7%) incident DVT in the PNS + LMWH group, and 41 (27.9%) incident DVT in the LMWH group. Compared with participants without DVT, the participants diagnosed with DVT were older and had higher D-dimer level. The multivariate logistic regression model showed a significant lower risk of incident DVT among participants in the PNS + LMWH group compared with the LMWH group (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.86). There were no significant differences in thromboelaslography values (including R, K, Angle, and MA) and differences in severe bleeding between two groups. No symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred during the study.@*CONCLUSION@#Combined application of PNS and LMWH can effectively reduce the incidence of DVT among surgical inpatients compared with LMWH monotherapy, without increased risk of bleeding.

Preparation and intestinal absorption of Panax notoginseng saponins chitosan nanoparticles / 中国中药杂志

In this experiment, Panax notoginseng saponins chitosan nanoparticles(PNS-NPs) were prepared by self-assembly and their appearance, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, polydispersity index(PDI), Zeta potential, and microstructure were characterized. The prepared PNS-NPs were intact in structure, with an average particle size of(209±0.258) nm, encapsulation efficiency of 42.34%±0.28%, a drug loading of 37.63%±0.85%, and a Zeta potential of(39.8±3.122) mV. The intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs in rats was further studied. The established HPLC method of PNS was employed to investigate the effects of pH, perfusion rate, and different drugs(PNS raw materials, Xuesaitong Capsules, and PNS-NPs). The absorption rate constant(K_a) and apparent permeability coefficient(P_(app)) in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon were calculated and analyzed. As illustrated by the results, the intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs was increased in the perfusion solution at pH 6.8(P<0.05), and perfusion rate had no significant effect on the K_a and P_(app) of PNS-NPs. The intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs was significantly different from that of PNS raw materials and Xuesaitong Capsules(P<0.05), and the intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs was significantly improved.

Panax notoginseng saponins prevent colitis-associated colorectal cancer via inhibition IDO1 mediated immune regulation / 中国天然药物

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most lethal cancer and leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. A key driver of CRC development is colon inflammatory responses especially in patients with inflammatory bowl disease (IBD). It has been proved that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor effects. The chemopreventive and immunomodulatory functions of PNS on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) have not been evaluated.This present study was designed to study the potential protective effects of PNS on AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice to explore the possible mechanism of PNS against CAC. Our study showed that PNS significantly alleviated colitis severity and prevented the occurrence of CAC. Functional assays revealed that PNS relieved immunosuppression of Treg cells in the CAC microenvironment by inhibiting the expression of IDO1 mediated directly by signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) rather than phosphorylated STAT1. Ultimately, Rh1, one of the PNS metabolites, exhibited the best inhibitory effect on IDO1 enzyme activity. Our study showed that PNS exerted significant chemopreventive function and immunomodulatory properties on CAC. It could reduce macrophages accumulation and Treg cells differentiation to reshape the immune microenvironment of CAC. These findings provided a promising approach for CAC intervention.

Microscopic morphology observation of fracture healing process promoted by panax notoginseng saponins / Observación microscópica de la morfología del proceso de curación de fracturas promovida por panax notoginseng saponins

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to explore promoting effect of external applying Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) on fractures. For this analysis 18 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into control group, splintage group and PNS group. All rabbits were performed left radius fractures and natural healing, splintage healing and splintage coated with PNS healing. 2 rabbits in each group were sacrificed on day 14, day 28 and day 42 after surgery, separately. Atomic force microscope scanning and nanoindentation tests were performed on the callus sections. The particle size and roughness in PNS group was both less than that in splintage group. The elastic modulus of callus in PNS group was consistent with normal bone tissue started from day 28 after surgery, two weeks earlier than that in splintage group. PNS could significantly reduce fracture healing time and increase strength of callus.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación externa de Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) en fracturas óseas. Se usaron 18 conejos machos de raza Nueva Zelanda divididos en grupos control, entablillado y PNS. Se realizaron fracturas del radio izquierdo y cicatrización natural en todos los animales, además de la cicatrización con entablillado y entablillado recubierto con PNS. Se sacrificaron, posterior a la cirugía, dos conejos de cada grupo los día 14, 28 y 42. Se realizaron pruebas de escaneo con microscopio de fuerza atómica y nanoindentación en las secciones de callos. El tamaño de la partícula y la rugosidad en el grupo de PNS fue menor que en el grupo entablillado. El módulo elástico del callo en el grupo de PNS fue consistente con el tejido óseo normal iniciado el día 28 después de la cirugía, dos semanas antes que en el grupo de entablillado. El PNS podría redu- cir significativamente el tiempo de curación de la fractura y aumentar la fuerza del callo.

