Norlichexanthone purified from plant endophyte prevents postmenopausal osteoporosis by targeting ER

Although different types of drugs are available for postmenopausal osteoporosis, the limitations of the current therapies including drug resistances and adverse effects require identification of novel anti-osteoporosis agents. Here, we defined that norlichexanthone (NOR), a natural product, is a ligand of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER

The expression of protein kinase CK 2α in rat hepatic fibrogenesis process / 药学实践杂志

Objective To observe the dynamic characteristics of protein kinase ,casein kinase II α (CK2α) ,expression during hepatic fibrogenesis in rats ;and the effects of a matrine derivative ,13-methylamino-18-thione-matrine (M ASM ) ,on CK2αexpression when it is used for anti-fibrotic treatment .Methods Hepatic fibrosis model was established in SD rats by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) injection or by bile duct ligation (BDL) .The established fibrotic rats were given 50 mg/kg MASM or saline as a control by gavage for three weeks .The level of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by histopathology examina-tion using hematoxylin-eosin staining ,and using the sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining for collagen determination in fi-brosis .The expressions of CK2αandα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in hepatic tissues were detected by immunohistochemis-ry .Results CK2α is mainly expressed in the stellate cells of fibrotic livers induced by DM N or BDL comparing the control group .Along with the development of hepatic fibrosis as evidenced by α-SMA expression ,increased CK2α-positive cells in liver were detected while injecting DMN in the rats for one to four weeks .MASM treatment significantly inhibited the hepatic fibro-sis and suppressed the expression of CK2αcomparing the model group .Conclusion The expression level of CK2α,and hepatic fibrosis formation are positively correlated .The matrine derivative ,MASM ,can significantly inhibit hepatic fibrosis and sup-press the CK2αexpression .These results suggest CK2αmay be a potential target for hepatic fibrosis therapy .

Drugs for treating sepsis:research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

Sepsis is a common complication in clinic with high lethality, and seriously threatens the patients who already suffer from trauma, burn and surgery. Present researches indicate that the pathogenesis is not identical during the different stages of the disease. Therefore, more and more specific therapeutic strategies are advanced. This article reviews the therapeutic strategies for sepsis and the development based on the different pathogenesis.