ABSTRACT
This study analyzed the plasma components of Gegen Decoction(GGD) by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS), which is expected to serve as a reference for exploring the pharmacodynamic substances of GGD. Female Wistar rats were given(ig) GGD and then plasma samples were collected and analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The results showed that 42 chemical components were identified: 25 prototypes(14 from Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 6 from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 from Paeoniae Radix Alba, and 2 from Ephedrae Herba) and 17 metabolites(from isoflavonoids in Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to achieve rapid analysis of plasma components of GGD, laying a basis for elucidating the therapeutic material basis and mechanism of GGD.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Rats , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Mass Spectrometry , Paeonia , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
Background: Various clinical trials are going to determine the efficacy of human Adipose Derived Stem Cells (hADSCs) in the treatment of degenerative diseases including osteoporosis. Stem cell therapy for osteoporosis is aimed at inducing new bone formation by the proliferation and differentiation of bone progenitor cells. The therapeutic potential of hADSCs has to be investigated in animal models of osteoporosis before suggesting it as a therapeutic option. Methods: hADSCs were cultured in the Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 4 mM L-glutamine and 110 mg/l sodium pyruvate, 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), 1% penicillin–streptomycin and non-essential amino acids. For osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, cells were cultured as above then were exposed to osteogenic induction medium for seven days. Intravenous infusion of osteogenesis induced hADSCs was given to 20 ovariectomised Wistar rats three months after ovariectomy (test group) and 20 ovariectomised rats were kept as controls. Rats were sacrificed 35 days after infusion and tibial cross sections at the level of tibio-fibular joint were stained with H&E & Masson’s trichrome. The digital slide images were viewed using Aperio Image Scope software. Results: The results showed that there was new bone formation in the test group, indicated by osteoid formation and osteoblasts. There was significant increase in the cortical thickness in the test group when compared with the control group. There was no significant increase in trabecular volume when compared to the control group. Conclusions: hADSCs after osteogenic induction may have the potential to enhance new bone formation and may be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis.
ABSTRACT
Context: Studies have identified that concurrent administration of methionine and acetaminophen (paracetamol) prevents tissue damage and both methionine and acetaminophen at high doses can induce oxidative stress. Antioxidants mediate against oxidative stress. Moreover, folic acid depletion has been identified to cause neural tube defects in neonates of affected female subjects. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of chronic exposure to subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine (ratio 5:1) on female Wistar rats, with emphasis on folic acid and antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups with each group consisting of 8 rats and treated with acetaminophen/methionine, acetaminophen or saline daily by gastric gavage. The study lasted 30 days after which blood was obtained through retro-orbital bleeding. Results: Results show that Wistar rats administered with 350 mg/kg BW (sub-toxic dose) of acetaminophen exhibited significant alteration (p<0.05) in levels of all trace elements (except Se) as well as vitamins (except vitamin A). Significant alterations in the levels of all vitamins (except riboflavin) and all minerals (except Cu, Mn, Se) (p<0.05) were also recorded in serum of rats administered with acetaminophen/methionine combination. Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this study therefore suggest that chronic abuse of subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine combination may induce alterations in levels of vital molecules, a situation which may increase an individual’s risk to oxidative stress-induced diseases and her neonate to neural tube defects.