Novel discovery of schisandrin A regulating the interplay of autophagy and apoptosis in oligoasthenospermia by targeting SCF/c-kit and TRPV1 via biosensors

Oligoasthenospermia is the primary cause of infertility. However, there are still enormous challenges in the screening of critical candidates and targets of oligoasthenospermia owing to its complex mechanism. In this study, stem cell factor (SCF), c-kit, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) biosensors were successfully established and applied to studying apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms. Interestingly, the detection limit reached 2.787 × 10-15 g/L, and the quantitative limit reached 1.0 × 10-13 g/L. Furthermore, biosensors were used to investigate the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis. Schisandrin A is an excellent candidate to form a system with c-kit similar to SCF/c-kit with a detection constant (KD) of 5.701 × 10-11 mol/L, whereas it had no affinity for SCF. In addition, it also inhibited autophagy in oligoasthenospermia through antagonizing TRPV1 with a KD of up to 4.181 × 10-10 mol/L. In addition, in vivo and in vitro experiments were highly consistent with the biosensor. In summary, high-potency schisandrin A and two potential targets were identified, through which schisandrin A could reverse the apoptosis caused by excessive autophagy during oligoasthenospermia. Our study provides promising insights into the discovery of effective compounds and potential targets via a well-established in vitro-in vivo strategy.

Schisandrin B Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway and Attenuates Early Brain Injury in Rats of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine whether Schisandrin B (Sch B) attenuates early brain injury (EBI) in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).@*METHODS@#Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham (sham operation), SAH, SAH+vehicle, and SAH+Sch B groups using a random number table. Rats underwent SAH by endovascular perforation and received Sch B (100 mg/kg) or normal saline after 2 and 12 h of SAH. SAH grading, neurological scores, brain water content, Evan's blue extravasation, and terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining were carried out 24 h after SAH. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to detect the expressions of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the rat brain, while the expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bax, Caspase-3, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated specklike protein containing the caspase-1 activator domain (ASC), Caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 in the rat brains were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the SAH group, Sch B significantly improved the neurological function, reduced brain water content, Evan's blue content, and apoptotic cells number in the brain of rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, Sch B decreased SAH-induced expressions of Iba-1 and MPO (P<0.01). SAH caused the elevated expressions of Bax, Caspase-3, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the rat brain (P<0.01), all of which were inhibited by Sch B (P<0.01). In addition, Sch B increased the Bcl-2 expression (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Sch B attenuated SAH-induced EBI, which might be associated with the inhibition of neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and the NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathway.

Study on the quality control improvement of Dilong Shenmai oral liquid / 药学实践杂志

Objective To improve the quality control of Dilong Shenmai oral liquid. Methods TLC was used for the qualitative identification of Astragali Radix, Ophiopogonis Radix and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in Dilong Shenmai oral liquid. HPLC was used to determine the contents of schisandrin and ethylparaben in the preparation. Wondasil C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used with acetonitrile-water as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min for gradient elution. The detection wavelength was set at 254 nm, and column temperature was 30 ℃. Results TLC spots were clear and well-separated without negative interference. The linear ranges of schisandrin and ethylparaben were 5.81−58.06 μg/ml (r=0.999 9) and 25.29−252.94 μg/ml (r=0.999 9). The average recoveries were 99.35% (RSD=1.02%) and 99.72% (RSD=0.76%). Conclusion This method is simple, quick and accurate. It can be used for effective quality control of Dilong Shenmai oral liquid.

