Toxicity mechanism of Rhododendri Mollis Flos: based on serum metabolomics and network toxicology / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the toxicity mechanism of Rhododendri Mollis Flos(RMF) based on serum metabolomics and network toxicology. The toxic effect of RMF on normal rats was evaluated according to the symptoms, serum biochemical indexes, and histopathology. Serum metabolomics was combined with multivariate statistical analysis to search endogenous differential metabolites and related metabolic pathways. The toxic components, targets, and signaling pathways of RMF were screened by network toxicology technique, and the component-target-metabolite-metabolic pathway network was established with the help of serum metabolomics. The result suggested the neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity of RMF. A total of 31 differential metabolites and 10 main metabolic pathways were identified by serum metabolomics, and 11 toxic components, 332 related target genes and 141 main signaling pathways were screened out by network toxicology. Further analysis yielded 7 key toxic components: grayanotoxin Ⅲ,grayanotoxinⅠ, rhodojaponin Ⅱ, rhodojaponin Ⅴ, rhodojaponin Ⅵ, rhodojaponin Ⅶ, and kalmanol, which acted on the following 12 key targets: androgen receptor(AR), albumin(ALB), estrogen receptor β(ESR2), sex-hormone binding globulin(SHBG), type 11 hydroxysteroid(17-beta) dehydrogenase(HSD17 B11), estrogen receptor α(ESR1), retinoic X receptor-gamma(RXRG), lactate dehydrogenase type C(LDHC), Aldo-keto reductase(AKR) 1 C family member 3(AKR1 C3), ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1(ABCB1), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2 B7(UGT2 B7), and glutamate-ammonia ligase(GLUL). These targets interfered with the metabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid, estriol, testosterone, retinoic acid, 2-oxobutyric acid, and affected 4 key metabolic pathways of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and retinol metabolism. RMF exerts toxic effect on multiple systems through multiple components, targets, and pathways. Through the analysis of key toxic components, target genes, metabolites, and metabolic pathways, this study unveiled the mechanism of potential neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity of RMF, which is expected to provide a clue for the basic research on toxic Chinese medicinals.

GC-IMS Analysis of Volatile Components in Rhododendri Mollis Flos at Different Flowering Stages / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:The volatile components of Rhododendri Mollis Flos were determined and the differences of volatile components at different flowering stages were compared and analyzed. Method:Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry （GC-IMS） was used to detect the volatile components in Rhododendri Mollis Flos at different flowering stages （bud stage， initial flowering stage， half-flowering stage， blooming stage and late blooming stage）. GC-IMS spectra combined with cluster analysis， principal component analysis （PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） were used to compare the differences and similarities of volatile components in different flowering stages. Result:A total of 70 volatile components in Rhododendri Mollis Flos at different flowering stages were detected， among which 67 were common components， and 47 were identified qualitatively， mainly alcohols， esters and aldehydes. Carveol was a special component at the late blooming stage. The content of alpha-terpineol is the highest at the initial flowering stage， but not at the blooming stage and late blooming stage. The relative contents of the active ingredients ［6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one， nonanal， alpha-terpineol， 1，8-cineole， linalool oxide， 1-octen-3-ol， （<italic>E</italic>）-3-hexenol］ showed a decreasing trend during flowering stages. GC-IMS spectra showed that the samples at different flowering stages had their own characteristic peak regions， and also had common regions. The results of cluster analysis， PCA and OPLS-DA all showed that the samples at different flowering stages were distinguishable. OPLS-DA was used to screen 19 different components to distinguish different flowering stages， including <italic>γ</italic>-butyrolactone， 1，8-cineole， ethyl hexanoate， etc. Conclusion:Rhododendri Mollis Flos samples at different flowering stages can be distinguished obviously， and the active substances in the volatile components are gradually dissipated with the degree of flower opening， which can provide reference for the improvement of material basis and the study of different flowering stages of Rhododendri Mollis Flos.

Herbal Textual Research and Processing Historical Evolution of Rhododendri Mollis Flos / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In this paper， through the collection and collation of ancient materia medica， medical books and medical formulary， combining with modern literature， the historical changes of the name， origin， position， harvesting time， medicinal parts， toxicity， functions and indications， processing methods of Rhododendri Mollis Flos （RMF） were systematically combed and verified， so as to provide reference for clinical application， processing standard and basic research of RMF. According to textual research， RMF is the dried flower of Rhododendron molle. In each historical period， there are many aliases and local names， being with phenomenon of homonyms and synonyms. RMF is mostly wild and planted in a small amount， harvesting time is mostly in March to April. However， the harvesting flowering period is differently described as initial bloom， full bloom and extensive bloom. RMF was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing (《神农本草经》)， but it did not mention its medicinal parts. Then the flowers， fruits， roots are be used as medicine， but flowers are still the main medicinal parts. RMF had a long processing history， included fried， vinegar-fried， wine-fried， steamed， wine-steamed， vinegar-steamed， and many other processing methods in ancient times. However， at present， only raw products are used in clinical practice， and only a few modern books retain the methods of stir-fried and wine-steamed， believing that the processing can reduce toxicity of RMF.

