[Mechanism of Shenling Baizhu Powder on treatment of alcoholic liver disease by regulating TLR4/NLRP3 pathway].

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of Shenling Baizhu Powder(SBP) on cellular autophagy in alcoholic liver disease(ALD) and its intervention effect through the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway. A rat model of chronic ALD was established by gavage of spirits. An ALD cell model was established by stimulating BRL3A cells with alcohol. High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was utilized for the compositional analysis of SBP. Liver tissue from ALD rats underwent hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and oil red O staining for pathological evaluation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to quantify lipopolysaccharides(LPS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta(IL-1ß), and interleukin-18(IL-18) levels. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) was conducted to evaluate the mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88) and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4). The effect of different drugs on BRL3A cell proliferation activity was assessed through CCK-8 analysis. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the protein expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), nuclear factor-kappa B P65(NF-κB P65), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B P65(p-P65), caspase-1, P62, Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3Ⅱ). The results showed that SBP effectively ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation, reduced liver function, mitigated hepatic tissue inflammation, and reduced levels of LPS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-18. Moreover, SBP exhibited the capacity to modulate hepatic autophagy induced by prolonged alcohol intake through the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway. This modulation resulted in decreased expression of LC3Ⅱ and Beclin1, an elevation in P62 expression, and the promotion of autolysosome formation. These research findings imply that SBP can substantially enhance liver function and mitigate lipid irregularities in the context of chronic ALD. It achieves this by regulating excessive autophagic responses caused by prolonged spirit consumption, primarily through the inhibition of the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway.

A newly-discovered tea population variety processed Bai Mu Dan white tea: Flavor characteristics and chemical basis.

The quality of white tea (WT) is impacted by selected tea cultivars. To explore the organoleptic quality of a recently-discovered WT ("Caicha", CC), HS-SPME/GC-MS and UPLC were employed to identify volatile and non-volatile compounds in tea samples. Multiple statistical methods demonstrated the distinctions between CC and four mainstream WT varieties from main producing areas. CC exhibited abundant volatile alcohol, terpenoids, ketone, aldehyde and ester, as well as non-volatile lignans and coumarins, phenolic acids and low-molecular carbohydrates. These substances combinedly contributed to the flavor attributes of CC, characterized by an intense herbal/citrus-like cleanness and flower/fruit-like sweetness, scarce in existing commercial WT varieties. Sensory evaluation corroborated these findings. In conclusion, we have processed a new tea variety (CC) with WT manufacturing technology, and discovered the unique cleanness and sweetness of it. This study enriches the raw material database for WT production and blending, and boosts the development of more premium WT varieties.

Zishen Yutai pills restore fertility in premature ovarian failure through regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and the ATK pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Zishen Yutai pills (ZYP), a Chinese medicinal formulation derived from the Qing Dynasty prescription "Shou Tai pills", have been documented to exhibit beneficial effects in clinical observations treating premature ovarian failure (POF). However, the anti-POF effects and its comprehensive systemic mechanism have not yet been clarified. AIM OF THE REVIEW: Therapeutic effects and systemic mechanism of ZYP in POF were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After pulverization, sieving, and stirring, ZYP was administered intragastrically to cisplatin-induced POF mice at a dose of 1.95 mg/kg/d for 14 days. The anti-POF effects of ZYP were investigated by assessing the number of ovarian follicles at different developmental stages, as well as measuring serum estradiol (E2) levels and ovarian-expressed anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Reproductive performance and offspring health were evaluated to predict fertility restoration. Furthermore, a combination of proteomic and metabolomic profiling was employed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of ZYP in treating POF. Western blot (WB) analyses and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were conducted to explore the mechanisms through which ZYP exerted its anti-POF effects. RESULTS: We have demonstrated that oral administration of ZYP reversed the reduction in follicles at different developmental stages and stimulated the expressions of serum E2 and ovarian-expressed AMH in a cisplatin-induced POF model. Additionally, ZYP ameliorated follicle apoptosis in ovaries affected by cisplatin-induced POF. Furthermore, treatment with ZYP restored the quantity and quality of oocytes, as well as enhanced fertility. Our results revealed 62 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) through proteomic analyses and identified 26 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) through metabolomic analyses. Both DEPs and DEMs were highly enriched in the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism pathway. ZYP treatment effectively upregulated the protein and mRNA expression of critical targets in AA metabolism and the AKT pathway, including CYP17α1, HSD3ß1, LHR, STAR, and AKT, in cisplatin-induced POF mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that ZYP exerted protective effects against POF and restored fertility from cisplatin-induced apoptosis. ZYP could be a satisfying alternative treating POF.

