VAMP726 from maize and Arabidopsis confers pollen resistance to heat and UV radiation by influencing lignin content of sporopollenin.

Sporopollenin in the pollen cell wall protects male gametophytes from stresses. Phenylpropanoid derivatives, including guaiacyl (G) lignin units, are known to be structural components of sporopollenin, but the exact composition of sporopollenin remains to be fully resolved. We analyzed the phenylpropanoid derivatives in sporopollenin from maize and Arabidopsis by thioacidolysis coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The NMR and GC-MS results confirmed the presence of p-hydroxyphenyl (H), G, and syringyl (S) lignin units in sporopollenin from maize and Arabidopsis. Strikingly, H units account for the majority of lignin monomers in sporopollenin from these species. We next performed a genome-wide association study to explore the genetic basis of maize sporopollenin composition and identified a vesicle-associated membrane protein (ZmVAMP726) that is strongly associated with lignin monomer composition of maize sporopollenin. Genetic manipulation of VAMP726 affected not only lignin monomer composition in sporopollenin but also pollen resistance to heat and UV radiation in maize and Arabidopsis, indicating that VAMP726 is functionally conserved in monocot and dicot plants. Our work provides new insight into the lignin monomers that serve as structural components of sporopollenin and characterizes VAMP726, which affects sporopollenin composition and stress resistance in pollen.

To explore the effect of kaempferol on non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common pathological type of lung cancer, which has a serious impact on human life, health, psychology and life. At present, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and other methods commonly used in clinic are prone to drug resistance and toxic side effects. Natural extracts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have attracted wide attention in cancer treatment because of their small toxic and side effects. Kaempferol is a flavonoid from natural plants, which has been proved to have anticancer properties in many cancers such as lung cancer, but the exact molecular mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, on the basis of in vitro experiments, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking methods to study the potential mechanism of kaempferol in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The target of kaempferol was obtained from the public database (PharmMapper, Swiss target prediction), and the target of non-small cell lung cancer was obtained from the disease database (Genecards and TTD). At the same time, we collected gene chips GSE32863 and GSE75037 in conjunction with GEO database to obtain differential genes. By drawing Venn diagram, we get the intersection target of kaempferol and NSCLC. Through enrichment analysis, PI3K/AKT is identified as the possible key signal pathway. PIK3R1, AKT1, EGFR and IGF1R were selected as key targets by topological analysis and molecular docking, and the four key genes were further verified by analyzing the gene and protein expression of key targets. These findings provide a direction for further research of kaempferol in the treatment of NSCLC.

Coptidis rhizoma and evodiae fructus against lipid droplet deposition in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related liver cancer by AKT.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the world. NAFLD has become one of the major factors contributing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, there are no clear targets and therapeutic drugs for NAFLD-related liver cancer. This study explored the active compounds, target and mechanism of coptidis rhizoma and evodiae fructus in the treatment of NAFLD-related liver cancer based on the network pharmacology and experimental verification. There were 455 intersection targets of NAFLD-related liver cancer, and 65 drug-disease common targets. AKT1 has the highest degree, indicating that it may be a key target of coptidis rhizoma and evodiae fructus in the treatment of NAFLD-related liver cancer. The expression level of AKT1 was high in high-risk group, and the overall survival rate was lower than that in low-risk group. After oleic acid induction, p-AKT expression and lipid droplet deposition were promoted in HepG2 cells. Quercetin and resveratrol reduced lipid droplet deposition in vivo. Moreover, quercetin inhibited p-AKT expression, resveratrol both reduced the expression of p-AKT and AKT. The overall findings suggested that quercetin inhibited AKT in the treatment of NAFLD-related liver cancer.

Focus on T cell exhaustion: new advances in traditional Chinese medicine in infection and cancer.