Overview of systematic reviews of Panax notoginseng saponins in treatment of acute cerebral infarction / 中国中药杂志

To overview the systematic reviews of Panax notoginseng saponins in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMbase databases were retrieved to collect the systematic reviews of the efficacy of P. notoginseng saponins in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. The retrieval time was from the time of database establishment to January 2021. After two researchers independently screened out the literature and extracted the data, AMSTAR-2 scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews, GRADE system was used to grade the quality of evidences of the outcome indicators, and the efficacy evaluation was summarized. A total of 5 systematic reviews were included. AMSTAR-2 evaluation results showed that 3 items were relatively complete, while 4 items had a poor overall quality. P. notoginseng saponins combined with conventional Western medicine therapy was superior to single conventional therapy in the recovery of neurological function, enhancement of the total effective rate in clinic, and improvement of activities of daily living. GRADE evaluation results showed that the quality of evidence was from low quality to very low quality. In conclusion, in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction, P. notoginseng saponins can improve the clinical efficacy, with a good safety but a not high methodological quality and a low evidence quality. It is suggested that high-quality clinical studies shall be further carried out to provide evidence-based basis for the application of P. notoginseng saponins in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.

Panax Notoginseng Saponin Attenuates Gastric Mucosal Epithelial Cell Injury Induced by Dual Antiplatelet Drugs through COX and PI3K/Akt/ VEGF-GSK-3β-RhoA Network Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To elucidate the underlying mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) on gastric epithelial cell injury and barrier dysfunction induced by dual antiplatelet (DA).@*METHODS@#Human gastric mucosal epithelial cell (GES-1) was cultured and divided into 4 groups: a control, a DA, a PNS+DA and a LY294002+PNS+DA group. GES-1 apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, cell permeability were detected using Transwell, level of prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in supernatant were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) were measured by Western-blot.@*RESULTS@#DA induced apoptosis and hyper-permeability in GES-1, reduced supernatant level of PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1α and VEGF (P<0.05). Addition of PNS reduced the apoptosis of GES-1 caused by DA, restored the concentration of PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1α and VEGF (P<0.05). In addition, PNS attenuated the alteration of COX-1 and COX-2 expression induced by DA, up-regulated p-PI3K/p-Akt, down-regulated RhoA and GSK-3β. LY294002 mitigated the effects of PNS on cell apoptosis, cell permeability, VEGF concentration, and expression of RhoA and GSK-3β significantly.@*CONCLUSIONS@#PNS attenuates the suppression on COX/PG pathway from DA, alleviates DA-induced GES-1 apoptosis and barrier dysfunction through PI3K/Akt/ VEGF-GSK-3β-RhoA network pathway.

Improvement effect of panax notoginseng saponins on cardiac function in rats with chronic heart failure and its mechanism / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To observe the improvement effect of panax notoginseng saponins on the cardiac function of the rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), and to investigate the possible mechanism. Methods: Abdominal aortic constriction was used to establish the CHF rat models. Sixty model rats were randomly divided into model group, positive control group, low, medium and high doses of panax notoginseng saponins groups ( n= 12). Another 12 rats were taken as sham operation group. Color floppier ultrasound was used to detect the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)» left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular posterior wall diastolic thickness (LVPWD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac output (CO) , left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximal rate of increase of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dt max) and maximal rate of decrease of left ventricular pressure ( dp/dt max) of the rats in various groups∗ HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology of myocardium tissue of the rats in various groups∗ TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptotic rates of cadiomyocytes of the rats in various groups∗ and Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylation ERK (p-ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), phosphorylation JNK (p-JNK), p38, and p-p38 proteins in myocardium tissue of the rats in various groups. ELISA was used to determine the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) of the rats in various groups. Results: Compared with sham operation group, the LVEDI), LVESD, LVPWD, LVEDP and dp/dt max of the rats in model group were significantly increased (P