A systemic review on Liubao tea: A time-honored dark tea with distinctive raw materials, process techniques, chemical profiles, and biological activities.

Liubao tea (LBT) is a unique microbial-fermented tea that boasts a long consumption history spanning 1500 years. Through a specific post-fermentation process, LBT crafted from local tea cultivars in Liubao town Guangxi acquires four distinct traits, namely, vibrant redness, thickness, aging aroma, and purity. The intricate transformations that occur during post-fermentation involve oxidation, degradation, methylation, glycosylation, and so forth, laying the substance foundation for the distinctive sensory traits. Additionally, LBT contains multitudinous bioactive compounds, such as ellagic acid, catechins, polysaccharides, and theabrownins, which contributes to the diverse modulation abilities on oxidative stress, metabolic syndromes, organic damage, and microbiota flora. However, research on LBT is currently scattered, and there is an urgent need for a systematical recapitulation of the manufacturing process, the dominant microorganisms during fermentation, the dynamic chemical alterations, the sensory traits, and the underlying health benefits. In this review, current research progresses on the peculiar tea varieties, the traditional and modern process technologies, the substance basis of sensory traits, and the latent bioactivities of LBT were comprehensively summarized. Furthermore, the present challenges and deficiencies that hinder the development of LBT, and the possible orientations and future perspectives were thoroughly discussed. By far, the productivity and quality of LBT remain restricted due to the reliance on labor and experience, as well as the incomplete understanding of the intricate interactions and underlying mechanisms involved in processing, organoleptic quality, and bioactivities. Consequently, further research is urgently warranted to address these gaps.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) alleviates the inflammatory response and recovers oral microbiota in acetic acid-induced oral inflammation mice.

The oral microbiota, the second largest microbiome in the human body, plays an integral role in maintaining both the local oral and systemic health of the host. Oral microecological imbalances have been identified as a potential risk factor for numerous oral and systemic diseases. As a representative component of tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has demonstrated inhibitory effects on most pathogens in single-microbial models. In this study, the regulatory effect of EGCG on more complex oral microbial systems was further explored through a mouse model of acetic acid-induced oral inflammation. Acetic acid induces histological damage in the cheek pouch, tongue, and throat, such as broken mucosa, submucosal edema, and muscular disorders. These detrimental effects were ameliorated significantly following EGCG treatment. Additionally, EGCG reduced the levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α to alleviate the inflammation of the tongue, cheek pouch, and throat. According to the 16S rDNA gene sequencing data, EGCG treatment contributed to increased diversity of the oral microbiota and the reversal of oral microecological disorder. This study demonstrates the regulatory effect of EGCG on dysregulated oral microbiota, providing a potential option for the prevention and treatment of oral-microbiota-associated diseases.

Hydroxyls on the B ring and gallic acyl are essential for catechins to restrain ADP-induced thrombosis.

