Foliar application of triacontanol ameliorates heat stress through regulation of the antioxidant defense system and improves yield of eggplant / Title in the second language of the article: Amelioration of heat stress in egg plant through application of tricontanol

Abstract Transplanting time and genotype contribute to improving crop yield and quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). A field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of foliar applied of triacontanol (TRIA) and eggplant genotypes 25919, Nirala, 28389 and Pak-10927,transplanted on 1 March,15 March, and 1 April on exposure to high air temperature conditions. The experiment was performed according to Randomized Complete Block Design and the data was analyzed by using Tuckey,s test . The TRIA was applied at 10µM at flowering stage; distilled water was used as the control. Rate of photosynthesis and transpiration, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and effects on antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) were evaluated. The 10µM TRIA increased photosynthesis rate and water use efficiency and yield was improved in all genotypes transplanted at the different dates. Foliar application of 10µM TRIA increased antioxidative enzyme activities (SOD, POD & CAT) and improved physiological as well as biochemical attributes of eggplant genotypes exposed to high heat conditions. Highest activity of dismutase enzyme 5.41mg/1g FW was recorded in Nirala genotype in second transplantation. Whereas, lowest was noted in PAK-10927 (2.30mg/g FW). Maximum fruit yield was found in accession 25919 (1.725kg per plant) at 1st transplantation with Triacontanol, whereas accession PAK-10927 gave the lowest yield (0.285 kg per plant) at control treatment on 3rd transplantation. Genotype, transplanting date and application of TRIA improved growth, yield and quality attributes under of heat stress in eggplant.

Resumo O tempo de transplante e o genótipo contribuem para melhorar a produtividade e a qualidade da cultura da berinjela (Solanum melongena L.). Um experimento de campo foi conduzido para investigar o impacto da aplicação foliar de triacontanol (TRIA) e genótipos de berinjela 25919, Nirala, 28389 e Pak-10927, transplantados em 1 de março, 15 de março e 1 de abril de exposição a condições de alta temperatura do ar. O experimento foi realizado de acordo com o Randomized Complete Block Design e os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Tuckey. O TRIA foi aplicado a 10 µM na fase de floração; água destilada foi utilizada como controle. Taxa de fotossíntese e transpiração, condutância estomática, eficiência do uso da água e efeitos sobre as enzimas antioxidantes (superóxido dismutase, catalase e peroxidase) foram avaliados. O TRIA 10 µM aumentou a taxa de fotossíntese e a eficiência do uso da água e o rendimento foi melhorado em todos os genótipos transplantados nas diferentes datas. A aplicação foliar de TRIA 10µM aumentou as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes (SOD, POD e CAT) e melhorou os atributos fisiológicos e bioquímicos de genótipos de berinjela expostos a condições de alto calor. A atividade mais elevada da enzima dismutase 5,41mg / 1g FW foi registrada no genótipo Nirala no segundo transplante. Considerando que o mais baixo foi observado em PAK-10927 (2,30 mg / g FW). A produtividade máxima de frutos foi encontrada no acesso 25919 (1,725 ​​kg por planta) no 1º transplante com Triacontanol, enquanto o acesso PAK-10927 deu a menor produção (0,285 kg por planta) no tratamento de controle no 3º transplante. Genótipo, data de transplante e aplicação de TRIA, melhoramento do crescimento, rendimento e atributos de qualidade sob estresse térmico em berinjela.

