Structure of SARS-CoV-2 and treatment of COVID-19 / 生理学报

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new type of coronavirus pneumonia, which is caused by infection of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus infects lung cells by binding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of cell surface, which leads to leukocyte infiltration, increased permeability of blood vessels and alveolar walls, and decreased surfactant in the lung, causing respiratory symptoms. The aggravation of local inflammation causes cytokine storm, resulting in systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In December 2019, a number of new pneumonia cases were reported by Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, after then a novel coronavirus was isolated and identified as SARS-CoV-2. To the date of Sep. 13th, 2020, COVID-19 is affecting 216 countries or regions, causing 28 637 952 cases, 917 417 deaths, and the mortality rate is 3.20%. This review will summarize the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the pharmaceutical treatment of COVID-19, and their potential relationships.

Ferroptosis in respiratory diseases / 生理学报

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death which is dependent on iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated with the accumulation of lipid peroxides. It is obviously different from other cell death types in terms of morphology, biochemistry, genetics, etc. Also, it is related to the production of iron catalyzed lipid peroxides which is triggered by non-enzymatic or enzymatic reactions. Ferroptosis has been proved to be involved in hematological diseases, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases. This paper will review the definition, mechanism, inducers of ferroptosis, as well as the function of ferroptosis in respiratory system. We expect to present a new concept for respiratory research and suggest potential targets for clinical prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.

Study on the association of transferrin receptor gene polymorphism with age related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To develop the correlation of patients in age-related macular degeneration and TFR2 gene polymorphism in the Han people of northeast China.<p>METHODS: Totally 200 patients with ARMD(dry-ARMD 100 individuals and wet-ARMD 100 individuals)and 100 healthy control people were chosen as the experiment team and control team. Peripheral venous blood were collected and anticoagulated dealed with EDTA. Then we extraced genome DNA and amplificate rs2075674, which was the polymorphic locus of TFR2 gene according to the primer sequences provided by references, for polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The group representativeness of samples is identified according to hardy Weinberg equilibrium principle. <p>RESULTS: We found that the difference between ARMD group and control group in the polymorphism of TFR2 gene rs2075674 is statistically significant(χ²=6.494, <i>P</i>=0.011). There was significant difference between the wet ARMD group and control group(χ²=11.054, <i>P</i>=0.001). There had no significant differences when it comes to the dry ARMD group and the control group(χ²=1.418, <i>P</i>=0.234).<p>CONCLUSION: The above findings indicate that polymorphism of TFR2 gene increases the risk of ARMD in the Han population of Northeast China. It is concluded that rs2075674 is significantly correlated with wet-ARMD.

Bupleurum polysaccharides ameliorated renal injury in diabetic mice associated with suppression of HMGB1-TLR4 signaling / 中国天然药物

Bupleurum polysaccharides (BPs) is isolated from Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium, a key traditional Chinese medicine. The study was to investigate the effects of BPs on diabetic kidney injury. After two intraperitoneal injections of streptozotozin (STZ) 100 mg·kg, renal injury in diabetic mice was induced and BPs was orally administrated at dosages of 30 and 60 mg·kg·d. The STZ injected mice developed renal function damage, renal inflammation and fibrosis known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). BPs significantly reduced serum creatinine level and urinary albumin excretion rate, with the attenuated swelling of kidneys. BPs treatment obviously alleviated the pathological damage of renal tissue. The progression of renal injury in BPs treated mice was inhibited with less expression of type IV collagen (Col IV), fibronectin (FN) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The inhibition of inflammation in kidney was associated with the reduced level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). BPs administration suppressed the over-expression of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) with lowered activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in renal tissue of diabetic mice. Oral administration of BPs effectively prevented the development ofrenal injury in diabetic mice. This study suggested that the protection provided by BPs might affect through the interruption of HMGB1-TLR4 pathway, leading to the inhibition of renal inflammation and fibrotic process.

