Effects of daidzein on rat ovary against ischemia-reperfusion

Purpose: Our aim was to investigate protective effects of daidzein treatment on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced ovarian tissue by immunohistochemical techniques. Methods: Thirty Sprague Dawley female rats were categorized into three groups as sham, I/R group, and I/R+daidzein groups. Bloods were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and ovaries were processed for histological tissue protocol. Results: Both MDA and MPO values were increased in I/R group compared to sham and I/R+daidzein groups. GSH content was increased in I/R+daidzein group compared to I/R groups. In I/R group, theca and follicular cells were degenerated with apoptosis and dilatation and congestion, edema. In I/R+daidzein group, daidzein improved pathologies. In the I/R group, Bax expression was positive with follicular cells, granulosa cells and inflammatory cells. In the I/R+daidzein group, positive Bax reaction was observed in the epithelial, antral, and inflammatory cells. In I/R group, Bcl-2 reaction was in germinative epithelial cells, cells of antral follicle. In the I/R+daidzein group, Bcl-2 expression level was reduced after daidzein treatment. Conclusions: After the I/R procedure, ovarian cells and follicles were degenerated with apoptosis and inflammation. After daidzein treatment, Bax and Bcl-2 signal were decreased. It was observed that daidzein stopped the apoptotic process.

Soybean isoflavones alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis and inflammatory cascade reaction / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism that mediates the effect of soybean isoflavones (SI) against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in light of the regulation of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), ferroptosis, inflammatory response and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 male SD rats were equally randomized into sham-operated group (Sham group), cerebral I/R injury group and SI pretreatment group (SI group). Focal cerebral I/R injury was induced in the latter two groups using a modified monofilament occlusion technique, and the intraoperative changes of real-time cerebral cortex blood flow were monitored using a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF). The postoperative changes of cerebral pathological morphology and the ultrastructure of the neurons and the BBB were observed with optical and transmission electron microscopy. The neurological deficits of the rats was assessed, and the severities of cerebral infarction, brain edema and BBB disruption were quantified. The contents of Fe2+, GSH, MDA and MPO in the ischemic penumbra were determined with spectrophotometric tests. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1βwere analyzed using ELISA, and the expressions of GPX4, MMP-9 and occludin around the lesion were detected with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#The rCBF was sharply reduced in the rats in I/R group and SI group after successful insertion of the monofilament. Compared with those in Sham group, the rats in I/R group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarction volume, brain water content and Evans blue permeability (P < 0.01), decreased Fe2+ level, increased MDA level, decreased GSH content and GPX4 expression (P < 0.01), increased MPO content and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0.01), increased MMP-9 expression and lowered occludin expression (P < 0.01). All these changes were significantly ameliorated in rats pretreated with IS prior to I/R injury (P < 0.05 or 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#SI preconditioning reduces cerebral I/R injury in rats possibly by improving rCBF, inhibiting ferroptosis and inflammatory response and protecting the BBB.

A monoclonal antibody-based icELISA for puerarin / 中国中药杂志

Puerarin was conjugated with bovine serum albumin(BSA) and ovalbumin(OVA) by periodate oxidation to serve as the immunogen and coating antigen, respectively. BALB/c mice were immunized with puerarin-BSA according to the routine immunization procedure, and the titer and specificity of serum were detected after three immunization. After booster immunization, mouse spleen lymphocytes were fused with mouse myeloma cells, and 24 hybridoma cell lines of the monoclonal antibodies against puerarin were screened by monoclonal antibody screening technique. Ascites was prepared and purified. The cross-reactivity of monoclonal antibody(mAb) M1 with 4'-methoxy puerarin, daidzin, puerarin-6″-O-xyloside, daidzein, mirificin, 3'-methoxy puerarin, and 3'-hydroxy puerarin was 239.84%, 112.18%, 67.89%, 58.28%, 22.37%, 0.40%, and 0.20%, respectively, and those with other analogs such as baicalein and baicalin were all less than 0.10%. The IC_(50) and the working range of the indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(icELISA) for puerarin were 44.80 ng·mL~(-1) and 8.20-292.30 ng·mL~(-1), respectively. The average recovery was 91.95%-98.20% with an RSD in the range of 0.70%-2.60%. The content of puerarin in different Puerariae Lobatae Radix samples was determined with icELISA and validated by UPLC-MS. The correlation between data obtained from icELISA and UPLC-MS was 0.999 0, indicating that icELISA is suitable for the rapid detection of puerarin in Puerariae Lobatae Radix samples.

