Effects of isorhamnetin on liver injury in heat stroke-affected rats under dry-heat environments via oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Isorhamnetin is a natural flavonoid compound, rich in brass, alkaloids, and sterols with a high medicinal value. This study investigated the effects of isorhamnetin on liver injury and oxidative and inflammatory responses in heat-stroke-affected rats in a dry-heat environment. Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal temperature control (NC, saline), dry-heat control (DHC, saline), low-dose isorhamnetin-pretreated (L-AS, 25 mg/Kg), medium-dose isorhamnetin-pretreated (M-AS, 50 mg/Kg), and high-dose isorhamnetin-pretreated (H-AS, 100 mg/Kg) group. Saline was administered to the NC and DHC groups and corresponding concentrations of isorhamnetin were administered to the remaining three groups for 1 week. Blood and liver tissue were analyzed for oxidative stress and inflammation. The liver histopathological injury score, serum liver enzyme (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), liver oxidative stress index (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and malondialdehyde), and inflammation index (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-6, and lipopolysaccharides) were significantly higher in the DHC group than in the NC group (P < 0.05). These index values in the L-AS, M-AS, and H-AS groups were significantly lower than those in the DHC group (P < 0.05). The index values decreased significantly with an increase in the concentration of isorhamnetin (P < 0.05), while the index values of CAT and SOD showed the opposite tendency (P < 0.05). The expression of liver tissue nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), caspase-3, and heat shock protein (HSP-70) was higher in the DHC group than in the NC group (P < 0.05). Comparison between the isorhamnetin and DHC groups revealed that the expression of NF-кB and caspase-3 was decreased, while that of HSP-70 continued to increase (P < 0.05). The difference was significant for HSP-70 among all the isorhamnetin groups (P < 0.05); however, the NF-кB and caspase-3 values in the L-AS and H-AS groups did not differ. In summary, isorhamnetin has protective effects against liver injury in heat-stroke-affected rats. This protective effect may be related to its activities concerning antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory response, inhibition of NF-кB and caspase-3 expression, and enhancement of HSP-70 expression.

