Kunxian capsule alleviates renal damage by inhibiting the JAK1/STAT1 pathway in lupus nephritis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kunxian capsule (KXC) is a new traditional Chinese medicine drug included in "The key science and technology achievements" in the Ninth Five Year Plan of China. KXC has been clinically used for more than 10 years in the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN). However, the underlying role and molecular mechanism of KXC in LN remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the efficacy and potential mechanisms of KXC through pharmacological network, in vitro and in vivo studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pharmacological network analysis of KXC treatment in LN was performed using data acquired from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP, https://old.tcmsp-e.com/tcmsp.php) and NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/database). HK-2 cells were chosen as an in vitro model of the tubular immune response by simulation with interferon γ (IFN-γ). MRL/lpr mice were used to explore the mechanism of KXC in vivo. Finally, the specific active molecules of KXC were further analyzed by molecular docking. RESULTS: The pharmacological network analysis showed that STAT1 is a key factor in the effects of KXC. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the therapeutic effect of KXC on LN renal function and tubular inflammation. The protective effect of KXC is mediated by STAT1 blockade, which further reduces T-cell infiltration and improves the renal microenvironment in LN. Two main components of KXC, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (H.Lév.) Hutch (Shanhaitang) and Epimedium brevicornu Maxim (Yinyanghuo) could block JAK1-STAT1 activation. Furthermore, we found 8 molecules that could bind to the ATP pocket of JAK1 with high affinities by performing docking analysis. CONCLUSIONS: KXC inhibits renal damage and T-cell infiltration in LN by blocking the JAK1-STAT1 pathway.

Four undescribed iridoid glycosides with antidiabetic activity from fruits of Cornus officinalis Sieb. Et Zucc.

Four novel iridoid glycosides neocornuside E-H (1-4), together with nine known ones (5-13), were isolated from fruits of Cornus officinalis. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and comparing of the literature data. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antidiabetic activity in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. Compounds 2, 4, 5, 8, and 12 exhibited antidiabetic activities with EC50 values of 40.12, 2.54, 70.43, 15.31, and 4.86 µM, respectively. Flow Sight cytometry analysis indicated that compounds 2, 4, 5, 8, and 12 improved the ability of 2-NBDG uptake of insulin-induced HepG2 cells.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid induces ROS activation in NLRP3 inflammatory body-induced autophagy disorder in microglia and the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide.

The pesticide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) exerts neurotoxic effects; however, its action mechanism remains unclear. Here, we used BV2 cells as a model and divided them into six groups: control group (serum-free medium), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/mL), 2,4-D (1.2 µmol/mL), Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP; 300 µg/mL LBP), LPS (1 µg/mL) + LBP (300 µg/mL), and 2,4-D (1.2 µmol/mL) + LBP (300 µg/mL) with dimethyl sulfoxide as the solvent. Our results showed that 2,4-D treatment decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and increased malondialdehyde content. The percentage of microglial activation (co-expression of ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 + CD68) in the LPS and 2,4-D groups and the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL) 1 beta, IL-6, and IL-18 in the cell supernatant were increased. The protein and mRNA levels of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-18, and p62 increased, whereas those of LC3II/I and Beclin-1 decreased in the 2,4-D group. The protein expression and mRNA levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-18, and p62 decreased significantly, whereas the protein expression and mRNA levels of LC3II/I and Beclin-1 increased in small interfering RNA of NLRP3-treated BV2 cells stimulated with 2,4-D and LPS. In conclusion, 2,4-D enhanced cell migration, promoted oxidative stress, induced excessive release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, promoted microglial cell activation, released inflammatory factors, activated NLRP3 inflammasomes, and inhibited autophagy. Meanwhile, LBP reduced inflammation and the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and regulated autophagy, thereby playing a neuroprotective role.