Optimization of One-step Pelletization Technology of Rouganbao Granules with Orthogonal Test Methodology / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To optimize the process conditions of one-step pelletization of Rouganbao Granules. Methods The factors influencing the pelletization of Rouganbao Granules were investigated by L9(34)orthogonal test, with the indexes of forming rate and fluidity. Results The spraying speed had the greatest effect on one-step pelletization, followed by atomization pressure and material temperature, and wind temperature had the smallest effect. At last, the best process parameters were relative density 1.15 (60 ℃), spray speed 55 mL/min, atomization pressure 0.25 MPa, wind temperature 75 ℃, material temperature 55 ℃, and critical relative humidity was 63%. Conclusion One-step pelletization technology can improve the preparation level and product quality, which can be used for the industrial production of Rouganbao Granules.

Study on Quality Standard of Yiwei Xiaoyu Granules / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish the quality standard for Yiwei Xiaoyu Granules.Methods TLC was used for the qualitative analyses of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Dendrobii Caulis; HPLC was applied to determine the contents of notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1and ginsenoside Re. Results The TLC spots were clear and free from negative interference. Notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1and ginsenoside Re showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 0.067 2–0.672 μg (r=0.999 6), 0.501 2–5.012 μg (r=0.999 6), 0.326 5–3.265 μg (r=0.999 6), 0.098 3–0.983 μg (r=0.999 7), whose average recoveries were 96.32% (RSD=1.3%), 96.45% (RSD=1.5%), 101.23% (RSD=1.7%), and 97.89% (RSD=1.7%), respectively. Conclusion This method is accurate, reliable, and reproducible, which can be used for the quality control of Yiwei Xiaoyu Granules.

Cytogenetic characteristics of 163 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To further understand the cytogenetic characteristics of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cytogenetic abnormalities of 163 children with newly diagnosed ALL (0-17 years of age) were evaluated by conventional cytogenetic analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization findings.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Chromosome abnormalities were detected in 87.7% of patients (143/163). The ploidy levels most frequently observed among ALL patients were high hyperdiploidy (51-67 chromosomes) (45 cases, 27.6%), Chromosomes X and 21 were gained in 100% of these cases. The most common genetic alterations were t(12;21)/ETV6/RUNX1 (26 cases, 16.0%), followed by t(1;19)/TCF3/PBX1 (13 patients, 8.0%), t(4;11)/MLL rearrangement and t(8;14) IGH/MYC (6 cases, 3.7%), t(9;22)/BCR/ABL(2 cases, 1.2%), and iAMP21 (1 patient, 0.6%). The no-classical structural abnormalities included dup(1q) in 20.2%, del(6q) and del(9p) in 10.4%, del(12p) in 12.9% and del(13q) in 5.5%. The incidences of t(12;21), t(1;19), t(9;22) and high hyperdiploidy were consistent with reports in Western children (P>0.25). The incidence of (9;22) seemed to be much lower in our study than that in Korea (1.5% vs 9.5%, P<0.005).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cytogenetic findings of childhood ALL patients are similar to that of Western countries, it seems no more adverse risk factors.</p>

Clinical features and molecular diagnosis of three patients with DiGeorge anomaly / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical features and molecular diagnostic methods of three patients with DiGeorge anomaly.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The clinical manifestations and immunological features of the three cases with DiGeorge anomaly were analyzed. We detected the chromosome 22q11.2 gene deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>(1) CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: All three cases had varying degrees of infection, congenital heart disease and small thymus by imaging; two cases had significant hypocalcemia (1.11 mmol/L and 1.22 mmol/L, respectively), accompanied by convulsions; only 1 case had cleft palate and all had no significant facial deformity. (2) Immunological characteristics: All three cases had varying degrees of T-cell immune function defects (percentage of T lymphocytes was 24% - 43%, absolute count was 309 - 803/µl), and levels of immunoglobulin G, A, M, and percent of B lymphocytes and absolute count were normal. (3) Detection of the chromosome 22q11.2 gene deletion: 400 cells of each case were detected. All cells showed two green and one red hybridization signal, indicating the presence of gene deletions in chromosome 22q11.2. (4) OUTCOME: All three cases were treated with thymosin, and appropriate clinical intervention for cardiac malformations, hypocalcemia, and were followed-up for 4 - 18 months, the prognosis was good.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DiGeorge anomaly showed diverse clinical manifestations. We should consider the disease if patients had congenital heart disease, thymic hypoplasia, hypocalcemia and/or impaired immune function. FISH for detecting chromosome 22q11.2 gene deletion can be used as accurate and rapid diagnostic method. Thymosin treatment and other clinical intervention may help to improve the prognosis of patients with partial DiGeorge anomaly.</p>

