ABSTRACT
The purpose of the present study is to decode the underlying mechanism of Herba Sarcandrae that indicated antipurpuric effect and to unveil one of its primary components, flavonoids, which play an important role. An immune mediated bone marrow failure (BMF) model in mouse was established by infusion thymus suspension cells after radiation in vivo. Platelets isolated in vitro were prepared from normal mice and BMF mice, respectively. The expressions of PS, P-selectin, PAC-1, Bax, Bad, Bid, and caspase-9 were examined by flow cytometry, and alteration of morphology of platelets under different conditions was observed. Our results indicated that the number of platelets was increased by addition of total flavonoids, and some of apoptotic markers such as Bax, Bad, Bid, and Caspase-9 were downregulated. In addition, the phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on platelets was inhibited by total flavonoids, and the expressions of PAC-1 and P-selectin were decreased. In conclusion, it is suggested that the total flavonoids of Herba Sarcandrae may inhibit the excessive platelet apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway. In addition, activation of platelets may be also involved in mediating apoptosis of platelets.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Flavone from Zhongjiefeng (Herba Sarcandrae Glabrae) on the platelet number in immune-induced bone marrow failure (BMF) and its mechanism of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. METHODS: Immune-induced BMF model, established in mice, was randomly divided into four groups: normal control group without BMF, BMF control group, cyclosporine (CSA) group and flavone group (n=10 in each group). Mice were given 0.027 g/kg cyclosporine or 0.2 g/kg flavone lavage daily in either the cyclosporine or flavone group respectively. Platelet count, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytochrome C , phosphatidylserine (PS), changes of calcium ion (Ca2+), and protein expression of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway including B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein (Bak), bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 were examined and compared. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the BMF group had significantly lower levels of platelet count, and expressions of caspase family proteins as well as higher levels of Cyt C, PS, Ca2+, and expressions of Bak and Bax (all P < 0.05). Compared with the BMF group, the CSA and flavone groups had significantly higher and expressions of caspase family proteins (all P<0.05) whereas the levels of Cyt C, PS, Ca2+, and expressions of Bak and Bax were reduced (all P<0.05). More importantly, the flavone group had higher levels of Cyt C, Ca2+ and expressions of Bak and Bax compared with the CSA group (all P<0.05), while the levels of PS and caspase family proteins were reduced (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Flavone from Zhongjiefeng (Herba Sarcandrae Glabrae) significantly increases the platelet number and prevents its apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway.
ABSTRACT
We investigated the effect of Yi Gong San (YGS) decoction on iron homeostasis and the possible underlying mechanisms in a mouse model of acute inflammation in this study. Our findings suggest that YGS regulates iron homeostasis by downregulating the level of HAMP mRNA, which may depend on regulation of the IL-6/STAT3 or BMP/HJV/SMAD pathway during acute inflammation.
ABSTRACT
Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the Coptis chinensis. While this plant has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2500 years, interest in its effects in treating cardiovascular disease has been growing in the last decade. Recent researches showed that BBR had the effect of anti-heart failure, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-insulin resistance, anti-arrhythmias, and anti-platelet aggregation.