The interactive effects of ethinylestradiol and progesterone on transcriptional expression of genes along the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Progestins and estrogens are widespread in various aquatic environments and their potential endocrine disruption effects to aquatic organisms have drawn growing concern. However, their combined effects in aquatic organisms remain elusive. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the binary mixtures of gestodene (GES) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis of zebrafish (Danio rerio) using the eleuthero-embryos. Embryos were exposed to GES and EE2 alone or in combination at concentrations ranging from 41 to 5329 ng L-1 (nominal ones from 50 to 5000 ng L-1) for 48 h, 96 h and 144 h post fertilization (hpf). The results showed that the transcripts of the genes along the HPT axis displayed pronounced alterations. There was no clear pattern in the change of the transcripts of these genes over time and with concentrations. However, in general, the transcripts of the genes were inversely affected by EE2 (increase 0.5 to 4.2-folds) and GES (inhibition 0.4 to 4.9-folds), and their mixtures showed interactive effects in embryonic zebrafish. In addition, physiological data (mortality, malformation, body length and heart rate etc.) denoted higher toxicity of the two chemicals in combination than alone based on the developmental toxicity and neurotoxicity (locomotor behavior). These results indicated that the interactive effects of these two chemicals might be different between at the transcriptional level and at the whole organismal level. In summary, GES and EE2 affect the HPT axis (related genes expression and thyroid hormones (THs) levels) and exhibit developmental toxicity and neurotoxicity.

De novo genome assembly of the potent medicinal plant Rehmannia glutinosa using nanopore technology.

Rehmannia glutinosa is a potent medicinal plant with a significant importance in traditional Chinese medicine. Its root is enriched with various bioactive molecules mainly iridoids, possessing important pharmaceutical properties. However, the molecular biology and evolution of R. glutinosa have been largely unexplored. Here, we report a reference genome of R. glutinosa using Nanopore technology, Illumina and Hi-C sequencing. The assembly genome is 2.49 Gb long with a scaffold N50 length of 70 Mb and high heterozygosity (2%). Since R. glutinosa is an autotetraploid (4n = 56), the difference between each set of chromosomes is very small, and it is difficult to distinguish the two sets of chromosomes using Hi-C. Hence, only one set of the genome size was mounted to the chromosome level. Scaffolds covering 52.61% of the assembled genome were anchored on 14 pseudochromosomes. Over 67% of the genome consists of repetitive sequences dominated by Copia long terminal repeats and 48,475 protein-coding genes were predicted. Phylogenetic analysis corroborates the placement of R. glutinosa in the Orobanchaceae family. Our results indicated an independent and very recent whole genome duplication event that occurred 3.64 million year ago in the R. glutinosa lineage. Comparative genomics analysis demonstrated expansion of the UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases and terpene synthase gene families, known to be involved in terpenoid biosynthesis and diversification. Furthermore, the molecular biosynthetic pathway of iridoids has been clarified in this work. Collectively, the generated reference genome of R. glutinosa will facilitate discovery and development of important pharmacological compounds.

Duzhong Butiansu Prescription Improves Heat Stress-Induced Spermatogenic Dysfunction by Regulating Sperm Formation and Heat Stress Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Duzhong Butiansu (DZBTS) prescription contains many traditional Chinese medicines and has been shown to have a curative effect on male fertility. However, the efficacy and mechanism of DZBTS in the treatment of male infertility induced by heat stress have not been reported. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the effect and mechanism of DZBTS on spermatogenic function of a heat stress model in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (280-320 g) were given different doses of DZBTS (0.4853 g/kg/d or 0.9707 g/kg/d), Shengjing capsule (0.56 g/kg/d), or double distilled water for 15 days. A 43°C hot water bath for 30 minutes was used to stimulate the testis of rats. Sperm count, sperm motility, the organ index of kidney and gonadal organs, serum sex hormone levels, and serum oxidising reaction index were measured. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphology of the testis and kidney. The expression of Hsp70 in testes was observed by immunofluorescence. The changes in heat stress, reproductive-related protein, and mRNA were measured by western blot assay and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Heat stress downregulated the levels of sex hormone (P < 0.05 or P < 0.05 or P < 0.05 or P < 0.05 or P < 0.05 or P < 0.05 or P < 0.05 or. CONCLUSIONS: Our results for the first time have found that DZBTS can improve spermatogenesis disorder in a heat stress model in rats, which may be mainly by regulating AR, sperm regulatory protein CREB1, and the HSF/Hsp70 signaling pathway to decrease oxidative stress.