Puerarin Inhibits the Proliferation,Invasion,and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells through Regulating miR-490/Denticleless E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the mechanism of puerarin inhibiting the proliferation,invasion,and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Methods A549 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of puerarin.The inhibition rate (IR) on cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8,and qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA levels of miR-490 and denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(DTL).Double luciferase reporter assay was employed to identify the targets of miR-490 and DTL based on the establishment of NC mimic group,miR-490 mimic group,NC inhibitor group,and miR-490 inhibitor group.The cells treated by 20 μmol/L puerarin were classified into six groups:DMSO,puerarin,puerarin+NC inhibitor,puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor,puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-NC,and puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-DTL.Transwell was used to detect cell migration and invasion.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers E-cadherin,N-cadherin,and Vimentin. Results With the increase in puerarin concentration,the IR gradually elevated (F=105.375,P<0.001),miR-490 expression gradually increased (F=32.919,P<0.001),and DTL expression gradually decreased (F=116.120,P<0.001).Compared with NC mimic group,miR-490 mimic group had decreased luciferase activity (t=7.762,P=0.016),raised miR-490 mRNA level (t=13.319,P<0.001),and declined DTL mRNA level (t=7.415,P=0.002).Compared with those in NC inhibitor group,miR-490 demonstrated decreased mRNA level (t=9.523,P=0.001) and DTL presented increased mRNA level (t=11.305,P<0.001) in miR-490 inhibitor group.Western blotting showed that the protein level of DTL was higher in NC mimic group (t=7.953,P=0.001) than in miR-490 mimic group and higher in miR-490 inhibitor group than in NC inhibitor group (t=10.552,P<0.001).Compared with DMSO group,puerarin group showed up-regulated mRNA level of miR-490 (t=10.255,P=0.001) while down-regulated mRNA level of DTL (t=6.682,P=0.003).Compared with those in puerarin+NC inhibitor group,the mRNA level of miR-490 declined (t=10.995,P<0.001) while that of DTL raised (t=12.478,P<0.001) in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor group.The mRNA level of miR-490 had no significant difference between puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-NC group and puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-DTL group (t=1.081,P=0.341),and that of DTL was lower in the latter group (t=14.321,P<0.001).The protein level of DTL was higher in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor group than in puerarin+NC inhibitor group (t=11.423,P<0.001),and lower in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-DTL group than in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-NC group (t=12.080,P<0.001).Compared with DMSO group,puerarin group showed inhibited cell proliferation (F=129.27,P<0.001).The activity of cell proliferation was higher in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor group than in puerarin+NC inhibitor group (F=75.12,P<0.001),and higher in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-NC group than in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-DTL group (F=52.59,P<0.001).Compared with DMSO group,puerarin group had suppressed cell migration (t=8.963,P=0.001).The cell migration ability was higher in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor group than in puerarin+NC inhibitor group (t=12.117,P<0.001) and higher in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-NC group than in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-DTL group (t=12.934,P<0.001).Puerarin group showed weakened cell invasion ability compared with DMSO group (t=4.710,P=0.009).The cell invasion ability was higher in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor group than in puerarin+NC inhibitor group (t=13.264,P<0.001) and lower in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-DTL group than in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-NC group (t=13.476,P<0.001).Compared with DMSO group,puerarin group showed up-regulated protein level of E-cadherin (t=7.137,P=0.002) while down-regulated protein levels of N-cadherin (t=8.828,P=0.001) and vimentin (t=6.594,P=0.003).Compared with those in puerarin+NC inhibitor group,the protein level of E-cadherin (t=12.376,P<0.001) decreased while those of N-cadherin (t=13.436,P<0.001) and vimentin (t=11.467,P<0.001) increased in puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor group.Compared with puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-NC group,puerarin+miR-490 inhibitor+Si-DTL group up-regulated the protein level of E-cadherin (t=13.081,P<0.001) while down-regulated the protein levels of N-cadherin (t=10.835,P<0.001) and vimentin (t=11.862,P<0.001). Conclusion Puerarin could inhibit the proliferation,invasion,and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells by up-regulating miR-490 and down-regulating DTL.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of an isoflavone glucosyltransferase from Pueraria thomsonii / 中国天然药物

Pueraria thomsonii has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Isoflavonoids are the principle pharmacologically active components, which are primarily observed as glycosyl-conjugates and accumulate in P. thomsonii roots. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the glycosylation processes in (iso)flavonoid biosynthesis have not been thoroughly elucidated. In the current study, an O-glucosyltransferase (PtUGT8) was identified in the medicinal plant P. thomsonii from RNA-seq database. Biochemical assays of the recombinant PtUGT8 showed that it was able to glycosylate chalcone (isoliquiritigenin) at the 4-OH position and glycosylate isoflavones (daidzein, formononetin, and genistein) at the 7-OH or 4'-OH position, exhibiting no enzyme activity to flavonones (liquiritigenin and narigenin) in vitro. The identification of PtUGT8 may provide a useful enzyme catalyst for efficient biotransformation of isoflavones and other natural products for food or pharmacological applications.