Effects of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 in mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) can activate hepatic stellate cells and increase extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro. However, the effects of IGFBPrP1 in mice with hepatic fibrosis, and the mechanisms of these effects, are currently unknown. We aim to address these issues in this study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA) is a classic method for establishing a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis. Using this model, we administered anti-IGFBPrP1 antibody, again via intraperitoneal injection. The morphological changes of liver fibrosis were observed with both HE and Masson stainning. The immunohistochemical assays and Western blotting were used to measure changes in IGFBPrP1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and ECM in liver tissues, and the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad3. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the SNK-q test for inter-group differences.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Masson staining analysis showed that compared with normal control group, content of collagen fiber in TAA5w group was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and it was significantly decreased in TAA5w/aIGFBPrP1 group compared with in TAA5w group (P < 0.01). The expression of hepatic IGFBPrP1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, collagen I and fibronectin (FN) was significantly up-regulated in the TAA5w group (P < 0.01). Anti-IGFBPrP1 treatment reversed these changes (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IGFBPrP1 plays an important role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Anti-IGFBPrP1 prevents fibrosis in mice by suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells, inhibiting the synthesis of major components of the ECM (namely, collagen I and FN). The mechanism for this suppression of fibrosis is associated with the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathways.</p>

Proteinchip-flight mass spectrometry for screening differentially expressed proteins in the serum of cervical cancer patients / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the differentially expressed proteins in the serum of patients with cervical cancer for use as the biomarkers for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) with weak cationic chips (CM10) was used to examine the serum samples of 24 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and 25 age-matched healthy women. The protein fingerprints were obtained, and bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed proteins in the serum of the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fifty-two differentially expressed proteins were detected in the serum of cervical cancer patients (P<10(-5)), among which 6 proteins with mass/charge ratio of 4173.77, 5903.09, 6087.12, 10716.9, 6109.61 and 3397.41, respectively, showed lowered expression in the serum of cervical cancer patients. Two diagnostic models for cervical cancer were generated using software, including one consisting of the 4173.77(M/Z) protein with the diagnostic specificity of 96% and sensitivity of 75% for cervical cancer and the other consisting of 3 proteins at 5335.81(M/Z), 7562.99(M/Z), and 9287.89(M/Z) with specificity of 91.67% and sensitivity of 96.0%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cervical cancer patients show different serum protein expression profile from healthy women. The 6 differential proteins identified may serve as specific serum biomarkers in close relation to the origin and progression of cervical cancer.</p>

Detection of t (14; 18) chromosomal translocation in paraffin-embedded tissues of follicular lymphoma and its clinical significance / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the genetic aberrations and their pathologic significance in follicular lymphoma (FL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Paraffin-embedded tissue samples of 55 cases of FL, 28 cases of other small B-cell lymphomas and 10 cases of reactive follicular hyperplasia were retrieved. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect clonal rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) in FL and other small B-cell lymphomas. The translocation t (14; 18) was studied by PCR and dual-color fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) in FL. Cases of reactive follicular hyperplasia were used as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Amongst the 55 cases studied, 49 cases were nodal and 6 cases were extranodal. There were 33 males and 22 females. The male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. The median age of the patients was 57 years. Twenty-five cases belonged to histologic grade 1, while 19 cases were grade 2 and 11 cases were grade 3. Beta-actin DNA was detected in 50 cases of FL. Amongst those 50 cases, clonal IgH rearrangement was present in 34 (68%). Twenty-four cases (48%) and 25 cases (50%) were positive for FR3A and FR2 respectively. Fifteen cases (30%) showed dual positivity for both FR3A and FR2. Thirty-four cases (68%) demonstrated clonal IgH rearrangement. As for other small B-cell lymphomas, 25 cases were positive for beta-actin. FR3A and FR2 were detected in 18 and 17 cases respectively. Clonal IgH rearrangement was demonstrated in 24 cases. In contrast, none of the 4 cases of reactive follicular hyperplasia showed the clonal rearrangement pattern. Amongst the 44 cases of nodal FL analyzed, t (14; 18) was detected in 15 cases (with 14 cases in MBR and 1 case in mcr). In general, FISH was superior to PCR in detecting t (14; 18) using paraffin-embedded tissue samples.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The detection rate of clonal IgH rearrangement in FL is lower than that in other small B-cell lymphomas. Demonstration of t (14; 18) in paraffin-embedded tissue samples by FISH helps in diagnosis of FL. FISH is superior to PCR, as the technique is more sensitive and less labor intensive.</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>

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>