The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Qinggan Tongyin Based on the Network Pharmacology and UHPLC-MS/MS / 中药新药与临床药理

Objective To preliminary explore the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of Qinggan Tongyin based on serum pharmacology and network pharmacology.Methods The effects of the serum containing Qinggan Tongyin on the release of NO,cell necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were confirmed using serum pharmacology.UHPLC-MS/MS was used to determine the index components of Qinggan Tongyin.The possible targets and pathways of active components in Qinggan Tongyin for anti-inflammatory properties were predicted by using network pharmacology.Results The results of cellular assay showed that Qinggan Tongyin could dramatically lessen the levels of NO,TNF-α,and IL-6(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).The higher contents of Qinggan Tongyin were phillyrin A,arctiin,chlorogenic acid,scutellarin,gallic acid,rosmarinic acid,paeoniflorin and phillyrin.A totsl of 215 intersection targets between 17 active components in Qinggan Tongyin and inflammation were obtained,and the 31 core targets were ALB,VEGFA,IL-6,TNF-α,etc..The primary targets can exhibit anti-inflammatory actions by regulating several signaling pathways,such as AGE-RAGE,PI3K-Akt,and MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusion Qinggan Tongyin exerts its anti-inflammatory effects with the characteristic of multiple components and multiple targets.

Pomegranate juice-containing serum inhibits migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and promotes apoptosis by induction of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with an insidious onset and poor prognosis. Pomegranate is a fruit rich in many natural products with anti-cancer potential; however, its direct biological effects are difficult to evaluate in vitro because of changes in its active components after absorption and metabolism. This study was conducted to prepare pomegranate juice-containing serum (PJ serum) by gavage of pomegranate juice (PJ) in rats and to collect serum. The aim was to investigate the components and the effects of PJ serum on HCC cells by serum pharmacology. 56 compounds were identified in the PJ serum, including 6 prototype components. PJ serum selectively inhibited HCC cells proliferation and migration, and it promoted apoptosis of HCC cells without affecting LO2 cells activity. Furthermore, PJ serum reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased the calcium ion concentration in HCC cells. Mechanistically, PJ serum up-regulated the expression of the Bax family, Caspases and TIMP2/MMP2, and down-regulated the expression of MMP9. This study revealed that PJ serum inhibited HCC cell migration by regulating the TIMP2/MMP2 balance and MMP9 expression and promoted HCC cell apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and causing a Caspase cascade. The polyphenols and flavonoids in PJ may be important components responsible for its anti-HCC activity after metabolism.

Chemical profiling and identification of anti-osteoporosis chemical-markers of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) presl extracts using GC-MS and spectrum-activity analyses.

Cinnamomum cassia (L.) Presl (cinnamon), an important folk medicine is widely used to prevent osteoporosis for long time in China. Our study aimed to investigate the anti-osteoporosis activity and mechanisms of cinnamon extracts obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction (SFE) and identify activity associated chemical components by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The cinnamon SFE exhibited superior anti-osteoporosis efficacy in an ovariectomised mice model to common alcohol extracts. It could induce calcified nodules and ALP activity, upregulate the mRNA expression of ALP, BMP-2, and RUNX2 in MC3T3-E1 cells. The major chemical classes of cinnamon extracts were alcohol esters (28.2%), and terpenes (16.1%). The spectrum-activity analysis indicated that the potential chemical-markers of extracts could be (E)-Cinnamaldehyde, γ-Sitosterol, and (Z, Z)-9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, which could induce the proliferation and ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells. Our study revealed the promising applications of the cinnamon SFE in prevention of osteoporosis, and identified its anti-osteoporosis associated compounds.

