Systematic comparison of ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening methods on poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitors.

The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) has been regarded as a vital target in recent years and PARP1 inhibitors can be used for ovarian and breast cancer therapies. However, it has been realized that most of PARP1 inhibitors have disadvantages of low solubility and permeability. Therefore, by discovering more molecules with novel frameworks, it would have greater opportunities to apply it into broader clinical fields and have a more profound significance. In the present study, multiple virtual screening (VS) methods had been employed to evaluate the screening efficiency of ligand-based, structure-based and data fusion methods on PARP1 target. The VS methods include 2D similarity screening, structure-activity relationship (SAR) models, docking and complex-based pharmacophore screening. Moreover, the sum rank, sum score and reciprocal rank were also adopted for data fusion methods. The evaluation results show that the similarity searching based on Torsion fingerprint, six SAR models, Glide docking and pharmacophore screening using Phase have excellent screening performance. The best data fusion method is the reciprocal rank, but the sum score also performs well in framework enrichment. In general, the ligand-based VS methods show better performance on PARP1 inhibitor screening. These findings confirmed that adding ligand-based methods to the early screening stage will greatly improve the screening efficiency, and be able to enrich more highly active PARP1 inhibitors with diverse structures.

Glaucocalyxin A attenuates allergic responses by inhibiting mast cell degranulation through HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways / 药学学报

The study is to investigate the effect of glaucocalyxin A (GLA) on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. The animal welfare and experimental process of this experiment followed the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Yanbian University. BALB/c mice were used in the animal experiment and randomly divided into five groups, control group, model group, and GLA low, medium, and high dose groups (10, 20, and 40 mg·kg-1). Mice were sensitized by intradermal injection of anti-dinitrophenyl-immunoglobulin E (DNP-IgE) into the ears and challenged with a mixture of DNP-human serum albumin (HSA) and 4% evans blue into the tail veins to prepare an animal skin passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model, which was collected from both ears for measurement of dye staining and histology. Rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were used in the cell experiment and divided into control, IgE + antigen (Ag), and IgE + Ag + GLA groups to determine histamine release as well as calcium influx levels. High-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)-mediated signaling pathway proteins and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB (high mobility group box 1/toll like receptor 4/nuclear transcription factor kappa B) signaling proteins were detected by Western blot. The results of animal experiments suggest that GLA inhibits PCA, reduces evans blue dye exudation, and reduces ear inflammation and ear thickness in mice. The results of cellular experiments suggested that GLA could reduce histamine release and calcium influx, and inhibit tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-1β production; Western blot results showed that GLA inhibited FcεRI-mediated phosphorylation levels of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), Lck/Yes novel tyrosine kinase (Lyn), tyrosine kinase Fyn (Fyn), growth-factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Gab2), and phospholipase C (PLC) γ1, while GLA inhibited HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway to limit NF-κB p65 nuclear metastasis. The results indicate that GLA inhibits mast cell degranulation and attenuates allergic inflammation through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Mogroside V-producing Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Siraitia grosvenorii.

Endophytic fungi can produce beneficial active components during symbiosis with host plants. Fifteen purified endophytic fungal strains were isolated and screened from root, stem, leaf, and fruit of the Chinese medicine food homologous plant Siraitia grosvenorii. These strains were fermented, and then the fermented solution was extracted using acetonitrile. The extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrum (MS), using standard mogroside V as control. The results showed that strain LHG-F5 and strain LHG-L4 could produce mogroside V with output of 3.814 µg/mL and 2.675 µg/mL, respectively. By morphological observation together with similarity of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence by Clustan X method, LHG-F5 and LHG-L4 were classified as Diaporthe angelica and Fusarium solani, respectively.