6-Gingerol ameliorates adipose tissue insulin resistance in aging rats / 中国中药杂志

This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of 6-gingerol on adipose tissue insulin resistance in naturally aging rats with glycolipid metabolism disorders. Twenty-seven aging male SD rats were randomly divided into a model group(aged, n=9) and two groups treated with 6-gingerol at 0.05 mg·kg~(-1)(G-L, n=9) and 0.2 mg·kg~(-1)(G-H, n=9). Six young rats were randomly assigned to a normal control group(NC). Rats were treated for seven weeks by gavage. Non-esterified fatty acid(NEFA) and insulin content was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and adipose tissue insulin resistance index(Adipo-IR) was calculated. HE staining was used to observe the size of adipocytes in epididymal white adipose tissue(eWAT). The gene and protein expression levels of adiponectin receptor 1(AdipoR1), AMP-activated protein kinase α(AMPKα), phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPKα~(Thr172)), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K), protein kinase B(Akt), phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt~(Ser473)), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2(JNK1/2), phosphorylated JNK1/2(p-JNK~(Thr183/Tyr185)), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and interleukin-6(IL-6) in adiponectin(APN), insulin, and inflammatory factor signaling pathways were detected by Western blot and real-time RCR, respectively. The results showed that 6-gingerol at a high dose could significantly decrease the fasting plasma content of NEFA and insulin and reduce Adipo-IR. Additionally, 6-gingerol at a high dose significantly increased the protein and mRNA expression of APN, AdipoR1, PGC-1α, and PI3 K in eWAT, elevated the relative expression of p-AMPK~(Thr172) and p-Akt~(Ser 473), reduced the protein and mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 in eWAT, and decreased the relative expression of p-JNK1 and p-JNK2. This study reveals that 6-gingerol can improve insulin sensitivity of adipose tissues in aging rats with glycolipid metabolism disorders, and this effect is presumedly achieved by enhancing the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway, inhibiting adipose tissue inflammation, increasing APN synthesis, enhancing AdipoR1 expression, and activating its downstream AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

1-triacontanol cerotate isolated from Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. safeguards hippocampal CA3 neurons and augments special memory deficit in chronic epileptic rats / Cerotato de 1-triacontanol aislado de Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. protege las neuronas CA3 del hipocampo y mejora el déficit de memoria especial en ratas epilépticas crónicas

SUMMARY: Currently many people with epilepsy do not have seizure control even with the best available medications. Moreover various antiepileptics have adverse cognitive impact with other side effect. Thus, need for new antiepileptic drugs still remains challenge. However, many of the natural components have antiepileptic action and this fact remains scientifically unexplored. This study was designed to check the behavioral and neuro-pathological outcome of 1-Triacontanol cerotate (1TAC), isolated from Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. (MQ) on chronic Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling model of epilepsy in rats. Two-month-old adult male Wistar rats (n=60) were randomly divided into six groups; Group I (Cage Control), II (Vehicle Control), III (Positive Control), IV (Standard drug treated), V (1TAC: 40 mg/kg) & VI (1TAC: 80 mg/kg). To induce kindling a 35 mg/kg dose of PTZ was injected i.p. in every 48 hrs for 30 days in Group III to VI. Spatial memory performance was tested using Morris water maze, following which brains were further processed for histopathological investigations. Interestingly, 1TAC was able to minimize the loss of pyramidal cells in hippocampal CA3 region. These cellular changes were behaviorally responded as improved special learning and memory, a better spatial navigation and object place configuration. The current study strongly implicates that 1TAC from MQ has potent neuroprotective role and augments special memory deficit in chronic epileptic rats. The isolated component which attenuates spatial memory performance could be beneficial outcome to retain cognitive blunting in chronic epilepsy.

RESUMEN: Actualmente, muchas personas con epilepsia no cuentan con un control adecuado de las convulsiones, incluso con los mejores medicamentos disponibles. Además, varios antiepilépticos tienen un impacto cognitivo adverso además de efectos secundarios. Por lo tanto, la necesidad de nuevos fármacos antiepilépticos sigue siendo un desafío. Sin embargo, muchos de los componentes naturales tienen acción antiepiléptica y este hecho permanece científicamente inexplorado. Este estudio se diseñó para verificar el resultado conductual y neuro-patológico del cerotato de 1-triacontanol (1TAC), aislado de Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. (MQ) en el modelo de epilepsia en ratas del pentilenetetrazol (PTZ) crónico (PTZ). Ratas Wistar adultas de dos meses de edad (n = 60) se dividieron aleatoriamente en seis grupos; Grupo I (Control de jaula), II (Control de vehículo), III (Control positivo), IV (Medicamento estándar de tratamiento), V (1TAC: 40 mg / kg) y VI (1TAC: 80 mg / kg). Para inducir la inflamación se inyectó una dosis de 35 mg / kg de PTZ i.p. en cada 48 horas durante 30 días en los grupos III a VI. El rendimiento de la memoria espacial se probó utilizando el laberinto de agua de Morris, después de lo cual se procesaron los cerebros para investigaciones histopatológicas. Curiosamente, 1TAC pudo minimizar la pérdida de células piramidales en la región CA3 del hipocampo. Estos cambios celulares respondieron de manera conductual como una mejora del aprendizaje especial y la memoria, una mejor navegación espacial y la configuración del lugar del objeto. El estudio actual implica fuertemente que 1TAC de MQ tiene un potente papel neuroprotector y mejora el déficit de memoria especial en ratas epilépticas crónicas. El componente aislado que atenúa el rendimiento de la memoria espacial podría ser un resultado beneficioso para retener la reducción cognitiva en la epilepsia crónica.

