Herbal formula Jiawei Xiaochengqi decoction prevents postoperative abdominal adhesion in a rat model through inhibition of CXCL2-CXCR2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative abdominal adhesion (PAA) is the most common complication after abdominal surgeries, which can lead to intestinal obstruction, chronic abdominal pain or female infertility. Jiawei Xiaochengqi decoction (JWXCQ) is a hospital preparation widely used for PAA treatment in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University for more than twenty years. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of JWXCQ against PAA and provide beneficial information for its clinical application. METHODS: The main active components of JWXCQ were identified using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) combined with standard substance comparison. The efficacy and underlying mechanism of JWXCQ were evaluated through in vivo experiments with a postsurgical-induced peritoneal adhesion rat model, and in vitro studies with LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 macrophages and primary fibroblasts. H&E and Masson staining were performed to assess histopathological changes. The levels of cytokines/proteins-associated with inflammation and degradation of extracellular matrix as well as CXCL2-CXCR2 pathway-related proteins were determined by ELISA, qRT-PCR, western blot assays or immunohistochemistry, respectively. Furthermore, siCXCR2 transfection was used to validate the mechanism of action of JWXCQ. RESULTS: JWXCQ treatment significantly reduced the formation of PAA, inhibited the inflammation and collagen deposition, and facilitated the secretion of MMP9, decreased the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TIMP1, COL-1, and suppressed the CXCL2-CXCR2 pathway in PAA rats. Furthermore, JWXCQ inhibited its downstream pathways, the JAK2-STAT3 and PI3K-AKT signaling, as indicated by the suppression of the phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and AKT. In vitro cell experiments revealed that JWXCQ reduced IL-1ß and IL-6 secretion in Raw 264.7 macrophages and COL-1 in primary fibroblasts. The CXCL2-CXCR2, JAK2-STAT3 and PI3K-AKT pathways were also inhibited after JWXCQ treatment, which were consistent with the in vivo results. More importantly, silence of CXCR2 eliminated the regulatory effects of JWXCQ. CONCLUSION: JWXCQ could effectively prevent the PAA formation by alleviating inflammation and collagen deposition, which was associated with the inhibition of CXCL2-CXCR2 pathway. This study investigated the relevant pharmacological mechanisms of JWXCQ, providing further evidence for the application of JWXCQ in clinical PAA treatment.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis of primary fibroblasts: a new insight into postoperative abdominal adhesion.

PURPOSE: The specific genes or pathways in fibroblasts responsible for the pathogenesis of postoperative abdominal adhesion (PAA) remain to be elucidated. We aim to provide a new insight into disease mechanisms at the transcriptome level. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish a PAA model. Primary fibroblasts were separated from normal peritoneal tissue (NF) and postoperative adhesion tissue (PF). RNA sequencing was used to analyze the transcriptome in NF and PF. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred thirty-five upregulated and 625 downregulated DEGs were identified through RNA-Seq. A pathway enrichment analysis identified distinct enriched biological processes, among which the most prominent was related to immune and inflammatory response and fibrosis. HE staining and Masson's trichrome staining histologically validated the RNA-Seq results. Six hub genes, ITGAM, IL-1ß, TNF, IGF1, CSF1R and EGFR were further verified by RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed the roles of the immune and inflammatory responses and fibrosis in the process of PAA. We also found six hub genes that may be potential therapeutic targets for PPA.

The effect of Smad2- and Smad3-targeting RNA interference on extracellular matrix synthesis in rat fibroblasts of peritoneal adhesion tissues.

Fibroblasts migrating to peritoneum injuries play an important role in the development of postoperative peritoneal adhesions due to the excessive synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). This effect is mainly induced by the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). Studies indicate that elevated TGF-ß1 levels and TGF-ß1/Smad signaling are both implicated in the formation of peritoneal adhesions. To confirm the effect of TGF-ß1/Smad signaling interference in regulating excessive ECM synthesis, a total of four different R-Smad-targeting small interference RNA (siRNA) duplexes (Smad2-500, Smad2-956, Smad3-378, Smad3-1385) were tested in this study using a TGF-ß1-stimulated adhesion tissue fibroblasts (ATFs) cell model. The in vitro assessments show that all proposed siRNAs are capable of significantly downregulating the mRNA and protein levels of Smad2 and Smad3 in ATFs. They also inhibit the phosphorylation of both Smads, which confirms their effect in blocking the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway. Moreover, the siRNA duplexes can appreciably lower the elevated levels of fibronectin and collagen 3 alpha 1 (COL3A1) in TGF-ß1-stimulated ATFs, and the Smad3-378 siRNA can actually restore both molecules (fibronectin and COL3A1) to normal levels. Therefore, the Smad3-378 siRNA is suitable for both adhesion prevention and wound healing. Overall, our results indicate that postoperative adhesion prophylaxis may be achieved by temporarily blocking TGF-ß1/Smad signaling transduction.

