Factors influencing bilirubin elevation and its correlation with UGT1A1 gene polymorphism in the early postoperative period of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing total bilirubin elevation and its correlation with UGT1A1 gene polymorphism in the early postoperative period of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Methods: 104 cases with portal hypertension and esophageal variceal hemorrhage (EVB) treated with elective TIPS treatment were selected as the study subjects and were divided into a bilirubin-elevated group and a normal bilirubin group according to the total bilirubin elevation level during the early postoperative period. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing total bilirubin elevation in the early postoperative period. PCR amplification and first-generation sequencing technology were used to detect the polymorphic loci of the UGT1A1 gene promoter TATA box, enhancer c.-3279 T > G, c.211G > A, and c.686C > A. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation of four locus alleles and genotypes with elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period. Results: Among the 104 cases, 47 patients were in the bilirubin elevated group, including 35 males (74.5%) and 12 females (25.5%), aged (50.72 ± 12.56) years. There were 57 cases in the normal bilirubin group, including 42 males (73.7%) and 15 females (26.3%), aged (51.63 ± 11.10) years. There was no statistically significant difference in age (t = -0.391, P = 0.697) and gender (χ(2) = 0.008, P = 0.928) between the two groups of patients. Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative alanine transaminase (ALT) level (χ(2) = 5.954, P = 0.015), total bilirubin level (χ(2) = 16.638, P < 0.001), MELD score (χ(2) = 10.054, P = 0.018), Child-Pugh score (χ(2) = 6.844, P = 0.022), and postoperative portal vein branch development (χ(2) = 6.738, P = 0.034) were statistically significantly different between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative ALT level, total bilirubin level, and portal vein branch development after TIPS were correlated with the elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period. The polymorphism of the c.211G > A locus of the UGT1A1 gene correlation had elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period of TIPS. The risk of elevated total bilirubin was increased in the population carrying allele A (P = 0.001, OR = 4.049) in the early postoperative period. Allelic polymorphisms in the TATA box promoter region and enhancer c.-3279 T > G and c.686C > A had no statistically significant difference between the bilirubin-elevated group and the normal bilirubin group. Conclusion: The preoperative ALT level, total bilirubin level, and portal vein branch development are correlated with the elevated total bilirubin in early postoperative patients. The polymorphisms of the UGT1A1 gene and enhancer c.211G > A are correlated with the occurrence of elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period of TIPS. Allele A carrier may have a higher risk of elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period.