Platelet hyperactivation could lead to various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, while epidemiological analyses have found that long-term tea drinking could prevent and restrain cardiovascular diseases. Existing studies have shown that catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are the main functional factors of tea in alleviating thrombosis, which could inhibit arterial thrombosis and platelet aggregation induced by a variety of agonists. However, their structure-activity relationship and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Based on the above background, this study took six typical catechins as research objects, constructed platelet activation models with different inducers, and explored the inhibitory effects and potential mechanisms of catechins with different structures on platelet aggregation through flow cytometry, immunoblotting, cell spreading, and other experiments. It was found that ester catechins could inhibit platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), while epigallocatechin (EGC) with three hydroxyls on the B ring in non-ester catechins was also able to effectively inhibit platelet aggregation. Our data suggested that gallic acyl on the C ring and three hydroxyls on the B ring were the main functional groups affecting the antithrombotic effect of catechins, and the effect of gallic acyl on platelets was significantly stronger than that of the hydroxyl.

Mechanisms of action of Zishen Yutai pills in treating premature ovarian failure determined by integrating UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and network pharmacology analysis.

BACKGROUND: Zishen Yutai (ZSYT) pill, a patent Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of infertility, abortion, and adjunctive treatment of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for decades. Recently, the results of clinical observations showed that premature ovarian failure (POF) patients exhibited improved expression of steroids and clinical symptoms associated with hormone disorders after treatment with Zishen Yutai pills. However, the pharmacological mechanism of action of these pills remains unclear. METHODS: The compounds of Zishen Yutai pills found in blood circulation were identified via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technique in the serum of POF mice after oral administration of Zishen Yutai pills. The potential targets of compounds were screened using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, Traditional Chinese Medicine Database@Taiwan, Drugbank Database, PubChem, HIT, Pharmapper, and Swiss Target Prediction. The target genes associated with POF were collected from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man Database, PharmGkb, Genecards, Therapeutic Target Database, and Genetic Association Database. The overlapping genes between the potential targets of Zishen Yutai pills' compounds and the target genes associated with POF were clarified via protein-protein interaction (PPI), pathway, and network analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen compounds in Zishen Yutai pills were detected in the serum of POF mice after oral administration. A total of 695 Zishen Yutai (ZSYT) pill-related targets were screened, and 344 POF-related targets were collected. From the results of Zishen Yutai (ZSYT) pill-POF PPI analysis, CYP19A1, AKR1C3, ESR1, AR, and SRD5A2 were identified as key targets via network analysis, indicating their core role in the treatment of POF with Zishen Yutai pills. Moreover, the pathway enrichment results suggested that Zishen Yutai pills treated POF primarily by regulating neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and ovarian steroidogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Via virtual screening, we found that regulation of neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and ovarian steroidogenesis was the potential therapeutic mechanism of Zishen Yutai pills in treating POF. Our study suggested that combining the analysis of Zishen Yutai pills' compounds in blood in vivo in the POF model and network pharmacology prediction might offer a tool to characterize the mechanism of Zishen Yutai pills in the POF.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. on LPS-induced cystitis in mice: potential candidate for cystitis treatment based on classic use.

Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. (A. manihot) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a variety of pharmacological properties. It was first recorded in Jiayou Materia Medica dating back to the Song dynasty to eliminate urinary tract irritation by clearing away heat and diuretic effect. However, its pharmacological action on urinary tract infections has not been investigated. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of A. manihot on a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cystitis. The results showed that A. manihot decreased white blood cell (WBC) count in urine sediments of the cystitis mice, alleviated bladder congestion, edema, as well as histopathological damage, reduced the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1ß simultaneously. Moreover, A. manihot administration significantly downregulated the expression levels of TLR4, MYD88, IκBα, p-IκBα, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in LPS-induced cystitis mice. These findings demonstrated the protective effect of A. manihot against LPS-induced cystitis, which is attributed to its anti-inflammatory profile by suppressing TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathways. Our results suggest that A. manihot could be a potential candidate for cystitis treatment.

