Impact of drinking water supplemented 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid in combination with acidifier on performance, intestinal development, and microflora in broilers.

In addition to offering methionine, 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (HMTBa) is also an organic acid and shows excellent bacteriostasis. Therefore, 3 experiments were conducted to determine the influence of drinking water supplemented HMTBa in combination with acidifier on performance, intestinal development, and microflora in broilers. The addition of different concentration (0.02-0.20%) of the blend of HMTBa and other acids significantly reduced the pH of water and exerted antimicrobial activity in dose-dependent manner in vitro. The outcomes from animal trial consisting of the drinking water with blended acidifier at 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20% indicated that the water with 0.15 or 0.20% acidifier resulted in linear and quadratic higher body weight at 42 d, gain and water consumption during 1 to 42 d (P < 0.05). In experiment 3, responding to graded blended acidifier in drinking water, birds receiving 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20% acidifier decreased the internal pH of gastrointestinal tract and muscle, and exhibited increased duodenal weight, length, villus high, and the ratio of villus high to crypt depth. Drinking water with 0.2% blended acidifier increased the abundance of probiotics (Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae) and decreased the account of pathogenic bacteria such as Desulfovibrionaceae. Alternations in gut microflora were closely related to the metabolism of carbohydrate, amino acid, and vitamins. These findings, therefore, suggest that drinking water with 0.10 to 0.13% the combination HMTBa with acidifier might benefit to intestinal development and gut microbiota, and the subsequent produce a positive effect on the performance of broilers.

Protective activity of the ethanol extract of Cynanchum paniculatum (BUNGE) Kitagawa on treating herpes simplex encephalitis.

To date there has been no valid treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSV). This study explores the protective activity of ethanol extract of Cynanchum paniculatum (bunge) kitagawa for treatment of HSV. Cell models and animal models were established and divided into 4 groups: normal group, virus group, cynanchum paniculatum group and Dexamethasone group. Flow cytometry was employed to detect apoptosis of cell model and TUNEL assay was chosen to detect apoptosis of animal tissues. The survival time of the animal models was observed. ELISA was used to measure TNF-alpha expression and the Greiss method to measure Nitric Oxide (NO) expression in the mouse brain. As a result, it was found that extract of Cynanchum paniculatum can improve the survival rate of HSV-infected mice. The extract could prevent apoptosis in the neuron cell model and reduce apoptosis rate in brain tissue after HSV infection. With the extract intervention, TNF-alpha and NO levels in brain tissue were significantly decreased in the animal model. In conclusion, the extract of Cynanchum paniculatum can prevent HSV-inducing impairment in the cell and animal model of HSE.

Inducing-apoptotic activity of the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica Focke on treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis.

This study explores the inducing-apoptotic activity of the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica Focke on treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis. Cell models were employed and divided into 4 groups: normal group, virus group, Duchesnea indica group and dexamethasone group. Cytopathic effect examination was employed to detect apoptosis of PC-12 and BV-2 cells. ELISA was used to measure TNF-α, IL-1ß, and Greiss method to measure NO secretion. Flow cytometry assay for caspase-3 expressions was performed. As a result, the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica could protect the neuron cell model from impairment by virus. In the cell model of microglia stimulated by herpes simplex virus (HSV), with the ethanol extract intervention, TNF-α, IL-1ß and NO levels were significantly decreased and cell death of BV-2 cells were markedly increased. The expression level of caspase-3 was notably elevated after the extract intervention. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica can reduce HSV-induced inflammatory injury on neuron due to the induction of microglia apoptosis.

In vivo study of four preparative extracts of Clematis terniflora DC. for antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory activity in rat model of carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Clematis terniflora DC. extracts and fractions and to further support its traditional use as Chinese folk medicine in treatment of urinary infections, especially the disease of prostatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antinociceptive activity of its water extract (WE), 70% ethanol extract (EE), water eluted part of EE from AB-8 macroporous resin (WEPMR) and 70% ethanol eluted part of EE from AB-8 macroporous resin (EEPMR) was conducted using mice writhing test with different doses. Then the anti-inflammatory activity of the four parts was evaluated on rat models of carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP). Preliminary study was taken to determine the phytochemical compositions of the four preparative extracts. RESULTS: Significant writhing inhibitory effect was found with EE at small (7.5 g/kg body wt.), moderate (15 g/kg body wt.) and large (30 g/kg body wt.) doses (doses here are presented as crude herbs) as well as EEPMR at moderate and large doses by oral administration (OA) (p≤0.01). Data from prostatic index, lecithin microsome density and white blood cell level showed that moderate dose of EE and EEPMR both had significant (p≤0.05 or p≤0.01) inhibition effect on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat prostate. The HPLC analytical results showed that flavonoids were the main active compounds in WE, EE and EEPMR. And most flavonoids were accumulated into the part of EEPMR by AB-8 macroporous resin leaving only few compounds in WEPMR. No acute toxicity was identified in oral administration of the four parts at a dose of 100g/kg body wt. CONCLUSIONS: The results described here suggest that extracts of the aerial part of Clematis terniflora DC. might be of therapeutic interest in the treatment of prostatitis.

Two new triterpenoids from Picria fel-terrae.

Two new triterpenoids, picfeltarraegenin VII (1) and picfeltarraenin X (2), have been isolated from Picria fel-terrae Lour., along with three known ones, picfeltarraegenin VI (3), picfeltarraenins VI (4) and VII (5). Their structures have been elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods.