In vitro bacteriostatic and serum pharmacological tests of Qiguiyin decoction combined with levofloxacin against pseudomonas aeruginosa / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the antibacterial activity and anti-resistant mutation ability of Qiguiyin decoction (a traditional Chinese herbal formula) combined with levofloxacin against pseudomonas aeruginosa byantibacterial experiment in vitro and serum pharmacology. Methods The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of levofloxacin and Qiguiyin decoction were detected respectively by the broth dilution technique.The MIC of the combination of two drugs was determined by the micro chessboard dilution method. The effects of combined drugs on enhancing the antibacterial activity of different strains were evaluated respectively by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). The drug-containing serum of levofloxa-cin group, Qiguiyin decoction group, Qiguiyin decoction combined with levofloxacin group and control group was prepared. The antibacterial rate, MIC and MBC of 10% ~ 90% serum against the two strains were determined. Results Combined with Qiguiyin decoction, MIC of levofloxacin against pseudomonas aeruginosa (standard/resistant) decreased significantly, 0. 5 < FICI

[Potential pharmacodynamic substances of Laportea bulbifera in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacology].

The present study investigated the pharmacodynamic material basis of Laportea bulbifera in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Firstly, human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocyte line MH7A was cultured in vitro and treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α, 50 ng·mL~(-1)). The proliferation and the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as prostaglandin E2(PGE2), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), and interleukin-6(IL-6) of the MH7A cells exposed to the serum containing L. bulbifera were determined to evaluate the anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of the serum. Furthermore, the ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry fingerprints of the L. bulbifera crude extract, the drug-containing serum, and the drug-free serum were compared to identify the compounds newly generated in the serum after oral administration of the extract. According to the peak areas of common peaks and the results of anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect test, the active components were identified. The serum containing L. bulbifera significantly inhibited the proliferation of the MH7A cells activated by TNF-α and the expression of PGE2, IL-6, and IL-1ß. Thirty newly generated compounds were detected in the drug-containing serum. Among them, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, luteoloside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and quercitrin were also present in the crude extract. Twelve characteristic peaks(3, 7, 8, 14, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, m6, m7, and m15) were significantly correlated with the pharmaceutical effect. According to the correlations, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid had great contributions to the anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity. This study preliminarily clarified the potential pharmacodynamic substances of L. bulbifera in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which laid a theoretical and experimental foundation for further development and application of the medicinal plant.

Identification of the molecular targets and mechanisms of compound mylabris capsules for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment through network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese herbal formulas have been proven to exert an inhibitory effect on tumor. Compound mylabris capsules (CMC) has been used for treating cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), for years in China. However, its therapeutic mechanisms on HCC remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research aimed to elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms of CMC for treating HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the bioactive ingredients and potential targets of CMC, as well as HCC-related targets were retrieved from publicly available databases. Next, the overlapped genes between potential targets of CMC and HCC-related targets were determined using bioinformatics analysis. Then, networks of ingredient-target and gene-pathway were constructed. Finally, cell experiments were carried out to examine the effects of CMC-medicated serum on HCC and validate the core molecular targets. RESULTS: In total, 151 bioactive ingredients and 255 potential targets of CMC were selected, 982 differentially expressed genes of HCC were identified. Among them, 34 overlapped genes were finally selected. In addition, 20 pathways and 429 GO terms were significantly enriched. Protein-protein interaction and gene-pathway networks indicated that Cyclin B1(CCNB1) and Cyclin Dependent Kinase 1(CDK1) were the core gene targets for the treatment of CMC on HCC. Moreover, in vitro studies showed that CMC-medicated serum significantly inhibited the viability of HepG2 cells. Furthermore, CMC downregulated CCNB1 and CDK1 expressions and induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSIONS: CMC plays a therapeutic role in HCC via multi-component, -target and -pathway mechanisms, in which CCNB1 and CDK1 may be the core molecular targets. This study indicates that the integration of network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis, followed by experimental validation, can serves as an effective tool for studying the therapeutic mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine.

Astragalus protects PC12 cells from 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neuronal damage: A serum pharmacological study.

