Low Selenium and Low Protein Exacerbate Myocardial Damage in Keshan Disease by Affecting the PINK1/Parkin-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Keshan disease (KD) is a myocardial mitochondrial disease closely related to insufficient selenium (Se) and protein intake. PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin mediated mitochondrial autophagy regulates various physiological and pathological processes in the body. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between PINK1/Parkin-regulated mitochondrial autophagy and KD-related myocardial injury. METHODS: A low Se and low protein animal model was established. One hundred Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (control group, low Se group, low protein group, low Se + low protein group, and corn from KD area group). The JC-1 method was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). ELISA was used to detect serum creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and mitochondrial-glutamicoxalacetic transaminase (M-GOT) levels. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of PINK1, Parkin, sequestome 1 (P62), and microtubule-associated proteins1A/1B light chain 3B (MAP1LC3B). RESULTS: The MMP was significantly decreased and the activity of CK-MB, cTnI, and M-GOT significantly increased in each experimental group (low Se group, low protein group, low Se + low protein group and corn from KD area group) compared with the control group (P<0.05 for all). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin and MAP1LC3B were profoundly increased, and those of P62 markedly decreased in the experimental groups compared with the control group (P<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Low Se and low protein levels exacerbate myocardial damage in KD by affecting the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy pathway.

Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Dai-Zong-Fang alleviating hepatic steatosis in db/db mice via gut microbiota modulation.

Introduction: Hepatic steatosis is a hepatic pathological change closely associated with metabolic disorders, commonly observed in various metabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), with a high global prevalence. Dai-Zong-Fang (DZF), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is widely used in clinical treatment for MetS, exhibiting multifaceted effects in reducing obesity and regulating blood glucose and lipids. This study aims to explore the mechanism by which DZF modulates the gut microbiota and reduces hepatic steatosis based on the gut-liver axis. Methods: This study utilized db/db mice as a disease model for drug intervention. Body weight and fasting blood glucose were monitored. Serum lipid and transaminase levels were measured. Insulin tolerance test was conducted to assess insulin sensitivity. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe morphological changes in the liver and intestine. The degree of hepatic steatosis was evaluated through Oil Red O staining and hepatic lipid determination. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels were measured by ELISA. The expression levels of intestinal tight junction proteins, intestinal lipid absorption-related proteins, and key proteins in hepatic lipid metabolism were examined through Western blot and RT-qPCR. Results: After DZF intervention, there was a decrease in body weight, alleviation of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, reduction in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and mitigation of insulin resistance in mice. DZF significantly modulated the diversity of the gut microbiota, with a notable increase in the abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum. PICRUSt indicated that DZF influenced various functions in gut microbiota, including carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Following DZF intervention, serum LPS levels decreased, intestinal pathological damage was reduced, and the expression of intestinal tight junction protein occludin was increased, while the expression of intestinal lipid absorption-related proteins cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and apolipoprotein B48 (ApoB48) were decreased. In the liver, DZF intervention resulted in a reduction in hepatic steatosis and lipid droplets, accompanied by a decrease fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2). Conversely, there was an increase in the expression of the fatty acid oxidation-related enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1𝛂 (CPT-1𝛂). Conclusion: DZF can regulate the structure and function of the intestinal microbiota in db/db mice. This ameliorates intestinal barrier damage and the detrimental effects of endotoxemia on hepatic metabolism. DZF not only inhibits intestinal lipid absorption but also improves hepatic lipid metabolism from various aspects, including de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, and fatty acid oxidation. This suggests that DZF may act on the liver and intestine as target organs, exerting its effects by improving the intestinal microbiota and related barrier and lipid absorption functions, ultimately ameliorating hepatic steatosis and enhancing overall glucose and lipid metabolism.

The Chinese herbal medicine Dai-Zong-Fang promotes browning of white adipocytes in vivo and in vitro by activating PKA pathway to ameliorate obesity.

