The protective effect of Macrostemonoside T from Allium macrostemon Bunge against Isoproterenol-Induced myocardial injury via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Myocardial injury (MI) signifies a pathological aspect of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as coronary artery disease, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. Macrostemonoside T (MST) has been isolated from Allium macrostemon Bunge (AMB), a key traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for treating chest stuffiness and pains. Although MST has demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity in vitro, its protective effect against MI remains unexplored. To investigate MST's effects in both in vivo and in vitro models of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. This study established an ISO-induced MI model in rats and assessed H9c2 cytotoxicity to examine MST's impact on MI. Various assays, including histopathological staining, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical staining, DCFH-DA staining, JC-1 staining, ELISA technique, and Western blot (WB), were utilized to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of MI protection. In vivo experiments demonstrated that ISO caused myocardial fiber disorders, elevated cardiac enzyme levels, and apoptosis. However, pretreatment with MST significantly mitigated these detrimental changes. In vitro experiments revealed that MST boosted antioxidant enzyme levels and suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) production in H9c2 cells. Concurrently, MST inhibited ISO-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitigated the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. Moreover, pretreatment with MST elevated the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR, indicating activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and consequent protection against MI. MST attenuated ISO-induced MI in rats by impeding apoptosis through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study presents potential avenues for the development of precursor drugs for CVDs.

Antioxidant activity of spirostanol saponins from Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus and their contents in different origins and processed products.

Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (AMB), a traditional Chinese edible and medicinal plant, is considered beneficial to health. In this study, we isolated and purified nine steroidal saponins (compounds 1-9) from AMB. Their structures were characterized using physicochemical properties, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Among these compounds, compounds 1-5 were newly discovered named macrostemonoside U-Y, respectively. We assessed the in vitro antioxidant properties of the nine steroidal saponins through free radical scavenging and reducing power assays. This provides options for developing natural antioxidants. Additionally, an HPLC-ELSD quantitative analysis method was developed for the nine saponins in 12 batches of AMB from different origins and processing methods. The results showed that the contents of the nine steroidal saponins in AMB varied greatly among different growing environments and processing methods.

[Electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3) for treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate: a multi-central randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of Zhongji (CV 3) in treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate. METHODS: Multi-central, randomized, controlled, single bland clinical method was adopted, and 276 cases were divided into an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a medication group, 138 cases in each group. The EA group were treated with EA at Zhongji (CV 3) and the medication group with oral administration of Qianliekang tablets. After treatment of 1 course, their therapeutic effects and changes of international prostate symptom (I-PSS) cumulative score, life quality index (L) cumulative score, nocturia times, urine stream state, lower abdominal symptom, maximal volume of urine flow, residual urine volume, prostatic volume, etc. Were assessed in the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 96.4% in the EA group and 86.2% in the medication group, the former being better than the latter (P<0. 01); the two groups were effective in improvement of international prostate symptom (I-PSS) cumulative score, life quality index (L) cumulative score, nocturia times, urine stream state, hypogastrium symptom, maximal volume of urine flow, residual urine volume, prostatic volume, etc. with the former better than the latter. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3) has a significant therapeutic effect for treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate.

[Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with FOLFOX in low rectal cancer: a multicenter study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxicity and safety of FOLFOX regimen concurrent with radiotherapy in neoadjuvant setting in patients with low rectal cancer. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with stage T(3-4)N(0)M(0) and T(1-4)N(1-2)M(0) were eligible from Aug. 2004 to Jul. 2007. Upon entry the study, they received 4 cycles of chemotherapy with FOLFOX regimen. Radiotherapy was added from the second cycle of chemotherapy (CT). The total dose of radiotherapy (RT) was 46 Gy (2 Gy x 23). Total mesorectal excision (TME) was performed 4-8 weeks after RT. RESULTS: Among them, 54 cases received 4 cycles of CT, 1 patient stopped CT after the second cycle of CT because of unrecovery from neutropenia. One patient stopped chemoradiotherapy(CRT) because of complicating with active pulmonary tuberculosis after 2 cycles of CT and 10 times of RT. Two occurred liver, lung and bone metastases after CT. Totally 220 cycles of CT were administrated. Fifty-two patients received operation after CRT, 50 with anal interior sphincter reservation, 19 with prophylactic ileac stoma. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients after operation, and rectal vaginal fistula in 2 patients 1 month after operation. According to the pathologic results, 7 patients achieved complete response, 41 partial response, 4 stable disease, and the objective response rate was 85.7%. CONCLUSION: Concomitant treatment of FOLFOX regimen and RT in neoadjuvant setting of rectal cancer was safe and tolerable, and it suggests that protective ileostomy for anastomotic leakage following anus-preserving operation should be performed.