Accumulating evidence has already indicated that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses tremendous potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Astragalus, also named Huangqi, is a famous traditional medical herb that can be applied to treat cerebral ischemia and prevent neuronal degeneration. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In the present study, Astragalus-containing serum (ASMES) was prepared and added into the culture medium of PC12 cells to explore its neuroprotective effect on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-caused neuronal toxicity. Our data showed that ASMES significantly ameliorated the cellular viability of cultured PC12 cells against the neurotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA (P < 0.05). Moreover, ASMES significantly decreased the cell apoptosis triggered by 6-OHDA (P < 0.01). Furthermore, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay was performed to detect the changes in oxidative stress, and we showed that 6-OHDA elevated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas ASMES significantly reversed these changes (P < 0.01). Besides, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay showed that ASMES could restore 6-OHDA-damaged MMP in cultured PC12 cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Astragalus could protect PC12 cells from 6-OHDA-caused neuronal toxicity, and possibly, the ROS-mediated apoptotic pathway participated in this process. Collectively, our findings provided valuable insights into the potential in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Overview research status in serum spectrum-effect of Chinese materia medica / 中草药

Currently, the domestic and foreign research methods for the qualitative basis of Chinese materia medica (CMM) mainly include phytochemical separation method, pharmacological activity tracer method, chromatography, etc. The above methods have played an active role in elucidating the qualitative basis of CMM. However, how to form a multi-component research model that can better reflect the "holistic view" characteristics of CMM and reflect the effectiveness of CMM has become an important direction for scholars in the industry to explore. Serum spectrum-effect of CMM is based on the theory of spectrum-effect to study the relationship between serum chemical fingerprints and pharmacodynamics in vivo. In this paper, by consulting relevant literature, the research idea of serum spectrum-effect was collected, the research results were summarized, and the research bottleneck was analyzed and discussed, so as to provide reference for revealing the material basis of CMM.

[Mechanism of Calculus Bovis Sativus in inhibiting hepatocyte lipid deposition based on serum pharmacology].

The aim of this paper was to investigate the molecular mechanism of Calculus Bovis Sativus( CBS) in alleviating lipid accumulation in vitro by serum pharmacology. The CBS-containing serum of mice was obtained by serum pharmacology method to evaluate its effect on the proliferation of LO2 hepatocytes. The lipid reducing effects of CBS-containing serum through Nrf2 was evaluated by fructose-induced LO2 hepatocyte steatosis model,nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2( Nrf2) agonist oltipraz combined intervention,cell oil red O staining and intracellular triglyceride( TG) content. The effects of CBS-containing serum on lipid peroxidation and hepatocytes apoptosis were evaluated by reactive oxygen species( ROS) and apoptosis assay,respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction( PCR) was used to detect the relative expression of lipid synthesis-related genes and apoptosis-related genes.RESULTS:: showed that CBS drug-containing serum had no significant effect on LO2 hepatocyte proliferation. As compared with the model group,CBS-containing serum could effectively reduce the formation of lipid droplets in fructose-induced LO2 hepatocytes,significantly reduce intracellular TG and ROS levels,and significantly reduce hepatocyte apoptosis rate( P < 0. 05). As compared with the model group,carbohydrate responsive element binding protein( ChREBP),sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 c( SREBP-1 c),fatty acid synthase( FAS),acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1( ACC1),stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1( SCD1),Bax and caspase-3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in CBS drug-containing serum treatment group( P<0. 05). All of the above effects could be reversed by oltipraz.In conclusion,CBS-containing serum can significantly inhibit the fructose-induced LO2 liver fat deposition,and the mechanism may be related to reducing intracellular ROS level through the Nrf2 pathway and improving intracellular peroxidation state to reduce apoptosis.

Investigation of the mechanisms of Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity by a cell metabolomics strategy combined with serum pharmacology in HL-7702 liver cells.