Isoflavonas como tratamento alternativo na sintomatologia climatérica: uma revisão sistemática / Isoflavones as alternative treatment in climacteric symptomatology: a systematic review

O climatério é uma fase natural da vida da mulher que ocorre entre os 40 e 65 anos de idade e é caracterizado pela transição entre a fase reprodutiva e não reprodutiva. Neste período, devido às alterações hormonais, ocorrem alterações biológicas, endócrinas e clínicas. Sintomas vasomotores são típicos do hipoestrogenismo e podem interferir negativamente na qualidade de vida das mulheres. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar os resultados dos estudos de intervenção que utilizaram isoflavonas na sintomatologia de mulheres climatéricas não usuárias de Terapia de Reposição Hormonal (TRH). Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de artigos publicados entre os anos de 2008 e 2019 na base de dados PubMed. Foram encontrados 169 estudos, e considerando os critérios de inclusão, 18 artigos foram selecionados, em que houve intervenção com isoflavonas por meio de cápsulas e/ou suplementos ou alimentos para tratamento da síndrome climatérica. Foram verificados resultados positivos nos sintomas globais, com destaque para sintomas vasomotores, em mais da metade dos estudos avaliados, em que doses entre 45 mg a 160 mg diárias de isoflavonas por pelo menos 12 semanas foram administradas, especificadamente nas mulheres no período da pós-menopausa. (AU)

The climacteric is a natural phase during women's life, which occurs between 40 and 65 years. It is characterized by the transition from their reproductive to non-reproductive phase. In this period, due to hormonal changes, biological, endocrine and clinical modifications also occur. Vasomotor symptoms are characteristic of hypoestrogenism and can negatively affect women's quality of life. This study aimed to review the results of intervention studies which used isoflavones to treat the symptoms of climacteric women who did not undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). A systematic review of articles published between 2008 and 2019 in the PubMed database was carried out. 169 studies were found, and considering the inclusion criteria, 18 articles were selected, in which it was described isoflavones intervention with capsules and/ or supplements or foods for the treatment of climacteric syndrome. Positive results were observed regarding to global symptoms, with emphasis on vasomotor symptoms in more than half of the studies, in which daily doses of isoflavones, between 45 mg to 160 mg, for at least 12 weeks, were administered specifically in postmenopausal women. (AU)

Isoflavonas como tratamento alternativo na sintomatologia climatérica: uma revisão sistemática / Isoflavones as alternative treatment in climacteric symptomatology: a systematic review

O climatério é uma fase natural da vida da mulher que ocorre entre os 40 e 65 anos de idade e é caracterizado pela transição entre a fase reprodutiva e não reprodutiva. Neste período, devido às alterações hormonais, ocorrem alterações biológicas, endócrinas e clínicas. Sintomas vasomotores são típicos do hipoestrogenismo e podem interferir negativamente na qualidade de vida das mulheres. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar os resultados dos estudos de intervenção que utilizaram isoflavonas na sintomatologia de mulheres climatéricas não usuárias de Terapia de Reposição Hormonal (TRH). Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de artigos publicados entre os anos de 2008 e 2019 na base de dados PubMed. Foram encontrados 169 estudos, e considerando os critérios de inclusão, 18 artigos foram selecionados, em que houve intervenção com isoflavonas por meio de cápsulas e/ou suplementos ou alimentos para tratamento da síndrome climatérica. Foram verificados resultados positivos nos sintomas globais, com destaque para sintomas vasomotores, em mais da metade dos estudos avaliados, em que doses entre 45 mg a 160 mg diárias de isoflavonas por pelo menos 12 semanas foram administradas, especificadamente nas mulheres no período da pós-menopausa.