Epigallocatechin gallate and theaflavins independently alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage by inhibiting the overactivation of primordial follicles and follicular atresia.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide (CTX), which has been used to treat common female cancers for several years, often causes ovarian damage, early menopause and infertility. However, strategies for the effective prevention and treatment of CTX-induced ovarian damage are still lacking. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and theaflavins (TFs), key molecules derived from green tea or black tea, have been shown to exert preventive effects on many ageing-related diseases. PURPOSE: We aimed to explore the potential preventive and protective effects of EGCG and TFs on CTX-induced ovarian damage and compare the two compounds. STUDY DESIGN: Six-week-old female mice were administered a low or high dose of EGCG or TFs. The low dose was equivalent to the average daily amount of tea consumed by a drinker. METHODS: We determined the oestrous cycle and serum hormone levels to evaluate ovarian endocrine function, and we performed mating tests for reproductivity. We also assessed the follicle count and AMH level to evaluate ovarian reserve, and we performed Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining to evaluate ovarian fibrosis. We conducted γ-H2AX and TUNEL analyses to evaluate DNA damage, and we also measured the relevant indicators of oxidative stress and follicular activation, including NRF2, HO-1, SOD2, AKT, mTOR and RPS6. RESULTS: EGCG and TFs treatment independently improved the ovarian endocrine function and reproductivity of mice that were administered CTX. EGCG and TFs also increased the ovarian reserve of these animals. Furthermore, EGCG and TFs alleviated oxidation-induced damage to ovarian DNA in mice by activating the NRF2/HO-1 and SOD2 pathways and reducing the apoptosis of growing follicles. At the same time, EGCG and TFs reduced the overactivation of primordial follicles by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/RPS6 pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that EGCG and TFs independently improved ovarian function in mice with CTX-induced ovarian damage, thereby providing useful information for designing a potential clinical strategy that will protect against chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage.

A Preliminary Study of Adjunctive Nonconvulsive Electrotherapy for Treatment-Refractory Depression.

Nonconvulsive electrotherapy (NET) defined as electrical brain stimulation administered like standard electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but below seizure threshold, could be effective for patients with treatment-refractory depression (TRD) with fewer adverse neurocognitive outcomes. However, there is a lack of studies in Chinese patients with TRD. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of adjunctive NET for Chinese patients with TRD. Twenty TRD patients were enrolled and underwent six NET treatments. Depressive symptoms, response, and remission were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 NET treatments. Neurocognitive function was assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) at baseline and after the completion of six NET treatments. Mean HAMD-17 scores declined significantly from 26.2 to 10.4 (p < 0.001) after post-NET. The rates of response and remission were 60.0% (95% CI: 36.5-83.5) and 10.0% (95% CI: 0-24.4), respectively. Neurocognitive performance improved following a course of NET. No significant association was found between changes in depressive symptoms and baseline neurocognitive function. Adjunctive NET appeared to be effective for patients with TRD, without adverse neurocognitive effects. Randomized controlled studies were warranted to confirm these findings.

Serum BDNF Levels are Not Associated with the Antidepressant Effects of Nonconvulsive Electrotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and in the antidepressant response. This study examined whether changes in serum BDNF levels are associated with the antidepressant effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy (NET). METHODS: For BDNF analyses, serum samples were collected from 20 patients with treatment-refractory depression (TRD) and from 20 healthy controls. Serum samples were also collected from patients following a course of NET. RESULTS: Although significantly lower baseline serum BDNF levels were observed in TRD patients than in healthy controls, no changes in serum BDNF levels were found in TRD patients after a course of NET compared to baseline. No significant association was found between serum BDNF levels and depression severity. CONCLUSION: Serum BDNF levels appear to have no clinical utility in the prediction of the antidepressant effects of NET in patients with TRD. Future studies of higher quality and with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of Oat and Tartary Buckwheat - Based Food on Cholesterol - Lowering and Gut Microbiota in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters.