1. To investigate Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity, a cell metabolomics strategy combined with serum pharmacology was performed on human HL-7702 liver cells in this study. 2. Firstly, cell viability and biochemical indicators were determined and the cell morphology was observed to confirm the cell injury and develop a cell hepatotoxicity model. Then, with the help of cell metabolomics based on UPLC-MS, the Genkwa Flos group samples were completely separated from the blank group samples in the score plots and seven upregulated as well as two down-regulated putative biomarkers in the loading plot were identified and confirmed. Besides, two signal molecules and four enzymes involved in biosynthesis pathway of lysophosphatidylcholine and the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway were determined to investigate the relationship between Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity and these two classic pathways. Finally, the metabolic pathways related to specific biomarkers and two classic metabolic pathways were analyzed to explain the possible mechanism of Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity. 3. Based on the results, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, phospholipase A2/lysophosphatidylcholine pathway, the disturbance of sphingosine-1-phosphate metabolic profile centered on sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway and fatty acid metabolism might be critical participators in the progression of liver injury induced by Genkwa Flos.

[Experimental study on effect and mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules on diabetic myocardial injury].

Diabetic cardiomyopathy( DCM) is one of the major cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Based on the clinical efficacy of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules( DJC) in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its cardiovascular complications,both in vivo and in vitro methods were adopted to investigate its effect and underlying mechanism of protecting myocardial injury induced by diabetes. The type 2 diabetic rats were prepared by feeding high-energy food combined with streptozotin( STZ) injection,and the effects of DJC were observed by blood sugar,blood lipid,hemodynamic index,cardiac weight index and the change of cardiac pathological morphology. The protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in myocardial tissue were detected and the possible mechanism was preliminarily analyzed. Besides this,DJC containing serum was prepared,H9 c2 cardiomyocyte induced by high sugar were studied to investigate the mechanism of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway regulating cardiomyocyte injury and the therapeutic effect of DJC. The results demonstrated that fasting blood sugar,glycosylated hemoglobin,total cholesterol and glycerol triglyceride were significantly reduced( P<0. 01,P<0. 05). Cardiac weight index,left ventricle weight index,LVEDP and the protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 were significantly reduced( P<0. 01,P<0. 05). LVSP,+dp/dtmaxand-dp/dtmaxincreased significantly( P<0. 01,P< 0. 05). Moreover,the pathological damage of myocardial tissue in rats improved significantly. Meanwhile,the protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in cardiomyocytes induced by high sugar were significantly inhibited( P<0. 01).It showed that DJC were effective in preventing and treating myocardial injury induced by diabetes and its mechanism may be related to the over-expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by high sugar.

Effect of Yanghe decoction containing serum on expression of iNOS, COX-2 and NF-κB in breast cancer MCF-7 cells / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To observe the changes of iNOS, COX-2 and NF-κB in breast cancer MCF-7 cells treated with Yanghe decoction containing serum. Methods The MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were divided into blank group, low dose group, middle dose group and high dose group (4.5, 9, 18 g/kg, respectively). Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, and Western-blot was used to detect the expression of NF-κB protein. Results Compared with the blank group, the expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA in the low dose group, middle dose group and high dose group decreased significantly at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours(P<0.05), the the expression of NF-κB protein in the low dose group, middle dose group and high dose group decreased significantly at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours (P<0.05). So it reduced with the increase of drug concentration and time. There was no significant difference in 72 hours after intervention. Conclusions The Yanghe decoction could reduce the expression of NF-κB, and then reducing the related inflammatory factors COX-2 and iNOS.