Clinical and genetic diagnosis for 26 paitents with hereditary spherocytosis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most common hereditary defect of the red cell membrane, mainly characterized by anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly. Due to the atypical clinical manifestations and negative family history of some patients, as well as the low sensitivity and specificity of traditional laboratory examinations, it is easy for it to escape diagnosis or be misdiagnosed. At present, it has been confirmed that the mutation of ANK1, SPTB, SPTA1, SLC4A1 and EPB42 genes can cause the deletion of their corresponding coding proteins, and thus lead to the defect of erythrocyte membrane. This study aims to analyze the feasibility and clinical application value of HS gene diagnosis.@*METHODS@#Data of 26 patients from Hunan, China with HS admitted to the Department of Hematology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2018 to September 2021 were retrospectively collected, and their clinical manifestations and results of laboratory examinations were analyzed. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) combined with Sanger sequencing were applied. The mutation of HS pathogenic gene and the variation of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1 family polypeptide A1 (UGT1A1), a key enzyme in the regulation of bilirubin metabolism, were detected. The results of pathogenic gene variations were interpreted pathogenic gene variations in accordance with the Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants published by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). The clinical characteristics of patients with different gene variants were analyzed, and the clinical diagnosis and genetic diagnosis were compared.@*RESULTS@#Among the 26 patients with HS, there were 23 cases of anemia, 25 cases of jaundice, 24 cases of splenomegaly, and 14 cases of cholelithiasis. There were 16 cases with family history and 10 cases without family history. The results of HS mutation test were positive in 25 cases and negative in 1 case. A total of 18 heterozygous mutations of HS pathogenic genes were detected in 19 families, among which 14 were pathogenic, 1 was likely pathogenic and 3 were of unknown significance. SPTB mutations (12) and ANK1 mutations (4) were the most common. The main variation types were nonsense mutation (9). There were no significant differences in peripheral blood cell parameters and hemolysis indicators between the SPTB mutant group and the ANK1 mutant group (all P>0.05). The rate of splenectomy in ANK1 mutation group was higher than that in SPTB mutation group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=6.970, P=0.014). There were no significant differences in peripheral blood cell parameters and hemolysis indicators among different mutation types (nonsense mutation, frameshift mutation, splice site mutation and missense mutation) (all P>0.05). Among the 18 clinically confirmedpatients, there were 17 cases whose diagnosis is consistent with the genetic diagnosis. Eight patients were clinically suspected, and all of them were confirmed by detection of HS gene mutation. Twenty-four patients with HS underwent UGT1A1 mutation detection, among which 5 patients carried UGT1A1 mutation resulting in a decrease in enzyme activity, and 19 patients had normal enzyme activity. The level of total bilirubin (TBIL) in the group with reduced enzyme activity was higher than that in the group with normal enzyme activity, and the difference was statistically significant (U=22, P=0.038).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Most patients with HS have anemia, jaundice and splenomegaly, often accompanied by cholelithiasis. SPTB and ANK1 mutations are the most common mutations in HS pathogenic genes among patients in Hunan, China, and there was no significant correlation between genotype and clinical phenotype. Genetic diagnosis is highly consistent with clinical diagnosis. The decrease of UGT1A1 enzyme activity can lead to the aggravation of jaundice in HS patients. Clinical combined gene diagnosis is beneficial for the rapid and precision diagnosis of HS. The detection of UGT1A1 enzyme activity related gene variation plays an important role in evaluation of HS jaundice.

Identification and expression of uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase(UGT) gene family from Dendrobium officinale / 中国中药杂志

Uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase(UGT) is a highly conserved protein in plants, which usually functions in secondary metabolic pathways. This study used the Hidden Markov Model(HMM) to screen out members of UGT gene family in the whole genome of Dendrobium officinale, and 44 UGT genes were identified. Bioinformatics was used to analyze the structure, phylogeny, and promoter region components of D. officinale genes. The results showed that UGT gene family could be divided into four subfamilies, and UGT gene structure was relatively conserved in each subfamily, with nine conserved domains. The upstream promoter region of UGT gene contained a variety of cis-acting elements related to plant hormones and environmental factors, indicating that UGT gene expression may be induced by plant hormones and external environmental factors. UGT gene expression in different tissues of D. officinale was compared, and UGT gene expression was found in all parts of D. officinale. It was speculated that UGT gene played an important role in many tissues of D. officinale. Through transcriptome analysis of D. officinale mycorrhizal symbiosis environment, low temperature stress, and phosphorus deficiency stress, this study found that only one gene was up-regulated in all three conditions. The results of this study can help understand the functions of UGT gene family in Orchidaceae plants and provide a basis for further study on the molecular regulation mechanism of polysaccharide metabolism pathway in D. officinale.

Effect of homologous overexpression of nucleoside diphosphate kinase on the yield and molecular weight of hyaluronic acid / 中国药科大学学报

@#To investigate the effect of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) on the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, nucleoside diphosphate kinase gene (ndk) was overexpressed along with the hyaluronic acid-producing genes in recombinant B.subtilis. Two engineered strains named Hp8tg and Pn8tg were constructed.Uniform hyaluronic acid (HA) could be obtained from both engineered strains.HA produced by both recombinant strains was confirmed by monosaccharide composition analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Inducing conditions of HA fermentation were optimized by response surface methodology.Overexpression of ndk could increase the production and molecular weight of HA by 1.3-fold and 1.1-fold, respectively. This study revealed for the first time that overexpression of ndk could relieve the inhibition effect of uridine diphosphate (UDP) on Class II HA synthase and increase the production and molecular weight of HA, which proves to be an efficient strategy for the production of HA, and the preparation of other polysaccharides.