Introduction: The global prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly. Conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into beige adipose tissue with heat-consuming characteristics, i.e., WAT browning, effectively inhibits obesity. Dai-Zong-Fang (DZF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has long been used to treat metabolic syndrome and obesity. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanism of DZF against obesity. Methods: In vivo, C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat diets to establish the diet-induced obese (DIO) model. DZF (0.40 g/kg and 0.20 g/kg) and metformin (0.15 g/kg, positive control drug) were used as intervention drugs for six weeks, respectively. The effects of DZF on body size, blood glucose and lipid level, structure and morphology of adipocytes and browning of inguinal WAT (iWAT) in DIO mice were observed. In vitro, mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used as the model. Concentrations of DZF (0.8 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL) were selected according to the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8). After 2d intervention, lipid droplet morphology was observed by BODIPY493/503 staining, and mitochondria number was observed by mito-tracker Green staining. H-89 dihydrochloride, a PKA inhibitor, was used to observe the change in browning markers' expression. The expression levels of browning markers UCP1 and PGC-1α and key molecules of PKA pathway were detected in vivo and in vitro. Results: In vivo, compared with vehicle control group, 0.40 g/kg DZF significantly reduced obesity in DIO mice from body weight, abdomen circumference, Lee's index, and WAT/body weight (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). 0.40 g/kg DZF also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). The iWAT's morphology and mitochondria were browning after DZF intervention. In HE-staining, the lipid droplets became smaller, and the number of mitochondria increased. The mitochondrial structure was remodeled under the electron microscope. The expression of UCP1, PGC-1α and PKA was elevated in iWAT detected by RT-qPCR (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001). In vitro, compared with the control group, 0.8 mg/mL DZF intervention significantly increased the number of mitochondria and expression of UCP1, PGC-1α, PKA, and pCREB (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). In contrast, UCP1 and PGC-1α expression were significantly reversed after adding PKA inhibitor H-89 dihydrochloride. Conclusion: DZF can promote UCP1 expression by activating the PKA pathway, thereby promoting browning of WAT, attenuating obesity, and reducing obesity-related glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities, indicating that DZF has the potential to be selected as an anti-obesity drug to benefit obese patients.

Phillygenin from Forsythia suspensa leaves exhibits analgesic potential and anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice.

Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (Oleaceae) leaves are valuable sources of phillygenin. This study aimed to isolate phillygenin from F. suspensa leaves and examine its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Phillygenin was successfully extracted and isolated from F. suspensa leaves after fermentation. Phillygenin significantly reduced the number of writhing induced by acetic acid, prolonged the latency period in the hot plate test, and inhibited the xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, NO, and PGE2 levels in the carrageenan-induced paw edema were notably reduced after pretreatment with phillygenin. Phillygenin significantly decreased the iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions and the IκB-α and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. This study demonstrated that phillygenin is a potential therapeutic candidate for managing pain and inflammation-mediated disorders. The study contributes to the comprehensive development and utilization of F. suspensa leaves for economic and health care. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phillygenin is one of the major active ingredients in Forsythia suspensa. But the content of phillygenin in F. suspensa is very low which limits its application. Phillygenin has potential pharmacological activity and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential effects of phillygenin on analgesic activity have not been clarified. Furthermore, the data on its anti-inflammatory activity in vivo are relatively limited. This study evaluated the analgesic activity for the first time and the acute anti-inflammatory effect of phillygenin from F. suspensa leaves by fermentation, which indicated phillygenin is a potential therapeutic candidate for managing pain and inflammation-mediated disorders.

Dietary phillygenin supplementation ameliorates aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in chicken liver.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a mycotoxin contaminating food and feed, can trigger liver immune toxicity and threaten the poultry industry. Phillygenin (PHI) is a natural lignan derived primarily from Forsythia suspensa with hepatoprotective pharmacological and medicinal properties. This research aimed to investigate the preventive effects of PHI on the toxicity of AFB1 in the liver of chickens. Chickens were administered with AFB1 (2.8 mg/kg) and/or treated with PHI (24 mg/kg) for 33 days. The histopathological changes, serum biochemical indices, oxidative damage, inflammatory mediators, apoptosis, and activation of the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways were measured. Results revealed that dietary PHI ameliorated liver function indicators, reduced the malondialdehyde and inflammatory mediator production and the apoptotic cell number, and increased the antioxidant enzyme contents and Bcl-2 level. The quantitative realtime PCR and Western blot results revealed that PHI reduced p53, cytochrome c, Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 levels, normalized the NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, and upregulated the Nrf2 and its downstream genes expression in chicken liver. These results indicated that PHI has beneficial effects on AFB1-induced liver damage, oxidative damage, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and immunotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chickens. This study provides new insight into the therapeutic uses of PHI.

Resection might be a meaningful choice for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, the presence of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is considered to indicate an advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with nearly no cure. Hepatic resection and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have recently been recommended for treatment of HCC with PVTT. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to compare the overall survival between patients with HCC and PVTT undergoing hepatectomy, TACE or conservative treatment including sorafenib chemotherapy. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All relevant studies were considered. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for comparison of the cumulative overall survival. Ten retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. RESULTS: Overall survival was not higher in the hepatectomy group than TACE group. But survival rate was higher in hepatectomy group than conservative group. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that hepatectomy was superior in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than in patients with main portal vein invasion. In patients without main PVTT, hepatectomy has showed more benefit than TACE. However, there has been no significant difference between the hepatectomy and TACE groups among patients with main PVTT. CONCLUSION: For patients with resectable HCC and PVTT, hepatectomy might be more effective in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than TACE or conservative treatment.