Autologous Blood Transfusion and Pringle Maneuver in Laparoscopic Segmental Hepatectomy for Benign Hepatic Neoplasms: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of autologous blood transfusion (ABT) and Pringle maneuver (PM) on postoperative early liver function and short-term postoperative results following laparoscopic liver resection in patients with benign hepatic neoplasms. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for 125 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic segmental hepatectomy from January 2015 to May 2018 (68 in the ABT group versus 57 in the PM group). We compared patients' characteristics and intra- and postoperative short-term outcomes between the groups. Results: The 2 groups were well matched regarding patients' clinical characteristics, types of liver resection, operative time, and histopathological findings (P > .05). Median blood loss was significantly lower in the PM group versus the ABT group (200 mL versus 750 mL, respectively; P < .01), and overall complication rates were similar (n = 12 [17%] versus n = 9 [16%], respectively; P > .05). The ABT group had significantly lower mean levels of total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, and alanine aminotransferase on postoperative days 1 and 3 (P < .05). The ABT group had a shorter hospital stay compared with the PM group (5.8 days versus 7.7 days, respectively; P < .05) and lower hospitalization costs (55,400 ± 15,400 versus 667,000 ± 21,600 CN dollars, respectively; P < .05). Conclusions: Compared with Pringle's maneuver, laparoscopic hepatectomy with ABT promoted early recovery of liver function and reduced hospitalization costs in select patients with benign hepatic neoplasms.

Variation of QRS morphology of premature ventricular contractions originate from the left-ventricular outflow tract during ablation.

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias originating from the aortic sinus of Valsalva often show preferential conduction to the right-ventricular outflow tract, which may render radiofrequency ablation more difficult. We describe a patient with symptomatic premature ventricular contractions of left-ventricular outflow tract origin presenting with a variation of QRS morphology during ablation. The correlation between the characteristics of local voltage potentials and the real origin site of the ventricular arrhythmia is discussed.

[Mechanism of Duhuo Jisheng decotion in delaying degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells in human intervertebral disc].

This paper aimed to investigate the role of Duhuo Jisheng decotion (DHJSD) in delaying human disc degeneration and its possible molecular mechanism. The intervertebral disc specimens were divided into normal and degenerated groups according to Pfirrmann classfication. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, MMP-3 and MMP-13 in intervertebral disc tissue were detected by Western blot and PCR. Then degenerated human primary NPCs were cultured in vitro, the viability of NPCs treated with stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1，10 µg·L⁻¹)and various concentrations of DHJSD was assessed by the CCK-8 assay, and the appropriate concentration was screened. The experiment was divided into three groups, control group, SDF-1 group and DHJSD plus SDF-1 group. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, Agg, coIⅡ, MMP-3 and MMP-13 were detected. The levels of CXCR4, NF-κB major groups P65 phosphorylation (p-P65) and nuclear translocation, after treated with CXCR4 siRNA and NF-κB inhibitor (BAY11-7082) were measured by Western blot and immunofluorescence. At the same time, the expression of cell inflammatory factors and extracellular matrix were also measured. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, MMP-3 and MMP-13 in the degenerated intervertebral disc tissue were significantly increased. In vitro study, the results of CCK-8 indicated that the viability of NPCs was significantly increased when DHJSD concentration was 300 mg·L⁻¹. After the experiment was divided into three groups, compared with SDF-1 group, the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, MMP-3 and MMP-13 in DHJSD group were significantly decreased, but the expressions of Agg, coIⅡ were significantly increased. When CXCR4-siRNA was transfected into NPCs, SDF-1 increased expressions of CXCR4 and p-P65 and inhibited nuclear translocation of P65, whose effect was suppressed by CXCR4-siRNA and DHJSD. In addition, when BAY11-7082 was used to treat NPCs, the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, MMP-3 and MMP-13 were significantly decreased. DHJSD could inhibit the production of inflammatory factors and promote the synthesis of extracellular matrix. The potential mechanism may be related to the SDF-1/CXCR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Spatial variability of nutrients and heavy metals in paddy field soils based on GIS and Geostatistics.] / 基于GISå’Œåœ°ç»Ÿè®¡å­¦çš„ç¨»ç”°åœŸå£¤å »åˆ†ä¸Žé‡é‡‘å±žç©ºé—´å˜å¼‚.