Study on chemical constituents in acid hydrolysates of Panax notoginseng saponins / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents in acid hydrolysates of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS). Methods: These compounds were separated and purified by column chromatography, and their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses (HR-ESI-MS, ESI-MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HSQC and HMBC). Results: Eighteen compounds were obtained from the acid hydrolysates of PNS and characterized as dammar-25-ene-24-hydroperoxyl-3β,6α,12β,20S-tetraol (1), 6α,12β,20S-trihydroxy- dammarane-24-ene-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 6α,12β,20R-trihydroxy-dammarane-24-ene-3-O-β-D- glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), vina-ginsenoside-R8 (4), 24(S)-pseudo-ginsenoside-GQ (5), ginsenoside Rg5 (6), 20 (R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (7), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rk2 (8), 3β,12β-dihydroxy-dammar-(E)-20(22),24-diene-6-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg2 (10), ginsenoside SL1 (11), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rh1 (12), 20(22) E-ginsenoside Rh4 (13), 25-hydroxy-20(R) ginsenoside-Rh1 (14),3β,6α,12β,20(S)-20,25-epoxy-3,12-dihydroxy-dammarane-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (15), 20(R)-protopanaxadiol (16), 20(R)-protopanaxatriol (17), and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (18). Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new triterpen saponin, and compounds 2-5 are isolated from P. notoginseng and acid dydrolysates of PNS for the first time.

Neuroprotective effect of borneol combined with astragaloside IV and Panax notoginseng saponins in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury rat model through Notch signaling pathway / 中草药

Objective: To observe the neuroprotective effect of borneol combined with astragaloside IV (AST IV) and Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) rat model through Notch signaling pathway. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, borneol (7.5 mg/kg) group, AST IV (25 mg/kg) group, PNS (10 mg/kg) group, AST IV (10 mg/kg) + PNS (25 mg/kg) group, borneol (7.5 mg/kg) + AST IV (25 mg/kg) + PNS (10 mg/kg) low dose group, borneol (15 mg/kg) + AST IV (20 mg/kg) + PNS (50 mg/kg) high dose group and edaravone (4 mg/kg) group. Rats in sham group and model group were ig 0.5% CMC-Na, edaravone group was ip drug, and the other groups were ig corresponding drugs, twice a day with an interval of 12 h. The right middle cerebral artery of rat was blocked by a suture method 2 h after last administration to establish a CIRI model. After 2 h of ischemia and 22 h of reperfusion, the eurological function scores were scored and pathological changes of ischemic cortex in brain tissues of rats were observed by HE staining. The expressions of neuron specific nuclear (NeuN) and endothelial barrier antigen (EBA) in ischemic cortex of brain tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Notch1, and intracellular domain of Notch (NICD) in ischemic cortex of brain tissue were detected by Western blotting. Results: The score of neural dysfunction and cell damage rate in model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01); The score of nerve function defect and rate of cell damage in each administration group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01), the effect of borneol + AST IV + PNS group was better than that of single drug and AST IV + PNS group (P < 0.05, 0.01). NeuN and EBA protein expressions were significantly decreased in the ischemic cortex of model group (P < 0.01), while NeuN and EBA protein expressions were significantly enhanced in each administration group (P < 0.05, 0.01), and the effect of borneol + AST IV + PNS group was better than that of single drug and AST IV + PNS group (P < 0.05, 0.01). In model group, VEGF protein expression was increased significantly (P < 0.05), while NICD and Notch1 protein expression had no significant change. The expression of VEGF, NICD and Notch1 protein were significantly up-regulated in borneol + AST IV + PNS group (P < 0.01), and the effect of combination of three drugs was better than that of single drug and AST IV + PNS (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion: Borneol, AST IV, and PNS have the effects of preventing neuronal and cerebral microvascular damage after CIRI, and the effect of combination of three drugs was better than that of single drug and AST IV + PNS, which may be related to the activation of the Notch signaling pathway and up-regulation of VEGF expression, thereby, exerting protective effects on ischemic brain tissue.