CatSper in sperm hyperactivation and male infertility: Advances in studies / 中华男科学杂志

The CatSper channel is known as one of the most important Ca²⁺ channels on the cell membrane of mammalian sperm and plays a key role in the motility, hyperactivation and fertilization function of sperm. The CatSper protein, expressed exclusively in the principal piece of the sperm tail, is composed of CatSper1-4 and 5 auxiliary unitsβ,γ,δ and ε, and has an essential part in the functional and structural domains of Ca²⁺as well as in the spatiotemporal regulation of the P-Tyr protein, sperm hyperactivation, efficient sperm migration in the oviduct, egg penetration, and normal fertility. Recent studies show that functional deficiency of CatSper seriously affects sperm function,and the loss of any one of its 9 subunits may lead to male reproductive dysfunction. This paper outlines recent advances in the studies of the CatSperprotein, focusing on its expression, location, structure, and regulation,as well as itsinfluence on sperm hyperactivation and male reproduction.

Research advance in the correlation between age related macular degeneration and oxidative stress / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)is the leading cause of vision loss among elderly in the developed world. ARMD is a multi-factor disease, which is affected by genetic, environment, diet, inflammation, oxidative stress and other factors. Among these factors, oxidative stress accounts for an important role in the occurrence and development of ARMD, as evidenced by the significant correlation between oxidative stress and the onset of ARMD in substantial literature. This article summarized the research advance in the pathologic features of ARMD, the relationship between oxidative stress and the retina, and oxidative stress during the progression of ARMD.

Effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides on splenocytes from lupus like mouse re-challenged with Campylobacter jejuni-S131 in vitro / 药学学报

Mice were immunized with Campylobacter jejuni-S131(CJ-S131) to establish the lupus-like model. Splenocytes from lupus like mice were challenged with CJ-S131 to induce inflammatory response in vitro. Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium polysaccharides (BPs) was added in the inflammatory model to observe its underlying mechanisms of action on lupus. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups including normal control group, adjuvant control group and lupus-like model. Mice were immunized on Day 0 and 14 with CJ-S131 to establish lupus-like syndrome, and sacrificed on Day 19. Splenocytes from each group were collected and divided into blank control group, BPs added group (BPs 5, 10, 20, 40 μg·mL-1), CJ-S131 stimulated group, and CJ-S131 plus BPs group. The levels of total IgG, anti-dsDNA antibody, interferon-γ, interleukin-10(IL-10) and IL-17 were quantified by ELISA. The proliferation of splenocytes was determined in the MTT assay. BPs significantly suppressed the high levels of total IgG, anti-dsDNA antibody, IFN-γ and IL-10 stimulated by CJ-S131 and had no significant effects on increased IL-17 secretion and splenocytes proliferation. The results suggest that re-stimulation of splenocytes with CJ-S131 could establish an inflammatory model in vitro. The effect of BPs on lupus might is related to its inhibition of the production of autoantibodies and associated cytokines.

Effect of Homeobox A13 transfection on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and bone morphogenetic protein-7 expression in kidney tubular epithelial cells / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the transfection of Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) induced by albumin-overload in human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HKCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cultured HKCs were treated with 20 mg/mL human serum albumin (HSA) for 48 hours. Protein expression of cytokeratin (CK), vimentin and HOXA13 in the HKCs was assessed by Western blot. Protein expression of CK, vimentin, and BMP-7 was also detected in HKCs transfected with lipofectamine contained HOXA13 DNA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HSA induced EMT in HKCs, presented by decreased CK expression (P<0.01) and increased vimentin expression (P<0.01). The up-regulated expression of HOXA13 transfected by lipofectamine inhibited the level of EMT induced by HSA in HKCs (P<0.05). The decreased rate of BMP-7 protein expression induced by HSA was inhibited by over-expressed HOXA13 in HKCs (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Transfection of HOXA13 in HKCs could inhibit the degree of EMT induced by albumin-overload, possibly by increasing BMP-7 expression.</p>

Plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of ursolic acid carried in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system in rats studied by UPLC-MS/MS / 药学学报

This study is to report the establishment of an UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of plasma concentration of UA carried in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) and its pharmacokinetics in rats. It was used for determination and analysis when serum with internal standard was extracted from C18 solid-phase column. Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 microm) was used for separation. The mobile phase was acetonitrile -0.1% ammonia with gradient elution at the flow rate of 0.2 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was 40 degrees C and the detection wave length was 210 nm. It was detected by negative ion using electrospray ionization source (ESI) and scanned by multiple reaction ion monitoring (MRM) mode. The liner relationship of UA was very good in the range of 1.19-3 815.00 ng x mL(-1) (r = 0.999 0). Recovery rate of different concentrations were 87.42%-89.95%. The precision of inter-day and intra-day were less than 11%. The method developed in our study was proved to be sensitive, rapid and simple. It is suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of UA-SMEDDS in rats.