Prescription Technology Optimization of RPV Modified Paclitaxel and Schisandrin B Liposomes and Preliminary Evaluation of Antitumor Activity in vitro / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To prepare paclit axel and schisandrin B liposomes modified by cell penetrating peptide RPV ，and to preliminarily evaluate its anti-tumor activity in vitro . METHODS ：RPV modified paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes were prepared by film dispersion method. Box-Benhken design-response surface methodology was used to optimize the prescription technology of RPV modified paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes using the amount of cholesterol and paclitaxel ，the time interval of ultrasound probe as factors ，average entrapment efficiency of paclitaxel and schisandrin B was used as the index. The liposomes prepared by the optimal technology were characterized. Sulfonylrhodamine B staining method was used to investigate in vitro toxicity of RPV modified blank liposomes ，paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes ，RPV modified paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes to human ovarian cancer cell SK-OV- 3. The effects of 3 kinds of liposomes on the migration and invasion ability of SK-OV-3 cells were investigated by cell scratch test and Transwell chamber invasion test. RESULTS ：The optimal prescription technology was phospholipid 44 mg，cholesterol 8 mg，paclitaxel 0.64 mg，schisandrin B 1.5 mg，ultrasonic probe time interval 5 s，prescription dosage 5 mL. According to the optimal prescription technology ，the liposomes were spherical in shape ，and the particle size was （126.49±1.19）nm，Zeta-potential was （－4.83±0.61）mV，average entrapment efficiency of liposomes was （93.88±1.67）％. Compared with RPV modified blank liposomes ，after treated with paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes and RPV modified paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes ，the survival rate ，migration inhibition rate and invasion rate of SK-OV- 3 cells were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. The effects of RPV modified paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes was better than those of paclitaxel and schisandrin B liposomes （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：RPV modified paclitaxel and schisandra B liposome are successfu lly prepared ，and they have certain antitumor activity in vitro .

Schisandrin B induces apoptosis of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells through ROS mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress / 药学实践杂志

Objective To study the effects of schisandrin B (Sch B) on the apoptosis of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and its mechanism. Methods Cell counting reagent (CCK-8) was used to detect the effect of Sch B on the survival rate of MDA-MB-231 cells. MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with Sch B (10, 20, 40 μmol/L) for 24 hours. The cell death was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by DCFA-DA fluorescent probe. Apoptosis and the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress related proteins (Bcl-2、Bax、CHOP、GPR78、PERK、p-PERK、p-eIF2α、eIF2) were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the blank group, the cell survival rate decreased significantly (P<0.01) with the increase of Sch B concentration, and its IC50 was 19.16 μmol/L. Compared with the control group, Sch B groups (10, 20, 40 μmol/L) inhibited cell clone formation in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Sch B groups (10, 20, 40 μmol/L) induced apoptosis (P<0.05), significantly reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and significantly increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax (P<0.05). Sch B groups (10, 20, 40 μmol/L) significantly increased the level of intracellular ROS in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Sch B groups (10, 20, 40 μmol/L) stimulated endoplasmic reticulum stress and increased the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins CHOP, GPR78 and p-eIF2α in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusion Sch B induces apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells through ROS mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress.

UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS Analysis of Bicyclol ，Bifendate and Schisandrin C and Application / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To analyze the mass spectrometry fragmentation regularity of bicyclol ，bifendate and schisandrin C ， and to identify the impurities of bicyclol raw material. METHODS ：UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS method was adopted. Using electrospray ionization source ，in positive ion mode ，the excimer ion and characteristic fragments of bicyclol ，bifendate and schisandrin C were analyzed by means of TOF-MS. According to the mass change of fragments ，the possible fragmentation pathways were speculated ，and the fragmentation regularity were analyzed and summarized. Bicyclol raw material sample was first separated by liquid chromatography to find the impurity peaks in it ，and then the impurity peaks were analyzed by mass spectrometer；the impurity identification was conducted by combining with the fragmentation regularity. RESULTS ：The 3 compounds all produced [M+H] + excimer ion in the positive ion mode. After collision-induced dissociation ，the C-O bond ，the simple rupture of the C-C bond and the ring-opening cleavage of the oxygen ring occurred ；with the loss of neutral fragments ， mainly CH 2O，supplemented by CO 2，CO and CHO ，the dissociation was concentrated in the middle and high quality regions. C-C and C-O bonds of 3 compounds were simply broken only in the branched chain structure and/or oxygen ring structure ，but the structure of the biphenyl parent nucleus remained unchanged. Among them ，the bicyclol contained a benzyl alcohol structure ，so under acidic mobile phase conditions ，it would exist stably in the form of [M+H －H2O]+. Because schisandrin C contained 8-membered ring structure，ring opening first occurred under collision voltage ，and then neutral fragment loss occurred. The secondary mass spectra of impurity in bicyclol raw material were consistent with the mass spectra fragmentation of secondary fragments of bifendate. CONCLUSIONS：The study summarized mass spectrometry fragmentation regularity of 3 schisandrin derivatives. The impurity in bicyclol raw material may be bifendate.