In chronic infections and cancers, T lymphocytes (T cells) are exposed to persistent antigen or inflammatory signals. The condition is often associated with a decline in T-cell function: a state called "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion is a state of T cell dysfunction characterized by increased expression of a series of inhibitory receptors (IRs), decreased effector function, and decreased cytokine secretion, accompanied by transcriptional and epigenetic changes and metabolic defects. The rise of immunotherapy, particularly the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has dramatically changed the clinical treatment paradigm for patients. However, its low response rate, single target and high immunotoxicity limit its clinical application. The multiple immunomodulatory potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a new direction for improving the treatment of T cell exhaustion. Here, we review recent advances that have provided a clearer molecular understanding of T cell exhaustion, revealing the characteristics and causes of T cell exhaustion in persistent infections and cancers. In addition, this paper summarizes recent advances in improving T cell exhaustion in infectious diseases and cancer with the aim of providing a comprehensive and valuable source of information on TCM as an experimental study and their role in collaboration with ICIs therapy.

Research progress on acupuncture treatment in central nervous system diseases based on NLRP3 inflammasome in animal models.

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit complex neurophysiological and pathological mechanisms, which seriously affect the quality of life in patients. Acupuncture, widely accepted as complementary and alternative medicine, has been proven to exert significant therapeutic effects on CNS diseases. As a part of the innate immune system, NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of CNS diseases via regulating neuroinflammation. To further explore the mechanisms of acupuncture regulating NLRP3 inflammasome in CNS diseases, our study focused on the effects of acupuncture on neuroinflammation and the NLRP3 inflammasome in vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, depression, and spinal cord injury. This study confirmed that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome promotes the development of CNS diseases, and inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential key target for the treatment of CNS diseases. In addition, it is concluded that acupuncture alleviates neuroinflammation by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, thereby improving the progression of CNS diseases, which provides a theoretical basis for acupuncture to attenuate neuroinflammation and improve CNS diseases.

Anticancer effects and mechanisms of astragaloside­IV (Review).

Astragalus membranaceus Bunge is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various cancers. Astragaloside­IV (AS­IV) is one of the major compounds isolated from A. membranaceus Bunge and has been demonstrated to have antitumor effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in various cancer types. Numerous studies have used in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models of cancer to explore the antitumor activities of AS­IV. In the present study, the antitumor effects and mechanisms of AS­IV reported in studies recorded in the PubMed database were reviewed. First, the antitumor effects of AS­IV on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, invasion, migration, metastasis and epithelial­mesenchymal transition processes in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, including angiogenesis, tumor immunity and macrophage­related immune responses to cancer cells, were comprehensively discussed. Subsequently, the molecular mechanisms and related signaling pathways associated with antitumor effects of AS­IV as indicated by in vitro and in vivo studies were summarized, including the Wnt/AKT/GSK-3ß (glycogen synthase kinase­3ß)/ß­catenin, TGF­ß/PI3K/AKT/mTOR, PI3K/MAPK/mTOR, PI3K/AKT/NF­κB, Rac family small GTPase 1/RAS/MAPK/ERK, TNF­α/protein kinase C/ERK1/2­NF­κB and Tregs (T­regulatory cells)/IL­11/STAT3 signaling pathways. Of note, several novel mechanisms of Toll­like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF­κB/STAT3, pSmad3C/3L, nuclear factor erythroid 2­related factor (NrF2)/heme oxygenase 1, circDLST/microRNA­489­3p/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 and macrophage­related high­mobility group box 1­TLR4 signaling pathways associated with the anticancer activity of AS­IV were also included. Finally, the limitations of current studies that must be addressed in future studies were pointed out to facilitate the establishment of AS­IV as a potent therapeutic drug in cancer treatment.

The Impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine QingreHuoxue Treatment and the Combination of Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine on the Radiological Progression of Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 52-Week Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used successfully to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). QingreHuoxue treatment (QingreHuoxue decoction [QRHXD]/QingreHuoxue external preparation [QRHXEP]) is a Chinese medicine treatment for RA. To date, very few studies have compared the long-term effects of QRHXD with those of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs on RA disease activity and radiological progression. QRHXD delayed the radiological progression and showed long-term clinical efficacy of RA. In clinical experiments, the clinical evidence of delaying the radiological progression of RA patients was obtained. A portion of the patients who participated in the "Traditional Chinese Medicine QingreHuoxue Treatment vs. the Combination of Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine for Active Rheumatoid Arthritis" study were followed up for 52 weeks, and intention-to-treat (ITT) and compliance protocol (PP) analyses were used to collect and compare the clinical indicators and imaging data between baseline and week 52. Two radiologists who were blind to treatment scored the images independently. Of the 468 subjects, 141 completed the 52-week follow-up. There were no significant differences among the three groups: the traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive treatment group, the Western medicine treatment group, and the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment group. There were no differences in the total Sharp score, joint space stenosis score, and joint erosion score at baseline or 52 weeks. In the comparison of the estimated annual radiographic progression (EARP) and the actual annual Sharp total score changes among the three groups, the actual changes were much lower than the EARP at baseline. The radiological progress in all three groups was well controlled. Results of the ITT and PP data sets showed that the disease activity score 28 level of the three groups at 52 weeks was significantly lower than that at baseline. During the 52-week treatment period, the clearance of heat and promotion of blood circulation controlled disease activity and delayed the radiological progress of active RA.

Molecular mechanism of Epicedium treatment for depression based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention has been paid to the effect of Epimedium on the nervous system, particularly anti-depression function. In the present study, we applied network pharmacology to introduce a testable hypothesis on the multi-target mechanisms of Epicedium against depression. METHODS: By reconstructing the network of protein-protein interaction and drug-component-target, we predicted the key protein targets of Epicedium for the treatment of depression. Then, through molecular docking, the interaction of the main active components of Epicedium and predicted candidate targets were verified. RESULTS: Nineteen active compounds were selected from Epicedium. There were 200 targets associated with Epicedium and 537 targets related to depression. The key targets of Epicedium for treating depression were IL6, VEGFA, AKT1, and EGF. According to gene ontology functional enrichment analysis, 22 items of biological process (BP), 13 items of cell composition (CC) and 9 items of molecular function (MF) were obtained. A total of 56 signaling pathways (P < 0.05) were identified by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, mainly involving depression-related pathways such as dopaminergic synapse, TNF signaling pathway, and prolactin signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the most important activity components, including luteoklin, quercetin and kaempferol, were well combined with the key targets. CONCLUSIONS: Luteoklin, quercetin, kaempferol and other active compounds in Epicedium can regulate multiple signaling pathways and targets such as IL6, AKT1, and EGF, therefore playing therapeutic roles in depression.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Qingre Huoxue Treatment vs. the Combination of Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine for Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used successfully to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Qingre Huoxue treatment (Qingre Huoxue decoction (QRHXD)/Qingre Huoxue external preparation (QRHXEP)) is a therapeutic scheme of TCM for RA. To date, there have been few studies comparing the efficacy and safety of QRHXD and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) for the treatment of active RA. This was investigated in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 468 Chinese patients with active RA [disease activity score (DAS)-28 > 3.2] treated with QRHXD/QRHXEP (TCM group), methotrexate plus hydroxychloroquine [Western medicine (WM) group], or both [integrative medicine (IM) group]. Patients were followed up for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in DAS-28 from baseline to 24 weeks. The secondary outcome measures were treatment response rate according to American College of Rheumatology 20, 50, and 70% improvement criteria (ACR-20/50/70) and the rate of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02551575). DAS-28 decreased in all three groups after treatment (p < 0.0001); the score was lowest in the TCM group (p < 0.05), while no difference was observed between the WM and IM groups (p > 0.05). At week 24, ACR-20 response was 73.04% with TCM, 80.17% with WM, and 73.95% with IM (based on the full analysis set [FAS], p > 0.05); ACR-50 responses were 40.87, 47.93, and 51.26%, respectively, (FAS, p > 0.05); and ACR-70 responses were 20.87, 22.31, and 25.21%, respectively, (FAS, p > 0.05). Thus, treatment efficacy was similar across groups based on ACR criteria. On the other hand, the rate of TRAEs was significantly lower in the TCM group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Thus, QRHXD/QRHXEP was effective in alleviating the symptoms of active RA-albeit to a lesser degree than csDMARDs-with fewer side effects. Importantly, combination with QRHXD enhanced the efficacy of csDMARDs. These results provide evidence that QRHXD can be used as an adjunct to csDMARDs for the management of RA, especially in patients who experience TRAEs with standard drugs. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCTNCT025515.