Ampelopsis grossedentata supplementation effectively ameliorates the glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Some animal and cellular experiments showed that ampelopsis grossedentata (APL) was helpful to improve insulin resistance or glucose uptake. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of APL on blood glucose metabolism, lipid, and renal function parameters in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Eighty participants with T2DM were randomly assigned to the APL group (n = 40, 10 g of APL daily contained 970 mg of dihydromyricetin) or to the placebo group (n = 40, 10 g of APL daily deleted dihydromyricetin) for 1 month in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Blood levels of glucose and insulin, lipids, and renal function parameters were assayed. RESULTS: Seventy subjects completed the trial (36 in the APL group and 34 in the placebo group). The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Compared with the placebo group, the levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycated albumin, cystatin C, and retinol binding protein-4 significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of other lipids, apolipoproteins, and other parameters did not change. CONCLUSIONS: One-month supplementation with APL obviously improved the glycemic control and parameters of renal function in adults with T2DM. Our findings suggested that a potential role for APL in the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

IL-1ß, IL-17A and combined phototherapy predicts higher while previous systemic biologic treatment predicts lower treatment response to etanercept in psoriasis patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the correlation of circulating inflammatory cytokines' levels with treatment response to etanercept (ETN) treatment in psoriasis patients. METHODS: 97 moderate-to-severe plaque-psoriasis patients were continuously recruited in this prospective cohort study, and all patients received ETN treatment. Serum samples were collected before and at 6 months (M6) after treatment, and nine inflammatory cytokines expressions were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was evaluated at baseline (M0), 1 month (M1), 3 months (M3) and M6 after treatment, and the corresponding PASI 75/90 responses' rates were calculated. RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, and IL-32 levels were reduced, while IL-10 level was elevated at M6 after ETN treatment compared to baseline. PASI 75/90 responses' rates to ETN were 69.1 and 38.1% at M6, respectively. IL-1ß and IL-17A levels were elevated in PASI 75-response patients compared to PASI 75 non-response patients, while IL-17A level was also increased in PASI 90-response patients compared to PASI 90 non-response patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that IL-1ß, IL-17A and combined phototherapy during study predicted higher, while previous systemic biologic treatment predicted lower PASI 75 response to ETN independently. In addition, IL-17A independently predicted higher PASI 90 response to ETN as well. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1ß, IL-17A, and combined phototherapy predicts higher while previous systemic biologic treatment predicts lower treatment response to ETN independently in psoriasis patients.

Riemerella anatipestifer AS87_RS09170 gene is responsible for biotin synthesis, bacterial morphology and virulence.

Riemerella anatipestifer is a bacterial pathogen responsible for major economic losses within the duck industry. Recent studies have revealed that biotin biosynthesis is critical for the bacterium's survival and virulence. We previously found that R. anatipestifer AS87_RS09170, a putative bioF gene, is important for bacterial virulence. In the present study, we characterized the AS87_RS09170 gene in R. anatipestifer strain Yb2. Sequence analysis indicated that the AS87_RS09170 gene is highly conserved among R. anatipestifer strains; the deduced protein harbored the conserved pyridoxal 5'-phosphate binding pocket of 8-amino-7-oxononanoate synthase. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the biotin-dependent enzyme was present in smaller quantities in the mutant strain Yb2ΔbioF compared to that of the wide-type strain Yb2, suggesting that the biotin biosynthesis was defective. The mutant strain Yb2ΔbioF displayed a decreased growth rate at the exponential phase in tryptic soy broth culture and in BeaverBeads Streptavidin treated tryptic soy broth culture, but recovered when biotin was supplemented. In addition, the mutant strain Yb2ΔbioF showed an enhanced biofilm formation, as well as increased adhesion and invasion capacities to duck embryo fibroblasts. Moreover, the mutant strain Yb2ΔbioF exhibited irregular shapes with budding vegetations and relatively thickened cell walls under scanning and transmission electron microscope observation, as well as a reduced capacity to establish systemic infection in a duck infection model. These results provide the first evidence that the R. anatipestifer AS87_RS09170 gene is responsible for biotin synthesis, bacterial morphology and virulence.