[A comparison of chemical composition and bioactivity of polypeptides from velvet antlers of Cervus nippon Temminck and Cervus elaphus Linnaeus].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the chemical composition and bioactivity of polypeptides(PPs) isolated from velvet antlers of sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck) and red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus). METHOD: The two kind of polypeptides were isolated from the above mentioned velvet antlers with same technology. The chemical composition was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Stimulant activity of cells proliferation was measured by [3H] TdR incorporation into DNA. RESULT: The graphs of SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS of velvet antler polypeptides (VAPPs) from Chinese and New zealand red deer were very similar, but there were obvious difference in respect of graph between sika deer and red deer. VAPPs 25-50 mg.L-1 showed marked proliferation-promoting activity for rabbit costed chondrocytes, either sika deer or red deer. However, the activity of sika deer VAPPs 12.5 mg.L-1 for epidermal cells was weaker than that of red deer (12.5 mg.L-1). CONCLUSION: The chemical property and bioactivity of VAPPs from sika deer and red deer are significantly different.

[Determination of shikimic acid in fruit of Illiciaceae plants by HPLC with diode-array detection].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the determination method of Shikimic acid. METHOD: Using HPLC method as the determination method. The separation was performed in a SiO2-NH2 column with a mobile phase of Acetonitrile-2% H3PO4 water solution (95:5); The sample wavelength was 213 nm, reference wavelength 300 nm. RESULT: The average collection was 98.5%, RSD 1.67% (n = 5). CONCLUSION: This method is suitable for the determination of Shkimic acid in herb medicines and preparation containing shikimic acid.

[High level expression and purification of Cysticercosis cellulose annexin32 in Escherichia coli].

In previous work, the cDNA encoding Cysticercus cellulose annexin32 has been cloned. With PCR method, two different restriction Sites were added to each end of the cDNA respectively. Then, the cDNA was inserted into prokaryotic expression vector pJLA-503. After inducing, most foreign protein was expressed in soluble form, which was up to 35% of the total protein of the bacteria. Subsequently, the recombinant Annexin32 was purified with (NH4)2SO4 stepwise precipitation, DEAE-Sepharose FF and Sephacryl S-200 HR chromatography. The final pure protein can been shown as a single band in SDS-PAGE, and the biological activity was verified by Western blot and anticoagulation activity assay.

[Studies on chemical constituents of Phyllanthus urinaria L].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of Phyllanthus urinaria. METHOD: Various chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification of the constituents. The structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral analyses. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Fourteen compounds were isolated and seven of them were identified as corilagin(I), rutin(II), brevifolincarboxylic acid(VI), isostrictiniin(IX), geraniin (X), gallic acid(XI) and ellagic acid (XII). Compound VI was found from P. urinaria for the first time and compound IX was found from genus Phyllanthus for the first time.

[Isolation and identification of a noval polyphenolic compound from Phyllanthus urinaria L].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of Phyllanthus urinaria. METHOD: Various chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification. The structures were elucidated by spectral analyses. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: A novel polyphenolic compound was isolated and named phyllanthusin F.

Velvet antler polypeptides promoted proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblast precursors and fracture healing.

AIM: To study the effects of velvet antler (VA) total polypeptides (VATP) and VA polypeptides, VAP-A, VAP-B, and VAP-C on proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblast precusors. METHODS: Chondrocytes (rabbit and human fetus) and osteoblast precusors (chick embryo) were incubated in the culture medium containing VATP or VAP-A, VAP-B, and VAP-C. [3H]TdR incorporation into DNA was measured. Fracture healing-promoting action of VATP was determined in rats. RESULTS: VATP 50-200 mg.L-1 and VAP-B 12.5, 25, and 50 mg.L-1 showed most marked proliferation-promoting activity for rabbit costed chondrocytes and increased incorporation of [3H]TdR from (73 +/- 9) Bq (control group) to (272 +/- 55), (327 +/- 38), and (415 +/- 32) Bq, respectively (P < 0.01). The activity of VAP-A was weaker than that of VAP-B, and VAP-C had no activity. VATP 10 and 20 mg.kg-1 by local injection into the cross-section fracture area accelerated healing of radial fracture. The healing rate of VATP-treated group was higher (75%) than that of control group (25%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: VATP accelerated fracture healing by stimulating proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblast precursors.

[A randomized clinical trial for the evaluation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treating with traditional Chinese medicine]

This paper described the research design,research process and statistical analysis of randomized clinical trial by treatment with traditional Chinese medicine in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.At first we found there was no significant difference between treating group and contral group(P>0.05) using log-rank test on Kaplan-Meier survival curves. With further multivariate analysis Cox model and after adjusting for sex,age,legth of taking the assigned medication,grade of tumor differentiation and using of chemotherapy,the rate of tumor-related death for control group was significantly higher than that for treating group :hazards ratio estimate was 1.939(95% confidence interval 1.008-3.729,(P<0.05).The length of taking Chinese medicine was one of the most important prognostic factors(P<0.001).The results suggest that the prescribed medication contributed to the improved survival,and it was an independent prognostic factor.

[Quality control of xiaoqinglong mixture].

TLC was used to detect ephedrine, paeoniflorin, glycyrrhizic acid, cinnamic aldehyde and xixin volatile oils in Xiaoqinglong mixture. Paeoniflorin was determined by HPLC. The average recovery is 99.42%, and RSD 0.23%.