Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation worsens intestinal inflammation and microenvironment in PI3Kγ-knockout mice.

Considering the possible interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and PI3Kγ-associated drugs, we evaluated the efficacy and action mechanism of MSCs in the treatment of colitis in PI3Kγ-/- mice. Trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid enema was used to create a colitis model, and MSCs were transplanted through the caudal vein to treat colitis in wild-type and PI3Kγ-/- mice. We sequenced microbial 16S rRNA genes in the colonic mucosa of PI3Kγ-/- and wild-type mice and quantified colonic IgA, IL-2, IL-10, IL-17A, occludin, and serum IgA. MSC transplantation led to a more serious reduction in the weight of trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid-administered PI3Kγ-/- mice than that in wild-type mice. The disease activity index, pathological scoring, number of taxa in the colon, Berger-Parker index, I-index, proportion of Proteobacteria, and IgA level in the blood were higher in PI3Kγ-/- mice than in wild-type mice after MSC transplantation. The occludin and IL-10 levels in the colon tissues decreased before and after MSC transplantation in PI3Kγ-/- mice, whereas they were increased in wild-type mice The IL-17 level decreased in both wild-type and PI3Kγ-/- mice, with knockout mice showing a greater decrease. Therefore, MSC transplantation in PI3Kγ-/- mice led to increased numbers of exogenous pathogenic microorganisms and enhanced colitis that was difficult to relieve.

[Quality assessment for Coptis chinensis planted with ecological techniques].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality difference between Coptis chinensis planted with ecological techniques and shelf planted Coptis chinensis. METHODS: Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, alcohol extract mensuration, moisture mensuration, and ash mensuration were used to determine the contents of total alkaloids, alcohol extract, water, and total ash of Coptis chinensis, which were planted in shelf, Rhus chinensis wood, M mulbery wood, corn wood, Magnolia officinalis wood, fruiter wood, shading net, and firry wood, respectively. RESULTS: The contents of total alkaloids and alcohol extract of Coptis chinensis Table planted with ecological techniques were higher than those of Coptis chinensis planted in shelf. The contents of water and total ash were less than 12% and 5%, respectively, which met the provisions of the pharmacopoeia. CONCLUSION: The quality of Coptis chinensis planted with ecological techniques is similar to that of Coptis chinensis planted in shelf. These ecological techniques for Coptis chinensis have become mature and practical.

[Analysis and assessment of Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the infrared (IR) fingerprint spectra of Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights, and to analyze the integrate rules about the content of berberine component in Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights. METHOD: The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to detect the infrared spectra of Coptis chinensis samples rapidly and non-separately. RESULTS: The IR spectra of the root, leafstalk, and fibre of Coptis chinesis have their unique features. The content of berberine component in Coptis chinensis was different for different parts and the sequence: root > leafstalk > fibre. When Coptis chinensis grows, the content of berberine component in leafstalk also increases. The content of berberine component in leafstalk which planting in 1 200 m was less than that in 1 300, 1 400, and 1 500 m. The ages and heights provide no obvious influences on the content of berberine in the root of Coptis chinensis. CONCLUSION: Using FTIR spectroscopy, the quality of Coptis chinensis can be controlled, which provides a useful method for the standardized planting of Coptis chinensis.

[Detection report on noxious elements in Radix astragli].

OBJECTIVE: The contents and dissolution rates of As, Hg, Cd and Pb including 44 batches of Astragali samples from major habitats were analysed. METHOD: As was determined by hydride generation-AFS. Hg was determined by cold vapour-ASS. Cd and Pb were determined by ICP-ES. RESULTS: The contents of As, Hg, Cd, Pb were 0.018-0.617 microgram/g, 0.004-0.181 microgram/g, 0.029-0.168 microgram/g, and 0.290-5.501 micrograms/g respectively. The As, Hg, Cd, Pb dissolution rates were 30.2%-54.2%, 4.9%-9.8%, 50.%-87.9%, and 12.6%-27.8% respectively. CONCLUSION: The contents of As, Hg and Cd were very low and below the limitation of national food and hygiene standard, but that of Pb was high in Astragali and its extracts.