Aldose Reductase Inhibitor Engeletin Suppresses Pelvic Inflammatory Disease by Blocking the Phospholipase C/Protein Kinase C-Dependent/NF-κB and MAPK Cascades.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common inflammation in the upper reproductive tract in women and may cause serious and costly consequences without effective treatment. Engeletin is a flavanonol glycoside and a naturally derived aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor that is widely distributed in vegetables, fruits, and plant-based foods. The present study investigated the anti-PID activity of engeletin in a mucilage-induced rat model of PID and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Engeletin significantly reduced inflammation and ameliorated the typical uterine pathological changes in PID rats. Engeletin also inhibited AR-dependent PLC/PKC/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, as indicated by the suppression of the phosphorylation levels of PLC, PKC, p38, ERK, and JNK and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In vitro studies demonstrated that engeletin significantly inhibited inflammatory mediator expression and enhanced the phagocytic ability of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. RNA interference of AR prevented the engeletin-induced inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Engeletin also inhibited AR-dependent PLC/PKC/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, which was consistent with the in vivo results. These findings support engeletin as a potential agent for prevention or treatment of PID.

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Postoperative Abdominal Adhesion.

Adhesion is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery. Although various methods have been applied to prevent and treat postoperative abdominal adhesion (PAA), few modern drugs designed for clinical applications have reached the expected preventive or therapeutic effect so far. There is an imperative to develop some new strategies for the treatment of PAA. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely practiced for thousands of years and played an indispensable role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Modern medicine researchers have accepted the therapeutic effects of many active components derived from Chinese medicinal herbs. The review stresses the most commonly used TCM treatment, including Chinese medicinal herbals and monomers, TCM formulas, and acupuncture treatment.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia in rats by attenuating impairment of the dopamine D2 receptor and TGF-ß1 signaling pathways in the hypothalamus and pituitary.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Paeoniflorin, a prominent component in some Chinese formulas for hyperprolactinemia-associated disorders, has been found to inhibit prolactin secretion in prolactinoma cells. AIM: To examine the efficacy of paeoniflorin on hyperprolactinemia and the underlying mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hyperprolactinemia in female rats was generated by administration of olanzapine (5 mg/kg, by a gavage method, once daily, × 13 weeks). The rats were co-treated with paeoniflorin (10 and 50 mg/kg). Prolactin and TGF-ß1 concentrations were detected by ELISA. Protein expression was determined by Western blot. The effect in MMQ cells was also examined. RESULTS: Paeoniflorin inhibited olanzapine-induced increases in plasma prolactin concentration and prolactin protein overexpression in the pituitary and hypothalamus of rats. Further, paeoniflorin restored olanzapine-induced downregulation of pituitary and hypothalamic dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) protein expression. More importantly, paeoniflorin attenuated olanzapine-suppressed protein expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and its downstream genes, type II TGF-ß receptor, type I TGF-ß receptor and phosphorylated SMAD3 in the tissues. However, paeoniflorin did not affect plasma TGF-ß1 concentration and hepatic TGF-ß1 protein expression. In accord, olanzapine-induced increase in prolactin concentration, upregulation of prolactin protein expression, and downregulation of protein expression of the D2R and TGF-ß1 signals in MMQ cells were attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that paeoniflorin ameliorates olanzapine-induced hyperprolactinemia in rats by attenuating impairment of the D2R and TGF-ß1 signaling pathways in the hypothalamus and pituitary. Our findings may provide evidence to support the use of paeoniflorin-contained Chinese herbs and formulas for hyperprolactinemia and its associated disorders.