Study on the Protective Effects of Schisandrin A on Hepatic Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Mice and Its Mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the pr otective effect of schisandrin A （SA）on CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis model mice and its mechanism. METHODS ：Mice were randomly divided into blank control group ，model group ，silymarin group （positive control，100 mg/kg），SA low-dose and high-dose groups （20，40 mg/kg），with 10 mice in each group. Except for blank control group，other groups were given CCl 4 subcutaneously to induce liver fibrosis model. After successful modeling ，administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically ，once a day ，for consecutive 6 weeks；blank control group and model group were given constant volume of 0.5％sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution intragastrically by the same way. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue in mice. UV spectrophotometry and ELISA assay were adopted to detect the serum levels of liver injury indexes （ALT and AST ）and the contents of inflammatory factors （TNF-α，IL-1β，IL-6）. Western blotting assay was used to detect the expression of NOD like receptor protein 3（NLRP3）/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway protein. RESULTS ：Compared with blank control group ，obvious pathological changes of liver fibrosis were observed in model group. The serum levels of liver injury indexes and contents of inflammatory factors were significantly increased （P＜0.01）. The expression of NLRP 3，apoptosis associated spot-like protein ，Caspase-1 and IL- 1β，TGF-β1 and ratios ofp-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65，p-IκBα/IκBα，p-Samd3/Smad3 were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with model group ，SA could significantly relieve hepatic fibrosis in mice ，reduce serum levels of liver injury indexes and contents of inflammatory factors ，as well as the expression of NLRP 3/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway protein and phosphorylation level（P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ： SA can effectively relieve liver injury and inflammation of CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis model mice ，which may be through the regulation of NLRP 3/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathways ，thus inhibiting the process of liver fibrosis.

Simultaneous determination of six index components analysis in Zaoren Anshen Capsules / 中草药

Objective: To establish a method for determining the contents of schisandrin, schisandrol B, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA, γ-schisandrin in Zaoren Anshen Capsules (ZAC), and provide scientific method for quality control of ZAC. Methods: HPLC was used by using Thermo 120Å-C18 column, with the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.1% acetic acid solution with gradient elution for simultaneous determination of six main index components. The detection wavelengths were set at 250 nm for schisandrin, schisandrol B, γ-schisandrin and 270 nm for cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone IIA, flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and column temperature was 30℃. Results: Schisandrin, schisandrol B, γ-schisandrin, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone IIA showed good the linear ranges relationships in the range of 4.7-3 153.6 ng (r = 0.999 9), 7.864-314.500 ng (r = 0.999 9), 14.4-1 256.9 ng (r = 0.999 9), 15.1-1 103.8 ng (r = 0.999 9), 15.3-1 532.0 ng (r = 0.999 9) and 6.134-204.500 ng (r = 0.999 9), respectively. The average recoveries were 100.4%, 98.7%, 99.4%, 100.0%, 99.3% and 100.2%, RSD were 1.4%, 2.7%, 2.2%, 2.2%, 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively. The contents of each index component in 8 batches of sample were schisandrin 1.545 7-1.909 9 mg/g, schisandrol B 0.129 8-0.235 1 mg/g, cryptotanshinone 0.508 4-0.523 4 mg/g, tanshinone I 0.111 7-0.122 3 mg/g, tanshinone IIA 0.755 8-0.874 4 mg/g, γ-schisandrin 0.120 2-0.190 1 mg/g. Conclusion: The established analytical method is highly sensitive with strong specificity and it can be used efficiently in the quality control of ZAC.