Effect of molecular weight of polyethylene glycol on pharmacokinetics of baicalin / 药学学报

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEGs) with different molecular weights (MW: 400, 1 000, 4 000) on the pharmacokinetics of baicalin, and preliminarily analyze its mechanism. Rats were gavaged with baicalin (168 mg·kg-1) + aqueous solution or baicalin + PEGs solution and plasma samples were collected from 0 to 24 h after administration. The concentration of baicalin and its main metabolite baicalein 6-O-β-D-glucuronide (B6G) were determined at different time points by UPLC-MS/MS, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with DAS 3.0 software. The results showed that PEGs with different molecular weights could effectively increase the AUC0-t of baicalin and B6G, increase the Cmax, and prolong the t1/2, effectively increasing the concentration of baicalin and B6G in vivo. The mechanism may be by promoting the activity of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl-transferases 1A8 (UGT1A8) and 1A9 (UGT1A9), thereby increasing the transformation rate of baicalin and B6G. The rate of metabolism of B6G was faster than that of baicalin, suggesting that PEGs had a higher affinity for UGT1A8, and PEG400 had the most significant effect. The purpose of this study was to provide a basis for the clinical safe use of baicalin and other flavonoids and the design of new dosage forms with the participation of PEGs. The animal experiment protocol in this study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guizhou Medical University.

Development of an eco-friendly and fast HPLC method for quantitative analysis of four nucleosides in Cordyceps and related products / 中国天然药物

An eco-friendly and fast HPLC method was developed for the determination of adenosine, inosine, guanosine and uridine in Cordyceps and related products (fermented mycelia of Hirsutella sinensis andPaecilomyces hepiali). The sample was ultrasonically extracted using 0.5% phosphoric acid solutions for 2.5 min. Sample separation was performed on a Poroshell SB-Aq column (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm) using eco-friendly mobile phase consisting of formic acid and ammonium formate aqueous solution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min

Advances in biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in medicinal plants / 中国天然药物

In recent years, biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in medicinal plants has been widely studied because of their active ingredients with diverse pharmacological activities. Various oxidosqualene cyclases, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases, and transcription factors related to triterpenoid saponins biosynthesis have been explored and identified. In the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins, the progress of gene mining by omics-based sequencing, gene screening, gene function verification, catalyzing mechanism of key enzymes and gene regulation are summarized and discussed. By the progress of the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins, the large-scale production of some triterpenoid saponins and aglycones has been achieved through plant tissue culture, transgenic plants and engineered yeast cells. However, the complex biosynthetic pathway and structural diversity limit the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in different system. Special focus can further be placed on the systematic botany information of medicinal plants obtained from omics large dataset, and triterpenoid saponins produced by synthetic biology strategies, gene mutations and gene editing technology.

Concomitant use of immobilized uridine-cytidine kinase and polyphosphate kinase for 5'-cytidine monophosphate production / 生物工程学报

Uridine-cytidine kinase, an important catalyst in the compensation pathway of nucleotide metabolism, can catalyze the phosphorylation reaction of cytidine to 5'-cytidine monophosphate (CMP), but the reaction needs NTP as the phosphate donor. To increase the production efficiency of CMP, uridine-cytidine kinase gene from Thermus thermophilus HB8 and polyphosphate kinase gene from Rhodobacter sphaeroides were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Uridine-cytidine kinase was used for the generation of CMP from cytidine and ATP, and polyphosphate kinase was used for the regeneration of ATP. Then, the D403 metal chelate resin was used to adsorb Ni²⁺ to form an immobilized carrier, and the immobilized carrier was specifically combined with the recombinant enzymes to form the immobilized enzymes. Finally, single-factor optimization experiment was carried out to determine the reaction conditions of the immobilized enzyme. At 30 °C and pH 8.0, 60 mmol/L cytidine and 0.5 mmol/L ATP were used as substrates to achieve 5 batches of high-efficiency continuous catalytic reaction, and the average molar yield of CMP reached 91.2%. The above method has the advantages of low reaction cost, high product yield and high enzyme utilization rate, and has good applied value for industrial production.

