[Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene in placenta tissue and its correlation with gestational diabetes mellitus].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene and the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Chinese Han population in northern China. Method: This study was consisted of 126 GDM women and 150 cases of healthy subjects who came from the obstetrics department of Maternity Hospital of Qingdao University and Maternity and Child Care Hospital of Donggang District of Rizhao. The protein expression of MIF in placenta tissue was detected by Western blot method. The blood glucose, insulin levels and other clinical physicochemical index were tested. The differences of MIF, fasting blood-glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FIN) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared between the two groups of pregnant women. Result: The level of MIF protein in GDM group (0.85±0.10) was higher than that in healthy pregnant group (0.12±0.09), with significant difference (P<0.001). Insulin resistance index in GDM group were higher than that in healthy pregnant group, with significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: The expression of MIF in placental tissues of GDM women was increased and correlated with insulin resistance in GDM patients, suggesting that MIF may play an important role in the occurrence and development of GDM.

[Chemical studies of flower buds of Tussilago farfara L].

We have studied the flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. collected from Yulin county Shaanxi Province and have isolated a new terpenoid compound I with the composition C23H34O5, M+ 390.2416, mp 100-101 degrees C. On basis of physical and chemical properties and spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, 1H-1H-COSY, 13C-1H-COSY DEPT, EI-MS, FAB-MS, HR-MS) and X-ray, the structure of I has been elucidated as a novel sesquiterpenoid compound, which is named farfaratin.

[Separation and identification of the llungianin A and B from the root of Pimpinella thellungiana Wolff].

Two compounds were isolated from the roots of Pimpinella thellungiana wolff. On the basis of spectral analysis (UV, IR, MS, 1HNMR, 1H-1H COSY, 13CNMR, 1H-13C COSY, DEPT), they were identified as 2-(1-ethoxy-2-hydroxy) propyl-4-methoxyphenol(I); 2-(1-ethoxy-2-hydroxy) propyl-4-methoxyphenyl-2-methyl-butyrate (II). They are new compounds named the llungianin A and B. Pharmacological tests showed that they have some hypotensive effects.