The nutritional components in oat and tartary buckwheat had been assessed to have cholesterollowering effects. However, The effect of oat and tartary buckwheat based-food (OF) on cholesterol-lowering and gut microbiota in hypercholesterole hamsters was still limited studied because they are usually consumed in whole gran as well as after being processed. In this study, normal diets, high fat diet (HFD) with/without OF were fed to hamsters for 30 days respectively and growth parameters, metabolic parameters, and gut microbiota were investigated, respectively. It was found that OF significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), lowered liver TC, cholesterol ester (CE), and triglycerides (TG) concentrations, and increased fecal weight and bile acids (BA) concentrations, compared with HFD (p < 0.05). Moreover, the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were significantly increased in hamsters fed with OF, compared with HFD (p < 0.05). OF changed the overall structure of gut microbiota. The relative abundances of Erysipelotrichaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae were decreased and the relative abundance of Eubacteriaceae was increased, compared with HFD. These results suggested that OF could reduce the concentrations of plasma lipid by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in liver and promoting excretions of fecal lipid and BA. And it also increased SCFAs and modulated the gut microbiota effectively to exert the hypocholesterolemic effects.

Effects of bioactive constituents in the Traditional Chinese Medicinal formula Si-Wu-Tang on Nrf2 signaling and neoplastic cellular transformation.

BACKGROUND: The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a potential molecular target for cancer chemoprevention. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a popular traditional Chinese medicine for women's health, was reported with a novel activity of cancer prevention. PURPOSE: The present study was aimed to identify the bioactive constituents in SWT responsible for the Nrf2 activating and cancer preventive activity and explore the pharmacological mechanisms. METHODS: Nine compounds detectable from various batches of SWT were ranked using in silico molecular docking based on their ability to interfere the forming of Nrf2-Keap1 complex. The predicted Nrf2 activating effect was validated using the antioxidant response element (ARE) luciferase reporter assay and quantitative RT-PCR analysis for select Nrf2 regulated genes Hmox1, Nqo1 and Slc7a11. The antimutagenic activity of the compounds were determined by the Ames test. The chemopreventive activity of these compounds were assessed on EGF-induced neoplastic transformation of JB6 P+ cells, an established non-cancerous murine epidermal model for studying tumor promotion and identifying cancer preventive agents. These compounds were further characterized using luciferase reporter assay on EGF-induced activation of AP-1, a known transcription factor mediating carcinogenesis. RESULTS: Three of the nine compounds predicted as Nrf2 activators by molecular docking, gallic acid (GA), Z-liguistilide (LIG), and senkyunolide A (SA), were confirmed with highest potency of increasing the Nrf2/ARE promoter activity and upregulating the expression of Hmox1, Nqo1 and Slc7a11. In addition, GA, LIG and SA exhibited an antimutagenic activity against the direct mutagen 2-nitrofluorene while no mutagenic effects were observed at the same time in Ames test. At nontoxic concentrations, GA, LIG, and SA inhibited EGF-induced neoplastic transformation of JB6 P+ cells. Combined treatment of GA, LIG and SA, in the same ratio as detected in SWT, showed enhanced effect against JB6 transformation compared with that of the single compound alone. GA, LIG and SA, alone or in combination, suppressed EGF-induced activation of AP-1. CONCLUSION: We identified three bioactive constituents in SWT responsible for the Nrf2 activating and cancer preventive activity. This study provides evidence supporting novel molecular basis of SWT in cancer prevention.

[Multicomponent Content Difference Among Different Processing Degrees of Moutan Cortex Charcoal].

Objective: To establish a method of simultaneously determining gallic acid,5-HMF,catechin and paeonol in the different processing degrees of Moutan Cortex charcoal by HPLC,and to compare the difference. Methods: The HPLC separation was carried out on a UltimateTMXB-C18column( 250 mm × 4. 6 mm,5 µm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile and water containing 0. 5% formic acid. The flow rate was 1. 0 m L / min at 30 ℃ column temperature,and the detection wavelength was 245 nm. Results: The contents of gallic acid and 5-HMF were increased with the extension of processing time,but declined when it reached to a certain extent. And the contents of catechin and paeonol were decreased in the heating process. Conclusion: The differences of compounds content in different processing degree of Moutan Cortex charcoal were greatly. It provides a scientific basis for quality standard of Moutan Cortex charcoal.