Effect of Polyethylene Glycol 400 on Bile Excretion of Baicalin and Its Main Metabolite / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To investigate the effect of polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) on rat bile excretion of baicalin and its main metabolite [baicalein 6-O-β-D-glucuronide (B6G)], and to analyze its mechanism of action. Method::Rats were randomly divided into baicalin+ water group and baicalin+ PEG400 group, the anesthesia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 10% chloral hydrate (dose of 4 mL·kg-1) to prepare a rat bile duct intubation model. After the rats were fully awake, rats were given baicalin aqueous solution and baicalin PEG400 solution with dose of 168 mg·kg-1 for baicalin, respectively. And bile was collected from 0 h to 12 h after administration. UPLC-MS/MS was used to determine the concentration of drug excreted through bile at different time periods. Thermo Hypersil GOLD C18 column was used with acetonitrile (A)-0.1% formic acid solution (B) as the mobile phase for gradient elution (0-9 min, 90%-27%B; 9-10 min, 27%-90%B; 10-12 min, 90%B), the flow rate was 0.3 mL·min-1, the column temperature was 30 ℃, the injection volume was 5 μL. The mass spectra were obtained in positive ion mode with electrospray ionization (ESI). The effects of PEG400 on the activities and expressions in rat liver of uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferase (UGT) 1A8 and UGT1A9 were studied in vitro incubation assay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result::Compared with the baicalin+ water group, in the baicalin+ PEG400 group, the bile cumulative excretions of baicalin and B6G increased by 1.8 times and 2.1 times within 12 h, respectively. PEG400 increased the enzyme activities of UGT1A8 and UGT1A9 by 2.0 times and 1.5 times, and their concentrations in liver were increased by 2.2 times and 1.3 times, respectively. Conclusion::PEG400 can significantly increase the bile excretion of baicalin and its main metabolite B6G by enhancing the activities and expressions of UGT1A8 and UGT1A9, and its promoting effect on bile excretion of B6G is greater than that of baicalin, which provides a basis for the rational clinical application of PEG400 and the design of new dosage forms of flavonoids such as baicalin.

Establishment of Quality Control Method in Production of Jinshuibao Capsules / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To improve the quality control system in the production of Jinshuibao capsules, and to provide experimental basis for the follow-up research and application of this preparation. Method::High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed, the analysis was performed on a Ultimate AQ-C18 column (4.6 mm×150 mm, 5 μm). The chromatographic conditions for the determination of adenosine, guanosine and uridine were as following: mobile phase of methanol-0.1%formic acid aqueous solution for gradient elution, the flow rate of 0.4 mL·min-1, column temperature at 30 ℃, sample quantity of 10 μL, detection wavelength at 260 nm. The chromatographic conditions for the determination of ergosterol were as follows: mobile phase of methanol-water (98∶2), the flow rate of 1 mL·min-1, column temperature at 25 ℃, sample quantity of 10 μL, detection wavelength at 283 nm. Result::The main chromatographic peaks of fermented Cordyceps powder samples in different production stages showed little difference. The linear relationships of adenosine, guanosine and uridine were good (R2 >0.999), their recoveries were 106.06%, 101.25%and 105.88%, respectively. The contents of adenosine and ergosterol in 20 batches of samples extracted from 2016 to 2018 were in line with the requirements in the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the contents of guanosine and uridine were 0.97-1.36, 0.67-1.38 mg/capsule, respectively. Conclusion::The quality of Jinshuibao capsules in the market is stable. This method can be used to detect the quality of Jinshuibao capsules, and it is simple, stable and reliable.