The climacteric is a natural phase during women’s life, which occurs between 40 and 65 years. It is characterized by the transition from their reproductive to non-reproductive phase. In this period, due to hormonal changes, biological, endocrine and clinical modifications also occur. Vasomotor symptoms are characteristic of hypoestrogenism and can negatively affect women’s quality of life. This study aimed to review the results of intervention studies which used isoflavones to treat the symptoms of climacteric women who did not undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). A systematic review of articles published between 2008 and 2019 in the PubMed database was carried out. 169 studies were found, and considering the inclusion criteria, 18 articles were selected, in which it was described isoflavones intervention with capsules and/ or supplements or foods for the treatment of climacteric syndrome. Positive results were observed regarding to global symptoms, with emphasis on vasomotor symptoms in more than half of the studies, in which daily doses of isoflavones, between 45 mg to 160 mg, for at least 12 weeks, were administered specifically in postmenopausal women.

Puerarin-Chuanxiong oil submicron emulsion combining medicine and adjuvant / 中国中药杂志

This study was mainly based on the compatibility of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma to prepare submicron emulsion and evaluated its physical and pharmaceutical properties. Firstly, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were drawn by dripping method which took Chuanxiong oil as the oil phase and the area of microemulsion region as the index. On this basis, suitable emulsifier and co-emulsifier were screened for the preparation of Chuanxiong oil submicron emulsion. Then, the formula realizing the largest oil loading was selected. Finally, puerarin substituted part of emulsifier and co-emulsifier to lower their content, so as to form puerarin-Chuanxiong oil submicron emulsion featuring the combination of medicine and adjuvant. Its particle size, zeta potential, centrifugal stability and storage stability were determined, and the in vitro drug release behavior was investigated by dialysis bag method, based on which the quality of the as-prepared submicron emulsion was evaluated comprehensively. The proposed method was proved feasible for the preparation of Chuanxiong oil submicron emulsion, which adopted polyoxyethylene castor oil(EL-40) as the emulsifier and was free from co-emulsifier. The formula of the maximum oil loading was found as Chuanxiong oil∶EL-40∶water 3∶7∶90. Further, puera-rin successfully replaced up to 10% of the emulsifier in submicron emulsion. Eventually, the optimal drug-loading formula was determined as puerarin∶Chuanxiong oil∶EL-40∶water 7∶30∶63∶900. The quality evaluation results of the as-prepared submicron emulsion demonstrated that the average emulsion droplet size was 333.9 nm, the PDI 0.26, and the zeta potential-10.12 mV. The submicron emulsion had a good centrifugal stability and did not present any instable phenomena such as delamination and precipitation during its standing still for 50 days. The evaluation of in vitro drug release behavior indicated that the submicron emulsion was capable of releasing the drug completely. The puerarin-chuanxiong oil submicron emulsion prepared in this study possessed a stable quality and to some extent increased the solubility of puerarin along with a sustained-release effect. This study provided ideas for the clinical application of puerarin.

Mechanism of puerarin reversing SH-SY5Y cell injury induced by Aβ_(1-42) based on proteomics / 中国中药杂志

Puerarin has the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity,which can reverse nerve injury induced by Aβand inhibit neuronal apoptosis.However,its potential pharmacodynamic mechanism still needs to be further researched.The occurrence and development of AD is due to the change of multiple metabolic links in the body,which leads to the destruction of balance.Puerarin may act on multiple targets and multiple metabolic processes to achieve therapeutic purposes.Quantitative proteomic analysis provides a new choice to understand the mechanism as completely as possible.This research adopted SH-SY5Y cells induced by Aβ_(1-42)to establish AD cell model,and Aβimmunofluorescence detection showed that Aβdecreased significantly after puerarin intervention.The mechanism of puerarin reversing SH-SY5Y cell injured by Aβ_(1-42)was further explored by using label-free non-labeled quantitative technology and Western blot detection based on bioinformatics analysis result.The results showed that most of the differential proteins were related to biological processes such as cellular component organization or biogenesis,cellular component organization and cellular component biogenesis,and they mainly participated in the top ten pathways of P value such as pathogenic Escherichia coli infection,m TOR signaling pathway,regulation of autophagy,regulation of actin cytoskeleton,spliceosome,hepatocellular carcinoma,tight junction,non-small cell lung cancer,apoptosis and gap junction.Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and TUNEL were used to detect apoptosis,and the results showed that Aβdecreased significantly and the rate of apoptosis decreased significantly after puerarin intervention.Western blot analysis found that the protein expression level of autophagy related protein LC3Ⅱwas up-regulated after Aβinduction,and the degree of this up-regulation was further enhanced in puerarin intervention group.The trend of the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰamong groups was the same as the protein expression level of LC3Ⅱ，the protein expression level of p62 in the control group,AD model group and puerarin intervention group decreased successively.Protein interaction network analysis showed that CAP1 was correlated with TUBA1B,HSP90AB2P,DNM1L,TUBA1A and ERK1/2,and the correlation between CAP1 and ERK1/2 was the highest among them.Western blot showed that the expressions of p-ERK1/2,Bax and CAP1 were significantly down-regulated and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated after puerarin intervention.Therefore,puerarin might improve the SH-SY5Y cells injured by Aβ_(1-42)through the interaction of multiple biological processes and pathways in cells multiple locations,and CAP1 might play an important role among them.

