Escin avoids hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke by protecting BBB through the AMPK/Cav-1/MMP-9 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) seriously affects the clinical application of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). The main strategy for combating HT is to keep the blood-brain barrier (BBB) stable. Escin is the active ingredient of Aesculus hippocastanum and a natural mixture of triterpene saponins, and may play a part in mitigation of HT. PURPOSE: This study sought to investigate the effect of Escin in improving rt-PA-induced HT, explore possible mechanisms, and provide new ideas for the treatment of clinical HT. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In in vivo experiments, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was undertaken in 6-week-old and 12-month-old mice, and rt-PA was administered to induce HT injury. The inhibitory effect of Escin on HT and its protective effect on neurobehavior, the BBB, and cerebrovascular endothelial cells was determined. In in vitro experiments, bEnd.3 cells were injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and rt-PA. The protective effect of Escin was measured by the CCK8 assay, release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. In mechanistic studies, the effect of Escin on the adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase / caveolin-1 / matrix metalloprotease-9 (AMPK/Cav-1/MMP-9) pathway was investigated by employing AMPK inhibitor and Cav-1 siRNA. RESULTS: In mice suffering from ischemia, rt-PA caused HT as well as damage to the BBB and cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Escin reduced the infarct volume, cerebral hemorrhage, improved neurobehavioral deficits, and maintained BBB integrity in rt-PA-treated tMCAO mice while attenuating bEnd.3 cells damage caused by rt-PA and OGD/R injury. Under physiological and pathological conditions, Escin increased the expression of p-AMPK and Cav-1, leading to decreased expression of MMP-9, which further attenuated damage to cerebrovascular endothelial cells, and these effects were verified with AMPK inhibitor and Cav-1 siRNA. CONCLUSION: We revealed important details of how Escin protects cerebrovascular endothelial cells from HT, these effects were associated with the AMPK/Cav-1/MMP-9 pathway. This study provides experimental foundation for the development of new drugs to mitigate rt-PA-induced HT and the discovery of new clinical application for Escin.

Integrated systematic pharmacology analysis and experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of action of Semen aesculi on inflammatory bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND AND ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Semen aesculi (SA), a traditional Chinese herb, has been used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease for thousands of years. The escin was the main components of SA. A growing number of research showed that escin has a wide range of pharmacological activities in intestinal barrier dysfunction. AIM OF THE STUDY: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are an idiopathic disease of the intestinal tract with the hallmark features of mucosal inflammation and loss of barrier function. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests that SA plays a potential role in protecting the gastrointestinal diseases. The present study aimed to explore the effects of SA on the intestinal barrier under existing inflammatory conditions and elucidate underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bioactive components of SA and their predicted biological targets were combined to develop a compound target pathway network. It is used to predict the bioactive components, molecular targets, and molecular pathways of SA in improving IBD. The ingredients of SA were extracted by decoction either in water and ethanol and separated into four fractions (AE, EE, PEE and PCE). The effects of extractions were evaluated in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages cell model, LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury model and imodium-induced constipation model. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to identify the bioactive components. RESULTS: The compound-target pathway network was identified with 10 bioactive compounds, 166 IBD-related targets, and 52 IBD-related pathways. In LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, PEE and PCE significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and TNF-α level. In mice, PEE and PCE administration improved intestinal barrier damage, increased intestinal motility, reduced levels of TNF-α and diamine oxidase (DAO). Furthermore, PEE and PCE administration not only decreased expression of p-Akt, p-IκBα, nuclear p-p65, and TNF-α level, but also increased expression of the zonula occludin-1 (ZO-1) in LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury model. The escin content of AE, EE, PEE and PCE gradually increased with an increase of the bioactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Escin was the main bioactive components of SA. The effects of SA on IBD were mediated by repairing the intestinal barrier and promoting intestinal motility. The mechanism of action of SA is related to inhibiting the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in intestinal tissue, at least, in part. Our results provide a scientific basis for further exploring the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of SA in IBD.

The Use of Herbal Medicines for the Prevention of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis.