Effect of Yanghe decoction on the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of Yanghe decoction serum on the proliferation of breast cancer stem cells MDA-MB-231 and the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB. Methods According to the random number table method, 20 female SD rats were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose group. Drug serum were given gastric gavage of Yanghe decoction 28, 14, 7 g/kg, and control group were given gastric gavage of same volume saline. Each group of rats was given orally for 3 days to prepare 10% Yanghe decoction serum and blank serum. MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group according to random number table method. Low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction groups were cultured with medium containing 10% Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose drug serum, and the blank control group was cultured with medium containing 10% control serum. After drug intervention, the effects of each group on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h were detected by MTT assay. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB protein in each group was detected by Western blot. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB mRNA in each group were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results Compared to the control group, Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group of cells for 24 h (1.143 ± 0.093, 0.953 ± 0.069, 0.874 ± 0.041 vs. 1.239 ± 0.160), 48 h (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs. 1.389 ± 0.095), 72 h (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) proliferation activity were significantly lower (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After 48 h of drug intervention, the expression of Smad3 protein (0.974 ± 0.098, 0.844 ± 0.084, 0.789 ± 0.105 vs. 1.214 ± 0.012), NF-κB p50 protein (0.994 ± 0.047, 0.911 ± 0.015, 0.765 ± 0.084 vs. 1.147 ± 0.103) in the low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Smad3 mRNA (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs.1.389 ± 0.095), NF-κB mRNA (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) significantly decreased in the Yanghe decoction group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions Yanghe decoction can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer stem cell MDA-MB-231, and lower the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB.

Mechanism of Calculus Bovis Sativus in inhibiting hepatocyte lipid deposition based on serum pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to investigate the molecular mechanism of Calculus Bovis Sativus( CBS) in alleviating lipid accumulation in vitro by serum pharmacology. The CBS-containing serum of mice was obtained by serum pharmacology method to evaluate its effect on the proliferation of LO2 hepatocytes. The lipid reducing effects of CBS-containing serum through Nrf2 was evaluated by fructose-induced LO2 hepatocyte steatosis model,nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2( Nrf2) agonist oltipraz combined intervention,cell oil red O staining and intracellular triglyceride( TG) content. The effects of CBS-containing serum on lipid peroxidation and hepatocytes apoptosis were evaluated by reactive oxygen species( ROS) and apoptosis assay,respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction( PCR) was used to detect the relative expression of lipid synthesis-related genes and apoptosis-related genes.RESULTS:: showed that CBS drug-containing serum had no significant effect on LO2 hepatocyte proliferation. As compared with the model group,CBS-containing serum could effectively reduce the formation of lipid droplets in fructose-induced LO2 hepatocytes,significantly reduce intracellular TG and ROS levels,and significantly reduce hepatocyte apoptosis rate( P < 0. 05). As compared with the model group,carbohydrate responsive element binding protein( ChREBP),sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 c( SREBP-1 c),fatty acid synthase( FAS),acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1( ACC1),stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1( SCD1),Bax and caspase-3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in CBS drug-containing serum treatment group( P<0. 05). All of the above effects could be reversed by oltipraz.In conclusion,CBS-containing serum can significantly inhibit the fructose-induced LO2 liver fat deposition,and the mechanism may be related to reducing intracellular ROS level through the Nrf2 pathway and improving intracellular peroxidation state to reduce apoptosis.

Effect of Yanghe decoction on the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of Yanghe decoction serum on the proliferation of breast cancer stem cells MDA-MB-231 and the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB.@*Methods@#According to the random number table method, 20 female SD rats were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose group. Drug serum were given gastric gavage of Yanghe decoction 28, 14, 7 g/kg, and control group were given gastric gavage of same volume saline. Each group of rats was given orally for 3 days to prepare 10% Yanghe decoction serum and blank serum. MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group according to random number table method. Low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction groups were cultured with medium containing 10% Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose drug serum, and the blank control group was cultured with medium containing 10% control serum. After drug intervention, the effects of each group on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h were detected by MTT assay. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB protein in each group was detected by Western blot. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB mRNA in each group were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.@*Results@#Compared to the control group, Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group of cells for 24 h (1.143 ± 0.093, 0.953 ± 0.069, 0.874 ± 0.041 vs. 1.239 ± 0.160), 48 h (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs. 1.389 ± 0.095), 72 h (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) proliferation activity were significantly lower (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After 48 h of drug intervention, the expression of Smad3 protein (0.974 ± 0.098, 0.844 ± 0.084, 0.789 ± 0.105 vs. 1.214 ± 0.012), NF- κB p50 protein (0.994 ± 0.047, 0.911 ± 0.015, 0.765 ± 0.084 vs. 1.147 ± 0.103) in the low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Smad3 mRNA (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs.1.389 ± 0.095), NF-κB mRNA (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) significantly decreased in the Yanghe decoction group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Yanghe decoction can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer stem cell MDA-MB-231, and lower the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB.

Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuangwan in Enhancing Hepatocarcinoma Suicide Gene Therapy from Cx32 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on connexin 32 (Cx32) in hepatoma cell line CBRH7919 and its gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), and furthermore study its mechanism of enhancing the bystander killing effect of suicide gene therapy. Method: Liuwei Dihuangwan (32 g·kg·d-1) and the same volume of normal saline were given to the rats by intragastrical administration. Blood was taken to prepare the medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuangwan and blank control serum, respectively. The hepatoma cell line CBRH7919 were treated by control serum and medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuangwan in different concentrations. There were four groups in experiment:the blank control group (volume fraction of 10%), medicated serum high dose group of Liuwei Dihuangwan (the volume fraction of 10%), medicated serum middle dose group of Liuwei Dihuangwan (the volume fraction of 5%), and medicated serum low dose group of Liuwei Dihuangwan (the volume fraction of 2.5%). The expression levels of Cx32 protein and mRNA in hepatoma cell line CBRH7919 were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (ⅡA) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay. The fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) method was used to detect the function of GJIC of hepatoma cell line CBRH7919. Result: ① The indirect immunofluorescence assay (ⅡA) analysis indicated that as compared with the blank control group, the cx32 expression of CBRH7919 cells was up-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner in each dose group of the serum containing Liuwei Dihuangwan (PPPPConclusion: The mechanism of medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuangwan in enhancing the bystander killing effect of suicide geneis related to gap junction. Liuwei Dihuangwan may enhance the function of GJIC by increasing the localization of cx32 on the cell membrane of CBRH7919 cells and increasing the expression of cx32 mRNA and protein to achieve the synergistic action.

Experimental study on effect and mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules on diabetic myocardial injury / 中国中药杂志

Diabetic cardiomyopathy( DCM) is one of the major cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Based on the clinical efficacy of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules( DJC) in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its cardiovascular complications,both in vivo and in vitro methods were adopted to investigate its effect and underlying mechanism of protecting myocardial injury induced by diabetes. The type 2 diabetic rats were prepared by feeding high-energy food combined with streptozotin( STZ) injection,and the effects of DJC were observed by blood sugar,blood lipid,hemodynamic index,cardiac weight index and the change of cardiac pathological morphology. The protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in myocardial tissue were detected and the possible mechanism was preliminarily analyzed. Besides this,DJC containing serum was prepared,H9 c2 cardiomyocyte induced by high sugar were studied to investigate the mechanism of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway regulating cardiomyocyte injury and the therapeutic effect of DJC. The results demonstrated that fasting blood sugar,glycosylated hemoglobin,total cholesterol and glycerol triglyceride were significantly reduced( P<0. 01,P<0. 05). Cardiac weight index,left ventricle weight index,LVEDP and the protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 were significantly reduced( P<0. 01,P<0. 05). LVSP,+dp/dtmaxand-dp/dtmaxincreased significantly( P<0. 01,P< 0. 05). Moreover,the pathological damage of myocardial tissue in rats improved significantly. Meanwhile,the protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in cardiomyocytes induced by high sugar were significantly inhibited( P<0. 01).It showed that DJC were effective in preventing and treating myocardial injury induced by diabetes and its mechanism may be related to the over-expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by high sugar.

Xiaochaihutang Inhibits the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cell Line T6 Through the Nrf2 Pathway.