Establishment of HPLC fingerprints of Qiwei Tangmaishu tablet and simultaneous determination of six constituents / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective: To establish HPLC fingerprints of Qiwei Tangmaishu tablet and simultaneously determine the contents of the six constituents, acteoside, martynoside, calycosin 7-O-β- D-glucopyranoside, schisandrin, formononetin and deoxyschizan- drin. Methods: The analysis of 50% methanol extract of this drug was performed on a 30℃ thermostatic Waters Symmetry C18 column, with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile(A)-0.2% formic acid solution(B)flowing at 1.0 ml/min in a gradient elution manner. The detection wavelength was set at 330 nm for acteoside and martynoside, 254 nm for calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, schisandrin, formononetin and deoxyschizandrin. Results: There were thirteen common peaks in the fingerprints of ten batches of samples with the similarities more than 0.9. Acteoside, martynoside, calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, schisandrin, formononetin and deoxyschizandrin showed good linear relationship within the ranges of 1.47-36.75, 0.66-16.50, 0.89-22.25, 2.58-64.50, 1.91-47.75 and 0.77-19.25 μg/ml(r≥0.9993), and their average recoveries were 97.57%, 99.22%, 96.69%, 100.01%, 98.79% and 96.77%, with the RSD of 0.79%, 1.54%, 0.61%, 0.64%, 0.83% and 0.36%, respectively. Conclusion: The established method is easily operable and repeatable, which could be used for quality control of Qiwei Tangmaishu tablet.

Schisandrin C alleviates atherosclerosis and inflammation in ApoE-/-mice fed with arterial high-fat diet / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of schisandrin C on arterial inflammation and atherosclerosis of ApoE-/-mice fed with high-fat diet. Methods ApoE-/-mice were divided into high fat diet group (HFD) and high fat diet group + schisandrin group (HFD + Sch C). High fat diet and Sch C were given at the same time. After 12 weeks, mice were executed and arterial tissues were collected. RT-q PCR and Western blot were respectively used to detect the expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, β-actin and the phosphorylation and expression of IκB-α in arteries. Oil red O staining and biochemical kit were respectively used to detect the lipid changes in aortic root and the blood lipid levels. Results Compared with HFD group, the area of atherosclerotic plaque in HFD + Sch C was reduced (P < 0. 05), but Sch C did not affect blood lipid levels. Compared with HFD group, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM-1 and the phosphorylation of IκB-α of arterial tissue in HFD + Sch Cgroup decreased (P < 0. 05). Conclusions Sch C could effectively alleviate atherosclerosis induced by high-fat diet in ApoE-/-mice, accompanied by alleviation of arterial inflammation.

Preparation and evaluation of schisandrin B-loaded F127 modified lipid-polymer nanoparticles for inhibition of breast cancer lung metastasis / 中国中药杂志

In the current study, schisandrin B(SchB)-loaded F127 modified lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles(SchB-F-LPNs) were developed to improve the inhibition of breast cancer lung metastasis. Modified nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare SchB-F-LPNs. The nanoparticles were spherical in shape with shell-core structure by TEM observation. SchB-F-LPNs showed a mean particle size of(234.60±6.11) nm with zeta potential of(-5.88±0.49) mV. XRD results indicated that SchB existed in the nanoparticles in an amorphous state. The apparent permeability coefficient through porcine mucus of F-LPNs was 1.43-fold of that of LPNs as shown in the in vitro mucus penetration study. The pharmacokinetics study showed that the C_(max) of SchB was(369.06±146.94) μg·L~(-1),(1 121.34±91.65) μg·L~(-1) and(2 951.91±360.53) μg·L~(-1) respectively in SchB suspensions group, SchB-LPNs group and SchB-F-LPNs group after oral administration in rats. With SchB suspensions as the reference formulation, the relative bioavailability of SchB-F-LPNs was 568.60%. SchB-F-LPNs inhibited the morphological change during transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, SchB-F-LPNs significantly decreased the number of metastatic pulmonary nodules in 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice, suggesting that SchB-F-LPNs may inhibit the metastasis of breast cancer. These results reveal the promising potential of SchB-F-LPNs in treatment of breast cancer lung metastasis.