[Phenolic constituents from Wikstroemia chamaedaphne].

The phenolic constituents of Wikstroemia chamaedaphne were investigated by various column chromatographic methods including silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,ODS and preparative HPLC,and their chemical structures were identified by physico-chemical properties and spectral analyses. Thirteen phenolic compounds were isolated and elucidated,including five flavonoids: luteolin 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(1),luteolin 4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(2),kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(3),chrysoeriol 4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(4),chrysoeriol(5); and eight lignans:(-)-secoisolariciresinol(6),acanthosessilin A(7),(-)-nortrachelogenin(8),(+)-isolariciresinol(9),sesamin(10),syringaresinol(11),(+)-epipinoresinol(12),and [3,3',4,4'-tetrahydro-6,6'-dimethoxy-3,3'-bi-2 H-benzopyran]-4,4'-diol(13). Compounds 1, 3, 5-8, 10, 11 and 13 were obtained from the plants of W. chamaedaphne for the first time,and compounds 1,5,7,10 and 13 were obtained from the Wikstroemia genus for the first time.

[Optimization of method for determination of Forsythia Fructus and discussion on the establishment of quality control standard for green (old) Forsythia Fructus].

In order to obtain the optimum method for content determination of Forsythia Fructus (FF), a variety methods for the sample preparation of FF were evaluated by the content determination methods of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. And an optimum method was screened and as follows: 30 times with 70% ethanol solution in ultrasonic extractor for half an hour. The method can achieve the best effect of simultaneously extracting forsythoside A and forsythin. Then, a HPLC method for simultaneous determination of forsythoside A and forsythin was established by methodology. The HPLC chromatographic conditions: the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile (A)-0.4% acetic acid solution (B) with gradient elution [0-33 min，15%A，33-43 min，15%-25%A，43-60 min，25% A] was at the flow rate of 1 mL·min⁻¹, the column temperature was 25 °C, and the detection wavelength was 330 and 277 nm. Moreover, the contents of forsythoside A and forsythin for 10 Green Forsythia Fructus (GF) and 5 Old Forsythia Fructus (OF) were determined by this method and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The result not only displayed that the established method is effective, rapid, and simple, but also showed that the contents of forsythoside A and forsythin for GF and OF were significantly different. Which implied that the forsythoside A and forsythin limit standard for GF and OF should be controled by different values. This studies provide an important basis for the establishment of the content determination of FF and the quality control standard for GF and OF.

A nano silicon adjuvant enhances inactivated transmissible gastroenteritis vaccine through activation the Toll-like receptors and promotes humoral and cellular immune responses.

Inactivated transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) vaccines are widely used in swine herds in China. These are limited, however, by the need to elicit both humoral and cellular immunity, as well as the efficiency of adjuvants. In this study, a 70-nm nano silicon particle was applied with inactivated TGEV vaccine in mice, and its immune-enhancing effects and mechanism of action investigated. We found that nano silicon applied with inactivated TGEV vaccine induced high antibody titers, increase IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ expression, and stimulate CD3+ T cell proliferation with a high CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio. Nano silicon could quickly activate innate and adaptive immunity by stimulating Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, indicating that the nano silicon adjuvant enhanced long-term humoral and early cellular immune responses when combined with inactivated TGEV vaccine. Nano silicon could be considered for use as an antigen- carrier and adjuvant for veterinary vaccines.

In Vitro Anticoagulant Activity and Active Components of Safflower Injection.

Safflower injection is well-known as a traditional Chinese medicine used to improve the blood circulation. In this study, seven safflower injection samples from different companies were evaluated for their in vitro anticoagulant activity by measuring their activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) against human plasma. The screening results suggested that the safflower injections exhibited a significant prolonging influence on APTT (p < 0.05 vs. the control group), but not on prolonging PT (p > 0.05 vs. the control group). The safflower injection was separated into four fractions, and among them, fraction four demonstrated the most anticoagulant activity, with an APTT of 95.4 ± 1.4 s at a concentration of 4.0 µg/µL (p < 0.01 vs. control group). In addition, three active components, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxy-cinnamic acid, and (8Z)-decaene-4,6-diyne-1-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from fraction four with Sephadex LH-20 and C18 column chromatography. All three active components showed significant prolonging of APTT (p < 0.05 vs. control group). Among them, p-hydroxy-cinnamic acid exhibited the most activity (p < 0.01 vs. control group). The results indicated that safflower injection strongly affects the intrinsic coagulation system, and we suggest that this might be the mechanism by which the safflower injection activates and promotes blood circulation.

