[Effect of calcium on ion contents and expression of photosynthetic related genes in honeysuckle under salt stress].

Exogenous calcium can enhance the resistance of certain plants to abiotic stress. Research have demonstrated that exogenous calcium could enhances the resistance of honeysuckle under salt stress by promoting the transmission of photosynthetic electrons.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exogenous calcium on the contents of Na~+,K~+,Ca~(2+),Mg~(2+)and the expression of photosynthetic related genes Cab and rbc L. In this study,we used ICP-OES to analysis ion contents and used qRT-PCR to analysis the expression patterns of Cab and rbc L. The results showed that CaCl_2 significantly enhanced the K~+-Na~+,Ca~(2+)-Na~+,Mg~(2+)-Na+ratio of honeysuckle treated with 50 and 100 mmol·L~(-1) NaCl. Meanwhile,Cab and rbc L were significantly up-regulated under short-term salt stress,and CaCl_2 promoted this trend. From the two gene expression patterns,rbc L rapidly up-regulated on the first day of stress and then decreased,and was more sensitive to environmental changes. In summary,exogenous calcium could alleviate salt stress and increase plant development by increasing intracellular K~+-Na~+,Ca~(2+)-Na~+,Mg~(2+)-Na+ratio,and the transient overexpression of Cab and rbc L.

Effect of inorganic salt on partition of high-polarity parishins in two-phase solvent systems and separation by high-speed counter-current chromatography from Gastrodia elata Blume.

Parishins are high-polarity and major bioactive constituents in Gastrodia elata Blume. In this study, the effect of several inorganic salts on the partition of parishins in two-phase solvent systems was investigated. Adding ammonium sulfate, which has a higher solubility in water, was found to significantly promote the partition of parishins in the upper organic polar solvents. Based on the results, a two-phase solvent system composed of butyl alcohol/acetonitrile/near-saturated ammonium sulfate solution/water (1.5:0.5:1.2:1, v/v/v/v) was used for the purification of parishins by high-speed counter-current chromatography. Fractions obtained from high-speed counter-current chromatography were subjected to semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography to remove salt and impurities. As a result, parishin E (6.0 mg), parishin B (7.8 mg), parishin C (3.2 mg), gastrodin (15.3 mg), and parishin A (7.3 mg) were isolated from water extract of Gastrodia elata Blume (400 mg). These results demonstrated that adding inorganic salt that has high solubility in water to the two-phase solvent system in high-speed counter-current chromatography was a suitable approach for the purification of high-polarity compounds.

Total sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Inula helenium L. attenuates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice.

BACKGROUND: Inula helenium L. is an herb whose anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its active components, the sesquiterpene lactones (SLs). Our previous study demonstrated that the total sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Inula helenium L. (TSL-IHL), consisting mainly of alantolactone (AL) and isoalantolactone (IAL), may have potential in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect of TSL-IHL on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been studied yet. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study evaluates the potential of TSL-IHL as a treatment for AD. METHODS/STUDY DESIGNS: The effects of TSL-IHL on the expression of inflammatory genes and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in HaCat cells were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively, and compared with those of AL and IAL. The protective effect of TSL-IHL against AD was tested in a mouse model induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), in which AD-like skin lesions were induced in ICR mice by sensitizing once with 100 µl of 7% DNCB painted on their shaved back skin and then challenging with 20 µl of 0.2% DNCB five times on their right ears at 3 day intervals starting on day 5 post-sensitization. RESULTS: TSL-IHL, as well as AL and IAL, could all inhibit TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-4 in HaCat cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0.6-2.4 µg/ml. The topical application of TSL-IHL (1% W/W in emollient cream) attenuated DNCB-induced dermatitis severity and right ear swelling. The serum levels of IgE, TNF-α and IFN-γ in TSL-IHL-treated mice were reduced by 81.39%, 89.69%, and 87.85%, respectively, while the mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, in the back-skin lesions of TSL-IHL-treated mice were reduced by 39.21%, 40.62% and 48.12%, respectively, compared with the untreated controls. Histopathological examination showed that TSL-IHL treatment reduced epidermis/dermis thickening and dermal inflammatory infiltration in both ear and back skins. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that TSL-IHL inhibited the development of AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine expression and may be an effective alternative therapy for AD.