Simultaneous determination of seven constituents in Compound Yi’anning Pills by HPLC coupled with wavelength switching method / 中草药

Objective: To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of seven constituents in Compound Yi’anning Pills (CYP). Methods: The determination was performed on Shim-pack GIST C18 column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid (gradient elution: 0-5 min, 5% acetonitrile; 5-12 min, 5%-12% acetonitrile; 12-17 min, 12%-20% acetonitrile; 17-30 min, 20% acetonitrile; 30-36 min, 20%-50% acetonitrile; 36-45 min, 50%-80% acetonitrile; 45-70 min, 80% acetonitrile) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 203 nm for notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, and ginsenoside Rb1, 220 nm for schisantherrin A, 250 nm for schisandrin, 268 nm for salvianolic acid B, and 270 nm for tanshinone IIA. The column temperature was set at 35 ℃ and the injection volume was 10 μL. Results: The linear range of detection concentration was 0.015-0.150 mg/mL for notoginsenoside R1, 0.077-0.766 mg/mL for schisandrin, 0.006-0.062 mg/mL for salvianolic acid B, 0.009-0.092 mg/mL for buddleodide, 0.050-0.503 mg/mL for ginsenoside Rg1, 0.067-0.670 mg/mL for ginsenoside Rb1, and 0.011-0.108 mg/mL for tanshinone IIA. Average recoveries respectively were 99.5%, 99.8%, 99.2%, 98.9%, 96.9%, 98.8%, and 97.1%. Conclusion: The method is simple, effective, and accurate, which can be used for simultaneous determination of seven active constituents in CYP.

Study on protective effect and mechanism of schisandrin B on streptozotocin induced-diabetic reinopathy / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of schisandrin B ( SB) on streptozotocin ( STZ) induced-diabetic reinopathy ( DR) in rats. Methods: Following STZ injection, rats received gavage of SB for 9 months subsequently. TUNEL assay was performed for apoptosis. The levels of SOD, MDA and LDH were determined by kits. To calculate the levels of inflammatory cytokines, ELISA assay was carried out. And western blot was performed for protein levels. Results: In STZ induced-DR rats, glucose level was makedly increased. SB inhibited STZ-induced apoptosis as demonstrated by increased apoptotic body. SB significantly increased the level of SOD and decreased the levels of MDA and LDH. Meanwhile, SB notably inhibited STZ induced-inflammation by decreasing IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. Furthermore, SB partly abolished STZ' s effects on the expressions of VEGF, Cdc42 and pp38. Conclusion: SB attenuates STZ induced-DR via Cdc42/p38 signaling pathway.

Evaluation of schisandrin B-induced mouse model of hypertriglyceridemia based on lipid metabolomics / 中国药理学通报

Aim: To evaluate the mouse model of hypertriglyceridemia (hTG) induced by schisandrin B (Sch B) using lipid metabolomics technology. Methods: Male ICR mice weighing 23 ~ 27 g were randomly divided into four groups: (1) mice fed with normal diet (ND group) (2) mice fed with ND and treated with Sch B(ND +Sch B group); (3) mice fed with high fat/fructose diet(HFFD group; fat, 10%; fructose, 10%; w/w), and (4) mice fed with HFFD and treated with Sch B (HFFD + Sch B group). Based on our previous research, Sch B at a single dose of 2 g · kg-1 was orally administered to the animals in the current study. Forty-eight hours later, serum samples were obtained from the orbital vein. Serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were analyzed by biochemical method. The metabolic fingerprint spectrum of serum in all groups were obtained and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) method. The differences of metabolic spectra in every two groups were compared via the multivariate statistical methods. Results: Compared with ND group, three kinds (27 markers) of differential metabolites were identified in ND +Sch B group, including 18 TG, 7 phosphatidylcholine (PC), and 2 phosphatidylethano-lamine(PE). Compared with ND group, five kinds(27 markers) of differential metabolites were screened in HFFD group, including 6 sphingomyelin (SM), 13 PC, 2 cholesteryl ester(CE), 5 TG and 1 phosphati-dylinositol (PI). Compared with HFFD group, four kinds (25 markers) of differential metabolites were found in HFFD + Sch B group, involving 14 TG, 1 CE, 6 PC and 4 PE. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the animal model of hypertriglyceridemia established by Sch B involves the alteration of serum lipid metabolomics.