Radiation therapy prior to a pancreaticoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma is associated with longer operative times and higher blood loss.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In patients with "borderline resectable" disease, current National Comprehensive Cancer Center guidelines recommend the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation prior to a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Although neoadjuvant radiotherapy may improve negative margin resection rate, it is theorized that its administration increases operative times and complexity. AIM: To investigate the association between neoadjuvant radiotherapy and 30-d morbidity and mortality outcomes among patients receiving a pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Patients listed in the 2015-2019 National Surgery Quality Improvement Program data set, who received a pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, were divided into two groups based off neoadjuvant radiotherapy status. Multivariable regression was used to determine if there is a significant correlation between neoadjuvant radiotherapy, perioperative blood transfusion status, total operative time, and other perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 11458 patients included in the study, 1470 (12.8%) underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Patients who received neoadjuvant radiotherapy were significantly more likely to require a perioperative blood transfusion [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-1.82; P < 0.001] and have longer surgeries (insulin receptor-related receptor = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.11-1.16; P < 0.001), while simultaneously having lower rates of organ space infections (aOR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.66-0.97; P = 0.02) and pancreatic fistula formation (aOR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.40-0.63; P < 0.001) compared to those who underwent surgery alone. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant radiotherapy, while not associated with increased mortality, will impact the complexity of surgical resection in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine versus cisplatin-fluorouracil chemotherapy for N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a high risk of treatment being unsuccessful despite the current practice of using a concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-fluorouracil regimen. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine with cisplatin-fluorouracil in N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: We conducted an open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial at four cancer centres in China. Eligible patients were aged 18-65 years with untreated, non-keratinising, stage T1-4 N2-3 M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0-1, and adequate bone marrow, liver, and renal function. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive concurrent cisplatin (100 mg/m2 intravenously) on days 1, 22, and 43 of intensity-modulated radiotherapy followed by either gemcitabine (1 g/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 intravenously for 4 h on day 1) once every 3 weeks or fluorouracil (4 g/m2 in continuous intravenous infusion for 96 h) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 intravenously for 4 h on day 1) once every 4 weeks, for three cycles. Randomisation was done using a computer-generated random number code with a block size of six, stratified by treatment centre and nodal category. The primary endpoint was 3-year progression-free survival in the intention-to-treat population (ie, all patients randomly assigned to treatment). Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of chemoradiotherapy. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03321539, and patients are currently under follow-up. FINDINGS: From Oct 30, 2017, to July 9, 2020, 240 patients (median age 44 years [IQR 36-52]; 175 [73%] male and 65 [27%] female) were randomly assigned to the cisplatin-fluorouracil group (n=120) or cisplatin-gemcitabine group (n=120). As of data cutoff (Dec 25, 2022), median follow-up was 40 months (IQR 32-48). 3-year progression-free survival was 83·9% (95% CI 75·9-89·4; 19 disease progressions and 11 deaths) in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group and 71·5% (62·5-78·7; 34 disease progressions and seven deaths) in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group (stratified hazard ratio 0·54 [95% CI 0·32-0·93]; log rank p=0·023). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events that occurred during treatment were leukopenia (61 [52%] of 117 in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group vs 34 [29%] of 116 in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group; p=0·00039), neutropenia (37 [32%] vs 19 [16%]; p=0·010), and mucositis (27 [23%] vs 32 [28%]; p=0·43). The most common grade 3 or worse late adverse event (occurring from 3 months after completion of radiotherapy) was auditory or hearing loss (six [5%] vs ten [9%]). One (1%) patient in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group died due to treatment-related complications (septic shock caused by neutropenic infection). No patients in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group had treatment-related deaths. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine could be used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, although long-term follow-up is required to confirm the optimal therapeutic ratio. FUNDING: National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research, Sci-Tech Project Foundation of Guangzhou City, Sun Yat-sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program, Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province for Distinguished Young Scholar, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program, Pearl River S&T Nova Program of Guangzhou, Planned Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province, Key Youth Teacher Cultivating Program of Sun Yat-sen University, the Rural Science and Technology Commissioner Program of Guangdong Province, and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of six Polygonatum species (Asparagaceae).

Polygonatum Miller belongs to the tribe Polygonateae of Asparagaceae. The horizontal creeping fleshy roots of several species in this genus serve as traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have mainly reported the size and gene contents of the plastomes, with little information on the comparative analysis of the plastid genomes of this genus. Additionally, there are still some species whose chloroplast genome information has not been reported. In this study, the complete plastomes of six Polygonatum were sequenced and assembled, among them, the chloroplast genome of P. campanulatum was reported for the first time. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses were then conducted with the published plastomes of three related species. Results indicated that the whole plastome length of the Polygonatum species ranged from 154,564 bp (P. multiflorum) to 156,028 bp (P. stenophyllum) having a quadripartite structure of LSC and SSC separated by two IR regions. A total of 113 unique genes were detected in each of the species. Comparative analysis revealed that gene content and total GC content in these species were highly identical. No significant contraction or expansion was observed in the IR boundaries among all the species except P. sibiricum1, in which the rps19 gene was pseudogenized owing to incomplete duplication. Abundant long dispersed repeats and SSRs were detected in each genome. There were five remarkably variable regions and 14 positively selected genes were identified among Polygonatum and Heteropolygonatum. Phylogenetic results based on chloroplast genome strongly supported the placement of P. campanulatum with alternate leaves in sect. Verticillata, a group characterized by whorled leaves. Moreover, P. verticillatum and P. cyrtonema were displayed as paraphyletic. This study revealed that the characters of plastomes in Polygonatum and Heteropolygonatum maintained a high degree of similarity. Five highly variable regions were found to be potential specific DNA barcodes in Polygonatum. Phylogenetic results suggested that leaf arrangement was not suitable as a basis for delimitation of subgeneric groups in Polygonatum and the definitions of P. cyrtonema and P. verticillatum require further study.