Effects of water regulation on biosynthesis of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus / 中国中药杂志

The effects of water regulation on the biosynthesis of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside in 2-year-old Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus were studied,and the mechanism was explained from the aspects of key enzyme gene expression and antioxidant enzyme system. The content of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside was determined by HPLC,and the expression levels of six key enzyme genes( PAL,4 CL,CHS,CHI,IFS,13'H) in the synthesis pathway were analyzed by q RT-PCR. The activities of protective enzymes and contents of osmoregulation substances and malondialdehyde were also determined. In the water deficit group,the maximum concentration of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside was 0. 49 mg·g-1 on the 24 th day of treatment. In the whole water regulation,the water deficit group outweighed the water adequate group in osmoregulation substance and MDA contents. The activities of A. membranaceus var.mongholicus antioxidant enzymes SOD,POD,and CAT increased during the initial period of water regulation,but decreased with time.The expression of PAL,CHS,and 13'H in the water deficit group was at a low level,and the 4 CL had active expression,slightly lower than that in the water adequate group. The expression of CHI and IFS elevated rapidly when water deficit occurred. Correlation analysis showed that the content of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside was positively correlated with CHI expression( P<0. 01) and IFS expression( P<0. 05). Therefore,water regulation can change the accumulation pattern of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,and water deficit may be an effective way to increase its content. CHI and IFS are the key genes in response to water deficit.

Literature-based analysis of conversion of components in fermentation process of Sojae Semen Praeparatum / 中国中药杂志

Based on the systematic retrieval and the reported components of Sojae Semen Nigrum and Sojae Semen Praeparatum, this study conducted in-depth analysis of conversion of components in the fermentation process, and discussed types and possible mec-hanisms of conversion of chemical components, so as to provide the basis for studying technology, medicinal ingredients and quality standards. According to the analysis, there is a certain degree of conversion of nutrients(like protein, sugar, lipid), bioactive substances(like isoflavones, saponins, γ-aminobutyric acid) and other substances(like nucleosides, melanoids, biamines, etc) in the process of fermentation.

Study on oral absorption mechanisms of puerarin in nanocrystals self-stabilized pickering emulsion / 中国中药杂志

Nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering emulsion(NSSPE) is a new kind of emulsion where only nanocrystals of poorly soluble drugs are used as stabilizers. Our previous study showed that NSSPE with Ligusticum chuanxiong oil as the main oil phase can significantly promote oral absorption of puerarin. The present study aimed to explore its absorption mechanism in oral administration. The in vitro dissolution test was carried out to study the effect of NSSPE on release of puerarin. The effects and mechanism of NSSPE on uptake and transport of puerarin across Caco-2 cell were investigated. The results showed that the drug release rate of NSSPE was similar to that of nanocrystals, with their cumulative dissolution of puerarin not affected by pH of releasing mediums, both significantly higher than that of crude material. The uptake of puerarin in NSSPE was concentration-dependent and significantly higher than that of solution or surfactant stabilized emulsion. Genistein and indomethacin, inhibitors of lipid rafts/caveolin, could significantly reduce the uptake of puerarin in NSSPE. Compared with solution, NSSPE and surfactants stabilized emulsion obviously increased transport rate K_a and apparent permeability coefficient P_(app) of puerarin in AP → BL direction, but there was no significant difference in BL → AP direction. It could be inferred that there were both passive and active transport mechanisms, as well as lipid raft/caveolin mediated endocytosis for absorption of NSSPE. The promoted oral absorption of puerarin in NSSPE was mainly related to the existing nanocrystal form which could promote dissolution, puerarin as well as Ligusticum chuanxiong oil which could promote drug transmembrane transport and inhibit drug efflux. It is the unique structure and composition of the compound NSSPE that promoted the oral absorption of puerarin.