Physiological Activities of Policosanol Extracted from Sugarcane Wax

Policosanol extracted from sugarcane wax is a generic term used for total fatty alcohols obtained from esterification of fatty acids. It has been approved as a health functional food by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea in 2006. Policosanol is well-known to aid in lowering blood cholesterol level. Recently, several studies have reported the physiological activities of policosanol, such as anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant effects, and lowering of the incidence of ageing-related diseases, for example, hypertension, stroke, among others. This review describes the physiological activities of policosanol and its applications in the field of health functional foods.

6-Gingerol inhibits hair cycle via induction of MMP2 and MMP9 expression

ABSTRACT 6-Gingerol is the major active constituent of ginger. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of 6-Gingerol on hair growth. Mice were randomly divided into five groups; after hair depilation (day 0), mice were treated with saline, or different concentrations of 6-Gingerol for 11 days. The histomorphological characteristics of the growing hair follicles were examined after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results indicated that 6-Gingerol significantly suppressed hair growth compared with that in the control group. And choose the concentration of 6-Gingerol at 1 mg/mL to treated with mice. Moreover, 6-Gingerol (1 mg/mL) significantly reduced hair re-growth ratio, hair follicle number, and hair follicle length, which were associated with increased expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Furthermore, the growth factors, such as EGF, KGF, VEGF, IGF-1 and TGF-β participate in the hair follicle cycle regulation and regulate hair growth. We then measured the concentrations of them using ELISA assays, and the results showed that 6-Gingerol decreased EGF, KGF, VEGF, and IGF-1 concentrations, and increased TGF-β concentration. Thus, this study showed that 6-Gingerol might act as a hair growth suppressive drug via induction of MMP2 and MMP9 expression, which could interfere with the hair cycle.

Efectos en ratas de los alcoholes de cera de abejas (D-002) sobre la colitis ulcerativa inducida por sulfato de dextrano y etanol / Effects in rats of bee-wax alcohols (D-002) on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate and ethanol

RESUMEN Objetivos. Investigar los efectos del D-002, mezcla de seis alcoholes alifáticos primarios de alto peso molecular, obtenida de la cera de abejas (Apis mellifera), sobre la colitis ulcerativa (CU) inflamatoria severa inducida por sulfato de dextrano (DSS) y etanol en ratas (Ratus ratus). Materiales y métodos. Las ratas se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en seis grupos: un control cero al que no se provocó daño, y cinco a los que se les indujo la CU: un control negativo (vehículo), tres tratados con D-002 (25, 100 y 400 mg/kg) y un control positivo con sulfazalacina (200 mg/kg) (sustancia de referencia). Se cuantificaron las manifestaciones clínicas (variación del peso corporal, presencia de diarrea y de sangrado rectal), el puntaje de daño macroscópico e histológico, y la actividad de mieoloperoxidasa (MPO). Resultados. El tratamiento oral con D-002 (25, 100 y 400 mg/kg) previno significativamente la disminución del peso corporal. La dosis de 400 mg/kg redujo la presencia de diarreas y sangrado rectal, aunque su comparación con el control negativo solo alcanzó significación estadística sobre las diarreas. El D-002 (25, 100 y 400 mg/kg) redujo significativamente el puntaje de las lesiones macroscópicas (40,0; 43,3 y 47,2% de inhibición, respectivamente), el puntaje de daño histológico (31,5; 53,7 y 67,1% de inhibición, respectivamente) y la actividad de MPO (73,2; 83,6 y 85,0% de inhibición, respectivamente), comparado con el grupo control negativo. La sulfazalacina redujo significativamente todas las variables estudiadas. Conclusiones. El D-002 (25, 100 y 400 mg/kg) protegió significativamente la mucosa colónica en ratas con CU inflamatoria severa inducida por DSS y etanol.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To investigate the effects of D-002, a mixture of 6 high molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols, obtained from beeswax (Apis mellifera), on severe inflammatory ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by Dextran sulfate (DSS) and ethanol in rats (Ratus ratus). Materials and methods. Rats were randomly distributed in six groups: a zero control to which no damage was caused, and five to which the UC was induced: a negative control (vehicle), three treated with D-002 (25, 100 and 400 mg/kg) and a positive control with sulfasalazine (200 mg/kg) (reference substance). Clinical manifestations (body weight variation, diarrhea and rectal bleeding), macroscopic and histological damage score, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were quantified. Results. The oral treatment with D-002 (25, 100 and 400 mg/ kg) significantly prevented the decrease in body weight. The dose of 400 mg/kg reduced the presence of diarrhea and rectal bleeding, although its comparison with the negative control only reached statistical significance on diarrhea. D-002 (25, 100 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the score of macroscopic lesions (40.0; 43.3 and 47.2% inhibition, respectively), the histological damage score (31.5; 53.7 and 67.1% inhibition, respectively) and the activity of MPO (73.2; 83.6 and 85.0% inhibition, respectively), compared to the negative control group. Sulfasalazine significantly reduced all variables studied. Conclusions. D-002 (25, 100 and 400 mg/kg) significantly protected the colonic mucosa in rats with severe inflammatory UC induced by DSS and ethanol.