Glucocorticoids are drugs that are widely used to suppress inflammation and the activation of the immune system. However, the prolonged use or at high doses of glucocorticoid can result in adverse side effects including osteoporosis, bone loss, and an increased risk of fracture. A number of compounds derived from natural plant sources have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory activity by interacting with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), likely owing to their chemical similarity to glucocorticoids, or by regulating GR, without a concomitant risk of treatment-related side effects such as osteoporosis. Other herbal compounds can counteract the pathogenic processes underlying glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) by regulating homeostatic bone metabolic processes. Herein, we systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases to identify articles discussing such compounds published as of May 01, 2021. Compounds reported to exert anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid-like activity without inducing GIOP include escin, ginsenosides, and glycyrrhizic acid, while compounds reported to alleviate GIOP by improving osteoblast function or modulating steroid hormone synthesis include tanshinol and icariin.

A 26-week toxicological study of Xuezhikang (XZK), red yeast rice extract, in Beagle dogs with a 4-week recovery period.

Xuezhikang (XZK) is an extract derived from red yeast rice that is commonly used to treat cardiovascular conditions as a traditional Chinese medicine, both within China and globally. Genotoxicity, acute toxicity, and a 26-week toxicity study in rat have been reported in our previous publication. The present study was designed to assess the long-term safety of XZK when administered orally to dogs. Dogs were treated with encapsulated XZK at a maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg followed by 1000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg (n = 6/sex/group) for this 26-week oral toxicity study. Control animals were given an empty capsule. Treated animals were then monitored through measurements of body weight, body temperature, food intake, ophthalmic and electrocardiogram examinations, general clinical observations, mortality rates, and clinical and anatomic pathological findings. Additionally, blood samples were collected and used to conduct hematological and biochemical analysis. Several abnormalities were found in all groups including: fecal abnormalities (including mucoid, poorly formed, or liquid feces). Moreover, reduced CHOL and TRIG values were seen in all XZK groups (p < 0.05), increased WBC and NEUT levels in 500 mg/kg group (males only, p < 0.05), and elevated AST, ALT, and ALP activities in 2000 mg/kg group (p < 0.05). These changes were resolved in the recovery period. The results indicated that XZK may temporarily impact the liver enzyme levels, but were not considered adverse effects. These findings yielded a NOAEL for XZK in dogs of 2000 mg/kg.

Anti-Rheumatic Properties of Gentiopicroside Are Associated With Suppression of ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 Axis in Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and NF-κB Pathway in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent forms of autoimmunity. Gentiopicroside (Gent) is an iridoid glucoside derived from the Gentiana Macrophylla Pall which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat RA. The present study was designed to explore the ability of Gent to combat RA and to explore the molecular basis for such anti-RA activity both in vitro using tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-stimulated human RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) and in vivo using a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model. We found that Gent was able to significantly reduce the swelling of joints and arthritic index scores, with corresponding reductions in synovial inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and bone erosion in treated AIA rats. Importantly, Gent 200 mg/kg reduced thymus index in AIA rats, but had no effect on spleen index and body weight, it revealed that Gent was relatively safe at the dose we chose. We further found that Gent was able to suppress the TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of RA-FLS cells. This suppression was attributed to the ability of Gent to block NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and caspase-1, thereby disrupting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Consistent with such suppression, Gent led to a significant decrease in IL-1ß secretion by treated cells. Furthermore, this reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also associated with decreases in the activation of nuclear factor (NF-κB), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of inflammatory IL-6. Together these findings indicate that Gent can suppress the ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 axis to alleviate RA symptoms. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS STUDIED IN THIS ARTICLE: Gentiopicroside (PubChem CID: 88708).

Toxicological evaluation of, red rice yeast extract, Xuezhikang: Acute, 26-week chronic and genotoxicity studies.

Xuezhikang (XZK), an extract derived from red yeast rice, is commonly employed as a traditional Chinese medicine for treating coronary heart disease, improving endothelial function, decreasing blood lipids and preventing other cardiovascular events both within China and globally. However, there have not been studies of the toxicity associated with XZK. In this publication we hope to summarize and evaluate an acute study, a 26-week chronic toxicity study, and the genetic toxicity potential of XZK. Firstly, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated with XZK at dose of 10 g/kg to observe the acute toxicity. Then, we sought to assess the toxicity of XZK (0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) in SD rats for 26 weeks with a 4-week recovery period. Lastly, we assessed the genotoxicity of XZK utilizing an Ames test, chromosomal aberration assay, and mammalian micronucleus test. The results of the acute study, XZK did not induce toxicity up to the maximum doses of 10 g/kg in rats, so an LD50 could not be determined. In the chronic study, XZK administrated via gavage did not alter weight, food intake, urinalysis parameters, hematological analysis parameters, organ weight, organ to weight ratio, microscopic and macroscopic examination of organs. Also, we found no genotoxicity markers at any dose of XZK tested. The results revealed that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for XZK, based on the 26-week toxicity study, was 2000 mg/kg.