Research on Therapeutic Mechanism of Canhuang Tablets on Jaundiced Rats Induced by ANIT / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Canhuang tablets on the mRNA and protein expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) and multidrug resistance associated protein 2 (MRP2) in the liver of jaundiced rats induced by α-naphthalene isothiocyanate (ANIT). Method:The rats were divided into normal group, model group, Canhuang tablets (CHP) group and ursodeoxycholic acid tablets (UDCA) group. The jaundice model was reproduced by ANIT. After the intervention of the corresponding drugs, the contents of total bilirubin (TBIL), total bile acid (TBA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum and the liver histopathology were examined to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CHP. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of FXR, UGT1A1 and MRP2 in rat liver tissues were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Result:CHP can significantly reduce the increase of TBIL, TBA, ALT, AST and ALP caused by ANIT in rat serum, and inhibit the liver pathological changes, which showed that the removing jaundice effect of CHP was better than UDCA. Compared with the normal group, ANIT significantly inhibited the mRNA levels of FXR, UGT1A1 and MRP2 in rat liver tissues after modeling (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CHP and UDCA significantly increased the mRNA levels of target genes of each protein after intervention (P<0.01), and CHP was superior to UDCA in improving the mRNA level of bilirubin metabolizing enzyme UGT1A1 (P<0.01). In the aspect of affecting protein expression, compared with the normal group, ANIT modeling significantly increased the expression of FXR in rats (P<0.05). CHP intervention showed a tendency to promote the expression of FXR, while UDCA did not, but there was no significant difference between them. In the aspects of promoting bilirubin metabolism and bile excretion, the expressions of UGT1A1 and MRP2 were significantly decreased by ANIT modeling (P<0.01), while the expressions of UGT1A1 and MRP2 proteins were significantly increased after treatment of CHP (P<0.01). CHP was superior to UDCA in increasing the expression of bilirubin and bile acid efflux protein MRP2 (P<0.01). Conclusion:The jaundice abating mechanism of CHP is related to activating FXR mRNA expression in liver, promoting the mRNA and protein expression of bilirubin metabolizing enzyme UGT1A1 and bile acid transporter MRP2, improving liver metabolism of free bilirubin and promoting bile acid excretion from the liver, and alleviating cholestatic liver injury.

Gilbert syndrome in a young boy with thalassemia trait: a rare association

Gilbert syndrome (GS) is a mild benign disease characterized by asymptomatic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in absence of liver disease or hemolysis. This is the most common disorder associated with bilirubin metabolism with autosomal recessive inheritance. It usually precipitates during episodes of dehydration, fasting or stress like intercurrent illnesses. Here, we are reporting a case of Gilbert syndrome in 12 yrs old boy with thalassemia trait who presented with history of persistent jaundice for last 10 months. He had disproportionately higher concentration of unconjugated bilirubin which cannot be attributed to either disorder alone. Authors considered the possibility of Gilbert syndrome after ruling out hemolytic anemia. Though genetic testing is considered to be gold standard for diagnosis of Gilbert syndrome but availability is an issue. Calorie restriction test and nicotinic acid provocation test has been used to confirm GS too. Rifampicin test, another simple test which has been described in literature though not widely used in diagnosis. It has high sensitivity and specificity too. Authors had performed rifampicin test in our index case to confirm the diagnosis of GS. Here, authors wish to highlight the patients with both GS and thalassemia trait has higher bilirubin concentrations and is more likely to be icteric than either defect alone.

Research progress in the eXpression of uridine diphosphate－glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 gene polymorphism / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The uridine diphosphate_glucuronosyl transferase 1A1(UGT1A1)gene mutation can affect the ex_pression of UGT1A1 gene and enzyme activity,and then reduce bilirubin metabolism leading to unconjugated hyperbi_lirubinemia. With the development of molecular biotechnology,more and more studies are trying to identify the patho_genesis of these polymorphisms by analyzing the expression and enzyme activity of UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms. Now, the progresses in the study of the expression of UGT1A1 gene polymorphism were reviewed.