Based on a grid (25 m X 25 m) equidistant sampling, the spatial variability of pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, CEC and three typical heavy metal elements Cd, As and Pb in soil tillage layer (0-20 cm) were analyzed by using GIS and Geostatistics in the paddy field of 3.56 hm2 in Beishan Town, Changsha County, Hunan Province. The results showed that soil pH value and Pb content showed weak variation, and other indexes showed moderate variation. The order of variation was following available phosphorus ＞ Cd ＞ total nitrogen ＞ organic matter ＞ CEC ＞ As ＞ Pb ＞ pH. Results of the semi-variance test showed that the best fitting model of the semi-variance function of organic matter, available phosphorus and As was exponential, and the best semi-variance function of pH, total nitrogen, CEC, Cd, Pb was spherical. All the indicators had a strong spatial correlation except for CEC, which showed moderate spatial correlation. Kriging interpolation analysis showed that pH, total nitrogen, CEC, Pb were plaque distribution, while organic matter, available phosphorus, Cd and As were block and banded distribution. Vegetation, topography and human activities were the main factors driving the variation of soil nutrients and heavy metals in the study area. The correlation between soil nutrients and heavy metals content was significant, among which pH and organic matter, Cd and Pb reached a very significant correlation level.

Duhuo Jisheng Decoction inhibits SDF-1-induced inflammation and matrix degradation in human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells in vitro through the CXCR4/NF-κB pathway.

Lower back pain (LBP) is the most common disease in orthopedic clinics world-wide. A classic Fangji of traditional Chinese medicine, Duhuo Jisheng Decoction (DHJSD), has been proven clinically effective for LBP but its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that DHJSD might relieve LBP through inhibiting the exaggerated proinflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Thus, we studied the effects of DHJSD on stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-induced inflammation and ECM degradation in human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs). The primary hNPCs were isolated from either degenerated human intervertebral disc (HID) of LBP patients or normal HID of lumbar vertebral fracture patients, and cultured in vitro. The cells were treated with SDF-1 (10 ng/mL) and subsequently with different concentrations (100-500 µg/mL) of DHJSD for 24 h, respectively. We found that application of DHJSD significantly antagonized the SDF-1-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and reduction of aggrecan and type II collagen in the hNPCs. DHJSD also markedly reduced the SDF-1-induced increase of CXCR4 and p-p65 and inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65 in the hNPCs. DHJSD, CXCR4-siRNA, and NF-κB inhibitor (BAY11-7082) caused the same inhibition of exaggerated proinflammatory cytokines in the SDF-1-treated hNPCs. These results provided compelling evidence that DHJSD may inhibit the generation of proinflammatory mediators and ECM degradation of HID through an orchestrated targeting at multiple molecules in the SDF-1/CXCR4/NF-κB pathway, thus offered novel mechanistic insights into the clinical effectiveness of DHJSD on LBP.

Proteomic analyses for profiling regulated proteins/enzymes by Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan in B16 melanoma cells: A combination of enzyme kinetics functional study.

Fucoidans are complex sulfated polysaccharides that have a wide range of biological activities. Previously, we reported the various effects of Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan on tyrosinase and B16 melanoma cells. In this study, to identify fucoidan-targeted proteins in B16 melanoma cells, we performed a proteomics study and integrated enzyme kinetics. We detected 19 candidate proteins dysregulated by fucoidan treatment. Among the probed proteins, the enzyme kinetics of two candidate enzymes, namely lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as an upregulated protein and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as a downregulated enzyme, were determined. The enzyme kinetics results showed that Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan significantly inhibited LDH catalytic function while it did not affect SOD activity even at a high dose, while only slightly decreased activity (up to 10%) at a low dose. Based on our previous and present observations, fucoidan could inhibit B16 melanoma cells growth via regulating proteins/enzymes expression levels such as LDH and SOD known as cell survival biomarkers. Interestingly, both expression level and enzyme catalytic activity of LDH were regulated by fucoidan, which could directly induce the apoptotic effect on B16 melanoma cells along with SOD downregulation. This study highlights how combining proteomics with enzyme kinetics can yield valuable insights into fucoidan targets.

EFFECT OF FUCOIDAN ON B16 MURINE MELANOMA CELL MELANIN FORMATION AND APOPTOSIS.

