Polyphenols from Broussonetia papyrifera Induce Apoptosis of HepG2 Cells via Inactivation of ERK and AKT Signaling Pathways.

The extract of Broussonetia papyrifera has been proved to have antitumor activity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by polyphenols from Broussonetia papyrifera (PBPs). The results revealed that PBPs inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PBPs increased the apoptosis ratio of HepG2 cells significantly. PBPs increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) level of HepG2 cells. PBPs induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Western blotting showed that PBPs upregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the expression level of Caspase-3, and activated p53 in HepG2 cells. The inhibition of proliferative relative signals (protein kinase B, PKB/AKT) and survival relative signals (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, ERK) were also observed in PBP-treated HepG2 cells. Our findings suggest that apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by PBPs is mitochondria-mediated via inactivation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways.

[Efficacy analysis and theoretical study on Chinese herbal properties of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea)].

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) emerged as a source of herb has a long history in South America, which was approved by the Ministry of Health used in China and it has been introduced planting in Guangdong and Taiwan. This article summarized applied history of Açaí and its present status in China. Did theoretical study on the Chinese herbal properties of Açaí based on the Chinese traditional philosophical culture to analysis the function and symptom preliminary, combining with used for medical recordation, chemical component, biological activity. It is aiming at establishing the theoretical foundation for the application under the guidance of TCM theory.

[Effect of Gansui Banxia Tang plus-minus Gansui and Gancao anti-drug combination that preferred dose close to clinical application on diuretic effect in malignant ascites rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Gansui Banxia Tang plus-minus Gansui and Gancao anti-drug combination on hepatic and renal functions in malignant ascites rats to explore whether the efficacy or toxicity associated with the anti-drug combination. METHOD: The male wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank group, model group, furosemide group, Gansui Banxia Tang group, Gansui Banxia Tang removed Zhigancao group, Gansui Banxia Tang removed Cugansui group, Gansui Banxia Tang removed Zhigancao and Cugansui group. In addition to normal feeding, every morning except for the blank group and model group, the rest of the group was given drugs, the control group and the model group was given distilled water, the volume is 10 mL x kg(-1). Administered five days, all rats were fasted but except water for 24 hours to collect urine. Administered nine days all rats were fasted but except water for 12 hours, we need to weigh weight of rats. When we remove the ascites, we also need to weigh weight of rats. We use the weight before removing ascites minus weight after removing ascites to indirectly measure the amount of ascites. When we remove the ascites, we need to abdominal aortic blood, centrifuge testing renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone and other indicators. RESULT: The effect of Gansui Banixa Tang on increasing the net weight, lowering abdominal circumference and body weight ratio, lowering renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone is better than the other treatment group. CONCLUSION: In diuresis party, the group of Gansui Banxia Tang is better than the group of Gansui Banxia Tang remove Zhigancao or Cugansui or Zhigancao and Cugansui, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may play a diuretic effect of its one way.

[Emulsion liquid membrane extraction with D2EHPA mobile carrier Hirudinaria manillensis hirudin in experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the extraction system of hirudin emulsion liquid membrane with the Poecilobdella manillensis as raw material, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (D2EHPA) as carrier, Span 80 as emulsifier, octane and D2EHPA mixed to constitute membrane solution, diluted HCl solutions as internal aqueous phase. METHOD: Using the orthogonal experiment to optimize the extraction conditions of hirudin reference substance such as membrane phase, internal aqueous phase volume ratio (MIPVR), external aqueous phase pH, internal aqueous phase pH, mobile carrier concentration and so on, and then using hirudin crude extracts to do purifying experiment, and gaining experimental samples. RESULT: The optimal conditions of hirudin extraction were as follows: MIPVR 10: 3, internal aqueous phase pH 2.6, external aqueous phase pH 3.4, the mass fraction of carrier D2EHPA 2%. In the optimal extraction conditions, when the initial concentration of hirudin was one anti-thrombin activity units (ATU) x mL(-1), ATU recovery rate of the reference substance was 83.06%. In the purifying experiment of crude extracts, ATU recovery rate was 82.99%, and the specific activity of sample was 3 289.48 the ATU x mg(-1). Discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and spectral scanning, the results showed that the purity and reference substance were considerable. CONCLUSION: The method of preparation hirudin was relatively simple, the purity of the experimental samples and ATU recovery were both high.

