Epimedin C induced mesenchymal stem cells C3H/10T1/2 to differentiate into endothelioid cells in vitro: an experimental study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the endothelioid differentiation effect of Epimedin C on murine embryonic mesenchymal stem cells (C3H/10T1/2).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>C3H/10T1/2 cells were cultivated in vitro. The cytotoxicity of Epimedin C at different concentrations was determined by MTT assay and crystal violet assay. Morphological changes were observed under microscope after treated with Epimendin C. The effect of Epimendin C on the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. mRNA expression levels of endothelial markers, such as CD31, CD34, vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (Vezf1), angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) were detected by semi-quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of platelet endothelial adhesive molecule 1 (CD31), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), and integrin β5 were determined by immunocytochemical (IHC) staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Epimedin C could not affect the survival rate of C3H/10T1/2 cells at 1-30 μmol/L. Its cell cycle distribution was not significantly changed after treated by 30 μmol/L Epimedin C for 24 h. C3H/10T1/2 cells were differentiated to vascular endothelial cells by Epimedin C treatment, with significant morphological changes (whirlpool-like structure). PCR results indicated that mRNA levels of classic endothelial mark- ers, namely CD34, Vezf1, Ang1, and Ang2 were significantly increased in C3H/10T1/2 cells after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Protein expression levels of CD31, CD73, and ESM-1 were also positively expressed after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days, showing statistical difference when compared with those of the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Epimendin C could induce C3H/10T1/2 cells to differentiate into endothelioid cells.</p>

Effect of qianyang recipe on correlated indices of hypertension rats of gan-yang hyperactivity syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Qianyang Recipe (QYR) on the Gan-yang hyperactivity syndrome (GYHS), the blood pressure, and correlated vascular regulatory factors of hypertension rat.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the model group, and the QYR group, ten in each. Hypertension rat model of GYHS was prepared using Aconiti Praeparata Decoction plus ephedrine plus salt water. Rats in the QYR group orally took QYR physic liquor, while distilled water was given to rats in the normal control group and the model group. They were medicated for 28 successive days. The facial temperature, the grip strength, and the systolic pressure were determined once every 7 days. Rats' irritable degree and feather color were observed and recorded once every 14 days. After the last administration the plasma renin (PR), angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone (ALD), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (cGRP) were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group of the same phase, the facial temperature of rats in the QYR group significantly decreased on the 14th, 21th and 28th day after administration. The systolic pressure obviously decreased on the 21st day after administration. On the 28th day after administration symptoms such as irritability, dry hair were improved, and the Ang II level decreased. There was significant difference in all these changes (P<0.05, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>QYR could relieve GYHS rats' symptoms such as facial hotness, irritability, dry hair, and so on, and decrease the systolic pressure. Decreased Ang II level might be one of its mechanisms.</p>