Research advances in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Pueraria genus / 中国中药杂志

Kudzu plants in the subfamily sphenoideae of Leguminosae are commonly used herbs in China, Japan, Korea, India and Thailand, with a long history of medicinal use. They are recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Japanese Pharmacopeia, Korea Pharmacopeia, Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia of India and Flora of Thailand. There are 15-20 species of Pueraria in the world, including 7 species and 2 varieties in China. At present, there are 6 species with medicinal value, such as Pueraria lobata and P. thomsonii. The main chemical components of the genus are isoflavones, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, coumarins, puerarin glycosides and benzopyrans. A total of 240 compounds have been isolated and identified from this genus, and their pharmacological effects mainly include improvement of the cardiovascular system, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-alcoholic and estrogen-like effects. In this study, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Pueraria at home and abroad were systematically summarized, in order to provide references for the material basis, quality control and further development of Pueraria genus.

The influence of phytoestrogens or estrogens on the proliferation of the rat endocervical mucosa

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Although estrogen therapy is widely used against post-menopausal symptoms, it can present adverse effects, including endometrial cancer. Soy isoflavones are considered a possible alternative to estrogen therapy. However, there are still concerns whether isoflavones exert trophic effects on the uterine cervix. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the histomorphometric and immunohistochemical alterations in the uterine cervix of ovariectomized rats treated with soy isoflavones (Iso). METHODS Fifteen adult Wistar rats were ovariectomized (Ovx) and divided into three groups: Group I (Ovx), administered with vehicle solution; Group II (OVX-Iso), administered with concentrated extract of Iso (150 mg/kg) by gavage; and Group III (OVX-E2), treated with 17β-estradiol (10 µg/kg), subcutaneously. After 30 days of treatments, the uterine cervix was fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for paraffin-embedding. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin for morphological and morphometric studies or subjected to immunohistochemistry for detections of Ki-67 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (Vegf-A). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS We noted an atrophic uterine cervix in GI, whereas it was more voluminous in GII and even more voluminous in GIII. The thickness of the cervical mucosa was significantly higher in GIII, as compared to GI and GII. The cell proliferation (Ki-67) was significantly elevated in the estradiol and isoflavones treated groups, whereas Vegf-A immunoexpression was significantly higher in GIII, as compared to groups GII and GI. CONCLUSIONS Soy isoflavones cause less trophic and proliferative effects in the uterine cervix of rats as compared to estrogen.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Embora a terapia estrogênica seja amplamente utilizada contra sintomas pós-menopausais, ela pode apresentar efeitos adversos, incluindo câncer de mama e endometrial. Assim, as isoflavonas da soja são consideradas uma alternativa possível à terapia estrogênica. No entanto, ainda há controvérsias se estes compostos exercem efeitos tróficos significativos no colo do útero. OBJETIVOS Avaliar as alterações histomorfométricas e imuno-histoquímicas no colo do útero de ratas ovariectomizadas tratadas com isoflavonas da soja (iso). MÉTODOS Quinze ratas Wistar adultas foram ovariectomizadas bilateralmente (Ovx) e separadas em três grupos: Grupo I (Ovx) - veículo (propilenoglicol); Grupo II (Ovx-Iso) - receberam extrato concentrado de Iso (150 mg/kg) e Grupo III (Ovx-E2) - tratado com 17β-estradiol (10 µg/kg); as soluções foram administradas via gavagem por 30 dias consecutivos. Posteriormente, os colos uterinos foram retirados, fixados em formaldeído a 10% tamponado e processados para inclusão em parafina. Cortes (4 µm) foram coradas com hematoxilina e eosina para estudo morfológico e morfométricos, enquanto outros foram submetidos à imuno-histoquímica para detecção de Ki-67 e do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular-A (Vegf-A). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística (p≤0,05). RESULTADOS Observamos a presença de colo uterino atrófico no GI (Ovx), sendo este mais volumoso no GII (Ovx+Iso) e ainda mais volumoso no GIII (Ovx+E2). A espessura da mucosa cervical foi significativamente maior no GIII (Ovx-E2), em comparação ao GI (Ovx) e ao GII (Ovx-Iso). A proliferação celular (Ki-67) foi significativamente mais elevada nos grupos tratados com estradiol e isoflavonas, enquanto a imunoexpressão de Vegf-A foi significativamente maior no GIII (Ovx-E2), em comparação ao GII (Ovx-Iso) e ao GI (Ovx-E2). CONCLUSÕES As isoflavonas da soja causam menos efeitos tróficos e proliferativos no colo do útero de ratas em comparação ao estrogênio.