Panax notoginseng saponins prevent colitis-associated colorectal cancer development: the role of gut microbiota / 中国天然药物

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on colitis-associated CRC progression were evaluated on an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse model. In vivo, PNS significantly relieved AOM/DSS-induced colon tumorigenesis and development by reducing the disease activity index (DAI) scores and colon tumor load. The 16S rRNA data of fecal samples showed that the microbiome community was obviously destructed, while PNS could recover the richness and diversity of gut microbiota. Especially, PNS could increase the abundance of Akkermansia spp. which was significantly decreased in model group and negatively correlated with the progression of CRC. Moreover, ginsenoside compound K (GC-K) was evaluated on the effects of human CRC cells, which was the main bio-transformed metabolite of PNS by gut microbiota. Our data showed that PNS played important role in the prevention of the progression of CRC, due to their regulation on the microbiome balance and microbial bio-converted product with anti-CRC activity.

Effect of Panax Notoginseng Saponins on Breast Cancer Cell Line 4T1 in Tumor-bearing Mice Through MEKK1/SEK1/JNK1/AP-1 Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the potential mechanisms of Panax Notoginseng Saponins （PNS） on growth inhibition of breast cancer cell line 4T1 in tumor-bearing mice by investigating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 （MEKK1）/stress activated protein kinase （SAPK）/extracellular regulated protein kinases （Erk） Kinase （SEK1）/c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 （JNK1）/activator protein-1 （AP-1） signaling pathways. Method:The 4T1 breast cancer mice model was established. Forty-eight mice with successful modeled and randomly divided into the low， medium and high-dose PNS groups （10， 20， 40 mg·kg-1） and the model control group （12 mice in each group）. The PNS groups received intraperitoneal injection with dosage of 10 mL·kg-1， while the controlled group was given the same dosage of saline. After administration with PNS for 28 days， tumor tissues were isolated， weighed， sliced and homogenized. Tumor cell apoptosis was detected by TdT mediated-dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） staining. The mRNA expressions of MEKK1， SEK1， JNK1 and AP-1 in tumor tissue were detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR）. The protein expressions of MEKK1， SEK1， JNK1 and AP-1 in tumor tissue were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Result:Compared with model group， the tumor weights of medium-dose and high-dose PNS groups were decreased significantly （P<0.05）. TUNEL staining showed that the number of apoptotic tumor cells increased with the rise of dosage of PNS （P<0.05）. The medium-dose and high-dose PNS groups showed a significant increase in the mRNA expressions of MEKK1， SEK1， JNK1 and AP-1 as well as the protein expressions of MEKK1， SEK1， JNK1 and AP-1 in tumor tissues （P<0.05）， with statistically significant differences （P<0.05）. Conclusion:PNS could inhibit the tumor growth of breast cancer cell line 4T1 in tumor-bearing mice， which may be related to the activation of MEKK1/SEK1/JNK1/AP-1 signaling pathways.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Inhibits Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction in Rats Through Regulating ATF3/MAP2K3/p38 MAPK and NF κ B Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore whether Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) exhibits heart protective effect in myocardial infarction (MI) rats and to identify the potential signaling pathways involved.@*METHODS@#MI rats induced by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery were assigned to sham coronary artery ligation or coronary artery ligation. Totally 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (distilled water, n=9), MI group (distilled water, n=9), PNS group (PNS, 40 mg/kg daily, n=9) and fosinopril group (FIP, 1.2 mg/kg daily, n=9) according to a random number table. The left ventricular morphology and function were conducted by echocardiography. Histological alterations were evaluated by the stainings of HE and Masson. The serum levels of C reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and the ratio of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP-1) were determined by ELISA. The levels of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), collagen I, nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NFκB p65), phosphorylation of NFκB p65 (p-NFκB p65), and phosphorylation of inhibitory kappa Bα (p-Iκ Bα) in hearts were measured by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining, respectively.@*RESULTS@#PNS improved cardiac function and fibrosis in MI rats (P<0.05). The serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, GDF-15 and the ratio of MMP9/TIMP1 were reversed by PNS in MI rats. The expressions of TGF-β1, collagen I, MAP2K3, p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, NFκB p65, p-NFκB p65, and p-IκBα were down-regulated, while ATF3 increased with the treatment of PNS (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#PNS may improve cardiac function and fibrosis in MI rats via regulating ATF3/MAP2K3/p38 MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways. These results suggest the potential of PNS in preventing the development of ventricular remodeling in MI rats.