Lipid-lowering effect of seven traditional Chinese medicine monomers in zebrafish system / 生理学报

The present study aimed to study lipid-lowering effect of seven traditional Chinese medicine monomers in zebrafish system. Zebrafish were fed with high fat diet to establish a hyperlipemia model, then fasted and bathed with seven traditional Chinese medicine monomers stigmasterol, triacontanol, chrysophanol, vanillic acid, shikimic acid, polydatin and oleanolic acid respectively. The oil red O staining was used to detect the blood lipids of zebrafish. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were detected to validate the lipid-lowering effect. The result showed that a zebrafish model of hyperlipemia could be established by feeding larvae zebrafish with high fat diet. Among the seven traditional Chinese medicine monomers, chrysophanol had lipid-lowering effect. Chrysophanol significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in adult zebrafish fed with high fat diet. Chrysophanol accelerated peristalsis frequency of zebrafish intestine and the excretion of high fat food. It is concluded that chrysophanol has lipid- lowering effect in zebrafish, and the mechanism of the effect may be due to the roles of chrysophanol in reducing lipid absorption from gastrointestinal tract and accelerating the excretion of food.

Gingerol activates noxious cold ion channel TRPA1 in gastrointestinal tract / 中国天然药物

TRPA1 channels are non-selective cation channels that could be activated by plant-derived pungent products, including gingerol, a main active constituent of ginger. Ginger could improve the digestive function; however whether ginger improves the digestive function through activating TRPA1 receptor in gastrointestinal tract has not been investigated. In the present study, gingerol was used to stimulate cell lines (RIN14B or STC-1) while depletion of extracellular calcium. TRPA1 inhibitor (rethenium red) and TRPA1 gene silencing via TRPA1-specific siRNA were also used for mechanistic studies. The intracellular calcium and secretion of serotonin or cholecystokinin were measured by fura-2/AM and ELISA. Stimulation of those cells with gingerol increased intracellular calcium levels and the serotonin or cholecystokinin secretion. The gingerol-induced intracellular calcium increase and secretion (serotonin or cholecystokinin) release were completely blocked by ruthenium red, EGTA, and TRPA1-specific siRNA. In summary, our results suggested that gingerol derived from ginger might improve the digestive function through secretion releasing from endocrine cells of the gut by inducing TRPA1-mediated calcium influx.

Pharmacokinetic profiles of falcarindiol and oplopandiol in rats after oral administration of polyynes extract of Oplopanax elatus / 中国天然药物

Polyynes, such as facarindiol (FAD) and oplopandiol (OPD), are responsible for anticancer activities of Oplopanax elatus (O. elatus). A novel approach to pharmacokinetics determination of the two natural polyynes in rats was developed and validated using a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. Biosamples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate/n-hexane (V : V = 9 : 1) and the analytes were eluted on an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 threaded column (4.6 mm × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% aqueous formic acid at a flow-rate of 0.5 mL·min(-1) within a total run time of 11 min. All analytes were simultaneously monitored in a single-quadrupole mass spectrometer in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode using electrospray source in positive mode. The method was demonstrated to be rapid, sensitive, and reliable, and it was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic studies of the two polyynes in rat plasma after oral administration of polyynes extract of O. elatus.