KCNQ1OT1 contributes to sorafenib resistance and programmed death­ligand­1­mediated immune escape via sponging miR­506 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Drug resistance and immune escape of tumor cells severely compromise the treatment efficiency of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Long non­coding RNA KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (lncRNA KCNQ1OT1) has been shown to be involved in drug resistance in several cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of KCNQ1OT1 in sorafenib resistance and immune escape of HCC cells. Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR analysis, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression of KCNQ1OT1, miR­506 and programmed death­ligand­1 (PD­L1). Cell Counting Kit­8 assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assays were used to evaluate IC50 value, cell apoptosis and metastasis. ELISA was performed to detect the secretion of cytokines. Dual­luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the targeting relationships between miR­506 and KCNQ1OT1 or PD­L1. KCNQ1OT1 and PD­L1 were found to be upregulated and miR­506 was downregulated in sorafenib­resistant HCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown reduced the IC50 value of sorafenib, suppressed cell metastasis and promoted apoptosis in sorafenib­resistant HCC cells. Moreover, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown changed the tumor microenvironment and T­cell apoptosis in a sorafenib­resistant HCC/T­cell co­culture model. In addition, it was demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA of miR­506 and increased PD­L1 expression in sorafenib­resistant HCC cells. miR­506 inhibition abolished the effects of KCNQ1OT1 knockdown on sorafenib sensitivity, tumor growth, the tumor microenvironment and T­cell apoptosis. In conclusion, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown inhibited sorafenib resistance and PD­L1­mediated immune escape by sponging miR­506 in sorafenib­resistant HCC cells.

Scoparone alleviates inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice.

Scoparone, a naturally-occurring, bioactive compound isolated from the Chinese herb Artemisia capillaria, has been shown to ameliorate hepatotoxicity and cholestasis in liver diseases. However, the pharmacological effect of scoparone in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of scoparone in NASH. In vivo, the NASH model was established in mice fed a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4weeks, with or without simultaneous scoparone treatment. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were pretreated with or without different concentrations of scoparone. Hepatic triglycerides and serum AST and ALT levels were examined by biochemical assays. Hepatic histology was assessed by H&E, oil red O and Masson's trichrome staining methods, which were applied to analyze the protective effects of scoparone in NASH. To further explore the underlying mechanism of scoparone, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting assays were applied to liver tissue or LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. We found that scoparone can effectively improve hepatic steatosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in an MCD diet-induced NASH murine model. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that scoparone treatment alleviates NASH- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses in macrophages partly by blocking TLR-4/NF-κB signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our results present the potential protective effects and mechanism of scoparone in NASH, suggesting a potentially beneficial drug treatment for NASH.

Diallyl disulfide attenuates non­alcoholic steatohepatitis by suppressing key regulators of lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation and inflammation in mice.