[Energy intake of infants at the age of 4-12 months].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the total energy intake, the energy from milk and other foods in the infants aged 4 to 12 months and analyze the factors related to the energy intake. METHODS: Totally 132 infants aged 4 months, who were brought for serial measurements to the Department of Primary Child Care, from November 2004 to March 2005 were enrolled into this study and were serially followed up until 12 months of age. The infants were divided into 3 groups, group A, age 4-5 months; group B, age 6-8 months; group C, age 9-12 months. The weights and the recumbent body lengths were measured by two professional staff members. The assessment of physical growth of the infants was done by using the CDC2000 reference. As the changes of Z score on weight for age (Delta WAZ) were < -0.67 during the two visits, the participation of the infants to this study was discontinued. The dietary intakes of the infants were calculated according to 24 h dietary records or after weighing foods for sequential 3 days, RESULTS: (1) When the Delta WAZs of the participated infants were between 0.67 and -0.67, the food intakes among three groups were 119-128 g/(kg.d), the protein intakes were 1.82 g/(kg x d), 2.76 g/(kg x d) and 3.52 g/(kg x d), respectively. The milk intakes were 76-114 g/(kg x d), which accounted for 93% of energy intakes in group A, 64% in group B and 56% in group C. The energy intakes of the 3 groups were 83.9 kcal/(kg x d), 81.6 kcal/(kg x d), and 85.8 kcal/(kg x d), respectively, which were almost similar to WHO 2003 recommendations, and lower than that of Chinese RNI. (2) The data from multiple linear regression analysis showed that the food intakes and the energy density were the most important factors related to energy intakes. The energy density of all foods was 0.6-0.8 kcal/g. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The growth of the infants was within the normal range as the energy intakes were 82-86 kcal/(kg x d). (2) The infants may need 900-750 g/d of milk to meet the basic requirements of energy and protein. (3) The food intakes and the energy density were the most important factors related to the energy intakes, the appropriate energy density for infants is 0.6-0.8 kcal/g.

[Shengli capsules enhance sexual ability in male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Shengli capsules on the sexual ability of normal and castrated male rats. METHODS: Shengli capsules were given by intragastric administration to 100 experimental male rats at different doses of 0.35, 0.70 and 1.40 g / kg. Data were collected and analyzed, including capture latency period, times of capture, sexual endurance and times of ejaculation, to assess the effects of Shengli capsules on the sexual ability of the rats. The Castrated Animal Impotence Model was employed to determine the erectile latency period and the function parameters of the preputial gland, seminal vesicle and prostate, so as to test the effects of Shengli on the development of the rats'sexual organs. RESULTS: Shengli was proved to be effective in shortening copulation latency in the dose groups of 0.35, 0.70 and 1.40 g / kg (P < 0.01), increasing significantly the frequency of capture in the high- and low-dose groups of 0.35 and 1.40 g / kg (P < 0.05), reducing the latency period to erection in the low-dose group of 0.35 g / kg, and blocking the shrink of the seminal vesicle and prostate in the medium-dose group of 0.70 g / kg. CONCLUSION: Shengli is significantly effective in enhancing the sexual ability of male rats: it can boost libido, increase erection frequency and improve sexual performance. However, further studies have yet to be done on its action mechanisms.

[Present situation and prospect of quality standardization of Chinese patent medicines].

This article reviews rectification and protection of Chinese patent medicines, establishment and improvement of the new drug approval, and historical evolution of the pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The article analyzes the present situation and the challenges of quality standardization of Chinese patent medicines in the new era. The article also points out strategies and guidelines to be taken to promote the globalization of Chinese patent medicines and compliance with the international standards.

[Influence of Hovenia dulcis on alcohol concentration in blood and activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) of animals after drinking].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of H. dulcis on relieving alcohol toxicity by animal experiments. METHOD: Male kunming mice were ovraiectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, model group, and aqueous extracts of H. dulcis group at 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 g x mL(-1). The acute alcohlism animals induced by gastral administration with "Er Guo Tou" and the alchol concentrations in serum were detected after treated with the extracts within 0.5-3 h by biochemical enzymes. RESULT: The alcohol concentration in blood was up to the maximum in 0.5-1.5 h. However, the alcohol concentrations in blood of aqueous extract from H. dulcis group were decreased in 0.5-3 h. The activity of ADH in the liver in aqueous extract of H. dulcis group was increased in 2-3 h, while it was significantly increased in 1-1.5 h (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of H. dulcis could reduce the alchol concentration in blood of animals and inrease the activity of ADH after given alcohol. It means the extract has the effect of relieving alcohol toxicity and preventing drunkenness through restraining the absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting the metabolism of alcohol in the liver.

[Effects of Qilan Tangzhining capsule on glucose and lipid metabolism in rats with diabetes mellitus and hyperlipemia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Qilan Tangzhining capsule on glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetes mellitus and hyperlipemia. METHOD: Rats were fed with high sugar and fat food for 2 months, then 2% streptozocin (STZ, 30 mg kg(-1)) was injected intraperitoneally to induce hyperglycemia and hyperlipemia. After the model rats were administrated drugs, the blood glucose, the serum lipids, and the histopathology of the liver and pancreas were observed. RESULT: Qilan Tangzhining capsule could decrease the FBG and the serum TC, TG, LDL-C, increase HDL-C, and improve the histopathologic injury of the liver and pancreas. CONCLUSION: Qilan Tangzhining capsule can not only adjust the blood glucose and lipid, but also improve the histopathology injury of the liver and pancreas.