Preparation and evaluation of intra-articular injectable sinomenine hydrochloride-loaded in situ liquid crystals / 药学学报

Phytantriol (PT), ethanol (ET) and water were used to prepare in situ cubic liquid crystal (ISV2). The pseudo-ternary phase diagram of PT-ET-water was constructed and isotropic solution formulations were chosen for further optimization. The physicochemical properties of isotropic solution formulations were evaluated to optimize the composition of ISV2. In situ hexagonal liquid crystals (ISH2) were prepared based on the composition of ISV2 with the addition of vitamin E acetate (VitEA) and the amount of VitEA was optimized by in vitro release behavior. The phase structures of liquid crystalline gels formed by ISV2 and ISH2 in excess water were confirmed by crossed polarized light microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering, respectively. Rheological properties of ISV2 and ISH2 were studied by a DHR-2 rheometer. In vitro drug release studies were conducted by using a dialysis membrane diffusion method. Pharmacokinetics was investigated by determination of sinomenine hydrochloride (SMH) concentration in synovial membrane after intra-articular injection of SMH-loaded ISH2 in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. The optimal ISV2 (PT/ET/water, 64 : 16 : 20, w/w/w) loaded with 6 mg x g(-1) of SMH showed a suitable pH, injectable and formed a cubic liquid crystalline gel in situ with minimum water absorption in the shortest time. The optimal ISV2 was able to sustain the drug release for 144 h. The optimal ISH2 system was prepared by addition of 5% VitEA into PT in the optimal ISV2 system. This ISH2 (PT/VitEA/ET/water, 60.8 : 3.2 : 16 : 20, w/w/w/w) was an injectable isotropic solution with suitable pH. The new ISH2 was able to sustain the drug release for more than 240 h. Local pharmacokinetics study indicated that the retention time and AUC(0-∞) of ISH2 group were increased significantly compared with that of SMH solution group and the AUC(0-∞) of ISH2 group was 6.01 times higher than that of SMH solution group. The developed ISH2 was suitable for intra-articular injection that may apply to patients in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Stability of 50mg-Beeswax alcohols tablets (Abexol®) packed in high-density polyethylene flasks

Introduction: beeswax alcohols, consisting in a reproducible mixture of six primary fatty alcohols from 24 to 34 carbon atoms purified from Apis mellifera beeswax, has been shown to produce antioxidant and gastroprotective effects. This substance is used to manufacture Abexol® 50 mg tablets, the finished form used in clinical studies and in routine practice. Objective: to determine the stability of 50 mg‒Beeswax alcohols tablets (Abexol®) packed in high‒density polyethylene flasks. Methods: samples from three batches of Abexol® 50 mg tablets packed in white high density polyethylene flasks (Rainbow & Nature, Sydney, Australia) were put into cardboard boxes and kept under climatic conditions of the zone IV (30±2 ºC, 70±5 percent of relative humidity) for five years. Results: all parameters tested were within specifications throughout the whole study: appearance (white round tablets with intact surfaces), average weight (initial average weight±7,5 percent), total content of the six fatty alcohols (50±3.75 mg), disintegration time (<15 min), hardness (˃3 kg/cm2) and microbiological content (≤1 000 bacteria/g and ≤100 fungi/g, absence of E. coli,S. aureus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and C. albicans). This result is consistent with the data of a previous stability study of Abexol® 50 mg tablets manufactured in Cuba and packed in blisters of polyvinyl chloride and aluminum. Conclusions: the results of the present study support that Abexol®50mg tablets packed in white high density polyethylene flasks and stored at the conditions of the climatic zone IV have a shelf life of 5 years(AU)