Association analysis of the UGT1A1 polymorphism and unexplained neonatal hyperbilirubinemia / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To study the relationship between uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid (UGT1A1) gene polymorphism and unexplained neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in Jinhua.Method Full-term infants with unidentified non-binding hyperbilirubinemia were selected as hyperbilirubinemia group from January 2016 to December 2017 in the obstetrics or neonatal intensive care unit of Jinhua Central Hospital,healthy full-term neonates and those with physiological jaundice admitted during the same period were selected as control group.Whole blood DNA was extracted and UGT1A1 was sequenced and then annotated with human gene mutation database.The distribution and frequency of UGT1A1 genotype were analyzed.The correlation between different genotypes and unexplained unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates was also studied.Result Two hundred and forty cases were enrolled in the hyperbilirubinemia group,and 216 cases were enrolled in the control group.Four single nucleotide variation (SNV) sites associated with the disease were found on UGT1A1,which were c.211G＞A (Gly71Arg),c.686C＞A (Pro229Gln),c.1091C＞T (Pro364Leu) and c.1456T＞G (Tyr486Asp),accounting for 83.9％(141/168),1.8％(3/168),8.9％(15/168) and 5.4％(9/168) in the experimental group respectively.The genotype frequency and allele frequency analysis showed that the distribution of the two SNV sites of c.211G＞A and c.1456T＞G were statistically different between the experimental group and the control group (P＜0.05),whereas there was no statistical difference of the other two SNV sites of c.686C＞A and c.1091C＞T between the two groups.Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that c.211G＞A and c.1456T＞G were related to the occurrence of unexplained hyperbilirubinemia,The OR values (95％CI) were 5.412 (3.567～ 8.212) and 8.377 (1.052～66.670) respectively,but no correlation was found of the other two polymorphic loci.At the different genotypes of c.211G＞A locus,the levels of total bilirubin and non-binding bilirubin in infants with homozygous mutant (AA) were higher than those in infants with heterozygous mutant (GA) and wild type (GG),which was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion The most common mutation site of the UGT1A1 gene in Jinhua is c.211G＞A.The mutations of c.211G＞A and c.1456T＞G are risk factors forunconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates.Of the different genotypes of c.211G＞A locus,the serum bilirubin level of homozygous mutant group was significantly higher than heterozygous mutant group and wild type group.

IFNα induces cytidine/uridine monophosphate kinase 2 expression in hepatocarcinoma cell line to activate macrophages of mice / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the role of cytidine/uridine monophosphate kinase 2( CMPK2) in the immune-mediated antitumor effect of IFNα in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to analyze the expression of CMPK2 in Huh7 after the treatment of IFNα. The CMPK2 overexpressing Huh7 cells were generated by stably infecting with lentivirus. The ATP level in the cells and the supernatant of CMPK2 overexpress-ing Huh7 cells were measured by CellTiter-Glo ATP fluorescence assay. RT-qPCR was applied to test the expression of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages under the treatment of the supernatant of CMPK2 overexpress-ing Huh7 cells. Results The transcription and protein level of CMPK2 were significantly enhanced after the treat-ment of IFNα for 6 hours ( P＜0.01) . CMPK2 increased the ATP level in the cells and supernatant of Huh7 cells ( P＜0.01) . The supernatant of CMPK2 overexpressing Huh7 cells activated the expression of IL1β, IL6 and CCL5 in macrophages( P＜0.01) . Conclusions IFNα increases the expression of CMPK2 in Huh7 cells to activate the expression of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages.