Exploratory study of APTT bioactivity detection assay for Xuesaitong injection / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the feasibility of APTT bioactivity detection for Xuesaitong injection. Methods The APTT values of rabbit plasma of samples/reference were detected by automatic coagulometer, and the data were analyzed by bioassay statistics. Results The results of repeated test of different rabbit plasma, multiple enterprises and various concentrations of Xuesaitong injection were stable. The APTT values of standard ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg1, notoginsenoside R1 and Panax notoginseng saponins were compared with that of Xuesaitong injection, and the APTT values of the former three were not correlated with Xuesaitong injection; while the Panax notoginseng saponins were significantly correlated with Xuesaitong injection. The panax notoginseng saponins were used as the reference material, and the results were consistent with those of the physical and chemical analysis. Conclusions The active ingredients in Xuesaitong injection do not represent the effective ingredients, and its medicinal effect is the result of the combined action of various ingredients. Therefore, it is not suitable to simply look for some monomer as the control. This paper suggests using panax notoginseng saponins as the control substance to explore the biological activity study of injections for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

Different Branches from the Same Root’: Similarity and Specificity of Five Saponins from Panax Notoginseng in Cardiovascular-Related Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms

Saponins are the major extracts of Panax notoginseng, which is one of the most commonly used herbal medicine in East Asia. Increasing evidences suggest that Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) have various therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases. The therapeutic effects of PNS is through the complex combination of saponins. Notoginsenoside R1, ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rd and Re are the major components of PNS, which have been studiedthoroughly in recent years. In this review the authors summarize and compare the cardiovascular-related effects and mechanisms of these five saponins respectively. Anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis are the most shared functions. But some of the functions are contradictory, such as GRb1 inhibit the endothelial tube formation and angiogenesis, while GRg1 promote the VEGF synthesis and angiogenic tube formation. Even GRg1 itself functions contradictory in angiogenesis. The comprehensive summary of the effects and mechanisms of saponins shed lights on the understanding of the diverse functions PNS exert, and lay groundwork for the development and utilization of saponins in cardiovascular diseases

Influence of panax notoginseng saponins in t lymphocyte subsets in aplastic anemia mice and its hematopoietic effect / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To investigate the influence of panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) in the T lymphocyte subsets and hematopoietic function in the aplastic anemia model mice, and to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of PNS in the aplastic anemia mice. Methods:Fifty mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, low dose of PNS group, medium dose of PNS group, and high dose of PNS group.The mice in low,medium,and high doses of PNS groups were intraperitoneally injected with 100, 200, and 400 mg·kg-1PNS; the mice in control group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline of the same volume;lasted for 14 d. The body weights of the mice were measured and the spleen and thymus indexes were calculated after administration. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of CD4+, CD8+T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the mice.The serum γ-interferon (INF-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels of the mice were determined by ELISA. The number of red blood cells (RBC), bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (Plt) and the hemoglobin (Hb) level of the mice were measured by hematdogy analyzer. Results:Compared with control group, the body weight, the spleen index,the thymus index, the peripheral blood CD4+T lymphocyte percentage and the CD4+/CD8+T lymphocyte ratio of the mice in model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05); the number of RBC, BMCs, WBC, Pl tand the Hb level were significantly decreased(P<0.05); the peripheral blood CD8+T lymphocyte percentage and the serum INF-γ, TNF-α levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the body weights, the spleen indexes, the thymus indexes, the CD4+T lymphocyte percentages and the CD4+/CD8+T lymphocyte ratios of the mice in low, medium, and high doses of PNS groups were significantly increased (P<0.05); the number of BMCs, WBC, Plt and the level of Hb were significantly increased(P<0.05); the percentages of CD8+T lymphocytes and the levels of serum INF-γ and TNF-α of the mice were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion:PNS can improve the hematopoietic function of the aplastic anemia mice by regulating the balance of T lymphocyte subsets in a dose-dependent manner and inhibiting the release of INF-γ and TNF-α and increasing the levels of hematopoietic related factors.