First description and expression analysis of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) from the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is a cytoplasmic adapter protein that mediates signals induced by the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily and the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R). In the present study, the full-length cDNA of TRAF6 (Pt-TRAF6) was identified in a marine crab, Portunus trituberculatus. Pt-TRAF6 ORF is predicted to encode a 599-amino acid protein, including a RING type zinc finger, two TRAF-type zinc fingers, and a meprin and TRAF homology (MATH) domain. The overall amino acid sequence identity between Pt-TRAF6 and other TRAF6s ranged from 50.9 to 51.3% for shrimp and from 16.1 to 19.4% for insects. The Pt-TRAF6 gene contains six exons and five introns, which is different from the organization of the insect TRAF6 gene. Pt-TRAF6 transcripts were broadly expressed in all tissues tested, and their expression was higher in hemocytes, gills, the intestine, and heart than in muscle. Interestingly, the level of Pt-TRAF6 transcript differed between male and female crabs. After Vibrio alginolyticus or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, the Pt-TRAF6 transcript was down-regulated in hemocytes and up-regulated in gills. Moreover, Pt-TRAF6 expression was altered sooner in the LPS challenge group than in the V. alginolyticus challenge group. These results indicate that Pt-TRAF6 may respond to Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Chemical composition, properties, and antimicrobial activity of the water-soluble pigments from Castanea mollissima shells.

Agricultural residues Castanea mollissima shells represent a promising resource for natural pigments for the food industry. This study provides a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of water-soluble pigments (CSP) from C. mollissima shells, which were obtained by 50% ethanol with microwave-assisted extraction. Spectroscopic techniques (UV, FT-IR, (13)C NMR), elemental analysis, and chromatographic techniques (HPAEC, GPC) revealed that the main components in the CSP were flavonoids procyanidin B3 (condensed tannin), quercetin-3-O-glycoside, and steroidal sapogenins. As a consequence, CSP was water-soluble and presented significant DPPH scavenge capacity (EC50 value was 0.057 mg/mL). Specially, CSP gave excellent antibacterial activity, and even better than 5% aqueous phenol in some case. Moreover, CSP was practically nontoxic and exhibited good stability with temperature, natural light, and metal ions. These outstanding properties will enlarge the application of CSP for natural food additives production.

Relationship between learning and memory capacities and levodopa in rat models of Parkinson’s disease / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Classical drug for Parkinson’s disease is levodopa, but long-term application of levodopa can induce complications such as dyskinesias. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of levodopa on learning and memory capacities of Parkinson’s disease rats and to study its mechanisms. METHODS:The rat models of Parkinson’s disease were established using 6-hydroxydopamine. The 228 model rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. Rats in the experimental group were intraperitoneal y injected with 10, 20 and 30 mg/(kg?d) levodopa for 28 consecutive days. At 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days after intraperitoneal injection, we observed the rats’ learning and memory capacities and tested plasma concentration of homocysteine and folic acid. Acetylcholinesterase activities in the rat hippocampus were measured. Hippocampal neurofibril ary tangles were observed using Bielschowsky staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Increased dose of levodopa and prolonged application time obviously decreased learning and memory capacities in rats (P<0.001), increased plasma homocysteine levels, reduced folic acid levels (P<0.001), diminished acetylcholine esterase activities in the rat hippocampus (P<0.001), and increased neurofibril ary tangles in the rat hippocampus (P=0.000). Results suggested that a large dose of levodopa could significantly decrease the learning and memory capacities, and disease acetylcholine esterase activities, and increase neurofibril ary tangles in hippocampus. Its mechanism possibly associated with the increased plasma concentration of homocysteine.

