Association between Elevated Magnesium Intake and Reduced Risk of Recurrent Falls and Frailty in Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this 8-year follow-up study was to investigate the relationship between magnesium intake and frailty, as well as recurrent falls, in individuals diagnosed with Osteoarthritis (OA) or those at a heightened risk for developing the condition. METHODS: This study utilized data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database and conducted a prospective cohort study with a 8-year follow-up period. Total magnesium intake from both food sources and supplements was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), while frailty and recurrent falls were evaluated through established criteria and self-report, respectively. To account for potential confounding factors, various covariates were considered, and statistical analyses, including generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs), were employed to examine the associations. RESULTS: Among the 4,667 participants with OA, those with lower total magnesium intake were characterized by younger age, a higher proportion of African American individuals, higher body mass index (BMI), and lower dietary fiber intake (P<0.001). Notably, this group exhibited higher odds of experiencing recurrent falls and frailty (P = 0.034 and 0.006, respectively). Controlling for various factors, the GAMMs consistently revealed negative correlations between magnesium intake and the likelihood of frailty and recurrent falls, with each 1 mg/1000 kcal increase in magnesium intake associated with a 0.5% reduced frailty risk (p < 0.001) and a 0.2% decreased risk of recurrent falls (p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses suggested that increased total magnesium intake from both food sources and supplements may exert a more pronounced preventive effect on recurrent falls and frailty in men, older adults, individuals with normal BMI, and those with higher dietary fiber intake. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated total magnesium intake from both food sources and supplements was found to be associated with a decreased risk of recurrent falls and frailty in individuals diagnosed with OA or those at risk of developing the condition. These findings imply that increased total magnesium intake might be beneficial in managing the risk of these outcomes, particularly within specific subgroups, including men, older adults, those with a normal BMI, and those with higher dietary fiber intake.

Passion fruit peel and its zymolyte enhance gut function in Sanhuang broilers by improving antioxidation and short-chain fatty acids and decreasing inflammatory cytokines.

The passion fruit peel (PFP) is the by-product of juice processing and is rich in phenolic compounds and dietary fibers. As the high ADF content in PFP (34.20%), we proceeded to treat PFP with cellulase. The ADF decreased to 16.70% after enzymatic processing, and we supposed that enzymolytic passion fruit peel (EPF) should have a greater growth performance than PFP to broilers. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary PFP or EPF supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, meat quality, and cecal short-chain fatty acids, microbiota, and metabolites in broilers. In Exp. 1, 180 1-day-old Sanhuang broilers (male, 36.17 ± 2.47 g) were randomly allocated into 3 treatments, with 6 replicates in each treatment. The 3 experimental diets included 1 basal diet (control) and 2 PFP-added diets supplemented with 1 and 2% PFP, respectively. The trial lasted for 42 d. In Exp. 2, 144 Sanhuang broilers (male, 112-day-old, 1.62 ± 0.21 kg) were randomly allocated to 3 treatments. Each treatment was distributed among 6 pens, and each pen contained 8 broilers. The 3 treatment diets included: a control diet, a positive control diet supplementing 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the experimental diet supplementing 3% EPF. The trial lasted for 56 d. Results showed that dietary 1 and 2% PFP addition did not affect growth performance in Exp. 1, and the 3% EPF supplementation had a negative effect on ADFI (P < 0.05) in Exp. 2. A decreased serum triglyceride (P < 0.05) in broilers was observed in Exp. 1. Broilers fed EPF had a higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.05), and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P < 0.05) and glucose (P < 0.05) in Exp. 2. We also found that broilers from PFP or EPF-treated treatments had an increased butyrate content and higher microbial diversity in the cecum. The effects of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory function, and elevated SCFAs were confirmed after the microbe and untargeted metabolomic analysis. Dietary EPF supplementation significantly increased the SCFA-generating bacteria, anti-inflammatory-related bacteria, the antioxidant-related and anti-inflammatory-related metabolites. Moreover, dietary 3% EPF addition positively affects the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, which strongly correlate with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, the proper addition level did not affect the growth performance, and the PFP and EPF could improve the antioxidation state, anti-inflammatory activity, and intestinal functions of Sanhuang broilers to some extent.

[A prospective randomized controlled study of the therapeutic effects of a self-developed novel low-temperature boric acid wet dressing on the face and neck wounds of patients with superficial burns].