Jieyu Anshen Granule, a Chinese Herbal Formulation, Exerts Effects on Poststroke Depression in Rats.

Jieyu Anshen granule (JY) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating depression and anxiety. The aim of the study was to observe the effects of JY on poststroke depression (PSD) and investigate the underlying mechanism. PSD rat model was developed by middle cerebral artery occlusion following chronic unpredictable mild stress in conjunction with isolation rearing. We performed behavioral tests, Western blot, ELISA, and BrdU/NeuN staining. Treatment with JY showed significant antidepressant effect in open-field and sucrose preference tests, as well as significant improvement in beam-walking, cylinder, grip strength, and water maze tests. In addition, treatment with JY could restore the levels of neurotransmitters and decrease the levels of hormone and inflammation cytokines in serum and brain. Treatment with JY also showed significant regulation in the expression of neurotransmitter receptors and NF-κB/IκB-α signaling in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Moreover, the numbers of newborn neurons in the hippocampus were increased by treatment with JY. Our results suggest that JY could ameliorate PSD and improve the neurological and cognitive functions. The antidepressive effect may be associated with the modulation of JY on monoamine system, neuroendocrine, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis.

Neuroprotective effects of Danshensu on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease models in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Danshensu is an active constituent in the extracts of Danshen which is a traditional Chinese medical herb. Rotenone inhibits complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in dopaminergic neurons leading to glutathione (GSH) level reduction and oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to investigate neuroprotective effects of Danshensu on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: In vitro, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line was pretreated with Danshensu and challenged with rotenone. Then the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assayed. In vivo, male C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered with Danshensu (15, 30, or 60 mg/kg), followed by oral administration with rotenone at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Pole and rotarod tests were carried out at 28 d to observe the effects of Danshensu on PD. RESULTS: Danshensu repressed ROS generation and therefore attenuated the rotenone-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells. Danshensu improved motor dysfunction induced by rotenone, accompanied with reducing MDA content and increasing GSH level in striatum. Danshensu increased the number of TH positive neurons, the expression of TH and the dopamine contents. The expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, Nrf2, hemeoxygenase (HO-1), glutathione cysteine ligase regulatory subunit (GCLC), glutathione cysteine ligase modulatory subunit (GCLM) were significantly increased and the expression of Keap1 was decreased in Danshensu groups. CONCLUSIONS: The neuroprotective effects of Danshensu on rotenone-induced PD are attributed to the anti-oxidative properties by activating PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway and increasing Nrf2-induced expression of HO-1, GCLC, and GCLM, at least in part.

Therapeutic and antiproteinuric effects of salvianolic acid A in combined with low-dose prednisone in minimal change disease rats: Involvement of PPARγ/Angptl4 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and prednisone are extensively applied in the treatment of kidney disease. Salvianolic acid A (SAA), the major biologically active component of Danshen, which has various biological effects. Our previous findings have demonstrated the renoprotective effect of SAA in various kidney disease rodent models. Here, we explore the therapeutic potential and possible mechanisms of SAA in combination with low-dose prednisone in adriamycin (ADR)-induced minimal change disease (MCD) rat model and mouse podocyte injury cell model. SAA was injected via tail vein at 10 mg/kg/day and prednisone at 5 mg/kg/day via gavage. Each drug was administered daily alone or in combination for 3 weeks. Combination therapy showed significant therapeutic efficacy as manifested by relieved urinary proteins, improved blood biochemical indicators including serum total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, the indices of renal function i.e. blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, and ameliorated pathological lesions. Particularly, co-administration showed a significant anti-proteinuria effect in MCD rats. Further studies suggested that co-administration effectively ameliorated the podocyte injury as indicated by the reduction of podocyte foot processes fusion, up-regulation of synaptopodin and down-regulation of desmin. These beneficial effects are accompanied by activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and PPARγ/Angptl4 pathways in vivo, and the effect of SAA on PPARγ/Angptl4 is also demonstrated in vitro. These findings suggested that SAA exerted podocyte-protection against MCD injury through PPARγ/Angptl4 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, and combined with low-dose prednisone possessed a significant anti-proteinuria and therapeutic effects in MCD rats.