Protective effect of extract of Astragalus on learning and memory impairments and neurons' apoptosis induced by glucocorticoids in 12-month-old male mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder marked by a progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. Stress-level glucocorticoids are correlated with dementia progression in patients with AD. In this study, 12-month male mice were chronically treated with stress-level dexamethasone (DEX, 5 mg/kg) and extract of Astragalus (EA, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) or Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1, 6.5 mg/kg) for 21 days. We investigated the protective effect of EA against DEX injury in mice and its action mechanism. Our results indicate that DEX can induce learning and memory impairments and neuronal cell apoptosis. The mRNA levels of caspase-3 are selectively increased after DEX administration. The results of immunohistochemistry demonstrate that caspase-3 and cytochrome c in hippocampus (CA1, CA3) and neocortex are significantly increased. Furthermore, DEX treatment increased the activity of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Treatment groups with EA (20 and 40 mg/kg) or Rg1 (6.5 mg/kg) significantly improve learning and memory, downregulate the mRNA level of caspase-3, decrease expression of caspase-3 and cytochrome c in hippocampus (CA1, CA3) and neocortex, and inhibit activity of caspase-9 and caspase-3. The present findings highlight a possible mechanism by which stress level of DEX accelerates learning and memory impairments and increases neuronal apoptosis and the potential neuronal protection of EA.

[Study on transdifferentiation of renal tubular cells in rat chronic renal interstitial fibrosis induced by Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between renal tubular cells transdifferentiation and chronic renal interstitial fibrosis induced by Fangchi Extract in rat. METHOD: The chronic renal interstitial fibrosis rat model was made by giving Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi extract (RAFE) and aristolichic acid (AA) respectively to rats through infusing stomach about 22 weeks discontinuously. Through immunnal histochemistry methods, investigating the expression of symbol proteins: Cytokine( CK) , alpha-Smooth muscle actin ( alpha-SMA) and Vimentin, and also the important fibrosis inducing factor-Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1 )on renal tubular cells. RESULT: In RAFE and AA Groups, the expression of CK on renal tubular cells is declined comparing with the Control Group, and the enhanced expression of alpha-SMA and Vimentin can be observed on tubular cells. The expression of TGF-beta1 on renal tubular cells stronglhy increased, too. CONCLUSION: Part of the renal tubular cells was transdifferentiated into myofibroblasts. Renal tubular cells may participate the occurance of chronic renal interstitial fibrosis, TGF-beta1 may accelerate the transdifferentiation of tubular cells.

[Experimental study of chronic renal tubular-interstitial injury induced by Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract in rats].

OBJECTIVE: Following the former report, we continue to observe the chronic renal tubular-interstitial injury induced by Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract(RAFE) in rats in order to understand whether RAFE in different doses causes the renal tubular-interstitial injury or not. METHOD: RAFE at the dose of 25.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 120.0 mg kg(-1) x d(-1) and 200.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and aristolochic acid (AA, 10.0 mg x kg(-1) d(-1)) was interruptedly administrated by gastric tube for 22 w and 4 w durg withdrawal. Blood, urine and kidney were taken out respectively in 17 w, 22 w and 26 w to measure the indexes of renal function. The morphology of kidney was observed, and Masson staining of kidney were made respectively to compare RAFE groups with AA group. RESULT: Pathological changes of renal tissue forms were as follows: All RAFE groups and AA group could develop the pathological process of renal tubular injury-chronic renal interstitial fibrosis. The pathologic changes of RAFE were similar with AA. CONCLUSION: RAFE at all doses administrated interruptedly by gastric tube above 13 w caused chronic renal tubulo-interstitium fibrosis. The renal injury in functions and tissue forms in rats were similar with AA closely. The results showed that AA was the main toxic composition of RAFE.