Expression of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and its clinical significance in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentration in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-four children newly diagnosed with INS received oral prednisone for 4 weeks. Patients whose urinary protein did not become negative were classified as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) group, while those whose urinary protein did become negative were classified as steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) group. Morning midstream urine specimens were collected from all patients before use of prednisone and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of treatment with prednisone. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the urinary NGAL concentration. Meanwhile, urinary creatinine (Cr) concentration was measured, and urinary NGAL concentration in a single urine collection was adjusted according to the urinary Cr excretion. The two groups were compared in terms of urinary NGAL/Cr ratio.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the SRNS group, the SSNS group had significantly decreased urinary NGAL/Cr ratios after 3 and 4 weeks of prednisone treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the SRNS group, the SSNS group had a significantly decreased urinary β2-MG/Cr ratio after 4 weeks of prednisone treatment (P < 0.05). In both groups, urinary NGAL/Cr ratio was positively correlated with urinary protein/Cr ratio (r = 0.510, P < 0.01). The results of ROC curve analysis showed when diagnostic cut-off point of urinary NGAL/Cr was 0.043 by 3 weeks after treatment, sensitivity and specificity achieved 100% and 79.2% respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Urinary NGAL/Cr ratio remains high in children with SRNS, while this ratio decreases gradually during prednisone treatment in children with SSNS, and it falls ahead of urinary β2-MG/Cr ratio. These results suggest that dynamic monitoring of urinary NGAL/Cr ratio is useful for early judgment of response to prednisone in patients with INS.</p>

Compound erythromycin sustained release preparation and its in vitro release / 药学学报

Using the weight-average molecular weight 50 000 polylactic acid (PLA) as a carrier, and a certain proportion of erythromycin (EM) and prednisone acetate (PNA) to mixed prepare the compound erythromycin sustained release preparation (sustained-release tablets). Using ultraviolet spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect separately the release amount of EM and PNA in vitro medium. The sustained-release tablets release for about 21 days, the average content of EM is 99.7 mg/table, RSD = 0.82%; and the average content of PNA is 10.03 mg/table, RSD = 0.93%. Within 21 days, the cumulative releases of EM and PNA are 86.1% and 78.3%, respectively. The drug release is steady and slow after 5 days, the burst release phenomenon in early stage is more significant. The results showed that the sustained-release tablet preparation method is feasible, the release performance is good and the clinical efficacy is significant.

Determination of aisaticoside in Centella asiatica extract by HPLC-ELSD / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>A HPLC-ELSD method was established for the simultaneous quantitative determination of asiaticoside in Centella asiatica extract.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The column was packed with 5 m HIQ C18 stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water, eluted in gradient mode. The temperature of drift tube was 105 degrees C and the nebulizer nitrogen flow rate was 2.9 L min(-1).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The linear ranges of the asiaticoside were 0.35-7.0 microg. The recovery of the asiaticoside in C. asiatica extract was 94.9% (RSD 1.7%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method is reliable, simple, precise and could be used for the quality control of C. asiatica extract.</p>

Identification of Chinese medicine material of Fritillaria by themogravimetric/diffrential thermal analysis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide a quick and simple method to identify different Chinese medicine material of Fritillaria.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The thermograms and differential thermograms of nine Fritillaria powders were obtained by thermal analyzer.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>By analyzing the thermograms of nine Fritillaria powders, we concluded that the thermal stability of nine Fritillaria powders was much different each other due to the different geography origin. The thermal stability of F. hupehensis was highest among nine Fritillaria, while F. ussurensis was the lowest. The different Fritillaria showed their own DTA spectra respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>According to the differences in the thermal properties of nine Fritillaria powders, the origins of Fritillaria could be easily identfied.</p>