Objective: To observe and explore the clinical therapeutic effects of a self-developed novel low-temperature boric acid wet dressing on the face and neck wounds of patients with superficial burns. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. One hundred cases of superficial burn (sunburn) patients who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Department of Dermatology of Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2016 to June 2018, the course of sunburn was less than 15 days. According to the of random number table, the patients were divided into new dressing (ND) group (30 males and 20 females, aged (55±14) years) and conventional dressing (CD) group (28 males and 22 females, aged (59±12) years). Patients in ND group were treated with a self-developed new low-temperature boric acid wet dressing, and patients in CD group were treated with normal temperature boric acid solution wet dressing, 3 times a day. The Eczema area and severity index (EASI) score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of patients before and 14 days after treatment (patients discharged from hospital within 14 days were recorded on the day of discharge), the number of cured patients at 6, 8, 10, and 11 to 14 days after treatment, and the efficacy were compared between the patients in 2 groups. The nurse operators were investigated by self-made convenience questionnaire, and the time and convenience required of 2 dressings were compared. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test or Mann-Whitey U test. Results: Before the treatment, the EASI and VAS score in those two groups showed no significantly difference (t=1.576, 1.492, P>0.05). At 14 days after treatment, the EASI score (2.4±0.4) points in ND Group was significantly lower than (4.6±0.7) points in CD Group (t=3.552, P<0.01); the VAS score (0.51±0.12) points in ND Group was significantly lower than (0.98±0.19) points in CD Group (t=3.496, P<0.01). At 14 days after treatment, the cured time of sunburns in ND Group was significantly shorter than that in CD Group (Z=-6.690, P<0.01); the treatment effects of ND Group showed better than that in CD Group (Z=3.387, P<0.01). The time for nurses operating ND was significantly shorter than that in CD (Z=-5.575, P<0.01); the nurses also believed the operation of ND was more convenient than CD (Z=-4.304, P<0.01). Conclusions: Compared with that of CD, the application of ND can shorten the recovery time and improve the treatment efficiency. At the same time, the application of ND can significantly reduce the time of nursing operations, and the material is easy to use. This new material is worthy of clinical promotion for the treatment of superficial burns.

Effects of maternal and post-weaned rumen-protected folic acid supplementation on slaughter performance and meat quality in offspring lambs.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of rumen-protected folic acid (RPFA) on slaughter performance, visceral organ and gastrointestinal tract coefficients, and meat quality in lambs. Sixty-six lambs from 120 Hu ewes were selected based on body weight and maternal diets and then assigned to six groups using a randomised block experimental design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was folic acid (FA) as RPFA in the maternal diet (0 mg/kg (M0F), 16 mg/kg (M16F) or 32 mg/kg (M32F) on DM basis). The second factor was FA in the lambs' diet from weaning until slaughter (0 mg/kg (OC) or 4·0 mg/kg (OF)). The results indicated that the addition of 16 mg/kg FA to the maternal diet increased pre-slaughter weight (PSW), dressing and meat percentage, the reticulum and omasum coefficients, length of the jejunum and ileum, tail fat and perirenal fat coefficient and a* value of the meat colour. The addition of RPFA to the lambs' diet increased PSW, dressing and meat percentage, eye muscle area, abomasum weight, weight and length of the small intestine, but reduced the coefficients of tail fat. An M × O interaction was observed for the weights of heart, lungs, rumen and total stomach, weight and coefficient of omental fat and the girth rib value. Collectively, RPFA in the maternal and lambs' diet improved slaughter performance and meat quality by stimulating the morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract and the distribution of fat in the body.

[Study on the damage of the tight junctions of nasal mucosal epithelial cells by artemisia annua pollen].