Capsaicin Supplementation Improved Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease in Individuals with Low HDL-C Levels.

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of capsaicin intervention on the serum lipid profile in adults with low HDL-C. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 42 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to the capsaicin (n = 21, 4 mg of capsaicin daily) or to the control group (n = 21, 0.05 mg of capsaicin daily) and consumed two capsaicin or control capsules, which contained the powder of the skin of different peppers, twice daily for three months. Thirty-five subjects completed the trial (18 in the capsaicin group and 17 in the control group). The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Compared with the control group, fasting serum HDL-C levels significantly increased to 1.00 ± 0.13 mmol/L from 0.92 ± 0.13 mmol/L in the capsaicin group (p = 0.030), while levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein and phospholipid transfer protein activity moderately decreased (all p < 0.05). Other lipids, apolipoproteins, glucose, and other parameters did not significantly change. In conclusion, capsaicin improved risk factors of CHD in individuals with low HDL-C and may contribute to the prevention and treatment of CHD.

Tumor suppressor berberine binds VASP to inhibit cell migration in basal-like breast cancer.

Berberine is a plant-derived compound used in traditional Chinese medicine, which has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and migration in breast cancer. On the other hand, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) promotes actin filament elongation and cell migration. We previously showed that VASP is overexpressed in high-motility breast cancer cells. Here we investigated whether the anti-tumorigenic effects of berberine are mediated by binding VASP in basal-like breast cancer. Our results show that berberine suppresses proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells as well as tumor growth in MDA-MB-231 nude mouse xenografts. We also show that berberine binds to VASP, inducing changes in its secondary structure and inhibits actin polymerization. Our study reveals the mechanism underlying berberine's inhibition of cell proliferation and migration in basal-like breast cancer, highlighting the use of berberine as a potential adjuvant therapeutic agent.

Extractions of oil from Descurainia sophia seed using supercritical CO2, chemical compositions by GC-MS and evaluation of the anti-tussive, expectorant and anti-asthmatic activities.

Descurainia sophia is widely distributed in China and is one of the most troublesome annual weeds. It has diverse medicinal usage. D. sophia has abundant oil, making it an important oil plant in China. The main goal of this study was to obtain the maximum yield of the oil by an optimal selection of supercritical fluid extraction parameters. According to the central composite design and response surface methodology for supercritical fluid extraction method, a quadratic polynomial model was used to predict the yield of D. sophia seed oil. A series of runs was performed to assess the optimal extraction conditions. The results indicated that the extraction pressure had the greatest impact on oil yield within the range of the operating conditions studied. A total of approximately 67 compounds were separated in D. sophia seed oil by GC-MS, of which 51 compounds represented 98.21% of the total oils, for the first time. This study was also aimed at evaluating the anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive and expectorant activities in vivo of D. sophia seed oil which supplied for further research on bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms.

Sinensioside A, a new sesquilignan glycoside from Selaginella sinensis.