Quantitative analysis of five nucleosides in Cordyceps by HPLC and quality control of Cordyceps militaris / 中草药

Objective To establish an HPLC method for simultaneous determination of uridine, vernine, adenosine, cordycepin, and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine in Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps Fungus Powder CS-4, Hirsutella sinensis, and C. sinensis), and determine the characteristic components of C. militaris to provide the scientific basis for quality control of C. militaris and its extract. Methods HPLC was performed on Inertsil ODS-3 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with mobile phase A (acetonitrile) and B (water) for gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.8 mL/min, detection wavelength was 260 nm, and column temperature was 30 ℃. Results All mentioned five nucleosides can be detected from C. militaris. However, cordycepin and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine were undetected in the other three Cordyceps species. The sample preparation method of C. militaris has a great effect on the content of nucleosides. The content of uridine, vernine and adenosine was the highest in samples prepared by ultrasonic extraction 180 min. Cordycepin was stable form six sample preparation methods, and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine was unbearable to heat and acid. The contents of cordycepin and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine were the same in four preparation methods. Conclusion This experiment provides a basis for the quality analysis of C. militaris and its extracts. Cordycepin and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine can be used as markers for the quality control of C. militaris and its extracts.

Determination and multivariate statistical analysis of four nucleosides in Aconiti Lateralis Radix praeparata and Aconiti Radix in Jiangyou of Sichuan Province / 中草药

Objective To establish a UPLC method for the simultaneous determination of uracil, adenosine, guanosine, and uridine in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (ALRP) and Aconiti Radix (AR), and to compare the content difference of four nucleosides in the samples based on multivariate statistical analysis. Methods Nucleosides in ALRP and AR were extracted with purified water by ultrasonic extraction. The UPLC method was performed on a BEH C18 (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) through a gradient elution of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min with column temperature at 30 ℃. The injection volume was set at 4.0 μL, and the detection wavelength was set at 260 nm. Difference significance analysis, hierarchical cluster heatmap analysis, principal component analysis, and TOPSIS analysis were used for data processing to comprehensively evaluate the quality of ALRP and AR. Results The method was in accordance with the regulations, the quantitative evaluation of uracil, adenosine, guanosine, and uridine was in good linear range (r2 > 0.999 3), and the average recovery was 99.86%, 99.14%, 99.74%, and 98.71% respectively, and the RSDs were all less than 2.0%. Taking the four nucleosides as indexes, the samples No. 18 of ALRP and the samples No. 23 of AR were the best in quality. Conclusion The established method is simple, accurate, and reliable with good precision, repeatability, and stability, which can be used for the simultaneous determination of four nucleosides in ALRP and AR, and it might provide the scientific basis for the study of water-soluble constituents in ALRP and AR.

Effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Extract on the Expression of UGT1A and MRP2 in Human Liver L-02 Cells Damaged by Triptolide / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract (GE) on the expression of uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferase 1A (UGT1A) and multidrug resistance associated protein 2 (MRP2) in human liver L-02 cells damaged by triptolide (TP),and to study attenuated mechanism of G.uralensison for TP.METHODS:The survival rates of L-02 cells were determined by MTT assay after cultured with 0 (blank control),40,80,160 nmol/L TP for 12,18,24 h.L-02 cells were divided into blank control group (blank culture medium),model control group (80 nmol/L TP) and GE pretreatment group (adding 80 nmol/ L TP after pretreated with 30,60,90 mg/L GE for 24 h);after cultured for 18 h,survival rates of L-02 cells were determined by MTT assay.Rifampin (RIF) group (positive control,adding 80 nmoi/L TP after pretreated with 10 μmol/L RIF for 24 h) was added on the basis of the above grouping (GE concentration of 60 mg/L in GE pretreatment group).After cultured for 24 h,the protein expressions of UGT1A and MRP2 were detected.RESULTS:The inhibition effect of TP on cell proliferation was positively correlated with the concentration and the time.Compared with blank control group,cell survival rate of model control group was decreased significantly (P＜0.05),and the protein expression of MRP2 was decreased significantly (P＜0.01).Compared with model control group,cell survival rates of 30,60,90 mg/L GE pretreatment groups were all increased significantly (P＜0.01).The protein expressions of UGT1A and MRP2 were increased significantly in 60 mg/L GE pretreatment group (P＜0.01).CONCLUSIONS:GE pretreatment can relieve TP-induced human liver L-02 cell damage,and its attenuated mechanism may be associated with the increase the expression of UGT1A and MRP2.

