Influences of Total Alkaloids in Caulis Mahoniae on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cervical Cancer Cells and the Caspase-3 Expression.

The study aimed to investigate the influences of the active ingredient in Caulis Mahoniae, total alkaloids, on the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells and the caspase-3 expression. The total alkaloids were extracted in vitro from Caulis Mahoniae, and cervical cancer HeLa cell lines were used as experimental objects. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of total alkaloids on HeLa cell lines was detected via the preliminary experiment, the influences of total alkaloids at different concentrations on the proliferation of HeLa cell lines were detected via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the cell growth curve was plotted. Moreover, the cell cycle and apoptosis after treatment with total alkaloids at different concentrations were detected via flow cytometry, and the caspase-3 gene and protein expressions were detected via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The IC50 of total alkaloids in Caulis Mahoniaeon HeLa cell lines was 12.5 µg/mL. With the gradual increase of concentration of total alkaloids in the treatment of cervical cancer cells, the inhibitory rate on cancer cells was gradually increased, and the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase was gradually decreased, while that in S and G2/M phases was gradually increased. Besides, with the increase in the concentration of total alkaloids, the apoptotic rate of cervical cancer cells was gradually increased, and both caspase-3 gene and protein expressions were also gradually increased. The total alkaloids extracted from Caulis Mahoniae can effectively inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of cervical cancer HeLa cells, which may be realized by promoting the expression of apoptosis-related factor caspase-3.

Chemical properties and anti-fatigue effect of polysaccharide from Pholiota nameko.

The aim of this study was to explore the primary chemical properties and anti-fatigue effect in vivo of Pholiota nameko polysaccharide (PNP). Through UV-visible spectrum, the absorption peaks of proteins, nucleic acids and pigments were not found. The organic functional groups of polysaccharides (3,289.97, 1,584.72, and 1,045.23 cm-1 so on) were measured by IR spectroscopy. The PNP was a semi-crystalline or non-crystalline substance, possessed a three-dimensional lump structure with a smooth, dense surface and amorphous structure according to the scanning electron microscopy and XRD images. Moreover, the PNP was chain or bright-spot structures formed by the entanglement of multiple polysaccharide fibers on the basis of atomic force microscopy. The results of anti-fatigue suggested the PNP could significantly extend the forced swim time from 121.58 ± 18.48 and 101.91 ± 14.27 min to 154.95 ± 24.26 and 134.13 ± 25.71 min in male and female mice respectively. The LDH activity was up to 31.68 ± 4.60 U/ml in male mice and 29.49 ± 5.12 U/ml in female mice. Meanwhile, the Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase activity was reached to 2.49 ± 0.41 µmol/(mg·h) in male mice and 2.44 ± 0.29 µmol/(mg·h) in female mice. The SOD activity was increased to 5.92 ± 1.19 U/ml in male mice and 5.89 ± 0.98 U/ml in female mice, while the MDA content was decreased to 2.24 ± 0.34 nmol/mg in male mice and 2.02 ± 0.41 nmol/mg in female mice. These results showed a theoretical basis for application of the PNP in food and pharmacy as a natural physical strengthening substance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fatigue affects physical and mental health in vivo, which resulted in negative effects on everyday tasks, leisure activities, cognitive and behavioral performances and is very common in modern life. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the primary chemical properties and research the anti-fatigue effects of Pholiota nameko polysaccharide (PNP) in mice. And then, it would be a reference for the development and utilization of PNP as a kind of healthy food on sub-health.