AIM: To investigate the chemical constituents of Selaginella sinensis (Desv.) Spring. METHODS: Chromatographic separations on Diaion HP-20, silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 were used. The structures of the isolates were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, as well as chemical methods. RESULTS: Eight compounds were obtained and their structures were identified as sinensioside A (1), syringaresinol-4- O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), (+)-medioresinol-4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), pinoresinol-4, 4'-di-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (4), quercetin (5), eucomic acid (6), shikimic acid (7), and 2, 3-dihydroamentoflavone (8). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new dihydrobenzofuran sesquilignan glycoside from Selaginella sinensis.

[Effect of estrogen-like effective part of Selaginella tarmariscina on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of estrogen-like effective part of Selaginella tarmariscina on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Wistar female rats were carried out the castration to remove both ovaries (except the sham group), in order to establish the rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The estrogen-like effective part of Selaginella tarmariscina was administered after surgery to therapeutic intervention. After 40 weeks of administration, the rats were sacrificed, the right femur bone mineral density (BMD) and bone biomechanical indicators were detected. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), serum estradiol (E2), parathyroid hormone (PTH), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteocalcin (BGP), calcitonin (CT), I procollagen carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) and other biochemical markers were determined. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, Selaginella tarmariscina effective parts increased the level of serum E2 and CT (P < 0.05), reduced serum ALP, TRAP, BGP, PTH and PICP level (P < 0.05), improved stiffness (P < 0.05), femur bone mineral density, max-load, max-disp, break-disp, energy-absorption and elastic (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The estrogen-like effective parts of Selaginella tarmariscina has a certain intervention effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis.

[Protection effect of amentoflavone in Selaginella tamariscina against TNF-alpha-induced vascular injury of endothelial cells].

This study is to observe the protection effect of amentoflavone (AMT) in Selaginella tamariscina against TNF-alpha-induced vascular inflammation injury of endothelial cells. On the basis of TNF-alpha induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell, observe the influence of AMT on endothelial active factor, the contents of SOD and MDA, the protein expression of vascular endothelial adhesion molecules and inflammatory factor; study the effect of its common related signal pathways such as NF-kappaB; research the effect of AMT against TNF-a induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury by means of MTT, ELISA, Western blotting and the cell immunofluorescence. The results showed that AMT could increase the content of NO and decrease the levels of VCAM-1, E-selectin, IL-6, IL-8 and ET-1; enhance the activity of SOD, reduce the content of MDA; downregulate the protein expressions of VCAM-1, E-selectin, NF-kappaBp65 and up-regulate IkappaBalpha, attenuate the NF-kappaBp65 transfer to cell nucleus. AMT has the effect of protect vascular endothelial and maybe via the signal pathway of NF-kappaB to down-regulate the inflammation factor and oxidative damage factor of downstream.

Scanning electrochemical microscopy of DNA hybridization on DNA microarrays enhanced by HRP-modified SiO2 nanoparticles.

Imaging of localized hybridization of nucleic acids immobilized on a glass DNA microarray was performed by means of generation collection (GC) mode scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Amine-tethered oligodeoxynucleotide probes, spotted on the glass surface, were hybridized with an unmodified target sequence and a biotinylated indicator probe via sandwich hybridization. Spots where sequence-specific hybridization had occurred were modified by streptavidin-horseradish-peroxidase-(HRP)-wrapped SiO2 nanoparticles through the biotin-streptavidin interaction. In the presence of H2O2, hydroquinone (H2Q) was oxidized to benzoquinone (BQ) at the modified spot surface through the HRP catalytic reaction, and the generated BQ corresponding to the amount of target DNA was reduced in solution by an SECM tip. With this DNA microarray, a number of genes could be detected simultaneously and selectively enough to discriminate between complementary sequences and those containing base mismatches. The DNA targets at prepared spots could be imaged in SECM GC mode over a wide concentration range (10(-7)-10(-12) M). This technique may find applications in genomic sequencing.

[Study on Polygonum multi florum Thunb and extracts by DRIFTS and atr-ftir].