BACKGROUND: Fucoidan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed and has a wide variety of biological activities. It not only inhibits cancer cell growth but also inhibits tyrosinase in vitro. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the effect of fucoidan on B16 murine melanoma cells as the findings may provide new insights into the underlying mechanism regarding the inhibition of melanin formation by fucoidan. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-melanogenic effect of fucoidan and its inhibitory effect on B16 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influence of fucoidan on B16 melanoma cells and cellular tyrosinase was examined. Cell viability was examined by the cell counting kit-8 assay. Cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content were determined using spectrophotometric methods and protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting. Morphological changes in B16 melanoma cells were examined by phase contrast microscopy and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In vitro studies were performed using cell viability analysis and showed that fucoidan significantly decreased viable cell number in a dose-response manner with an IC50 of 550 ±4.3 µg/mL. Cell morphology was altered and significant apoptosis was induced when cells were exposed to 550 µg/mL fucoidan for 48 h. CONCLUSION: This study provides substantial evidence to show that fucoidan inhibits B16 melanoma cell proliferation and cellular tyrosinase activity. Fucoidan may be useful in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and as a skin-whitening agent in the cosmetics industry.

Attenuation Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Neuropathic and Postoperative Pain Through Activating Endogenous Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin 10 in Rat Spinal Cord.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate roles of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 10 and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in spinal manipulation-induced analgesic effects of neuropathic and postoperative pain. METHODS: Neuropathic and postoperative pain were mimicked by chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) (CCD) and decompression (de-CCD) in adult, male, Sprague-Dawley rats. Behavioral pain after CCD and de-CCD was determined by the increased thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity of the affected hindpaw. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiological recordings, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to examine the neural inflammation, neural excitability, and expression of c-Fos and PKC as well as levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-10 in blood plasma, DRG, or the spinal cord. We used the activator adjusting instrument, a chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy tool, to deliver force to the spinous processes of L5 and L6. RESULTS: After CCD and de-CCD treatments, the animals exhibited behavioral and neurochemical signs of neuropathic pain manifested as mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, DRG inflammation, DRG neuron hyperexcitability, induction of c-Fos, and the increased expression of PKCγ in the spinal cord as well as increased level of IL-1ß and TNF-α in DRG and the spinal cord. Repetitive Activator-assisted spinal manipulative therapy significantly reduced simulated neuropathic and postoperative pain, inhibited or reversed the neurochemical alterations, and increased the anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the spinal cord. CONCLUSION: These findings show that spinal manipulation may activate the endogenous anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the spinal cord and thus has the potential to alleviate neuropathic and postoperative pain.

Effect of Chinese Herbs on Gastrointestinal Motility of Chronic Experimental Beagle Model / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the effect of 7 kinds of Chinese herbs(Pericarpium Arecae, Folium Sennae, Fructus Tsaoko, Fructus Amomi, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Fructus Aurantii, Fructus Aurantii I mmaturus), and 2 kinds of active compounds (bornyl acetate, synephrine) of Chinese herbals on gastrointestinal motility of chronic experimental beagle model. Methods Six beagles were used for inducing chronic experimental model. The beagles’antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were implanted with strain gauges to record canine gastrointestinal motility. Gastric fistula was set up for the intake of Chinese medicine decoction, and the external jugular vein catheter was made for intravenous administration. After modeling, the fasting gastrointestinal motility features of the beagles were observed for 120 min every day, and for 7 continuous days. From the 7th day after modeling, fasting gastrointestinal motility before medication was recorded as fundamental control, and when the interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) I phase arrived, the gastrointestinal motilities were sequently recorded after treatment with the 7 kinds of herbs(gavage of 200 mL of the decoction of each herb through gastric fistula), normal saline(200 mL), bornyl acetate(active ingredient of Fructus Aurantii and Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, intravenous injection), and synephrine (active ingredient of Fructus Amomi, intravenous injection). All of the animals were treated with only one kind of Chinese herb one day , and the observation of each herb lasted for 2 continuous days. MMC cycle, frequency of contraction, sum of contraction, amplitude of contraction, average of amplitude, and motor index (MI) were observed by strain gauges. Results On postoperative day 1-6, the animals had gastrointestinal hypomotility and no MMC cycle was recorded. On postoperative day 7, the canine antrum, duodenum, jejunum and ileum showed typical MMC cycle while the colon had irregular MMC cycle at fasting interdigestive period. Compared with the gastrointestinal motilities before treatment and those of the normal saline group, the number of contraction waves and MI were significantly increased in the antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon after intervention with Pericarpium Arecae and bornyl acetate, were increased in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon after treatment with Folium Sennae and Fructus Tsaoko (P<0.05), and were also enhanced in the antrum and duodenum after administration of Fructus Amomi(P < 0.05). Treatment with Fructus Aurantii induced the decrease of MI in the jejunum, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus decreased MI of the jejunum and colon, and synephrine decreased the number of antrum contraction waves and MI of the antrum and jejunum(P < 0.05). Conclusion The chronic experimental model is effective for the screening of Chinese herbs for improving gastrointestinal motility. Pericarpium Arecae, Folium Sennae, Fructus Tsaoko, Fructus Amomi, and bornyl acetate can increase gastrointestinal motility, while Fructus Aurantii, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and synephrine can inhibit the gastrointestinal movement, and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae has no effect on gastrointestinal motility.