Chlorajaponols A-F, sesquiterpenoids from Chloranthus japonicus and their in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.

Two new eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, chlorajaponols A-B (1-2), two new guaiane sesquiterpenoids, chlorajaponols C-D (3-4), a new germacrane sesquiterpenoid, chlorajaponol E (5), and a new lindenane sesquiterpenoid, chlorajaponol F (6), along with 8 known sesquiterpenoids and 6 known disesquiterpenoids, were isolated from the whole plant of Chloranthus japonicus. Their structures were established by extensive analysis of NMR spectroscopic data in combination with mass spectrometry. The structures of compounds 1-4 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (CuKα radiation). The possible biogenetic pathways of compounds 1-6 were discussed. Chlorajaponol B (2) showed significant inhibition against nitric oxide (NO) release in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with the IC50 value of 9.56±0.71µM, comparable to that of positive control amino guanidine (8.50±0.35µM). Shizukaol C (18) strongly suppressed the proliferation of three human tumor cell lines MGC803, HepG2, and HL-60 with IC50 values of 4.60±1.05µM, 3.17±0.66µM, and 1.57±0.27µM, respectively.

Total sesquiterpene lactones prepared from Inula helenium L. has potentials in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUNDS: Inula helenium L. is an herb with anti-inflammatory properties. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), mainly alantolactone (AL) and isoalantolactone (IAL), are considered as its active ingredients. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of SL-containing extracts of I. helenium have not been explored. Here we prepared total SLs from I. helenium (TSL-IHL), analyzed its chemical constituents, and performed cellular and animal studies to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical profile of TSL-IHL was analyzed by HPLC-UV. Its in vitro effects on the activation of signaling pathways and expression of inflammatory genes were examined by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively, and compared with those of AL and IAL. Its in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated in adjuvant- and collagen-induced arthritis rat models. RESULTS: Chemical analysis showed that AL and IAL represent major constituents of TSL-IHL. TSL-IHL, as well as AL and IAL, could inhibit TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in b. End3 cells, suppress the expressions of MMP-3, MCP-1, and IL-1 in TNF-α-stimulated synovial fibroblasts, and IL-1, IL-6, and iNOS in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0.6-2.4µg/mL. Oral administration of TSL-IHL at 12.5-50mg/kg could dose-dependently alleviate the arthritic severity and paw swelling in either developing or developed phases of arthritis of rats induced by adjuvant or collagen CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated potentials of TSL-IHL in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.

Astragaloside IV Attenuates Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells through Raf-MEK-ERK Pathway.

Astragaloside IV (AGS-IV) is a main active ingredient of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, a medicinal herb prescribed as an immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antiperspirant, a diuretic or a tonic as documented in Chinese Materia Medica. In the present study, we employed a high-throughput comparative proteomic approach based on 2D-nano-LC-MS/MS to investigate the possible mechanism of action involved in the neuroprotective effect of AGS-IV against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. Differential proteins were identified, among which 13 proteins survived the stringent filter criteria and were further included for functional discussion. Two proteins (vimentin and Gap43) were randomly selected, and their expression levels were further confirmed by western blots analysis. The results matched well with those of proteomics. Furthermore, network analysis of protein-protein interactions (PPI) and pathways enrichment with AGS-IV associated proteins were carried out to illustrate its underlying molecular mechanism. Proteins associated with signal transduction, immune system, signaling molecules and interaction, and energy metabolism play important roles in neuroprotective effect of AGS-IV and Raf-MEK-ERK pathway was involved in the neuroprotective effect of AGS-IV against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. This study demonstrates that comparative proteomics based on shotgun approach is a valuable tool for molecular mechanism studies, since it allows the simultaneously evaluate the global proteins alterations.

[Clinic observation of sini capsule on treating different syndrome with the same principle in angina patients].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the application scope of Sini capsule in treationg coronary heart disease angina. METHODS: Different syndrome of coronary heart disease angina was treated with the same Sini Capsule, and the change of angina, electrocardiogram and cardiac function was observed. RESULTS: Sini capsule could evidently decrease angina outbreak, improve ischemia electrocardiogram and enhance cardiac function. Sini capsule could make different degree treatment effect for different syndrome. CONCLUSION: There is pathogenesis of Yang insufficinecy Yin excessive in every syndrome of coronary heart disease angina; it indicates that it had best to use Sini capsule according to differentiation syndrome when angina patients are treated by Sini capsule.