Sodium aescinate significantly suppress postoperative peritoneal adhesion by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Although mechanical barriers and modern surgical techniques have been developed to prevent postoperative adhesion formation, high incidence of adhesions still represents an important challenge in abdominal surgery. So far, there has been no available therapeutic drug in clinical practice. PURPOSE: In this study, we explored the efficacy of sodium aescinate (AESS) treatment against postoperative peritoneal adhesions, the potential molecular mechanism was also investigated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups for the study: the blank, vehicle, positive control and three AESS administration groups (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg/d, intravenous administration for 7 days). Adhesions were induced by discretely ligating peritoneal sidewall. An IL-1ß-induced HMrSV5 cell model was also performed to explore possible functional mechanism. RESULTS: The results indicated that the incidence and severity of peritoneal adhesions were significantly lower in the AESS-treated groups than that in the vehicle and positive control group. AESS-treated groups showed that the secretion, activity, and expression of tPA in rat peritoneum were notably increased. The FIB levels in rat plasma were decreased. The immunohistochemical staining analysis demonstrated that collagen I and α-SMA deposition were significantly attenuated in AESS-treated peritoneal tissues. Besides, we found that AESS treatment reduced the protein levels of p-MYPT1. To further explore the mechanisms of AESS, both activator and inhibitors of RhoA/ROCK pathway were employed in this study. It was found that AESS-induced up-regulation of tPA was reversed by activator of ROCK, but the effects of ROCK inhibitors were consistent with AESS. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the findings of in vivo and in vitro experiments proved that AESS could significantly suppress postoperative peritoneal adhesion formation through inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Our researches provide important pharmacological basis for AESS development as a potential therapeutic agent on peritoneal adhesions.

The flavonoid-enriched extract from the root of Smilax china L. inhibits inflammatory responses via the TLR-4-mediated signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Smilax china L. has been used clinically to treat various inflammatory disorders with a long history. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory action of the extract from the herb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract was identified and quantified using the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photo Diode Array-Mass Spectrometer method. The anti-inflammatory activities were examined in xylene-induced mouse ear edema and cotton ball-induced rat granuloma. The inflammatory mediators, pro-inflammatory cytokines and TLR-4-mediated signals in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were determined using ELISA, real-time PCR, Western blot and/or immunofluorescence, respectively. RESULTS: The extract was found to enrich flavonoids (44.3%, mainly astilbin, engeletin, isoastilbin, cinchonain Ia, quercetin-3-O-a-L-rhamnopyranoside and chlorogenic acid). The flavonoid-enriched extract (FEE) inhibited xylene-induced mouse ear edema and cotton ball-induced rat granuloma, and suppressed LPS-induced over-release and/or overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages. Mechanistically, FEE suppressed protein overexpression of TLR-4 and its downstream signals, MyD88 protein, phosphorylated inhibitory κB-α, NF-κB-P65 and MAPK p38, as well as phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) p85α at Tyr607 and Akt at Ser473 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. The mode of the anti-inflammatory action of FEE was similar to that of TAK-242 (a selective TLR-4 inhibitor). CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrate that FEE inhibit inflammatory responses via the TLR-4-mediated signaling pathway. Our findings go a new insight into the mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory action of the herb, and provide a better understanding of its use for inflammatory diseases.

Yinning Tablet, a hospitalized preparation of Chinese herbal formula for hyperthyroidism, ameliorates thyroid hormone-induced liver injury in rats: Regulation of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signals.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hyperthyroidism is closely associated with liver injury. The preliminary clinical observation suggests that Yinning Tablet, a hospitalized preparation of traditional Chinese formula for hyperthyroidism, improves not only hyperthyroidism, but also hyperthyroidism-associated liver injury. AIM: To evaluate the effect and underlying mechanisms of Yinning Tablet on thyroid hormone-induced liver injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female rats were orally administered L-thyroxine (1 mg/kg) once daily for 60 days, and co-treated with the carefully identified Yinning Tablet extract (0.6-2.4 g/kg) during the last 30 days. Blood and liver variables were determined enzymatically, histologically, by ELISA, radioimmunoassay, Real-Time PCR or Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Co-treatment with the extract attenuated L-thyroxine-induced increases in serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities, the ratio of liver weight to body weight, cytoplasmic vacuolization in hepatocytes, infiltrated inflammatory cells and confused structures in liver tissue, accompanied by attenuation of increased serum triiodo-l-thyronine concentration and hepatic deiodinase type I overexpression in rats. Importantly, Yinning Tablet suppressed L-thyroxine-triggered hepatic Bax, cleaved caspases-3, -8 and -9 protein overexpression, and Bcl-2 protein downregulation. Furthermore, the increases in cytochrome c protein expression, Ca2+-ATPase activity and malondialdehyde content, and decreases in activities of Na+/K+-ATPase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity in liver tissue were attenuated. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that Yinning Tablet ameliorates thyroid hormone-induced liver injury in rats by regulating mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signals. Our findings go insight into the pharmacological basis of the hospitalized preparation for treatment of hyperthyroidism-associated liver injury.