Therapeutic effects of emodin on acute choiestatic hepatitis and mechanism in rats / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of emodin on acute cholestatic hepatitis and mec-hanism thereof. Methods Fifty Sprague - Dawley (SD)rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and were treated with emodin,ursodeoxycholic acid,dexamethasone,or normal saline respectively for 4 days. On the fifth day gastric perfusion of alpha - naphthylisothiocyanate(ANIT)was performed to establish models of choiestatic hepatitis. Four to six hours after the establishment of model the above mentioned agents were given continuously. Forty - eight hours after the model establishment blood samples were collected from abdominal aorta to examine the total bilirubin(TB),direct bilirubin (DB),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total bile acid(TBA),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),gamma glutamine transferase(GGT). Specimen of liver was collected to undergo pathological examination. Real - time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR),small heterodimer partner (SHP ),bile salt export pump (BSEP ),uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 2 family polypeptide B4 (UGT2B4). Results The serum levels of total bilirubin (TB),direct bilirubin (DB),alanine aminotransferase (ALT),total bile acids (TBA),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)of the model group were respectively (68. 1 ± 26. 1)μmol/ L,(46. 3 ± 20. 1)μmol/ L,(483 ± 228)U/ L,(159. 1 ± 57. 9)μmol/L,(2. 0 ± 0. 5)U/ L,(996 ± 382)U/ L,(324 ± 120)U/ L. The levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,AST,ALP of the emodin group were respectively (15. 0 ± 8. 7)μmol/ L,(10. 8 ± 3. 9)μmol/ L,(147 ± 71)U/ L,(60. 1 ± 22. 7)μmol/ L, (295 ± 104)U/ L,(222 ± 59)U/ L,and were all significantly lower than those of the model group (all P < 0. 05). The levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,AST,GGT,ALP of the emodin group were all significantly lower than those of the ursode-oxycholic acid group (all P < 0. 05). The levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,GGT,AST were all significantly lower than those of the dexamethasone group (all P < 0. 01). The expression levels of FXR,SHP,BSEP,UGT2B4 mRNA in the emodin group (1. 087 ± 0. 285,0. 892 ± 0. 390,0. 902 ± 0. 149,1. 785 ± 0. 403)were all significantly higher than those of the model group (0. 152 ±0. 088,0. 559 ±0. 194,0. 561 ±0. 123,0. 177 ±0. 039,all P <0. 05). Conclusions By decreasing the levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,AST,ALP and reducing pathological changes,emodin has a protective effect on cholestatic hepatitis. It has better effects than ursodeoxycholic acid and dexamethasone. These effects may be due to promoting FXR,SHP,BSEP and UGT2B4 expression.

HPLC Method for Determination of Seven Components in Holotrichia diomphalia Larvae / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish a quantitative method for determining the contents of uracil, cytidine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, uridine, inosine, and guanosine in Holotrichia diomphalia Larvae by HPLC. METHODS: The HPLC analysis was performed on Waters HSS T3 column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile(A) and water(B), and gradient elution was carried out. The flow rate was 1.0 mL•min-1. The column temperature was maintained at 30 ℃. The detection wavelength was 260 nm. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients of the seven components ranged from 0.999 1 to 1.000 0. The average recovery rates(n=6) were between 91.2% and 97.4%, and the RSDs were between 1.5% and 2.3%. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is simple, accurate and reliable, thus providing basis for comprehensive quality control of Holotrichia diomphalia Larvae.