Effect of Schisandrin B on Proliferation and Migration of Human SW620 Colon Cancer Cell Via VEGF/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of VEGF signaling pathway in colon cancer patients and the effect of schisandrin B on SW620 cells and to analyze its possible mechanism. METHODS: The protein expression of VEGFA, VEGF-R2, PI3K, Akt and p-Akt in human cancerous colon samples and adjacent normal samples were detected by Western blotting. The proliferation of SW620 cells was detected by CCK-8 method. The mRNA expression of VEGFA, VEGF-R2, PI3K and Akt in SW620 cells were detected by real-time PCR. The protein expression of VEGFA, VEGF-R2, PI3K, Akt and p-Akt in SW620 cells were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: The protein expression of VEGF-R2, PI3K, Akt and p-Akt in human cancerous colon samples was significantly higher than that in the adjacent normal samples(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, schisandrin B could significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of SW620 cells, the mRNA expression of VEGFA, VEGF-R2, PI3K and Akt(P<0.01) and the protein expression of VEGFA, VEGF-R2, PI3K, Akt and p-Akt(P<0.05) in SW620 cells also were significantly decreased by schisandrin B. CONCLUSION: The VEGF/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is activated in colon cancer patients. Schisandrin B could inhibit the activity and migration of SW620 cells and inhibit the VEGF/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Anti-Depressant Effects of Schisandrin A on Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredicted Mild Stress in Rats / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-depressant effect of schisandrin A in rats with depression caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)as well as the relevant mechanism. METHODS: The depression-like rat model using CUMS was established. Rats were randomly divided into control, CUMS model, CUMS+fluoxetine (10 mg·kg-1)and CUMS + schisandrin A (25, 50, 100 mg·kg-1)groups. Drugs or vehicle were administrated after stress procedures for 21 d. Open-field test (OFT), sucrose preference tests (SPT)and forced swim test (FST)were used to evaluate the anti-depressant effects of schisandrin A. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)activities in hippocampus were determined by ELISA methods. IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression were measured by real time qPCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Behavioral test indicated that crossing score and rearing score in OFT and sucrose preference index in SPT of model group were significantly lower than control group (P<0.01), while immobility time in FST was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in control group, the ROS and PGE2 level increased significantly (P<0.01), SOD and CAT activities decreased significantly (P< 0.01),the mRNA and protein level of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 were increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01)in rats of CUMS. CONCLUSION: Schisandrin A and fluoxetine could ameliorate those changes induced by CUMS. Schisandrin A could improve the depression-like behaviors of rats induced by CUMS, of which the mechanism might involve the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Effects of schisandrin B on pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin in rats / 中国药科大学学报

@#To investigate the effect of combination of schisandrin B and doxorubicin on the pharmacokinetic behavior of doxorubicin in SD rats. An LC-MS/MS method was established for the determination of doxorubicin and its main metabolite doxorubicinol in SD rats plasma. Separation was performed on Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column(100 mm×2. 1 mm, 3. 5 μm)using 0. 1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile as mobile phase with a liner gradient program. The ion transitions were performed under ESI position model at m/z 544. 2→397. 3(doxorubicin), m/z 546. 2→399. 2(doxorubicinol), m/z 528. 2→381. 2(daunorubicin, internal standard). Calibration curves of doxorubicin(0. 500-500 ng/mL)and doxorubicinol(0. 200-50. 0 ng/mL)showed good linear regression. The precision and accuracy met the requirements. The variation coefficient of extraction recovery and matrix effect was less than 15%. The AUC0-t of doxorubicin were(605. 69±145. 84)and(564. 53±23. 99)ng ·h/mL in alone and combined group, respectively. The AUC0-t of doxorubicinol were(26. 69±13. 41)and(29. 00±2. 78)ng ·h/mL, respectively. Results indicated that, schisandrin B had not affected the pharmacokinetic behavior of doxorubicin in SD rats.