Phenolic Compounds from the Rhizomes of Smilax china L. and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

A new triflavanoid, kandelin B-5 (1), was isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax china L., together with six known phenylpropanoid substituted flavan-3-ols (2-7), nine flavonoids (8-16), two stilbenoids (17, 18), and two other compounds (19, 20). The structure of compound 1 was determined on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS data, as well as chemical method. Compounds 2-5, 8-12, 15, 17, and 19 were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. Only compounds 10, 15 and 17 showed slightly IL-1ß expression inhibitory activities on LPS induced THP-1 cells, with inhibition rate of 15.8%, 37.3%, and 35.8%, respectively, at concentration of 50 µg/mL.

A new dimeric stilbene from the lianas of Gnetum parvifolium.

A new dimeric stilbene, gnetifolin P (1), was isolated from the lianas of Gnetum parvifolium, together with seven known compounds 2-8. The structure of compound 1 was determined by extensive NMR and HRESIMS data analyses, and quantum chemical calculations. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1 and 6 inhibited the expression of IL-1ß on LPS induced THP-1 cells with the inhibition rate of 35.78 and 64.67%, respectively, at concentration of 25 µg/mL.

[Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate prevents postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats by enhancing the activity of the peritoneal fibrinolytic system].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) in preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats and explore the mechanisms. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomized into 4 equal groups, including a blank control group, adhesion model group, and high-, moderate-, and low-dose STS-treated groups, and were subjected to injuries of the parietal peritoneum and cecum to induce peritoneal adhesions, followed by intraperitoneal administration of saline and STS at the doses of 20, 10, and 5 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Another 15 untreated rats served as the blank control group. The adhesion scores in each group were recorded after the treatments; the activity of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) in peritoneal lavage fluid was measured, tPA/PAI-1 protein ratio in the peritoneal tissue was determined by ELISA, and the expressions of TGF-ß1 and collagen I were detected by immunohistochemistry. The anastomotic healing model was used to assess the impact of STS on wound healing. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal administration of STS effectively prevented peritoneal adhesion without affecting anastomotic healing in the rats. Compared with the adhesion model group, the STS-treated groups showed increased peritoneal lavage fluid tPA activity and tPA/PAI-1 ratio in the ischemic tissues with lowered TGF-ß1 and collagen I expressions in the ischemic tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal administration of STS can prevent peritoneal adhesion and enhance local fibrinolysis in rats, and these effects may be mediated by TGF-ß signaling pathway.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Yiru Tiaojing Granule Against Hyperprolactinemia In Vitro and In Vivo.

Yiru Tiaojing Granule, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used to treat hyperprolactinemia. This study was conducted to evaluate the mechanism of action and pharmacological activity of Yiru Tiaojing Granule on prolactin secretion. The animal model of hyperprolactinemia was induced by metoclopramide. The dopamine D2 receptor in hyperprolactinemia rat models was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The biochemical parameters, including a follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and prolactin, were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the expression of prolactin and the dopamine D2 receptor was analyzed by Western blotting. The components in the Yiru Tiaojing Granule-medicated serum were assayed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The Yiru Tiaojing Granule significantly decreased the prolactin level in the hyperprolactinemia rat model, and increased the estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone levels. The high and medium doses of Yiru Tiaojing Granule reduced dopamine D2 receptor expression in the brain (p < 0.001) and produced a similar effect on bromocriptine (p < 0.001). Yiru Tiaojing Granule-medicated serum reduced (p < 0.001) prolactin expression in MMQ cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but had no effects on GH3 cells. The level of the dopamine D2 receptor in MMQ cells was also increased dose-dependently (p < 0.05). In addition, the protein kinase A and cyclic adenosine monophosphate in MMQ cells were significantly attenuated dose-dependently by treatment with a high and medium dose of Yiru Tiaojing Granule-medicated serum (p < 0.05) and bromocriptine-medicated serum (p < 0.01). The results suggested that Yiru Tiaojing Granule was effective against hyperprolactinemia, and the activation of the dopamine D2 receptor, which was related to the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate and protein kinase A, might be the potential mechanism.