Xiaochaihutang (XCHT) is one of classic prescriptions in Treatise on Febrile Diseases in China which was reported to have the effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is now well established as a central driver of fibrosis in liver injury. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important element for anti-oxidative damage which is one of the key factors responsible for occurrence. This study was to investigate the effect of XCHT compound serum on HSCs activation and focus on the Nrf2 pathway. Rats in treatment groups were given the appropriate doses of XCHT granules (5 g/kg) and Silybin (50 mg/kg) for 6 days, and the serum were obtained. The compound serum was used to intervene HSCs. The results found that XCHT compound serum significantly inhibited the proliferation of HSCT6 cells. The number of α-SMA positive stained cells in HSCT6 cells and the content of Collagen type I (collagen-I) in supernatant were significantly decreased indicating suppression of activated HSCs. Compared with the control group, the nuclear transcription of Nrf2 and the expressions of Nqo1, GCLC, and GCLM were significantly increased in XCHT group. However, the effects of XCHT were inhibited in Nrf2-siRNA transfected HSCT6 cells. These studies demonstrated that XCHT could inhibit HSCT6 cell proliferation and activation. The mechanism might be related to up-regulation of the Nrf2 pathway against oxidative stress.

Observation of Proliferation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Treated with Serum Containing Yang-warming, Blood-activating, and Toxin-removing Recipe Sampled Under Different Conditions / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To study the influences of Yang-warming, Blood-activating, and Toxin-removing Recipe(YBTR)-containing serum sampled under different conditions on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs). Methods HUVECs were cultured in vitro for the experiment. Pharmacological serum for the experiment was prepared as follows: Thirty-two SD rats (male in half) were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely normal saline group and low-, middle-, and high-dose YBTR groups (at the intragastric dosage of 10.35, 31.05, 93.15 g·kg-1 respectively, twice a day). The pharmacological serum was taken from one female rat and one male rat in various groups at 4 time points, i.e. at hour 1, 2 after first intragastric administration on the fourth feeding day, and at hour 1, 2 after first intragastric administration on the sixth feeding day(abbreviated as D3H1, D3H2, D5H1, D5H2 respectively). The effects of YBTR-containing serum on the proliferation of HUVECs were observed by CCK-8 assay method. Results The difference of proliferation-inhibition rate of HUVECs was statistically significant after treated with YBTR-containing serum prepared from rats of different genders at different time(Pgender=0.000<0.01, Ptime=0.000<0.01). The difference of interaction of time and gender was also significant (Ptime × gender=0.001<0.01), and the effect at D3H1 and D5H1 varied with the gender (PD3H2×gender = 0.000 < 0.01, PD5H1×gender = 0.002 < 0.01). The inhibitory action of YBTR-containing serum became stronger with the increase of the dosage of serum of female rat at D3H2, and the inter-group difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), the effect showing concentration-dependent tendency. The inhibition of HUVECs proliferation reached the peak after treated by various doses of YBTR-containing serum from the female rat at D3H2, while the inhibition arrived to the peak after treated by low- and middle-dose YBTR-containing serum from the male rat at D5H1, and the inhibition arrived to the peak in the group of high-dose YBTR-containing serum from the male rat at D3H1. Conclusion The inhibitory action of YBTR-containing serum on the proliferation of HUVECs was stronger when the serum was taken from the female rat at D3H2.

Regulatory Effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pills on Connexin 43 Expression in Hepatocarcinoma CBRH7919 Cells in Vitro / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pills (LDP)on the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in rat hepatocarcinoma CBRH7919 cells. Methods LDP-containing serum was prepared by serum pharmacological method. The protein expression of Cx43 in CBRH7919 cells was determined by Western blotting method, indirect immuno-fluorescent staining labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-laser scanning confocal microscope technology and flow cytometry. And the mRNA expression of Cx43 in the hepatoma cells was detected by reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Results Compared with the blank serum control group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of Cx43 were increased by volume fraction of 2.5%, 5%, 10% LDP-containing serum (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion LDP play an anti-cancer role through promoting the expression of Cx43 in CBRH7919 cells, altering Cx43 membrane location, and improving the gap junctional intercellular communication(GJIC).