Effect of Monascus aged vinegar on isoflavone conversion in soy germ by soaking treatment.

Soy germ rich in isoflavones has attracted much attention for health-promoting characteristics. An effective approach via Monascus aged vinegar soaking was adopted to enhance the aglycone amount. The profiles and interconversion of soy germ isoflavones via Monascus aged vinegar soaking were investigated, and the distribution in vinegars were also explored. The aglycones were dramatically increased by 40.76 times. Concomitantly, ß-glycosides and malonylglycosides were significantly decreased. The proportion of aglycones presented a sharp increase with the endogenous ß-glucosidase activity at the initial 4h incubation. There appeared to be correlations between ß-glucosidase activity and the hydrolysis of conjugated isoflavones. The results demonstrated that the reactions of decarboxylation, de-esterification and de-glycosylation were involved in the Monascus aged vinegar soaking, supporting synergistic effects of enzymolysis by endogenous ß-glucosidase from soy germ and acid hydrolysis of vinegars. Soaking by vinegar is a promising pathway for preparing aglycone-rich soy germ.

Polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene is associated with response to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in Chinese patients with gastric cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The importance of polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene for the prediction of the response to fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer patients remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the predictive value of several polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene for clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients treated with fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy in Chinese population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and sixty-two Chinese patients with gastric cancer were treated with fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy. DNA samples were isolated from peripheral blood collected before treatment. The three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1801131, rs1801133, rs2274976) genotypes of the MTHFR gene were determined by matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average response rate for chemotherapy was 46.7%. Homozygous genotypes rs2274976G/G (χ(2) = 22.7, P < 0.01) and rs1801131A/A (χ(2) = 14.3, P = 0.008) were over-represented in responsive patients. Carriers of the rs2274976A allele genotypes (G/A and A/A) and of the rs1801131C allele genotypes (A/C and C/C) were prevalent in nonresponsive patients. In the haplotype association analysis, there was a significant difference in global haplotype distribution between the groups (χ(2) = 20.69, P = 0.000 124).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results suggest that polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene may be used as predictors of the response to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients in Chinese population. Well-designed, comprehensive, and prospective studies on determining these polymorphisms of MTHFR gene as clinical markers for predicting the response to fluorouracil-based therapy in gastric cancer patients is warranted.</p>

Advance in studies on areca nuts and their active substances / 中国中药杂志

A number of clinical practices and studies indicated that areca nuts showed such effects as anthelmintic, food retention removal, qi activation and diuresis, and elimination of wetness and jaundice. Arecoline is the most important pharmacological active ingredient for healthcare from areca plants with a wide influence on human functions. In recent years, a lot of studies have been made on areca nuts and arecoline's pharmacology, physiology and immunity. The article summarizes areca nuts and their active substances.