Non­alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common clinicopathological condition. Currently, the pathogenesis of NASH remains unknown, and no optimal therapy option currently exists. It has previously been demonstrated that diallyl disulfide (DADS) was capable of attenuating liver dysfunction, as DADS supplementation had a positive impact on liver regeneration, proliferation and oxidative damage. Thus, DADS could serve as a potential therapeutic agent that can protect against the effects of NASH. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of DADS on NASH and to understand the associated underlying molecular mechanisms. A methionine­ and choline­deficient diet (MCD) and high­fat diet (HFD) are the two common animal models that induce NASH. C57BL/6J mice were fed an MCD for 4 weeks, or an HFD for 20 weeks, in the present study. The mice were treated with or without DADS (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 or 20 weeks. For the histopathological examination, hematoxylin and eosin staining, oil red O staining and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using the liver sections. Biochemical assays and ELISA were performed to measure the serum biochemical indicators of hepatic function and inflammatory indicators, respectively. Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect expression levels of the genes involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying DADS protection. MCD or HFD induced the histological features of NASH in mice, including significant vacuolated hepatocytes, marked inflammatory cell infiltration and severe micro­ and macro­vesicular steatosis. Serum alanine transferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, as well as the contents of liver triglyceride and total cholesterol, were significantly increased in these two models. DADS attenuated these histological and biochemical changes. DADS ameliorated hepatic steatosis by regulating sterol regulatory element­binding transcription factor 1, apolipoprotein A1, cyclic AMP­responsive element­binding protein H and fibroblast growth factor 21. Furthermore, DADS was revealed to prevent lipotoxicity via peroxisome proliferator­activated receptor α elevation and stearoyl­coenzyme A desaturase 1 inhibition in HFD­fed mice. In addition, DADS markedly inhibited lipid peroxidation by modulating malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase, and it also decreased tumor necrosis factor­α production, interleukin­6 production and macrophage influx, as well as suppressing nuclear factor­κB activation, indicating suppression of MCD­induced hepatic inflammation. Taken together, the results have shown that DADS exerts beneficial effects on MCD­ or HFD­induced NASH by suppressing key regulators of lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation and inflammation.

[Risk assessment of nonylphenol exposure in vegetable oil of residents in six cities of Shandong Province in 2014-2015].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of nonylphenol dietary exposure in vegetable oils of 6 cities in Shandong Province and to evaluate the contribution of risk. METHODS: The data of Total Dietary Study and Health Status Survey of Shandong Province and nonylphenol test data were used to evaluate the exposure. A total of 3468 people from6 cities of Shandong province were selected for food survey by stratified multistage cluster random sampling method in 2014-2015. The consumption of vegetable oil was investigated by weighing and accounting method. Nonylphenol content in dietary samples was detected by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry( HPLC-MS). RESULTS: The exposure level of nonylphenol in vegetable oil was 0-0. 44 µg/kg, and the risk index of the highest point of exposure was 0. 088. CONCLUSION: Risk caused by vegetable oil intake of nonylphenol in Shandong Province 6 city residents is extremely low.

Isolation and identification of a tribenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, a novel potential smooth muscle relaxant.

A new skeleton benzylisoquinoline (BI) named neoliensinine (1) was isolated from embryos of lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.), a traditional Chinese herb. The tribenzylisoquinoline (TBI) structure of 1 was confirmed by interpreting spectroscopic data of UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR. The stereo-configurations of the new compound, together with two known bisbenzylisoquinolines (BBI), neferine and isoliensinine were established by analyzing 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. The relaxation of 1, neferine, isoliensinine and liensinine in isolated mesenteric vascular smooth muscle (VSM) was evaluated. All the four BIs could efficiently inhibit MVSM contraction induced by 124mM KCl, with IC50 values of 2.407µM (1), 1.169µM (neferine), 3.504µM (isoliensinine) and 3.583µM (liensinine), respectively, suggesting that they were all potential relaxants for abnormal smooth muscle contractions. Interestingly, VSM treated by the three BBIs could re-contract when being stimulated by KCl after the drugs were removed, while VSM dealt with the TBI couldn't. It indicated that 1 has much high affinity with the molecular targets on relaxation of VSM contraction, which may relate to the unique skeleton with three BI groups.

Baicalin attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by suppressing key regulators of lipid metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis in mice.