The diffuse-reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and attenuated total reflection FTIR (ATR-FTIR) were used to study polygonum multi florum Thumb and its extracts. The result shows that when acetone is used as extraction agent, the contents of extracts in polygonum multi florum Thunb's phloem are highest, those in polygonum multi florum Thunb's xylem are the lowest. Compared with DRIFTS and ATR-FTIR, it can be found that there are some differences between polygonum multi florum Thunb and its extracts. There are two gentle absorption peaks at 3 576 and 3 147 cm(-1) respectively for polygonum multi florum Thunb, while there is a strong absorption peak at 3 351 cm(-1) for its extracts, showing that there may be more OH... active ingredients in polygonum multi florum Thunb's extracts. Meanwhile, polygonum multiflorum Thunb has strong absorption peaks at 931, 859, 766 and 709 cm(-1) respectively, while its extracts have no resembling absorption peaks. It also shows that the extracts are active ingredients.

Synthesis and antihyperlipidemic activity of acetylated derivative of ulvan from Ulva pertusa.

In this study, acetylated ulvan (AU) was prepared with acetic anhydride in N,N-dimethylacetamide, and the antihyperlipidemic activity of natural ulvan and its acetylated ulvan derivative (AU) in mice was determined. Obvious differences in antihyperlipidemic activity between natural ulvan and its derivative were observed, moreover, AU showed stronger antihyperlipidemic activity on triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

[Inhibitory effects of Gecko alcohol extract on human esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC-109 proliferation and associated mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the proliferation inhibition effects of Gecko alcohol extract (GAE) on human esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC-109 and its mechanism. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of GAE on proliferation of EC-109 cells were measured by MTT. Nucleolus change of apoptotic cells was observed by Hoechest33342 fluorescence staining. Apoptosis rate of EC-109 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of apoptosis protein Caspase-3 and FAS in EC-109 cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: GAE had the inhibition effects on the proliferation of esophageal carcinoma cell EC-109. The apoptosis rate of EC-109 cell treated with GAE(3.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL) for 48h was 20.63% and 39.73%, respectively. Compared with control group,the expression of Fas and Caspase-3 was significantly up-regulated in GAE treated group. CONCLUSION: GAE can inhibit the proliferation of esophageal carcinoma EC-109 cells and induce them apoptosis which may be correlated with increasing expression of protein Fas and Caspase-3.

[Effect of gecko alcohol extract on human esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC9706 and anti-tumor activity in vivo].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the anti-tumor activity of gecko alcohol extract in vitro and in vivo. METHOD: in vitro, the inhibitory effect of gecko alcohol extract on proliferation of human esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells was measured by MTT colorimetric assay. Morphological change of apoptotic cells was observed by Hoechst33258 fluorescence staining and apoptosis induced by gecko alcohol extract was evaluated in TUNEL assay. The expression of apoptosis protein Bax and Bcl-2 in EC9706 cells was investigated by immunohistochemistry. in vivo, the inhibitory effect of gecko alcohol extract on tumor growth was examined on S180 sarcoma model. RESULT: After gecko alcohol extract (6-8 g x L(-1)) treatment for 24, 48 and 72 h separately, EC9706 cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in both dose- and time- dependent manner (P < 0.01). Cell apoptosis in gecko alcohol extract-treated group (6, 7 g x L(-1)) was significantly higher than that in control group [(12.73 +/- 3.84)%, (9.80 +/- 2.32)% vs. (5.87 +/- 2.54)%, P < 0.05, P < 0.01]. Although the level of Bcl-2 did not change significantly, the expression of Bax was rembarkably up-regulated in gecko alcohol extract treated group. Gecko alcohol extract inhibited the growth of S180 sarcoma in Kun-ming mice at all doses (0.6, 1.2, 2.4 g x kg(-1)) of administration. The inhibitory rate was 44.88%, 63.94% and 69.53% respectively. CONCLUSION: From tumor inhibitory test, gecko alcohol extract shows significantly inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo. The increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio is mechanistically linked to the gecko alcohol extract-induced tumor cell apoptosis.