Glabridin alleviates ischemia/reperfusion-induced functional failure of smooth muscle of rat ileum by upregulating the cAMP / Glabridin alivia la falla funcional inducida por isquemia/reperfusión del músculo liso de ileum murino regulando el incremento de cAMP

Despite the development of modern medicine, alternative medicine, which has not lost its timeliness, remains attractive for the treatment of various diseases. Glabridin, a major flavonoid of Glycyrrhiza glabra, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was: 1) to determine the possible protective role of glabridin against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the intestine; 2) to evaluate the in vitrocontractile responses of ileum smooth muscles to acetylcholine after an intestinal I/R; and 3) to explain the underlying molecular mechanism of its effect. Rats were assigned to groups of six rats each; 1) I/R, 2) gla10, 3) gla20, 4) gla40, 5) N5-[imino(nitroamino)methyl]-L-ornithine, methyl ester monohydrochloride (L-NAME)+gla40, and 6) Sham group. The healing effect of glabridin was abolished by L-NAME. Glabridin did not cause contractility of the smooth muscles to acetylcholine-induced contractile responses in intestinal I/R. Yet, it increased to spontaneous basal activity.

A pesar del desarrollo de la medicina moderna, la medicina alternativa, sin perder su vigencia, sigue siendo atractiva para el tratamiento de varias enfermedades. Glabradina, el flavonoide mayoritario de Glycyrrhiza glabra, es conocido por su actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria. Los propósitos de este estudio fueron: 1) Determinar el posible rol protector de glabradina ante daños intestinales por isquemia/reperfusion (I/R) 2) Evaluar in vitrolas respuestas de contracción de los músculos lisos del ileum ante acetilcolina después de I/R intestinal; y 3) Explicar el mecanismo molecular subyacente de este efecto. Se asignaron grupos de seis ratas: 1) I/R, 2) gla10, 3) gla20, 4) gla40, 5) N5-[imino(nitroamino)metil]-L-ornithina, metil ester monohidrochloruro (L-NAME)+gla40, y 6) Grupo testigo. El efecto curativo de glabridina fue abolido por L-NAME. Glabridina no causó contracción en el músculo liso como respuesta acetilcolina-inducida I/R. Además, incrementa la actividad basal expontánea.

Puerarin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis through miR-21-mediated PTEN/AKT signaling to suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common primary malignant tumors of the liver worldwide. Liver resection and transplantation are currently the only effective treatments; however, recurrence and metastasis rates are still high. Previous studies have shown that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in HCC invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of EMT has become a new therapeutic strategy for tumors. Recently, puerarin, a well-characterized component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been isolated from Pueraria radix and exerts positive effects on many diseases, particularly cancers. In this study, CCK-8, EdU immunofluorescence, colony formation, wound healing, and migration assays were used to detect the effects of puerarin on HCC cells. We further analyzed the relationship between puerarin and miR-21/PTEN/EMT markers in HCC cell lines. Our results showed that HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor formation, and metastasis were reduced by puerarin in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, puerarin inhibited the EMT process of HCC by affecting the expression of Slug and Snail. Moreover, oncogenic miR-21 was inhibited by puerarin, coupled with an increase in the tumor suppressor gene PTEN. Increasing miR-21 expression or decreasing PTEN expression reversed the inhibition effects of puerarin in HCC. These data confirmed that puerarin affects HCC through the miR-21/PTEN/EMT regulatory axis. Overall, puerarin may represent a chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agent for HCC treatment.

Methylophiopogonanone A, an Ophiopogon homoisoflavonoid, alleviates high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia: assessment of its potential mechanism

Methylophiopogonanone A (MO-A), a homoisoflavonoid extracted from Ophiopogon japonicus, has been shown to attenuate myocardial apoptosis and improve cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the hypolipidemic effects remain unknown. This study was performed to investigate a potential hypolipidemic effect of MO-A in hyperlipidemia rats, as well as its underlying mechanism of action. A rat model of hyperlipidemia was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Animals were randomly divided into three groups (n=8/group): normal control group (NC), HFD group, and HFD+MO-A (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) treatment group. The effects of MO-A on serum lipids, body weight, activity of lipoprotein metabolism enzyme, and gene expression of lipid metabolism were evaluated in HFD-induced rats. In HFD-induced rats, pretreatment with MO-A decreased the body weight gain and reduced serum and hepatic lipid levels. In addition, pretreatment with MO-A improved the activities of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase in serum and liver, down-regulated mRNA expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and up-regulated mRNA expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α in the liver. Our results indicated that MO-A showed strong ability to ameliorate the hyperlipidemia in HFD-induced rats. MO-A might be a potential candidate for prevention of overweight and dyslipidemia induced by HFD.