Introducción: los alcoholes de la cera de abejas constituyen una mezcla reproducible de seis alcoholes grasos primarios de 24 a 34 átomos de carbono purificados de la cera de Apis mellifera. Esta sustancia, con efectos antioxidantes y gastroprotectores, es empleada para la elaboración de las tabletas de Abexol® con dosis de 50 mg de alcoholes, forma farmacéutica terminada utilizada en los ensayos clínicos y en la práctica de rutina. Objetivo: determinar la estabilidad de las tabletas con 50 mg de alcoholes de cera de abejas (Abexol®) en frascos de polietileno de alta densidad. Métodos: muestras de tres lotes de tabletas de Abexol® con dosis de 50 mg envasadas en frascos de polietileno de alta densidad ( Rainbow & Nature, Sydney, Australia) se pusieron en cajas de cartón y se mantuvieron en las condiciones de la zona climática IV (30±2 ºC, 70±5 por ciento de humedad relativa) durante cinco años. Resultados: los parámetros evaluados se mantuvieron dentro de sus especificaciones de calidad durante todo el estudio: apariencia (tabletas blancas redondas con superficies enteras), peso promedio (inicial±7,5 por ciento), contenido total de los seis alcoholes grasos (50±3,75 mg), tiempo de desintegración (<15 min), dureza (˃3 kg/cm2) y contenido microbiológico (≤1 000 bacterias/g y ≤100 hongos/g, ausencia de E. coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella y C. albicans). Este resultado es consistente con los datos de un estudio previo de estabilidad de tabletas de Abexol® con dosis de 50 mg, fabricadas en Cuba y envasadas en blísteres de cloruro de polivinilo y aluminio. Conclusiones: los resultados del presente estudio sustentan que las tabletas de Abexol® con dosis de 50 mg, envasadas en frascos de polietileno de alta densidad y almacenadas en las condiciones de la zona climática IV, presentan un tiempo de vida útil de cinco años(AU)

Antiproliferative evaluation of tall-oil docosanol and tetracosanol over CHO-K1 and human melanoma cells

Background Polycosanols derived from plant species have traditionally been used in medicine as antiproliferative agents for treating various viruses (primarily the herpes simplex virus). However, few studies have studied their effects on hyperproliferative cell lines. In this work, the antiproliferative capacity of polycosanols from tall-oil pitch, obtained from black liquor soaps in the kraft pulping process of cellulose (specifically from Pinus radiata, Pinus taede, and Eucalyptus globulus), was evaluated on CHO-K1 and CRL-1974 human melanoma cell lines. Results The proliferative capacities and cell viabilities were measured for 72 and 140 h, respectively. Treatment with docosanol produced differential effects on the CHO-K1 and human melanoma cells and significantly affected their proliferation rates, but not their cell viabilities. Tetracosanol produced a significant negative effect on the proliferation of human melanoma cells, and this effect was less than that caused by docosanol. However, it had no effect on the proliferation of CHO-K1 cells and did not induce any significant effect on the viability of the studied cell lines. Conclusion Docosanol and tetracosanol induced antiproliferative effects on the studied cell lines and exhibited significantly greater effects on the oncogenic cell lines. Prior to this study, the capacity of these polycosanols has never been investigated. Future studies will be necessary to determine their mechanisms of action on these cell systems.

Lipophilic metabolite profiling of maize and sorghum seeds and seedlings, and their pest spotted stem borer larvae: A standardized GC-MS based approach.

In order to better understand the biochemical interactions and to identify new biomarkers for plant resistance against insects, we proposed a suitable lipophilic profiling method for insects and their host plants. The critical components of GC-MS based analysis are: sample amount, extraction, derivatization, temperature gradient, run time, and identification of peaks. For lipophilic metabolite profiling of maize and sorghum, and their insect pest, spotted stem borer larvae, we recommend 100 mg sample weight for seeds and insect samples (whole insect body), and 200 mg for seedlings. Maize and sorghum seeds required less time for fat extraction in comparison to their seedlings and the pest fed on these seedlings. GC-MS was standardized for better separation and intensity of peaks using different temperature gradients in the range of 180-300 C. A total of 48 lipophilic compounds encompassing various classes based on their functional groups such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, sterols and terpenoids, vitamin derivative, etc. were separated in the seedlings (30), seeds (14), and the pest (26) in the retention time range of 3.22 to 29.41 min. This method could be useful to study nutritional aspects of different field crops in relation to various stresses apart from the analysis of lipophilic compounds for better understanding of insect-plant interactions.

Juan César García: social medicine as project and endeavor / Juan César García: a medicina social como projeto e realização

This paper analyses some aspects of the trajectory of the Argentinian physician and sociologist Juan César García (1932-1984) in the field of Latin American Social Medicine. Three dimensions constituting his basic orientations are highlighted: the elaboration of systematic and reflective social thought; a critical attitude in questioning teaching and professional practices; a commitment to the institutionalization and dissemination of health knowledge.

O artigo analisa aspectos da trajetória de Juan César García (1932-1984), médico e sociólogo argentino, no campo da medicina social latino-americana. Destaca três dimensões que constituem as suas orientações básicas no campo da saúde: a elaboração de um pensamento sobre o social, sistemático e reflexivo; uma atitude crítica na problematização do ensino e das práticas profissionais; um compromisso com a institucionalização e divulgação do saber sanitário.