Simultaneous determination of six constituents in Maiwei Dihuang Pills by HPLC-DAD / 中成药

AIM To establish an HPLC-DAD method for the simultaneous content determination of six constituents in Maiwei Dihuang Pills (Ophiopogonis Radix,Schisandrae chinensis Fructus,Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata,etc.).METHODS The analysis of 50％ methanol extract of this drug was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18column (4.6 mm × 150 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-water (containing 0.2％ phosphate acid) flowing at 0.8 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 220,230,236 and 274 nm.RESULTS Deoxyschizandrin,schizandrin B,schisandrin,paeoniflorin,paeonol and loganin showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 10-70,6.5-45.5,33.5-234.5,17-119,31-217 and 34-238 μg/mL (r ＞0.990 0),whose average recoveries (RSDs) were 99.6％ (1.7％),100.4％ (1.8％),100.7％ (1.8％),102.9％ (1.7％),102.2％ (1.5％) and 99.7％ (1.2％),respectively.CONCLUSION This simple and reproducible method can be used for the rapid quality control of Maiwei Dihuang Pills.

Anti-inflammatory and Immune Function Enhancing Effects of Schisandrin B in Mice / 中国药师

Objective: To assess the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of schisandrin B in mice. Methods: Kun-ming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: the blank control group, the model control group, the positive control group( dexam-ethasone hydrochloride 5 mg·kg-1,levamisole hydrochloride 30 mg·kg-1), schisandrin B low (100 mg·kg-1), medium (200 mg ·kg-1) and high (400 mg·kg-1) dose groups. The inflammatory mice were induced by xylene and the immunosuppressed mice were induced by cyclophosphamide. The ear edema experiment, carbon clearance experiment and serum hemolysin experiment were per-formed with the swelling rate, swelling inhibition rate, carbon clearance index, phagocytic index, half hemolytic value, spleen index and thymus index as the investigation factors. Results: High dose and medium dose schisandrin B groups had significant inhibitory effect on mice ear edema when compared with the model control group(P<0. 05);There were significant differences between the high dose group and the positive group and there were significant differences in clearance index and phayxyitc index between high dose group and low dose group(P<0. 05), and high dose schisandrin B group had increased clearance index and phagocytic index in low immune function mice when compared with the model control group (P<0.05). Schisandrin B significantly increased HC50in low immune function mice when compared with the model control group (P<0. 01). Schisandrin B significantly increased the spleen index and thy-mus index in low immune function mice when compared with the model control group ( P<0. 01,and in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Schisandrin B has significant anti-inflammatory and immune function enhancing effects.

Antianxiety effect of schisandrin B in ICR mice and its mechanism / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To investigate the antianxiety effect of schisandrin B (SchB) in the ICR mice,and to elucidate its related mechanisms.Methods:The ICR mice were divided into blank control group (administered with distilled water intragastrically),2.5 mg · kg-1 SchB group,5 mg · kg-1 SchB group,and 10 · mg · kg-1 SchB group (administered with SchB intragastrically).After the successive administration for 7 d,cross maze test and zero maze test were conducted in all the mice,and then the peripheral blood and brain tissue samples of the mice in blank control group and 10 mg · kg-1 SchB group were taken.The levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) in the peripheral blood and brain tissue of the mice were detected by ELISA,and the ratio of GABA/Glu was calculated.The expression levels of the α1 subunit of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAARα1) and the γ2 subunit of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAARγ2) in the brain tissue of the mice were detected by Western blotting method.Results:In the elevated plus maze test,the percentages of number of open arm entries in 5.0 and 10.0 mg · kg 1 SchB groups were significantly increased compared with blank control group (P＜0.05 or P=0.01),and the percentages of time of open arm entries were significantly increased (P=0.05 or P＜0.01).In the elevated zero maze test,the percentages of number of open arm entries of the mice in 5.0 and 10.0 mg · kg-1SchB groups were significantly increased compared with blank control group (P＜0.01),and the percentages of number of entering open arm probe were significantly increased (P＜0.01).Compared with blank control group,the GABA levels in the peripheral blood and brain tissue of the mice in 10.0 mg · kg-1 SchB group,were significantly increased (P＜0.01),the Glu levels in the peripheral blood and brain tissue were significantly reduced (P＜0.01),the ratios of GABA/Glu were significantly increased (P＜0.01),and the expression levels of GABAARα1and GABAARγ2 in the brain tissue were significantly increased (P＜0.01).Conclusion:SchB has an antianxiety effect in the mice,and the effect may be related to its regulating the levels of GABA and Glu in the peripheral blood and brain tissue and the expression levels of GABAA Rα1 and GABAA Rγ2 in the brain tissue.