Objective: To investigate the damage and mechanism of artemisia annua pollen on tight junction of human nasal mucosa epithelial cells (HNEpC). Methods: HNEpC were cultured in vitro. Different concentrations of artemisia annua pollen (0, 20, 40, 80, 100, 160, 200 µg/ml) were used to intervene the cells for 24 h, and the cell proliferation activity was detected by the CCK-8 method. The expression and phosphorylation of p38MAPK signaling pathway were detected by Western Blot before and after the intervention of SB203580, a p38MAPK inhibitor in HNEpC. Immunofluorescence chemical staining, Western Blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to observe the expression and distribution of tight junctions Occludin and Claudin-1. SPSS 21.1 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: CCK-8 results showed that, compared with the control group, the proliferation activity of HNEpC increased after 6 h intervention with different concentrations of artemisia annua pollen (all P<0.05). After 12 h of intervention, the proliferation activity of HNEpC in the 20, 40, 80, 100 and 160 µg/ml groups was not significantly changed (all P>0.05), while that in the 200 µg/ml group was decreased (P<0.05). After the intervention for 24 h, the proliferation activity of cells in the 20 and 40 µg/ml groups was not significantly changed (all P>0.05), while that in the 80, 100, 160 and 200 µg/ml groups was decreased (all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the Occludin and Claudin-1 proteins in the normal control group were localized on the cell membrane and expressed more and formed a ring structure around the cell membrane. However, under the intervention of high concentration artemisia annua pollen, its expression level decreased, appeared broken, fuzzy, and nonuniform distribution. Western Blot and qPCR results showed that after 24 h of intervention, the expression levels of HNEpC Claudin-1 protein and its mRNA in the pollen groups (40, 80, 100, 160, 200 µg/ml) of artemisia annua decreased compared with those of those of the control group (mRNA expression levels were 0.567±0.214, 0.443±0.109, 0.462±0.160, 0.497±0.134, 0.388±0.076 compared with 1.001±0.067, respectively, all P<0.05). However, the mRNA of Occludin protein and its mRNA only decreased in the 200 µg/ml treatment group (mRNA expression level was 0.631±0.109 compared with 1.016±0.026, P<0.05), while all the other treatment groups increased (mRNA expression levels were 1.258±0.134, 1.827±0.103, 2.429±0.077, 1.707±0.085, 1.477±0.066 compared with 1.016±0.026, respectively, all P<0.05). Western Blot showed that p-p38MAPK expression increased after intervention with 100, 160, 200 µg/ml artemisia annua pollen for 24 h. SB203580 could inhibit the decreasing expression of Occludin caused by artemisinin pollen (mRNA expression was 1.255±0.179 compared with 0.631±0.109, P<0.05), but had no effect on Claudin-1 protein expression. Conclusion: Pollen from artemisia annua may activate p38MAPK signaling pathway and destroy the close connection of HNEpC.

[Clinical research progression of molecular-targeted drugs and PD-1 inhibitors for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma].

Since sorafenib has been first-line molecular-targeted drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), clinical studies in the last 10 years failed to confirm that a new molecular-targeted drug or immune checkpoint inhibitor was superior or non-inferior to sorafenib, or approved second-line treatment for patients with the failure of sorafenib. However, many clinical studies published in 2017 have changed people's previous understanding. REFLECT trial showed that as the first-line treatment of advanced HCC, lenvatinib was non-inferior than sorafenib. In addition, RESORCE trial and CheckMate-040 trial confirmed respectively that regorafenib and PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab were options of second-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC after sorafenib treatment. The development of these drugs will bring a new prospect for advanced HCC patients.

In vitro and in vivo digestibility of corn starch for weaned pigs: Effects of amylose:amylopectin ratio, extrusion, storage duration, and enzyme supplementation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of amylose (AM):amylopectin (AP) ratio, extrusion, storage duration, and enzyme supplementation on starch digestibility of corn. Three corn varieties with high (0.60; HA), medium (0.44; MA), and low (0.39; LA) AM:AP ratios, respectively, were selected from 74 corn samples to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo digestibility of starch. In Exp. 1, during wk 4 after extrusion, resistant starch (RS) content of the 3 selected corn varieties (LA, MA, and HA) increased (P < 0.05) each week and starch digestibility in vitro decreased as storage time increased (P < 0.05). The AM:AP ratio affected the formation of RS (P < 0.01). The RS content of the 3 corn varieties was ranked as LA < MA < HA in each week (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that AM:AP ratio and storage duration were both positively correlated with RS content (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant quadratic relation was found between storage duration and RS content in each corn variety as well as storage duration and digestibility. Starch digestibility was negatively correlated with RS content (P < 0.001). In Exp. 2, digestion trials were performed on cannulated pigs with BW of 13.20 ± 0.94 kg. Extrusion increased ileal digestibility of GE and starch of either HA or LA compared with the enzyme-supplemented diets (P < 0.001). Enzyme supplementation did not improve ileal energy and starch digestibility. The ileal digestibility of starch and GE of LA varieties was greater than HA samples (P < 0.05). The results implied that AM:AP ratio and storage duration after extrusion may be important determinants of RS formation and digestibility of starch for corn. In addition, RS content could be an important indicator of digestibility of starch in extruded corn. Using a lower AM:AP ratio corn or reducing the storage duration of extruded corn would help to reduce the formation of RS and improve the starch bioavailability of corn for piglets.