Promotion effect of panax notoginseng saponins on healing of rat tooth extraction wounds by up-regulation of VEGFexpression / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during the healing process of tooth extraction, and to clarify the effect of panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) in promoting the healing of extraction and its mechanism. Methods:Forty-five SD male rats were randomly divided into control group(not given any drugs),chitosan thermosensitive gels group(given chitosan thermosensitive gels without panax notoginseng saponins), 0.5 g·L-1 PNS group(given chitosan thermosensitive gels and 0.5 g·L-1 PNS),1.0 g·L-1 PNS group (given chitosan thermosensitive gels and 1.0 g·L-1 PNS),and 1.5 g·L-1 PNS group(given chitosan thermosensitive gels and 1.5 g·L-1 PNS), with 9 rats in each group.After the middle incisors of right lower jaw were removed, about 20 μL of chitosan thermosensitive gels containing different concentrations of PNS was injected into the each tooth extraction wound of the rats in other groups,except control group. The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after administration, and the specimens were prepared.HE staining was used to observe the healing status of tooth extraction wounds at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after administration.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the number of VEGF positive cells and the expression levels of VEGF protein at 1,2, and 4 weeks after administration. Results:The HE staining resuls showed that the healing status of tooth extraction wounds in chitosan thermosensitive gels group was similar to that in control group;compared with control group, the osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells were highly differentiated and migrated and the number of bone trabecula was increased. Compared with control group, at 1,2, and 4 weeks after administration, there were no significant differences in the number of VEGF positive cells and the protein expression level of VEGF in the tooth extraction wound tissue of the rats in chitosan gel group (P>0.05); the number of VEGF positive cells and the protein expression level of VEGF of the rats in 0.5,1.0,and 1.5 g·L-1 PNS groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion:PNS can up-regulate the expressions of VEGF in vascular endothelial cells and osteoblasts in tooth extraction wounds of the rats, induce the differentiation of vascular endothelial cells and osteoblasts, increase the number of migration and aggregation of cells, and achieve the effect of promoting the tooth extraction wound healing.

Study on borneol combined with astragaloside IV and Panax notoginseng saponins promoting bioactive components into brain in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model of rats / 中草药

Objective To investigate whether borneol can promote the bioactive components of the combination of astragaloside IV (AST IV) and Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) into the blood-brain barrier of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion. Methods Using the model of MCAO/reperfusion, rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, borneol group, AST IV group, PNS group, AST IV + PNS group and borneol + AST IV + PNS group, and the content of AST IV and the bioactive components of PNS (ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1) in the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum of the affected side and the healthy side were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results AST IV, whether used alone or combined with PNS and borneol, was mainly distributed in the cerebral cortex after oral administration, especially in the affected cerebral cortex. Borneol combined with AST IV and PNS significantly increased the content of AST IV in the affected and the healthy cerebral cortex. The bioactive components of PNS such as ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1 was mainly distributed in the affected side of the cerebellum when PNS was used alone. Borneol combined with AST IV + PNS significantly increased the content of ginsenoside Rb1 in the cerebral cortex, especially in the affected cortex, increased the content of Rg1 in the healthy and the affected cortex, and increased the content of notoginsenoside R1 in the cerebral cortex, especially in the affected cortex, as well as in the cerebellum. Conclusion AST IV and the bioactive components of PNS such as ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1 have a certain distribution in the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. AST IV was mainly distributed in the cerebral cortex when it was used alone, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1 were mainly distributed in the cerebellum when PNS was used alone. The combination of borneol combined with AST IV and PNS can promote the gather of AST IV, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1 to the cerebral cortex, especially to the cortex of the ischemia-reperfusion side; Moreover, it can promote the absorption of AST IV, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1 in the cerebral cortex to varying degrees, especially in the affected cortex.