Phloridzin Highly Accumulated in Malus rockii Rehder and Its Structure Revision and Hypolipidemic Activity.

Phloridzin is a lead compound of the prestigious antidiabetic gliflozins. The present study found that phloridzin highly accumulated in Malus rockii Rehder. The content of phloridzin in M. rockii was the highest among wild plants, with the percentage of 15.54% in the dry leaves. The structure of phloridzin was revised by proton exchange experiments and extensive 2D NMR spectra. Phloridzin exhibited significant hypolipidemic activity in golden Syrian hamsters maybe by increasing the expression of CYP7A1, at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. The total performance of anti-hyperlipidemic effect of phloridzin may be superior to that of lovastatin, though lovastatin was more active than phloridzin. In addition, phloridzin exhibited moderate antimalarial activity with inhibition ratio of 31.3 ± 10.9% at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day, and showed moderate analgesic activity with 28.0% inhibition at a dose of 50 mg/kg.

Bioactive hydroxypropionylated glucose derivatives from Astragalus bhotanensis.

Four previously undescribed hydroxypropionylated d-glucose derivatives, astrabhotins A-D (1-4), along with ten known compounds α-d-glucose (5), ß-d-glucose (6), quebrachitol (7), 3-hydroxypropionic acid (8), oleic acid (9), isoliquiritigenin (10), liquiritigenin (11), odoratin (12), 7ß-hydroxysitosterol (13) and daucosterol (14), were isolated from the roots of Astragalus bhotanensis. Their structures were elucidated based on the analyses of extensive spectroscopic data and physicochemical properties. Astrabhotin A (1) reduced the writhing response remarkably with 52.5% inhibition by acetic acid induced writhing test. The analgesic effect of 1 was stronger than the standard drug aspirin. In addition, compounds 1 and 3 showed significant antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 9.9 ± 0.2 and 7.9 ± 0.4 µg/mL, and exhibited weak or moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 106.6 ± 2.7 and 42.0 ± 0.9 µg/mL, respectively.[Figure: see text].

Antimalarial Eudesmane Sesquiterpenoids from Dobinea delavayi.

Eleven new angeloylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, dobinins D-N (2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11-15), and four known compounds (1, 4, 7, and 10) were isolated from the roots of Dobinea delavayi. A new oxidation product (8a) was also obtained from dobinin H (8). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Dobinins K-N (12-15) are the first examples of rearrangement noreudesmane analogue sesquiterpenoids with a unique 6/5-fused carbon skeleton. A putative biosynthetic pathway of compounds 12-15 is proposed. Compound 12 exhibited significant antimalarial activity superior to artemisinin with the inhibition ratio of 59.1%, and compounds 3, 5, and 15 exhibited moderate antimalarial activities against Plasmodium yoelii BY265RFP with inhibition ratios ranging from 14.5% to 18.5% at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day. In addition, the apoptosis of P. yoelii BY265RFP by the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential with striking ROS production, after parasitized erythrocyte lysis mediated by cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ, may be a possible mechanism of antimalarial action of compound 12 against P. yoelii BY265RFP.

Dodelates A-E: Five dimeric eudesmane sesquiterpenoids from Dobinea delavayi.

Dodelates A-E (1-5), five angeloylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoid dimers were isolated from the roots of Dobinea delavayi. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. A possible biosynthetic pathway of these five compounds was proposed. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibited moderate antimalarial activities against Plasmodium yoelii BY265RFP.

Astrernestin, a novel aurone-phenylpropanoid adduct from the roots of Astragalus ernestii.