AIMS: Baicalin (BA), an active flavonoid compound originating from the herb of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been previously shown to exert anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant effects in liver diseases. However, the potential role of BA in the regulation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains elusive. In this study, we newly explored the hepatoprotective effects of BA in MCD diet-induced NASH by ameliorating hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis. MAIN METHODS: NASH was induced in mice fed a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4weeks. The mice were simultaneously treated with or without BA for 4weeks. Serum liver functional markers and inflammatory indicators were assessed by biochemical and ELISA methods, respectively. The livers were histologically examined using H&E, Oil Red O and Masson's trichrome staining methods. The qRT-PCR, IHC and Western blotting assays were applied to analyze mechanisms underlying BA protection. KEY FINDINGS: BA treatment significantly attenuated MCD diet-induced hepatic lipid accumulation partly through regulating the expression of SREBP-1c, FASN, PPARα and CPT1a. BA treatment dramatically suppressed MCD diet-induced hepatic inflammation, which was associated with decrease in serum TNF-α, IL-1ß and MCP-1 production, macrophage influx and suppression of nuclear factor-κB activation. Additionally, BA was proved to prevent liver fibrosis, which appears to be mediated by inhibition of α-SMA, TGF-ß1 and Col1A1. Furthermore, BA markedly inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in MCD diet-induced mice. SIGNIFICANCE: These results provide a possible basis of the underlying mechanism for the application of BA in the treatment of NASH.

Protodioscin ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammation and histology outcome in Complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis rats.

Protective effect of protodioscin or methyl protodioscin against inflammation had been reported in various inflammation diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of protodioscin against Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis rats. Rats randomly divided into model groups were injected with CFA, companied with different dose of protodioscin (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight). The histology, changes in biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines expression were detected for anti-inflammation effect evaluation of protodioscin. CFA treatment induced arthritic rats with swelling paw, ankle inflammation, and area of lymphocyte infiltration, upregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, TNF-α, cyclo-oxygenase 2, and IL-6 as well as prostaglandin E2), articular elastase, myeloperoxidase, lipid peroxidase and nitrite oxide levels, downregulated glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. In contrast, protodioscin ameliorated all the changes induced by CFA in rats, suggesting the anti-inflammatory effect of protodioscin. We concluded that protodioscin administration into CFA-induced arthritis rats protected against CFA-induced oxidative stress, neutrophil infiltration, and inflammation, suggesting the anti-inflammatory effect and the therapeutic potential of protodioscin for arthritis.

[Clinical value of Tongguanteng (Radix seu Herba Marsdeniae Tenacissimae) extract combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a Meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tongguanteng (Radix seu Herba Marsdeniae Tenacissimae) extract combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NCSLC) compared with chemotherapy alone. METHODS: Databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine Disc, Wanfang, and MEDLINE were searched until April 1, 2014. Two assessors independently reviewed each trial. The primary outcome was the effective rate (ER) of Tongguanteng (Radix seu Herba Marsdeniae Tenacissimae) extract combined with chemotherapy. The secondary outcomes included quality of life improvement rate (QOLIR) and adverse reactions. Statistical calculations were performed by using Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 5.2. RESULTS: A total of 888 patients from 15 studies, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and two controlled clinical trials, were included. Compared with chemotherapy alone, Tongguanteng (Radix seu Herba Marsdeniae Tenacissimae) extract plus chemotherapy significantly improved ER [Risk ratio (RR) = 1.32, 95% CI, (1.14, 1.54)] (based on 15 studies) and QOLIR [RR = 2.04, 95% CI, (1.69, 2.47)] (based on 13 studies). Compared with chemotherapy alone, Tongguanteng (Radix seu Herba Marsdeniae Tenacissimae) extract plus chemotherapy significantly inhibited chemotherapy-induced white blood cell decline [RR = 0.79, 95% CI, (0.70, 0.90) (based on 10 studies), chemotherapy-induced platelet decline [RR = 0.77, 95% CI, (0.60, 0.98)] (based on 8 studies), and significantly alleviated nausea and vomiting (NV) [RR = 0.83, 95% CI, (0.71, 0.97)] (based on 7 studies). There was no significant difference in hemoglobin decline between the two therapies [RR = 0.88, 95% CI, (0.70, 1.09)] (based on 6 studies). CONCLUSION: This Meta-analysis suggests that Tongguanteng (Radix seu Herba Marsdeniae Tenacissimae) extract combined with chemotherapy may be more efficacious in the treatment of advanced NSCLC than chemotherapy alone. This effect includes enhancing ER and QOLIR, and weakening chemotherapy toxicity. However, large-scale RCTs are required to further investigate the short- and long-term effects of Tongguanteng (Radix seu Herba Marsdeniae Tenacissimae) extract.