Huatuo Zaizao pill promotes functional recovery and neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death in adults worldwide and is the first leading cause of long-term disability. Neurogenesis plays an important role in promoting behavioral recovery after stroke. Huatuo Zaizao pill (HT), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used clinically in China to promote the rehabilitation after stroke, but the underlying mechanism of action was still unclear. This study is to investigate the effects of HT on the functional recovery in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into sham, model with cerebral I/R injury, or HT-treated groups, then administered orally with vehicle (for the sham and model group) or HT (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg) respectively, for 3 or 7 days. Functional recovery was assessed by cylinder test, beam walking test, and adhesive test. Neurogenesis was investigated by double immunofluorescence staining for 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN). The proteins of kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assayed by western blotting. The level of BDNF mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, treatment with HT significantly promoted functional recovery in I/R injured rats (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The generation of new neurons was increased in the HT groups. HT treatment for 3 days increased the level of BDNF mRNA in I/R injured rats. Expression of PKA, phosphorylated CREB, and BDNF were significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the 7-day HT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that HT treatment could promote functional recovery after stroke. HT enhanced the expression of BDNF and increased the level of neurogenesis in cerebral I/R animal, which might be associated with the functional recovery.

In vitro assessment of the glucose-lowering effects of berberrubine-9-O-ß-D-glucuronide, an active metabolite of berberrubine.

Berberrubine (BRB) is the primary metabolite of berberine (BBR) that has shown a stronger glucose-lowering effect than BBR in vivo. On the other hand, BRB is quickly and extensively metabolized into berberrubine-9-O-ß-D-glucuronide (BRBG) in rats after oral administration. In this study we compared the pharmacokinetic properties of BRB and BRBG in rats, and explored the mechanisms underlying their glucose-lowering activities. C57BL/6 mice with HFD-induced hyperglycemia were administered BRB (50 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) for 6 weeks, which caused greater reduction in the plasma glucose levels than those caused by BBR (120 mg·kg-1·d-1) or BRB (25 mg·kg-1·d-1). In addition, BRB dose-dependently decreased the activity of α-glucosidase in gut of the mice. After oral administration of BRB in rats, the exposures of BRBG in plasma at 3 different dosages (10, 40, 80 mg/kg) and in urine at different time intervals (0-4, 4-10, 10-24 h) were dramatically greater than those of BRB. In order to determine the effectiveness of BRBG in reducing glucose levels, we prepared BRBG from the urine pool of rats, and identified and confirmed it through LC-MS-IT-TOF and NMR spectra. In human normal liver cell line L-O2 in vitro, treatment with BRB or BRBG (5, 20, 50 µmol/L) increased glucose consumption, enhanced glycogenesis, stimulated the uptake of the glucose analog 2-NBDG, and modulated the mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase and hexokinase. However, both BBR and BRB improved 2-NBDG uptake in insulin-resistant L-O2 cells, while BRBG has no effect. In conclusion, BRB exerts a stronger glucose-lowering effect than BBR in HFD-induced hyperglycemia mice. Although BRB significantly stimulated the insulin sensitivity and glycolysis in vitro, BRBG may have a greater contribution to the glucose-lowering effect because it has much greater system exposure than BRB after oral administration of BRB. The results suggest that BRBG is a potential agent for reducing glucose levels.

Protective Effect of RA on Myocardial Infarction-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis via AT1R/p38 MAPK Pathway Signaling and Modulation of the ACE2/ACE Ratio.

Rosmarinic acid (α-o-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, RA) is a major active constituent of Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. (rosemary) having significant anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects. However, the cardioprotection of RA is still not understood. The present study was designed, for the first time, to investigate the cardioprotection of RA on myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac fibrosis and to clarify the possible mechanisms. MI was induced in adult rats by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, and animals were then administered RA (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) by gavage. Compared with the model group, RA treatment ameliorated changes in the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), +dp/dtmax, and -dp/dtmax after 4 weeks. This was associated with attenuation of infarct size, collagen volume fraction (CVF), expression of collagen I, collagen III, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) concentrations. RA treatment was also associated with decreased angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression and increased ACE2 expression, as well as decreased expression of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) and phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Thus, RA can protect against cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis following MI, likely due to decreasing ACE expression and increasing ACE2 expression via the AT1R/p38 MAPK pathway.