Astragalus ernestii has been used as a substitute for Radix Astragali (Huang-Qi) in southwest China. To better understand the chemical rationale for the medicinal usage, the phytochemistry of A. ernestii was recently studied. As a result, a novel aurone-phenylpropanoid adduct astrernestin (1), together with five known phenoloids calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), 4,4'-dimethoxy-3'-hydroxy-7,9':7',9-diepoxylignan-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), syringaresinol-4-O-ß-D-monoglucoside (4), hedyotol D 4″-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5) and trifolirhizin (6), were isolated from the roots of A. ernestii. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and optical rotation calculation.

New e:b-Friedo-Hopane Type Triterpenoids from Euphorbia peplus with Simiarendiol Possessing Significant Cytostatic Activity against HeLa Cells by Induction of Apoptosis and S/G2 Cell Cycle Arrest.

Seven rare e:b-friedo-hopane-type triterpenoids including four new (1-4) and three known (5-7) ones with 5 being first reported as a natural product, together with five other known triterpenoids (8-12), were isolated from the nonpolar fractions of the ethanolic extract of Euphorbia peplus. Structural assignments for these compounds were based on spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemical computation method. The structural variations for the C-21 isopropyl group, including dehydrogenation (1 and 3) and hydroxylation at C-22 (simiarendiol, 2), were the first cases among e:b-friedo-hopane-type triterpenoids. Simiarendiol (2) bearing a 22-OH showed significant cytostatic activity against HeLa and A549 human tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 3.93 ± 0.10 and 7.90 ± 0.31 µM, respectively. The DAPI staining and flow cytometric analysis revealed that simiarendiol (2) effectively induced cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at the S/G2 phases in a dose-dependent manner in HeLa cells.

Combined treatment with Cinnamaldehyde and ß-TCP had an additive effect on bone formation and angiogenesis in critical size calvarial defect in ovariectomized rats.

Accumulating evidence suggests that improvements in osteogenesis and angiogenesis play an important role in repairing osteoporotic bone defects. Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is reported to show anabolic effects on osteoblasts. However, whether C. cassia could actually repair bone defects in osteoporotic conditions remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined treatment with Cinnamaldehyde (main oil isolated from the C. cassia) and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) on bone formation and angiogenesis in critical size calvarial defects in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Using a previously established OVX model, 5 mm critical size calvarial defect was established in OVX rats. All OVX rats were then randomly divided into OVX group (OVX rats + empty defect), TCP group (OVX rats + ß-TCP), and CTCP group (Cinnamaldehyde 75 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks + ß-TCP). Twelve weeks after treatment, according to Micro-CT and HE staining, combination of Cinnamaldehyde and ß-TCP had an additive effect on bone regeneration compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Based on dynamic fluorochrome-labelling analysis, Cinnamaldehyde+ß-TCP continuously promoted new bone mineralization compared with other groups at each time point (p < 0.05). Microfil perfusion suggested that CTCP group showed more neovascularization compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical assay supported the findings that Cinnamaldehyde+ß-TCP enhanced expression of OCN, VEGF and CD31. The present study demonstrated that combined treatment with Cinnamaldehyde and ß-TCP promoted bone formation and angiogenesis in osteoporotic bone defects, which provides a promising new strategy for repairing bone defects in osteoporotic conditions.

New abietane diterpenoid glucosides from underground parts of Isodon taliensis.

Two new abietane diterpenoid glucosides, talienosides A and B (1 and 2), along with four known compounds (3 - 6), were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble portion of 70% acetone extract of the underground parts of Isodon taliensis. Their structures were elucidated based on the analyses of extensive spectroscopic data and physicochemical properties. The two new compounds were tested for their bioactivities against malaria and diabetes by ß-hematin formation inhibition and α-glycosidase inhibition experiments, respectively. However, only 2 showed weak ß-hematin formation inhibitory activity. [Formula: see text].