Protective effect of Huang Gan formula in 5/6 nephrectomized rats by depressing the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Huang Gan formula (HGF) is a new traditional Chinese herbal medicine created according to the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of HGF on chronic kidney disease and determine the mechanisms of action. The extract of HGF was prepared, and qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemical was performed with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer and high-performance liquid chromatography. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=72) were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx), and then respectively treated with uremic clearance granule, losartan, HGF low dose, HGF middle dose, and HGF high dose once per day for 12 weeks. The sham group of operated rats (n=22) was treated with normal saline or HGF middle dose as a background control group. Blood and urine biochemical parameters, renal tissue morphology, and mRNA and proteins of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways were investigated. The results showed that the quality of the extraction process could be controlled, and a total of eight major compounds were identified and quantified. HGF could decrease the level of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine protein and increase the renal index and creatinine clearance rate in a dose-dependent manner. HGF also remarkably reduced the glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis by blocking the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway through inhibiting the Wnt1, ß-catenin, transcription factor 4, and fibronectin 1 expressions, simultaneously measured through mRNA and protein levels in the remnant kidney. These results suggest that extraction of HGF could improve remnant renal function and possibly ameliorate glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis by depressing the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Efficacy and mechanism of tanshinone IIA liquid nanoparticles in preventing experimental postoperative peritoneal adhesions in vivo and in vitro.

Up to 90% of patients develop adhesion following laparotomy. Upregulating fibrinolysis within the peritoneum reduces adhesions. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) promotes fibrinolysis in hepatic fibrosis and the cardiovascular system and may play a role in preventing adhesions. We report preparation and characterization of liquid nanoparticles of Tan IIA for intravenous administration and investigate its feasibility in clinical practice. Tan IIA liquid nanoparticles (Tan IIA-NPs) were prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation method. Adhesions were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by injuring the parietal peritoneum and cecum, followed by intravenous administration of various Tan IIA-NP dosages. The adhesion scores for each group were collected 7 days after the initial laparotomy. The activity of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) was measured from the peritoneal lavage fluid. The messenger RNA and protein expression levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TGF-ß1 and collagen I expressions were measured immunohistochemically in the ischemic tissues. The effects of Tan IIA-NPs and free-Tan IIA on tPA and PAI-1 were measured in vitro in TGF-ß1-induced HMrSV5 cells. Tan IIA-NPs exhibited small particle size, high encapsulation efficiency, good stability for storage, and safety for intravenous administration. Tan IIA-NPs were effective in preventing adhesion. Tan IIA-NPs increased tPA activity in peritoneal lavage fluid, and tPA mRNA and protein expression, and decreased PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression in the ischemic tissues. Moreover, Tan IIA-NPs decreased TGF-ß1 and collagen I expressions in the ischemic tissues. Tan IIA-NPs administered via tail veins upregulated fibrinolysis in the peritoneum. In vitro studies showed that these effects may be mediated by the TGF-ß signal pathway.

Prevention of experimental postoperative peritoneal adhesions through the intraperitoneal administration of tanshinone IIA.

Postoperative adhesions develop after nearly every abdominal surgery. The formation of adhesions is associated with the inflammatory response, fibrinolytic system, and extracellular matrix deposition in response to injury. Tanshinone IIA is one of the major extracts obtained from Salvia miltiorrhiza, which has anti-inflammatory effects on many diseases. Postoperative adhesions were induced by injuring the parietal peritoneum and cecum in Wistar rats, followed by the administration of various dosages of tanshinone IIA. The adhesion scores for each group were collected seven days after the initial laparotomy. The activity of the tissue-type plasminogen activator in the peritoneal lavage fluid was measured. The messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of the tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 in the ischaemic tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The intraperitoneal administration of tanshinone IIA is effective for the prevention of the formation of postoperative adhesions in rats. Tanshinone IIA increased fibrinolytic activity in the peritoneal lavage fluid and tissue-type plasminogen activator messenger ribonucleic acid expression in ischaemic peritoneal tissues but decreased the plasminogen activator inhibitor and cyclooxygenase-2 messenger ribonucleic acid expression significantly. These results revealed that tanshinone IIA was a potent postoperative adhesion preventer by enhancing fibrinolytic activity and decreasing cyclooxygenase-2 activity.

Sulfatide-containing lipid perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles as paclitaxel vehicles targeting breast carcinoma.