Oral Administration of Escin Inhibits Acute Inflammation and Reduces Intestinal Mucosal Injury in Animal Models.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of escin on acute inflammation and intestinal mucosal injury in animal models. The effects of escin on carrageenan-induced paw edema in a rat model of acute inflammation, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced intestinal mucosal injury in a mouse model, were observed. It was shown that oral administration of escin inhibits carrageenan-induced paw edema and decreases the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2. In CLP model, low dose of escin ameliorates endotoxin induced liver injury and intestinal mucosal injury and increases the expression of tight junction protein claudin-5 in mice. These findings suggest that escin effectively inhibits acute inflammation and reduces intestinal mucosal injury in animal models.

Yanshu spraying agent, a traditional Chinese medicine, relieves chronic pharyngitis in animals by anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Chronic pharyngitis is chronic inflammation that is often caused by repeated occurrences of acute pharyngitis or upper respiratory tract infections, including Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Yanshu spraying agent (Yanshu) in relieving chronic pharyngitis, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. The results revealed that Yanshu inhibited chronic inflammation in ammonia-induced chronic pharyngitis in rabbits and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue formation in rats. Yanshu also demonstrated antibacterial effects on Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in vitro. Yanshu did not exhibit any effects on the immune system, including the spleen and thymus indexes, immunocyte count and monocyte-macrophage function, when compared with the effects of dexamethasone. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate that Yanshu may relieve chronic pharyngitis via its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities.

Ginsenoside Rg1 exerts synergistic anti-inflammatory effects with low doses of glucocorticoids in vitro.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are usually used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, they cause severe and irreversible side effects, which limit the use of these compounds. Ginsenoside Rg1 had been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The present study was designed to investigate whether Rg1 exhibits synergistic anti-inflammatory effects when combined with glucocorticoids. After stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), murine macrophagic RAW264.7 cells were treated with Rg1, corticosterone (Cort) or Rg1 and Cort. Then nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression were measured. The results showed that Rg1 or Cort could reduce the production of NO and TNF-α, and Rg1 dose-dependently up-regulated GR expression, while Cort dose-dependently down-regulated GR expression. The combination of low concentrations of Rg1 with Cort, which alone could not markedly inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, inhibited the secretion of NO and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells, and up-regulated the expression of GR. The findings suggested Rg1 can synergize with glucocorticoid to enhance its anti-inflammatory effect.

Ocotillol Enhanced the Antitumor Activity of Doxorubicin via p53-Dependent Apoptosis.

The use of doxorubicin (Dox) was severely constrained by dose-dependent side effects, which might be attenuated by combining a "sensitizer" to decrease its cumulative dosage. In this study, it was investigated whether ocotillol could enhance the antiproliferation activity of Dox. MTT assays and xenograft tumor model were firstly conducted to evaluate the effect of ocotillol on the antitumor activity of Dox. Flow cytometry and Hoechst staining assays were then performed to assess cell apoptosis. Western blot and real-time PCR were finally used to detect the expression of p53 and its target genes. Our results showed ocotillol to enhance Dox-induced cell death in p53 wild-type cancer cells. Compared with Dox alone, Dox with ocotillol (Dox-O) could induce much more cell apoptosis and activate p53 to a much greater degree, which in turn markedly increased expression of proapoptosis genes. The enhanced cytotoxic activity was partially blocked by pifithrin- α , which might be through attenuating the increased apoptosis. Furthermore, ocotillol significantly increased the antitumor activity of Dox in A549 xenograft tumor in nude mice. These findings indicated that ocotillol could potentiate the cytotoxic effect of Dox through p53-dependent apoptosis and suggested that coadministration of ocotillol with Dox might be a potential therapeutic strategy.

Hypersensitivity reaction studies of a polyethoxylated castor oil-free, liposome-based alternative paclitaxel formulation.