Mechanism of Calculus Bovis Sativus in inhibiting hepatocyte lipid deposition based on serum pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to investigate the molecular mechanism of Calculus Bovis Sativus( CBS) in alleviating lipid accumulation in vitro by serum pharmacology. The CBS-containing serum of mice was obtained by serum pharmacology method to evaluate its effect on the proliferation of LO2 hepatocytes. The lipid reducing effects of CBS-containing serum through Nrf2 was evaluated by fructose-induced LO2 hepatocyte steatosis model,nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2( Nrf2) agonist oltipraz combined intervention,cell oil red O staining and intracellular triglyceride( TG) content. The effects of CBS-containing serum on lipid peroxidation and hepatocytes apoptosis were evaluated by reactive oxygen species( ROS) and apoptosis assay,respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction( PCR) was used to detect the relative expression of lipid synthesis-related genes and apoptosis-related genes.RESULTS:: showed that CBS drug-containing serum had no significant effect on LO2 hepatocyte proliferation. As compared with the model group,CBS-containing serum could effectively reduce the formation of lipid droplets in fructose-induced LO2 hepatocytes,significantly reduce intracellular TG and ROS levels,and significantly reduce hepatocyte apoptosis rate( P < 0. 05). As compared with the model group,carbohydrate responsive element binding protein( ChREBP),sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 c( SREBP-1 c),fatty acid synthase( FAS),acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1( ACC1),stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1( SCD1),Bax and caspase-3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in CBS drug-containing serum treatment group( P<0. 05). All of the above effects could be reversed by oltipraz.In conclusion,CBS-containing serum can significantly inhibit the fructose-induced LO2 liver fat deposition,and the mechanism may be related to reducing intracellular ROS level through the Nrf2 pathway and improving intracellular peroxidation state to reduce apoptosis.

Simultaneous determination of hydrophilic and lipophilic constituents in herbal medicines using directly-coupled reversed-phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Limitations in the separation ability of conventional liquid chromatography system remains a challenge in developing a versatile method for simultaneously determining both hydrophilic and lipophilic constituents in herbal medicines (HMs). To measure compounds covering a broad polarity span in HMs, we developed a directly-coupled reversed-phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. Samples were firstly separated according to lipophilicity by using a C18 column. Utilizing a T-piece as connector, the eluent was then pumped into an amide column to get further separation that mainly based on the hydrogen bonding effects. Dan-Qi pair, an extensively used herb-combined prescription in China, was selected to test the practicability and performance of the established system. A total of 27 components, containing 9 hydrophilic and 18 lipophilic constituents, were simultaneously determined using a schedule multiple reaction monitoring method in 15 min. Up to 69.9% content could be monitored in one injection in Dan-Qi pair extract, showing a significant advantage over previous methods. The proposed method was expected to benefit the controllability of herbal medicines.

Clinical Observation of Acupuncture plus ZHU's Thumb Pushing Manipulation for Insomnia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus ZHU's thumb pushing tuina manipulation in treating insomnia.Method A total of 92 insomnia patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 46 cases each. The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture plus ZHU's thumb-pushing manipulation; the control group was treated with acupuncture. They were scored by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after the treatment to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.Result The total effective rate was 85.7% in the treatment group versus 66.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The component and total scores of PSQI were significantly changed after the intervention in both groups (P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the decreases in PSQI scores of sleep quality, sleep duration, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction were more significant in the treatment group (P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus ZHU's thumb pushing tuina manipulation is an effective approach in treating insomnia.

Clinical Observation of Acupuncture plus ZHU's Thumb Pushing Manipulation for Insomnia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus ZHU's thumb pushing tuina manipulation in treating insomnia.Method A total of 92 insomnia patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 46 cases each. The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture plus ZHU's thumb-pushing manipulation; the control group was treated with acupuncture. They were scored by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after the treatment to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.Result The total effective rate was 85.7% in the treatment group versus 66.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The component and total scores of PSQI were significantly changed after the intervention in both groups (P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the decreases in PSQI scores of sleep quality, sleep duration, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction were more significant in the treatment group (P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus ZHU's thumb pushing tuina manipulation is an effective approach in treating insomnia.