[Effects of di'ao xinxuekang soft capsule on lipid peroxidation and the endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Di' ao Xinxuekang Soft Capsule (DK) on the plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelin (ET) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to study its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Totally 100 patients with CHD confirmed by coronary angiography were randomly assigned to two groups, the control group (60 cases) and the DK treatment group (40 cases). Patients in the control group received conventional therapy, while those in the DK treatment group received DK additionally. The therapeutic course for all was 3 months. The plasma levels of SOD, MDA, ET, and NO were determined pre-treatment, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of SOD and NO increased and the levels of MDA and ET decreased at each time point. Besides, better effects were obtained in the DK treatment group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DK possibly played a role in inhibiting lipid peroxidation and improving the endothelial dysfunction.

[Effect of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus seed extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of different Codonopsis pilosula caltiver].

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the allelopathy effect of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus seeds and provide information for the intercrop production. METHOD: The A. membranaceus. var. mongholicus seeds were soaked in distilled water for different time (12, 24, 36, 48, 60 h) , and then the seed extracts were used to study their effects on the seed germination, seedling growth and development of two Codonopsis pilosula. RESULT: The A. membranaceus var. mongholicus seeds contained some allelopathy compounds. Their soaked liquid had significantly influence on the seed germination and seedling growth of C. pilosula. The seed germination rate, germination power, germination index and vigor index of two C. pilosula calrivar were improved and then inhabited with soaking time elongation. The extract soaking for 24 h significantly improved the germination traits but the extract for 60 h appeared different degrees of inhibiting vigor. The seed extracts soaking ranging between 12 and 60 h all significantly improved the above plant growth of C. pilosula but significant inhibited their radicle growth in length. And with the soaking time elongation the facilitation effect weakened and the inhibiting effect enhanced, especially more significant in the C. pilosula caltivar (Baitiaodangshen). CONCLUSION: The A. membranaceus var. mongholicus seeds have allelopathic compounds and the endogenous inhibitor can be extracted when soaked for more than 24 h in water with intact seeds, resulting in improvement of seed germination rate. The C. pilosula could be intercropped in A. membranaceus var. mongholicus field, however, when intercroped it should notice that the intercrop proportion should vary with the caltivar.

Effect of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus seed extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of different Codonopsis pilosula caltiver / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To reveal the allelopathy effect of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus seeds and provide information for the intercrop production.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The A. membranaceus. var. mongholicus seeds were soaked in distilled water for different time (12, 24, 36, 48, 60 h) , and then the seed extracts were used to study their effects on the seed germination, seedling growth and development of two Codonopsis pilosula.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The A. membranaceus var. mongholicus seeds contained some allelopathy compounds. Their soaked liquid had significantly influence on the seed germination and seedling growth of C. pilosula. The seed germination rate, germination power, germination index and vigor index of two C. pilosula calrivar were improved and then inhabited with soaking time elongation. The extract soaking for 24 h significantly improved the germination traits but the extract for 60 h appeared different degrees of inhibiting vigor. The seed extracts soaking ranging between 12 and 60 h all significantly improved the above plant growth of C. pilosula but significant inhibited their radicle growth in length. And with the soaking time elongation the facilitation effect weakened and the inhibiting effect enhanced, especially more significant in the C. pilosula caltivar (Baitiaodangshen).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The A. membranaceus var. mongholicus seeds have allelopathic compounds and the endogenous inhibitor can be extracted when soaked for more than 24 h in water with intact seeds, resulting in improvement of seed germination rate. The C. pilosula could be intercropped in A. membranaceus var. mongholicus field, however, when intercroped it should notice that the intercrop proportion should vary with the caltivar.</p>

Effects of di'ao xinxuekang soft capsule on lipid peroxidation and the endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Di' ao Xinxuekang Soft Capsule (DK) on the plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelin (ET) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to study its underlying mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 100 patients with CHD confirmed by coronary angiography were randomly assigned to two groups, the control group (60 cases) and the DK treatment group (40 cases). Patients in the control group received conventional therapy, while those in the DK treatment group received DK additionally. The therapeutic course for all was 3 months. The plasma levels of SOD, MDA, ET, and NO were determined pre-treatment, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of SOD and NO increased and the levels of MDA and ET decreased at each time point. Besides, better effects were obtained in the DK treatment group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DK possibly played a role in inhibiting lipid peroxidation and improving the endothelial dysfunction.</p>