The commercial drug paclitaxel (Taxol) may introduce hypersensitivity reactions associated with the polyethoxylated castor oil-ethanol solvent. To overcome these problems, we developed a polyethoxylated castor oil-free, liposome-based alternative paclitaxel formulation, known as Lipusu. In this study, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to compare the safety profiles of Lipusu and Taxol, with special regard to hypersensitivity reactions. First, Swiss mice were used to determine the lethal dosages, and then to evaluate hypersensitivity reactions, followed by histopathological examination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) of serum SC5b-9 and lung histamine. Additionally, healthy human serum was used to analyze in vitro complement activation. Finally, an MTT assay was used to determine the in vitro anti-proliferation activity. Our data clearly showed that Lipusu displayed a much higher safety margin and did not induce hypersensitivity or hypersensitivity-related lung lesions, which may be associated with the fact that Lipusu did not activate complement or increase histamine release in vivo. Moreover, Lipusu did not promote complement activation in healthy human serum in vitro, and demonstrated anti-proliferative activity against human cancer cells, similar to that of Taxol. Therefore, the improved formulation of paclitaxel, which exhibited a much better safety profile and comparable cytotoxic activity to Taxol, may bring a number of benefits to cancer patients.

Cardioprotective Effects of 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is considered as one of the best antineoplastic agents. However, its clinical use is restricted by its associated cardiotoxicity, which is mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species. In this study, 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) was explored whether it had protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In vitro study on H9C2 cell line, as well as in vivo investigation in one mouse and one rat model of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, was carried out. The results showed that pretreatment with Rh2 significantly increased the viability of DOX-injured H9C2 cells. In the mouse model, Rh2 could suppress the DOX-induced release of the cardiac enzymes into serum and improved the occurred pathological changes through ameliorating the decreased antioxidant biomolecules and the cumulated lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde in heart tissues. In the rat model, Rh2 could attenuate the change of ECG resulting from DOX administration. Furthermore, Rh2 enhanced the antitumor activity of DOX in A549 cells. Our findings thus demonstrated that Rh2 pretreatment could effectively alleviate heart injury induced by DOX, and Rh2 might act as a novel protective agent in the clinical usefulness of DOX.

Antidepressant-like effects of the extract from Cimicifuga foetida L.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cimicifuga foetida L., a traditional Chinese medicine, has been developed for the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms including depression in China (Brand name: XIMINGTING(®), XMT). The primary active constituents are believed to be the triterpene glycosides. Nevertheless, there are no studies about the antidepressant-like effects of XMT in rodents. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to evaluate antidepressant-like effects of XMT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant-like activity of XMT was studied using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in female mice, as well as chronic mild stress (CMS) procedure in female rats. In addition, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced head-twitch test and yohimbine toxicity potentiation test in female mice were conducted to propose the possible serotonergic or noradrenergic mechanisms in the antidepressant-like effects of XMT. In mice, XMT was administrated acutely and for 7 consecutive days (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/day, p.o.); and in rats for 28 consecutive days (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day, p.o.). RESULTS: XMT significantly reduced immobility duration in FST and TST without affecting locomotor activity, increased swimming and climbing durations in FST, and enhanced 5-HTP-induced head-twitch response while did not affect yohimbine-induced lethality in female mice. XMT also normalized the inhibition of sucrose intake and decreased the levels of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum corticosterone and adrenal gland weight in CMS-treated female rats. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate XMT processes antidepressant-like properties in rodents, which could be related to its serotonergic and noradrenergic activation and normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Structural characterisation and identification of phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanches deserticola Y.C. Ma by UHPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS.

INTRODUCTION: Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) are the major active constituents of Cistanches deserticola Y.C. Ma. However, the isolation, purification and identification procedures of PhGs are difficult and time-consuming. OBJECTIVE: To establish a rapid and sensitive ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/ESI (electrospray ion source)-quadrupole time of flight (QTOF)-MS/MS method that could be applied to rapidly profile and identify PhGs. METHODOLOGY: Seven standard compounds were used for the investigation of the fragmentation pattern. Based on the UHPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method, the important structural information on the types of aglycone and saccharide sequences present should be obtained. RESULTS: According to the HPLC retention behaviour, the proposed fragmentation pathways provided by high-resolution MS and MS/MS spectra and literature sources, a total of 13 PhGs in the crude extract of C. deserticola were identified or tentatively identified. CONCLUSION: A rapid and accurate UHPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method was established for the identification of PhGs in the crude extract of C. deserticola. This method therefore can be used for rapid prediction of the chemical constituents and qualities of this plant.