Modern Research of Calculus Bovis ( First):Retrospect and Prospect / 医药导报

Calculus Bovis is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for more than two thousand years in clinic with the effects of puring heart, sweeping phlegm, resuscitation, extinguishing wind and detoxification. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, modern methods have been utilized by traditional Chinese medicine researchers in the resource identification, chemical components, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacy, clinical application, etc. It is their continually exploration that makes significant achievements for the modern research of Calculus Bovis. This article statistically analysed the literatures from 1949 to December 2015 in Pubmed, CNKI, Wanfang, Vip database etc. to review Calculus Bovis and its compound formulas, as well as its substitutes, quality control, formulation study, compound prescription, pharmacological mechanism and clinical research. The aim of this article is to provide a valuable reference for future developments and studies of Calculus Bovis.

A multi-residue method for simultaneous determination of 74 pesticides in Chinese material medica using modified QuEChERS sample preparation procedure and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

The present study is focused on the development of an analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of seventy-four pesticides belonging to different chemical classes (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, dinitroanilines, dicarboximides, triazoles, etc.) in Chinese material medica. The samples were extracted according to the acetate QuEChERS protocol. To reduce the amount of co-extracted compounds, n-hexane instead of acetonitrile was employed as the extraction solvent. To improve the overall recoveries of problematic basic and base-sensitive compounds, sodium acetate was used to adjust the pH to a neutral condition, and florisil combined with octadecyl-modified silica (C18) were utilized in the cleanup step. The samples were analysed by GC-MS/MS, and quantified by matrix-matched calibration. The validation study was carried out on two representative herbs, Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Angelica Sinensis Radix. In two matrices, the linearity of the calibration was good between 5 and 250 ng/mL concentration ranges, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) less than 0.01 mg/kg for most pesticides. At the LOQs and ten times the LOQs, the mean recoveries of almost all pesticides were within 70-120%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 10%. The method was applied on twenty real samples. Seven batches of Chuanxiong and five batches of Danggui were found to contain the residues. The combination of modified QuEChERS and GC-MS/MS offers low cost of analysis as well as excellent accuracy and sensitivity. This method could be especially useful for trace analysis of pesticide residues in complex matrices.

[Identification of chemical constituents in Yangxue Qingnao granule by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS~E].

In order to clarify the chemical constituents in Yangxue Qingnao granule, we established a rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography/orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS(E)) method. According to the high resolution MS spectra data, fragmentation ion information and retention time,142 peaks were identified or tentatively presumed by comparison with reference standards data and literature reports. The herbal sources of these peaks were assigned. The results implied that phenolic acids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, phthalides, monoterpene glycosides were included in the main components of Yangxue Qingnao granule. The method is rapid for systematically elucidation of the constituents of Yangxue Qingnao granule and the results would facilitate the quality control of Yangxue Qingnao granule for safe and efficacious use.

[Bioactive consistency evaluation of cardiotonic pill using marker genes].

The study is aimed to develop a method in evaluation of the bioactive consistency of cardiotonic pill (CP). HepG2 cell line was employed as a biological detector. After treated with CP for 24 h, gene chip and qRT-PCR were used to select m RNAs that can represent the bioactivity of CP. Then similarity between different batches of CP were calculated based on expression levels of marker genes to evaluate the bioactive consistency of CP. Marker genes were selected according to the criteria as follows: 1 fold change < 0.67 or > 1.5; 2 potential relevance to curative effects; 3 extensive involvement in the cellular functions and clustering analysis categories; 4 dose-dependent effect. A total of 10 genes were selected as bioactive markers of CP. Angular cosine was calculated to evaluate the similarity between two samples. The method was validated using intra-day precision and inter-day precision. Using angular cosine similarity, the intra-day and inter-day precision were 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively. The similarities of 6 batches of CDPs ranged from 0.992 to 0.999, and 1 batch of Compound Danshen Tablet was 0.534. The established method is specific and accurate, and provides comprehensive and objective evaluation of bioactive quality of CDPs. It can also benefit the bioactive consistency evaluation of other compounds in traditional Chinese medicines.