The cardiovascular protective effect and mechanism of calycosin and its derivatives / 中国天然药物

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in the world, especially in developing countries. Drug therapy is one of the main ways to treat cardiovascular diseases. Among them, great progress has been made in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases with traditional Chinese medicine. In terms of experimental research, the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases has been thoroughly discussed in vitro and in vivo. In terms of clinical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine with flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids as the main effective components has a definite effect on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, with high safety and good application prospects. With the further research on the effective ingredients, mechanism and adverse reactions of traditional Chinese medicine, it will be beneficial to the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, reduce side effects and promote the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Calycosin and its derivatives, the main bioactive flavonoids in Astragalus membranaceus have multiple biological effects, such as antioxidant, pro-angiogenesis, anti-tumour, and anti-inflammatory effects. Based on the above biological effects, calycosin has been shown to have good potential for cardiovascular protection. The potent antioxidant effect of calycosin may play an important role in the cardiovascular protective potential. For injured cardiac myocytes, calycosin and its derivatives can alleviate the cell damage mainly marked by the release of myocardial enzymes and reduce the death level of cardiac myocytes mainly characterized by apoptosis through various mechanisms. For vascular endothelial cells, calycosin also has multiple effects and multiple mechanisms, such as promoting vascular endothelial cell proliferation, exerting vasodilating effect and directly affecting the synthesis function of endothelial cells. The present review will address the bioactivity of calycosin in cardiovascular diseases such as protective effects on cardiac myocytes and vascular endothelial cells and elucidate main mechanism of calycosin and its derivatives to exert the above biological effects.

Preparation of warangalone-loaded liposomes and its inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To prepare warangalone-loaded thermosensitive liposomes (WLTSL) and evaluate its inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells .@*METHODS@#MTT assay was used to assess the changes in proliferation of 3 breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and SKBR3) following treatment with warangalone, soy isoflavone and genistein. Colony-forming assay and wound healing assay was used to assess colony forming activity and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with warangalone. The effect of warangalone on the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in MDA-MB-231 cells was examined with Western blotting. The thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) and WLTSL were prepared using a thin film hydration method, and the morphology, size, encapsulation efficiency and stability of the prepared liposomes were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering scanning and UV spectrophotometry. MTT assay was used to examine the inhibitory effect of WLTSL on mouse breast cancer cells (4T1) .@*RESULTS@#Warangalone showed stronger anti-proliferation effects than soy isoflavones and genistein in the 3 human breast cancer cell lines and significantly inhibited colony formation by MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with warangalone significantly inhibited migration of the breast cancer cells and down-regulated the cellular expressions of MMP2 and MMP9. The prepared TSL and WLTSL presented with a homogeneous, irregular spherical morphology, with a mean particle size of 56.23±0.61 nm, a polymer dispersity index of 0.241±0.014, a Zeta potential of -40.40±0.46 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency was 87.68±2.41%. WLTSL showed a good stability at 4 ℃ and 37 ℃ and a stronger inhibitory effect than warangalone in 4T1 cells.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Warangalone inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, and the prepared WLTSL possesses good physical properties and strong anti-breast cancer activity.

Grey correlation analysis and path analysis between isoflavones content in Astragali Radix and climate factors / 中国中药杂志

In this study, HPLC was used to determine the content of the four isoflavones of Astragalus membranceus var. mongholicus from different regions(calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, calycosin and formononetin), and gray correlation analysis and path analysis were used to explore the influence of climate factors on the content of isoflavone components in A. membranceus var. mongholicus. The results showed that there were significant differences in the content of the four isoflavones in different areas(P<0.05); grey correlation analysis showed that the highest temperature in July, the lowest temperature in January and the daily average temperature had a greater impact on the content of flavonoid glycosides, meanwhile precipitation and relative humidity were the more important factors for the accumulation of flavonoid aglycones. According to the general analysis, the direct positive effects of the lowest temperature in January and altitude on the contents of four isoflavones in A. membranceus var. mongholicus were significant. High altitude and extreme temperature conditions might be more adverse to the formation and accumulation of isoflavone components. Therefore, the religions of A. membranceus var. mongholicus with high contents of isoflavones should be chosen the low altitude region with higher minimum temperature in January. This study provides a reference basis for the quality evaluation of A. membranceus var. mongholicus, and basic data for the selection of suitable habitat, construction of planting standards and directional cultivation of medicinal materials in A. membranceus var. mongholicus.