Protective effects of sodium p-aminosalicylic acid on learning and memory via increasing the number of basal forebrain choline acetyltransferase neurons in manganese-exposed rats.

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of sodium p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na) on learning and memory via increasing the number of basal forebrain choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) neurons in manganese (Mn)-exposed rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into following groups: the normal control I, II, and III groups, the model I, II, and III groups, low- and high-dose PAS-Na treatment (L- and H-PAS) group, PAS-Na prevention (PAS-P) group, and PAS-Na treatment (PAS-T) group. The model I, II, and III groups, L- and H-PAS, and PAS-T groups received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 15 mg/kg manganese chloride tetrahydrate (MnCl2·4H2O) for 3 or 12 weeks, while the normal control I, II, and III groups received i.p. injection of an equal volume of saline; L- and H-PAS and PAS-T groups received back subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of PAS-Na (100 and 200 mg/kg) for the next 5 or 6 weeks, whereas model I and II group received back s.c. injection of an equal volume of saline. However, PAS-P group received back s.c. injection of 200 mg/kg PAS-Na + i.p. injection of 15 mg/kg MnCl2·4H2O for 12 weeks. Mn exposure significantly reduced the ability of spatial learning and memory capability, while PAS-Na prevention recovered it. Mn decreased the number of ChAT-positive neurons in vertical limb nucleus of the basal forebrain diagonal band/horizontal limb nucleus of the basal forebrain diagonal band and ChAT protein activity and treatment or prevention with PAS-Na restored those comparable with control. In brief, our results showed that PAS-Na may have protective effects on learning and memory against Mn via increasing the number of ChAT-positive neurons and activity of ChAT protein.

454 EST analysis detects genes putatively involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis in Panax ginseng.

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is one of the most highly valued medicinal plants in the world. To analyze the transcriptome of P. ginseng and discover the genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis, cDNAs derived from the total RNA of 11-year-old, wood-grown P. ginseng roots were analyzed by 454 sequencing. A total of 217,529 high quality reads (expressed sequence tags, ESTs), with an average length of 409 bases, were generated from a one-quarter run to yield 31,741 unique sequences. The majority (20,198; 63.6%) of the unique sequences were annotated using BLAST similarity searches. A total of 16,810 and 16,577 unique sequences were assigned to functional classifications and biochemical pathways based on Gene Ontology analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes assignment, respectively. Nine genes involved in the biosynthesis of ginsenoside skeletons and many candidate genes putatively responsible for modification of the skeletons, including 133 cytochrome P450s and 235 glycosyltransferases, were identified. From these candidates, six transcripts encoding UDP-glycosyltransferases that were most likely to be involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis were selected. These results open a new avenue by which to explore and exploit biosynthetic and biochemical properties that may lead to drug improvement. These 454 ESTs will provide the foundation for further functional genomic research into the traditional herb P. ginseng or its closely related species.

The effects of subinhibitory concentrations of costus oil on virulence factor production in Staphylococcus aureus.

AIM: To determine the antimicrobial activity of costus (Saussurea lappa) oil against Staphylococcus aureus, and to evaluate the influence of subinhibitory concentrations of costus oil on virulence-related exoprotein production in staph. aureus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using a broth microdilution method, and the MICs of costus oil against 32 Staph. aureus strains ranged from 0.15 to 0.6 µl ml(-1) . The MIC(50) and MIC(90) were 0.3 and 0.6 µl ml(-1) , respectively. Western blot, haemolytic, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release and real-time RT-PCR assays were performed to evaluate the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of costus oil on virulence-associated exoprotein production in Staph. aureus. The data presented here show that costus oil dose dependently decreased the production of α-toxin, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) and enterotoxins A and B in both methicillin-sensitive Staph. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA). CONCLUSION: Costus oil has potent antimicrobial activity against Staph. aureus, and the production of α-toxin, TSST-1 and enterotoxins A and B in Staph. aureus was decreased by costus oil. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The data suggest that costus oil may deserve further investigation for its potential therapeutic value in treating Staph. aureus infections. Furthermore, costus oil could be rationally applied in food products as a novel food preservative both to inhibit the growth of Staph. aureus and to repress the production of exotoxins, particularly staphylococcal enterotoxins.

Imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and between Th1 and Th2 cytokines in depressed patients: the effect of electroacupuncture or fluoxetine treatment.

BACKGROUND: An increase in inflammatory response and an imbalance between T-helper (Th) 1 and 2 functions have been implicated in major depression. The aims of the present study were to 1) study the relationship between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and between Th1 and Th2 produced cytokines in depressed patients and 2) evaluate and compare the effect of treatments with electroacupuncture (EA) and fluoxetine on these cytokines. METHODS: 95 outpatients with major depressive disorder were treated for 6 weeks with EA, fluoxetine or placebo. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were used to assess severity and therapeutic effects. 30 volunteers served as controls. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Increased proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were found in the depressed patients. By contract, Th1 produced proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma were decreased, and Th2 produced cytokine IL-4 was significantly increased in depressed patients. The ratio of IFN/IL-4 was also increased. Both acupuncture and fluoxetine treatments, but not the placebo, reduced IL-1beta concentrations in responders. However, only acupuncture attenuated TNF-alpha concentration and INF-gamma/IL-4 ratio towards the control level. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-10), and between Th1 and Th2 cytokines (INF-gamma or TNF-alpha and IL-4) occurred in untreated depressed patients. Both EA and fluoxetine had an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-1beta. EA treatment also restored the balance between Th1 and Th2 systems by increasing TNF-alpha and decreasing IL-4.

Angiomodulatory and neurological effects of ginsenosides.

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, one of the most popular and valued herbs, has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. More than thirty ginsenosides, the pharmacologically active ingredients in ginseng, have been identified with various sugar moieties attached at the C-3, C-6 and C-20 positions of the steroidal skeleton. We herein review the current literature on the pharmacological effects of ginsenosides on the modulation of angiogenesis, dysregulations of which contribute towards many pathological conditions. Regarding the adaptogenic property of ginseng, the effects of ginsenosides on central nervous system are also discussed. Recent researches have pointed to the steroid hormone receptors as the target molecules to elicit the diverse cellular and physiological activities of ginseng. We believe that understanding the interaction between ginsenosides and various steroid hormone receptors may provide clues to unravel the secret of ginseng.

A high throughput drug screen based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for anticancer activity of compounds from herbal medicine.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report the development of a very efficient cell-based high throughput screening (HTS) method, which utilizes a novel bio-sensor that selectively detects apoptosis based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We generated a stable HeLa cell line expressing a FRET-based bio-sensor protein. When cells undergo apoptosis, they activate a protease called 'caspase-3'. Activation of this enzyme will cleave our sensor protein and cause its fluorescence emission to shift from a wavelength of 535 nm (green) to 486 nm (blue). A decrease in the green/blue emission ratio thus gives a direct indication of apoptosis. The sensor cells are grown in 96-well plates. After addition of different chemical compounds to each well, a fluorescence profile can be measured at various time-points using a fluorescent plate reader. Compounds that can trigger apoptosis are potential candidates as anti-cancer drugs. KEY RESULTS: This novel cell-based HTS method is highly effective in identifying anti-cancer compounds. It was very sensitive in detecting apoptosis induced by various known anti-cancer drugs. Further, this system detects apoptosis, but not necrosis, and is thus more useful than the conventional cell viability assays, such as those using MTT. Finally, we used this system to screen compounds, isolated from two plants used in Chinese medicine, and identified several effective compounds for inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This FRET-based HTS method is a powerful tool for identifying anti-cancer compounds and can serve as a highly efficient platform for drug discovery.

Short-term safety evaluation of processed calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) in humans.

NovaSil clay (NS) provides significant protection from the adverse effects of aflatoxins (AFs) in multiple animal species by decreasing bioavailability from the gastrointestinal tract. It is postulated that NS clay can be safely added to human diets to diminish exposure and health risks from AF contaminated food. To determine the safety and tolerance of NS in humans and establish dosimetry protocols for long-term efficacy studies, a randomized and double-blinded phase I clinical trial was conducted. Volunteers (20-45 yr in age), were clinically screened for confirmation of their health status. Fifty subjects (23 males and 27 females) were randomly divided into two groups: The low-dose group received nine capsules containing 1.5 g/day, and the high-dose group received nine capsules containing 3.0 g/day for a period of 2?wk. NS capsules were manufactured in the same color and size and were distributed to each participant three times a day at designated sites where follow-up was taken to record any side effects and complaints. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the study for laboratory analysis. All participants completed the trial and compliance was 99.1%. Mild GI effects were reported in some participants. Symptoms included abdominal pain (6%, 3/50), bloating (4%, 2/50), constipation (2%, 1/50), diarrhea (2%, 1/50), and flatulence (8%, 4/50). No statistical significance was found between the two groups for these adverse effects (p > 0.25). No significant differences were shown in hematology, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, vitamins A and E, and minerals in either group. These results demonstrate the relative safety of NS clay in human subjects and will serve as a basis for long-term human trials in populations at high risk for aflatoxicosis.