Targeted nanoparticle (NP) delivery vehicles are emerging technologies, the full potential of which has yet to be realized. Sulfatide is known to bind to extracellular matrix glycoproteins that are highly expressed in breast tumors. In this study, we report for the first time the combination of sulfatide and lipid perfluorooctylbromide NPs as a targeted breast cancer delivery vehicle for paclitaxel (PTX). PTX-sulfatide-containing lipid perfluorooctylbromide NPs (PTX-SNPs) were prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation method. PTX-SNPs exhibited a spherical shape, small particle size, high encapsulation efficiency, and a biphasic release in phosphate-buffered solution. The cytotoxicity study and cell apoptosis assay revealed that blank sulfatide-containing lipid perfluorooctylbromide NPs (SNPs) had no cytotoxicity, whereas PTX-SNPs had greater EMT6 cytotoxicity levels than PTX-lipid perfluorooctylbromide NPs (PTX-NPs) and free PTX. An in vitro cellular uptake study revealed that SNPs can deliver greater amounts of drug with more efficient and immediate access to intracellular targets. In vivo biodistribution measured using high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that the PTX-SNPs can target breast tumor tissues to increase the accumulation of PTX in these tissues. The in vivo tumor inhibition ability of PTX-SNPs was remarkably higher than PTX-NPs and free PTX. Furthermore, toxicity studies suggested that the blank SNPs had no systemic toxicity. All results suggested that SNPs may serve as efficient PTX delivery vehicles targeting breast carcinoma.

[Effect of Smilax china bioactive fraction on tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-4 contents in uterine tissue of rats with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism that mediates the therapeutic effect of the bioactive fraction of Baqia (Smilax china) on chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID). METHODS: Seventy rats were randomized into CPID model group, sham-operated group, normal control group, Jingangteng capsule group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose Baqia groups. Rat models of CPID were established by inducing chemical burns of the uterus and corresponding treatments were administered. After 14 days of treatment, the rat uterus was observed for swelling and inhibition rate, and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the uterine tissues were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The bioactive fraction of Baqia at the 3 doses obviously reduced the inflammatory cells in the endometrium, promoted epithelial cell proliferation, and ameliorated congestion and edema of the serosa. High and medium doses of Baqia bioactive fraction significantly decreased uterus swelling rate of the rats (P<0.01). All the 3 doses of the Baqia bioactive fraction obviously decreased uterine TNF-α content (P<0.01) and significantly increased uterine IL-4 expression level (P<0.05), and IL-4 up-regulation was especially obvious in high and medium dose groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Baqia bioactive fraction can ameliorate uterine swelling, lower uterine TNF-α and increase IL-4 expressions in rats with CPID, which may be a pharmacological mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect on CPID and cervical adhesion.

[Pharmaceutical screening of the effective fraction from Smilax for treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effective fraction of Smilax for treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) by pharmacodynamic screening as the basis for further development of sarsaparilla preparations. METHODS: The chemical fractions of Smilax were administered intragastrically in rat models of CPID induced by injecting phenol mucilage into the uterus to observe the therapeutic effects. The anti-inflammatory effects of different extract fractions from Smilax were tested in mice with xylene-induced ear edema and in rats with cotton-ball-induced granuloma. RESULTS: High-dose ethyl acetate extract of Smilax could obviously inhibit uterus inflammation in rats with CPID, showing also strong anti-inflammatory effects against ear edema in mice and granuloma in rats (P<0.01). The moderate dose of ethyl acetate extract also obviously ameliorated the inflammation. Both the ethyl acetate extract fraction and the total extract fraction of Smilax showed anti-inflammatory effects, while the former produced strong effects while the latter has only weak actions. CONCLUSION: The ethyl acetate extract fraction of Smilax is the effective fraction to produce anti-inflammatory and anti-CPID effects.

Preparation and characterization of teniposide PLGA nanoparticles and their uptake in human glioblastoma U87MG cells.

Many studies have demonstrated the uptake mechanisms of various nanoparticle delivery systems with different physicochemical properties in different cells. In this study, we report for the first time the preparation and characterization of teniposide (VM-26) poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) and their cellular uptake pathways in human glioblastoma U87MG cells. The nanoparticles prepared with oil-in-water (O/W) single-emulsion solvent evaporation method had a small particle size and spherical shape and provided effective protection against degradation of teniposide in PBS solution. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) thermograms concluded that VM-26 was dispersed as amorphous or disordered crystalline phase in the PLGA matrix. A cytotoxicity study revealed that, in a 24h period, blank PLGA NPs had no cytotoxicity, whereas teniposide-loaded PLGA NPs (VM-26-NPs) had U87MG cytotoxicity levels similar to free teniposide. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed the distribution and degradation processes of nanoparticles in cells. An endocytosis inhibition test indicated that clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis were the primary modes of engulfment involved in the internalization of VM-26-NPs. Our findings suggest that PLGA nanoparticles containing a sustained release formula of teniposide may multiplex the therapeutic effect and ultimately degrade in lysosomal within human glioblastoma U87MG cells.