Extraction optimisation and compositional characterisation of total flavonoids from the Chinese herb tulip: a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

In this study, total flavonoids from the Chinese herb tulip were extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), their main components were analysed and confirmed, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. The results showed that the extraction rate of total flavonoids from the Chinese herb tulip reached 390.77 ± 3.88 mg·g-1 after optimisation by one-factor test and response surface methodology. 23 compounds were identified in the solution of total flavonoids from the Chinese herb tulip, including 18 flavonoids such as Hyperoside, Quercetin, Astilbin, etc., and the effects of total flavonoids of the Chinese herb tulip (TFT) on ABTS+ radicals, DPPH radicals, and superoxide anion with a good scavenging rate, good total reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity. Secondly, TFT showed good inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

The risk factors for Graves' ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to provide an overview of current research into the risk factors for Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS: To find information about the risk factors for GO, the research database PubMed was searched and relevant articles were obtained to extract information about risk factors. RESULTS: Smoking has been widely accepted as an important risk factor and cigarette smoking cessation has been shown to improve the outcome and decrease the onset of GO. Radioactive iodine on the thyroid may induce hyperthyroidism and increase the occurrence of GO. Selenium deficiency is a risk factor for GO and the supplementation of selenium has been an adjuvant therapy. Decreasing stressful life events (SLE) may help improve GO. Imbalance in intestinal flora is essential to GO, with Yersinia enterocolitica and Escherichia coli both increased in the digestive tract of the individual with GO. In addition, controlling serum cholesterol may help improve GO since adipogenesis is an important pathological change in its pathogenesis. Considering the correlation between Graves' disease and GO, maintaining normal thyroid function hormone level is the first-line therapeutic strategy to prevent progression of GO. An increase in antibodies such as TSHR and IGF-1R is the main predictor of GO. Besides, gender and gene polymorphism are also risk factors towards GO. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for GO arise from five sources: physical and chemical environment, social-psychological environment, biological environment, the human organism, and genetic codes. Risk factors within these categories may interact with each other and their mechanisms in promoting the development of GO are complex. Research into risk factors for GO may promote emerging fields related to GO such as control of autoantibodies and intestinal microbiota.

Carvedilol protects against iron-induced microparticle generation and apoptosis of endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Increased circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) have been shown to associate with endothelial dysfunction. We explored the effect of iron on EMP generation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the potential protective effect of carvedilol. METHODS: FeCl 3 was added to HUVEC culture. Iron entry into cells was monitored using fluorescent microscopic imaging, while the quantity of EMPs that was released was determined by flow cytometry. The apoptosis of HUVECs was assessed by annexin V/propidium iodide assay and caspase-3 expression. Membrane bleb formation was visualized using electron microscopy. Intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also monitored. The effects of beta-blockers, carvedilol and propranolol on these processes were determined by co-incubation in a dose-dependent manner. Iron entry into HUVECs was not blocked by either beta-blocker. Iron induced the generation of EMPs, the formation of membrane blebs, the apoptosis of HUVECs and the production of ROS, each in a dose-dependent manner. Carvedilol, but not propranolol, ameliorated all of these processes. RESULTS: Our result indicates that iron induces EMP generation and apoptosis of endothelial cells in association with increased oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: The protective effects of carvedilol, via its antioxidant effect, may have therapeutic potential in patients with iron overload.