Studies on in vitro culture of adventitious root in Salvia miltiorrhiza / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the culture of adventitious root of Salvia miltiorrhiza in vitro systemically.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Effects of sucrose concentrations, medium pH, inoculum size and plant growth regulators on adventitious root growth and secondary metabolites production in S. miltiorrhiza were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>With the increase of initial sucrose concentration, adventitious root growth rates increased and tanshinone II A content decreased, while content of protocatechuic aldehyde showed a broken line change and its highest production was obtained under 30 g x L(-1) sucrose in the medium. As for the effect of medium pH, medium pH of 6.5, 5.5 (or 6.0) and 5.8 was favorable for adventitious root growth, tanshinone II A and protocatechuic aldehyde synthesis respectively. Furthermore, adventitious root growth, rate was greatly increased when inoculum size was 2.5%. MS medium added with 0.5 mg x L(-1) KT was much favorable for tanshinone II A and protocatechuic aldehyde accumulation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Parameters including sucrose concentrations, medium pH, inoculum size and plant growth regulators have distinct effects on the in vitro culture of adventitious root growth and secondary metabolites synthesis of S. miltiorrhiza.</p>

Phytochemical and pharmacological research progress in Tussilago farfara / 中国中药杂志

Tussilago farfara contained the chemical constitutents including terpenes, flavonoids, and alkanoids. It has been used for the relief of coughs and as an expectorant, blood pressure raiser, platelet activating factor inhibitor and anti-inflammatory agents. This paper reviewed the phytochemical and pharmacological research progress in T. farfara, including the chemical ingredients, the pharmaceutical activities and the security evaluation aiming at its toxicity. The problems at present and the reseach direction for the future on T. farfara have been put forward.

Application of chitin and its derivatives to pharmaceutical industry for traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

This paper reviewed application of chitin and its derivatives in pharmaceutical industry of traditional Chinese medicine in recent years. Chitin and its derivatives could be used as a clarificant, retaining active substances, stabiliting preparation, reducing the heavy metals of traditional Chinese medicine extraction. Because of their churacteristics in biodegradation, biocompatibility and its tendency to film easily, chitin and its derivatives was ideal assistant materials in traditional Chinese medicine. Its application was largely enhanced after chitosan was modified. The problems and prospects of the application of chitin and its derivatives were also discussed.

Effects of mineral cations on the accumulation of tanshinone II A and protocatechuic aldehyde in the adventitious root culture of Salvia niltiorrhiza / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of mineral cations on the growth of Salvia niltiorrhiza adventitious roots and the accumulation of tanshinone II A and protocatechuic aldehyde.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The adventitious roots were cultured under different concentrations of metal cations and the contents of tanshinone II A and protocatechuic aldehyde were determined by HPLC.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Fe2 + and Mn2+ in MS medium are suitable for adventitious root growth, but Cu2+ and Mg2+ in high concentration could improve root proliferation, and Zn2+ has no obvious effect on root growth. As for tanshinone II A and protocatechuic aldehyde biosynthesis, Cu2+ and Zn2+ would inhibit the biosynthesis of protocatechuic aldehyde, furthermore, proper Fe2+ and Mg2+ concentration could advance the biosynthesis of protocatechuic aldehyde, whereas, Mn2+ in high concentration could accelerate the biosynthesis of protocatechuic aldehyde. Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+ in low concentration and Fe2+ and Mn2+ in high concentration would all advance the biosynthesis of tanshinone II A.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mineral cations have obvious effects on the secondary metabolites biosynthesis in adventitious root culture of S. niltiorrhiza.</p>

Expression of GST-HAI-1 fusion protein and development of monoclonal antibody against human hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 / 生物工程学报

The aim of this study is to develop monoclonal antibody against human hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 (HAI-1) for future study of HAI-1. The cDNA fragments of human hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 (HAI-1) were subcloned to construct GST-HAI-1 fusion protein expression vectors. The vectors were transformed into E. coli and fusion protein expression was induced by IPTG. The GST-HAI-1 fusion proteins were separated on preparative SDS-PAGE and recovered by electroelution, and used to immunize BALB/c mice. Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies against human HAI-1 were prepared by cell fusion technique and characterized by ELISA, Western Blot and immunohistochemical staining. One hybridoma cell line, ZMC6, was obtained, which produces specific antibody against the expressed GST-HAI-1 fusion protein. The monoclonal antibody recognizes both the membrane-type and secretory-type HAI-1 proteins of colorectal tissue. The successful development of anti-HAI-1 antibody provides a powerful tool for further investigation on HAI-1's function.