[Clinical study of strengthen spleen and warm lung on treating chronic cough with throat itching].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effect and mechanism of strengthen spleen and warm lung on treating chronic cough with throat itching. METHODS: 94 patients was diveded into treatment group and control group. The treatment group was treated by strengthen spleen resolving dampness decoction combined with Xiao Qinglong decoction, and the control group was treated by meptin. It was observed for the change of cough and other sympotom before and after treatment, as well as immunity globin and eosinophil level. RESULTS: There was obviously effect for strengthen spleen resolving dampness decoction combined with Xiao Qinglong decoction to chronic cough, and it could improve concomitant symptom. This method could raise serum IgG level and decrease eosinophil. CONCLUSION: It has a good effect for strengthen spleen resolving dampness decoction combined with Xiao Qinglong decoction to chronic cough with throat itching, and its mechanism may be that abnormal immune status is reasonably modulated by this method.

[Living quality change of sini decoction in treating angina pectoris].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical action of Sini decoction (SD) on angina pectoris, and compare the living quality of pure Chinese drugs, Western medicine and integrated Traditional and Western medicine in treating angina pectoris (AP). METHODS: 88 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were divided into 3 groups which were differently treated by isosorbide dinitrate (ID), SD and combination of SD and ID. The change of AP, ECG and score of living quality were deserved. RESULTS: Both SD and ID could obviously relax AP, improve ECG, enhance the score of living quality. SD was better than ID on score of living quality. SD combined with ID had the best clinical effect on the syndrome of AP, ECG and score of living quality in treating CHD. CONCLUSION: ID combined with Chinese medicine had unique advanstage in treating AP.

[Clinical study of zhuyutongmai capsule on treating senile cerebral infarction and effect on function of vascular endothelium].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical study of Zhuyutongmai (ZYTM) Capsule in treating senile cerebral infarction and effect on function of vascular endothelium. METHODS: Sixty-four aged patients with cerebral infarction were randomly divided into the treated group treated with ZYTM and the control group treaded with Naoluotong. The clinical effect was observed. The hemorrheologic and hemodynamic parameters, the blood levels of endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment of ZYTM, the hemorrheologic and hemodynamic parameters were all significantly improved (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), the therapeutic effect of ZYTM was better than that of Naoluotong (P < 0.05), compared with the control group after treatment, the level of ET in the treated group were lower (P < 0.01), and level of NO were higher (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ZYTM has good effect in treating senile cerebral infarction.

[Experimental study of tongxinluo capsule on restraining myocardial cell apoptosis due to ischemia/reperfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the mechanism of Tongxinluo Capsule on anti-apoptosis of cardiac myocyte due to ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS: Mouse myocardium of ischemia/reperfusion model was observed for evaluating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), the apoptotic index of cardial myocyte and the expression of apoptosis correlation protein bcl-2 and bax. RESULTS: Tongxinluo Capsule could raise the activity of SOD and decrease the level of MDA. And it could depress cardial myocyte apoptosis caused by ischemia/reperfusion through up-regulating bcl-2 expression and down-regulating bax expression. CONCLUSION: Tongxinluo Capsule could protect cardial myocyte well to avoid injury due to ischemia and reperfusion.

[The effects of tablet tongmaijiangzhi on hyperlipidemia and nitric oxide of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Tablet Tongmaijiangzhi on hyperlipidemia and nitric oxide of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. METHOD: 65 patients were randomly divided into Tablet Tongmaijiangzhi(TTMJZ) group(33 patients) and Zocor group(32 patients), treated with TTMJZ 4 tab, tid. and Zocor 5 mg, qd. respectively for 8 weeks. RESULT: Serum levels of TC, LDL, ApoB were markedly decreased in both groups after treatments (P < 0.01). Non-significant difference was found between these two groups (P > 0.05). But after treatment the serum levels of TG were decreased and the serum levels of HDL, ApoA1 were increased significantly in TTMJZ group than in Zocor group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the serum level of nitric oxide(NO) was increased and the blood viscosity was decreased significantly after treated with TTMJZ (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Tablet Tongmaijiangzhi has the advantage of Zocor in lipids regulating effects on patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. TTMJZ can also decrease blood viscosity and increase NO to protect vascular endothelium.