Hepatoprotective effects of Astragalus kahiricus root extract against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis in rats / 中国天然药物

The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Astragalus kahiricus (Fabaceae) roots against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis was evaluated and it showed very promising hepatoprotective actions through different mechanisms. The extract counteracted the ethanol-induced liver enzymes leakage and glutathione depletion. In addition, it demonstrated anti-apoptotic effects against caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation that were confirmed by liver histopathological examination. Moreover, the phytochemical study of this extract led to the isolation of four cycloartane-type triterpenes identified as astrasieversianin II (1), astramembrannin II (2), astrasieversianin XIV (3), and cycloastragenol (4). The structures of these isolates were established by HRESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The antimicrobial, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were further evaluated, but none of them showed any activity.

5, 6-Dihydropyranobenzopyrone: a previously undetermined antioxidant isolated from Polygonum amplexicaule / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To study the chemical constituents and their bioactivity of Polygonum amplexicaule.@*METHODS@#The isolation of compounds was achieved by chromatographic techniques and structure of the isolates was established by UV, IR, HRESI-MS and NMR including 1D and 2D experiments.@*RESULTS@#Bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethanolic extract of Polygonum amplexicaule led to the isolation of a hitherto unidentified compound, 5, 6-dihydropyranobenzopyrone (1) along with nine previously known compounds (2-10). Compounds 2-10 were identified as amplexicine (2), catechin (3), rutin (4), quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), chlorogenic acid (6), galloyl glucose (7), caffeic acid (8), gallic acid (9) and scopletin (10).@*CONCLUSION@#Compound 1 is new. Compounds 1-10 exhibited considerable antioxidant activity in a 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay.

Value of umbilical artery doppler velocimetry in preeclampsia and pregnancy induced hypertension

One hundred and twelve pregnant patients with preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension were followed prospectively by a non- stress test, biophysical profile and Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery. Gestational age at delivery ranged from 35 to 42 weeks. Adverse perinatal outcome was detected in 15 patients and abnormal antepartum tests were detected in 29 patients. Eight patients had an abnormally elevated resistance index in umbilical artery, 4 of them with an abnormal perinatal outcome. Seven out of 18 patients with low biophysical profile had abnormal perinatal outcome. Four out of 12 patients with an abnormal non-stress test had abnormal perinatal outcome and in eight patients, more antepartum tests were abnormal. Biophysical profile demonstrated the best sensitivity and umbilical artery resistance index demonstrated the best positive predictive value

value of umbilical artery doppler ultrasonography in pregnancy induced hypertension and preeclampsia

One hundred twenty two pregnant patients with pregnancy induced hypertion or preeclampsia were followed prospectively by a nonstress test, biophysical profile and Doppler velocimetery of the umbilical artery. Their gestational age at delivery ranged between 34 to 41 weeks. Adverse perinatal outcome was detected in 16 patients [13.7%]. Abnormal antepartum tests were detected in 32 patients [26.2%]. Nine patients had an abnormally elevated resistance index in the umbilical artery, 4 of them abnormal perinatal outcome. Seven out of 18 patients with low Biophysical profile had abnormal perinatal outcome. Five out of 14 patients with an abnormal non-stress test had abnormal perinatal outcome. In 9 patients, more than one antepartum test was abnormal. Biophysical profile demonstrated the best sensitivity [43.8%] and umbilical artery resistance index demonstrated the best positive predictive value [44.4%]. By considering any abnormal test as a positive test result for a given patient, a market improvement in the sensitivity [81.3%] was obtained. Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery added some help to the prediction of fetus at risk and to the follow up of patients with pregnancy induced hypertension and preeclampsia, and when combined with additional antepartum tests, it may our ability to predict the compromised fetus in these increase diseases

Induction of labor with intracervical PGE2 in women with previous one cesarean section

Labor was induced with intracervical application of 1 mg PGE2 tablets in 42 term pregnat women with previous one cesarean section. 34 of them [81%] were delivered vaginally. Labor induction was considered failure in one woman [2.4%]. Repeat cesarean section was performed in 8 women [19%]. No neonatal deaths were reported. No uterine rupture or scar dehiscence were noted after vaginal delivery or at repeat cesarean section. In conclusion, intracervical application of PGE2 tables can reduce the need for cesarean section by inducing cervical ripening and labor induction in selected women with previous one cesarean section