Polydatin: a new therapeutic agent against multiorgan dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Polydatin (PD), a monocrystalline and polyphenolic drug isolated from a traditional Chinese herb (Polygonum cuspidatum), is protective against mitochondrial dysfunction and has been approved for clinical trials in the treatment of shock. However, whether the administration of PD has a therapeutic effect on multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) requires investigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MODS was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats via hemorrhage and ligation and puncture of cecum-induced sepsis. The rats were divided into three groups as follows: MODS + PD, MODS + normal saline, and a control group (no treatment). Survival time, blood biochemical indexes, and histopathologic changes in various organs were evaluated; serum oxidative stress (advanced oxidative protein products [AOPPs]) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1ß, and interleukin 6) were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis-related protein expression (B-cell lymphoma-2 [Bcl-2] and Bax) was assayed by immunohistochemical and Western blotting methods, whereas caspase-3 activity was assayed by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: PD improved organ function, prolonged survival time, and reduced MODS incidence and serum levels of AOPPs and proinflammatory cytokines. It also decreased Bax levels and caspase-3 activity and increased Bcl-2 levels in the kidney and liver. CONCLUSIONS: PD may serve as a potential therapeutic for MODS, as it suppresses oxidative stress, inhibits inflammatory response, attenuates apoptosis, and protects against mitochondrial dysfunction.

[Dilingdan Decoction prevents renal interstitial fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects and the possible mechanisms of Dilingdan Decoction (DLDD), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, on rats with renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, untreated group, enalapril-treated group and DLDD-treated group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), urine protein quantization in 24 hours and pathological changes of the obstructed kidney were observed. The expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN) were detected by immunohistochemical method and colored-multimedia pathological image analysis system. RESULTS: Massive inflammatory infiltrates and collagen expression in renal interstitial in the untreated group were observed on the 7th day. Compared with the sham-operated group, percentages of area of TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, FN and LN expressions in the untreated group were markedly increased (P<0.05), while the percentage of area of interstitial fibrosis was decreased in the DLDD-treated group as compared with the untreated group (P<0.05). On the 14th day, the percentages of area of TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, FN and LN expressions were declined in two treated groups as compared with the untreated group (P<0.05), but had no statistical difference in biochemical indicators, including BUN, SCr and 24-hour urinary protein. On the 21st day, the level of SCr and the percentage of area of TGF-beta1 expression in the DLDD-treated group were lower than those of the enalapril-treated group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: DLDD can reduce the excretion of urinary protein and the degree of interstitial fibrosis, and significantly inhibit the expressions of TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, FN and LN. DLDD is superior to enalapril in protecting renal function after long-time application in rats.

[TNF-alpha gene expression of NAFLD rat intervened by the extracts of Rizoma Polygoni Cuspidati].

The real-time qPCR method had been used to detect and analyze the non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NEFLD) model in medical intervention in this research. The relative level of TNF-alpha mRNA in adipose tissue of intervention group was lower than that of control group. Their difference was significant (t = 2.452, P = 0.22). Compared with the control group, it decreased that the contents of liver trilyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose in intervention group. The difference of total cholesterol between two groups was significant (t = 2.555, P = 0.019). The extracts of Rizoma Polygoni Cuspidati could significantly decrease TNF-alpha mRNA level in adipose tissue, and it could decrease the contents of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose in liver tissue. This Chinese traditional medicine can adjust the metabolism of liver adipose and glucose,and improve steatosis in liver cell.