Diagnostic ion filtering strategy for chemical characterization of Guge Fengtong Tablet with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to characterize the chemical constituents of Guge Fengtong Tablet (GGFTT). Based on the chromatographic retention behavior, fragmentation pathways of chemical components and the published literatures, a diagnostic ion filtering strategy with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) was established to identify the multiple bioactive constituents of GGFTT. The rapid identification of forty-seven components, including 18 phenolic acids, 8 saponins, 14 gingerol-related compounds, and 7 diarylhepatonoids, was accomplished using this newly developed method. The coupling of HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS with the diagnostic ion filtering strategy was useful and efficient for the in-depth structural elucidation of chemical compounds of GGFTT.

Antagonistic effect of gingerols against TNF-α release, ROS overproduction and RIP3 expression increase induced by lectin from Pinellia ternata / 中国中药杂志

To explore the antagonistic effect of gingerols against the inflammation induced by lectin from Pinellia ternata. In this study, ELISA method was used to determine the effect of different extracts from gingerols on the release of inflammatory factor TNF-α from macrophages induced by lectin from P. ternata. The fluorescence probe was used to determine the effect of gingerols on the changes in ROS of macrophages induced by lectin from P. ternata. The western-blot method was applied to study the effect of gingerols on the increase in expression of cell receptor interacting protein RIP3 in macrophages induced by lectin from P. ternata. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the effect of gingerols on morphological changes in macrophages induced by lectin from P. ternata. According to the results, gingerols can significantly inhibit the release of inflammatory factor from macrophages induced by lectin from P. ternata, ROS overproduction and increase in RIP3 expression. SEM results showed that gingerols can inhibit the cytomorphosis and necrocytosis induced by lectin from P. ternata. Fresh ginger's detoxication may be related to gingerols' effects in inhibiing release of inflammatory factor, ROS overproduction and increase in RIP3 expression caused by macrophages induced by lectin from P. ternata, which are mainly inflammatory development.

HPLC combined with PCA technology for analysis of five gingerol compounds in different processing degrees of ginger charcoal / 中国中药杂志

To establish a new method for simultaneously determining the content of five gingerol compounds in different processing degrees of ginger charcoal and PCA principal component analysis was conducted for analysis. Samples were analyzed on Ultimate TM XB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) , with acetonitrile (A) -0.1% phosphoric acid solution (B) as mobile phase for gradient elution. Detection wavelength was set at 280 nm. The flow rate was 0.6 mL x min(-1) and the column temperature was 30 degrees C. The five compounds were separated well and showed good linearity (r ≥ 0.999 7) within the concentration ranges tested. The average value for recoveries was between 98.86% - 101.5% (RSD 1.4% - 2.9%). The contents of five compounds showed difference among different processing degrees of ginger charcoal. Zingiberone had the highest content in the standard carbon, and the content of gingerol was decreased as the deepening of processing degree. Different processing degrees of ginger charcoal were classified into three groups with PCA, and provided scientific basis for establishing the quality standards of ginger charcoal.

Preparation and in vitro embolic efficiency evaluation of hydroxycamptothecine-loaded liquid embolic agent / 药学学报

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preparation of hydroxycamptothecine (HCPT)-loaded cubic crystal liquid embolic precursor solution, and evaluate its in vitro embolic efficiency. Phytantriol was used as cubic crystal liquid embolic material, and the optimal formulation was selected according to ternary phase diagram. Polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to characterize the cubic crystal structure. High performance liquid chromatography and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to investigate the lactone ring of HCPT. In vitro dissolution was preliminary evaluated, and the simulation embolic model was constructed to evaluate the embolic efficiency of precursor solution. Meanwhile, the gelation time and adhesion force were investigated. The results showed that HCPT-loaded precursor solution for embolization had been successfully prepared with low viscosity which was injectable. The precursor solution could transform into Pn3m structure liquid crystal phase gel rapidly when contracting with excess water. The formed HPCT gel remained its lactone form as the same in precursor solution, and expressed the good ability to block the saline flow, and HCPT could keep sustained releasing drug over 30 days. The prepared drug-loaded embolic precursor solution showed a promising potential for vascular embolization and application in clinical treatment of tumor.

Can natural products serve as potential treatments for osteoarthritis?

No abstract available.