Neuroprotective effects of tanshinones in transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice.

Tanshinones are the major lipid soluble pharmacological constituents of Danshen, the dried roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae), a well known traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases including stroke. Potential neuroprotective effects of tanshinones IIA (TsIIA) and IIB (TsIIB) were examined in adult mice subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Our results revealed that TsIIA (16 mg/kg) readily penetrated the blood brain barrier reaching a peak concentration of 0.41 nmol/g brain wet weight 60 minutes after intraperitoneal injection and decreased slowly over several hours. Twenty-four hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion, brain infarct volume was reduced by 30% and 37% following treatment with TsIIA and TsIIB, respectively. The reduction in brain infarct volume was accompanied by a significant decrease in the observed neurological deficit. Tanshinones or other structurally related compounds may have potential for further development as neuroprotective drugs.

Identification and determination of oligomeric stilbenes in the roots of Caragana species by capillary electrophoresis.

A method based on capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (CE-ED) was employed for the determination of one alkaloid (hypaphorine) and the four oligomeric stilbenes, pallidol, kobophenol A, miyabenol C and (+)-alpha-viniferin in the roots of Caragana species. The five analytes could be well separated within 12 min in a 40 cm length capillary at a separation voltage of 12 kV in a 100 mmol/L borate buffer (pH 10.0). The response was linear over about 3 orders of magnitude for all investigated analytes with detection limits (S/N = 3) ranging from 0.0385 to 0.111 mg/L. The five constituents presented in Caragana sinica can also be detected in the roots of other Caragana species, but their contents were quite different. It is demonstrated that CE-ED is a useful technique for the investigation of some electroactive constituents in plants.

[Resources of medicinal plants from genus Dioscorea in Guizhou province].

OBJECTIVE: To gain a clear idea on the species and distribution of medicinal plants from Dioscorea in Guizhou province. METHOD: By consulting related specimens and date and carrying out identification study. RESULT: There are 17 species (including varieties) of medicinal plants from Dioscorea in Guizhou province. The distribution, growing environment and medicinal effect of these species have been clarified, and an identification index has been established. CONCLUSION: A scientific basis can be provided by this study for exploiting the medicinal plants from Dioscorea resources in Guizhou province.

Identification and characterization of a novel inositol hexakisphosphate kinase.

The inositol pyrophosphate disphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP-InsP(3)/InsP(7)) is formed in mammals by two recently cloned inositol hexakiphosphate kinases, InsP(6)K1 and InsP(6)K2 (Saiardi, A., Erdjument-Bromage, H., Snowman, A. M., Tempst, P., and Snyder, S. H. (1999) Curr. Biol. 9, 1323-1326). We now report the identification, cloning, and characterization of a third InsP(7) forming enzyme designated InsP(6)K3. InsP(6)K3 displays 50 and 45% sequence identity to InsP(6)K1 and InsP(6)K2, respectively, with a smaller mass (46 kDa) and a more basic character than the other two enzymes. InsP(6)K3 is most enriched in the brain where its localization resembles InsP(6)K1 and InsP(6)K2. Intracellular disposition discriminates the three enzymes with InsP(6)K2 being exclusively nuclear, InsP(6)K3 predominating in the cytoplasm, and InsP(6)K1 displaying comparable nuclear and cytosolic densities.

[Studies on chemical constituents of the roots of Gypsophila oldhamiana Miq].

OBJECTIVE: To separate compounds from the root of Gypsophila oldhamiana. METHOD: Chemical and chromatographic methods were used to separate the compounds. IR, MS, NMR were used to determine the structures of compounds. RESULT: Compound pentacosanoic acid, lacceroic acid, beta-sitosterol, alpha-spinasterol, daucosterol and sucrose were identified. CONCLUSION: All the above compounds were obtained from this genus for the first time.