[Biological activity and hydroxy safflor yellow A content of intermediates in preparation of Safflower Injection].

In order to investigate the effect of various production processes on the quality of Safflower Injection, the biological activities of the intermediates were evaluated by measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) induced platelet aggregation in vitro. Intermediates were produced by key processes, such as extraction, concentration, twice alcohol precipitation, water sedimentation and two sterilizations during the production of Safflower Injection. The content of main chemical components in intermediates was determined by HPLC. The results showed that with the advance of the preparation process of Safflower Injection, the inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation rate of each intermediate decreased gradually, and the trend of extending APTT activity decreased first and then increased. Meanwhile, the content of hydroxy safflor yellow A (HSYA) was gradually lowered, the content of p-hydroxy-cinnamic acid was increased, and new chemical component p-hydroxybenzaldehyde was produced. In conclusion, sterilization played a key role in the biological activity and HSYA content of Safflower injection.

[Screening, identification and activity evaluation of pancreatic lipase inhibition in Prunella vulgaris].

Pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitors were firstly screened from Prunella vulgaris with PL immobilized on carboxylic acid-terminated magnetic nanoparticles, then these possible inhibitors were identified by LC-MS/MS and mixed standards. Finally, their inhibitory effects and types on PL were tested by p-nitrophenol method. The results showed that four PL inhibitors were screened out from P. vulgaris and confirmed by LC-MS/MS and mixed standards. The IC58 and inhibition types were as follows: caffeic acid [(252.3±3.6) mg·L⁻¹, anti-competitive inhibition], rutin [(91.2±1.6)mg·L⁻¹, competitive inhibition], hesperidin [(31.5±4.4) mg·L⁻¹, competitive inhibition] and ursolic acid [(41.3±2.2) mg·L⁻¹, competitive inhibition]. Their inhibitive types and abilities on PL were related to their molecular size, hydrophobicity and the number of hydrogen bond with PL triplet.

Clinical course of untreated thalamic cavernous malformations: hemorrhage risk and neurological outcomes.

OBJECTIVE The natural history of cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) has been widely studied, but the clinical course of untreated thalamic CMs is largely unknown. Hemorrhage of these lesions can be devastating. The authors undertook this study to obtain a prospective hemorrhage rate and provide a better understanding of the prognosis of untreated thalamic CMs. METHODS This longitudinal cohort study included patients with thalamic CMs who were diagnosed between 2000 and 2015. Clinical data were recorded, radiological studies were extensively reviewed, and follow-up evaluations were performed. RESULTS A total of 121 patients were included in the study (56.2% female), with a mean follow-up duration of 3.6 years. The overall annual hemorrhage rate (subsequent to the initial presentation) was calculated to be 9.7% based on the occurrence of 42 hemorrhages over 433.1 patient-years. This rate was highest in patients (n = 87) who initially presented with hemorrhage and focal neurological deficits (FNDs) (14.1%) (χ2 = 15.358, p < 0.001), followed by patients (n = 19) with hemorrhage but without FND (4.5%) and patients (n = 15) without hemorrhage regardless of symptoms (1.2%). The initial patient presentations of hemorrhage with FND (hazard ratio [HR] 2.767, 95% CI 1.336-5.731, p = 0.006) and associated developmental venous anomaly (DVA) (HR 2.510, 95% CI 1.275-4.942, p = 0.008) were identified as independent hemorrhage risk factors. The annual hemorrhage rate was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhagic pres entation at diagnosis (11.7%, p = 0.004) or DVA (15.7%, p = 0.002). Compared with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at diagnosis (mean 2.2), the final mRS score (mean 2.0) was improved in 37 patients (30.6%), stable in 59 patients (48.8%), and worse in 25 patients (20.7%). Lesion size (odds ratio [OR] per 0.1 cm increase 3.410, 95% CI 1.272-9.146, p = 0.015) and mRS score at diagnosis (OR per 1 point increase 3.548, 95% CI 1.815-6.937, p < 0.001) were independent adverse risk factors for poor neurological outcome (mRS score ≥ 2). Patients experiencing hemorrhage after the initial ictus (OR per 1 ictus increase 6.923, 95% CI 3.023-15.855, p < 0.001) had a greater chance of worsened neurological status. CONCLUSIONS This study verified the adverse predictors for hemorrhage and functional outcomes of thalamic CMs and demonstrated an overall annual symptomatic hemorrhage rate of 9.7% after the initial presentation. These findings and the mode of initial presentation are useful for clinicians and patients when selecting an appropriate treatment, although the tertiary referral bias of the series should be taken into account.

[Simultaneous determination of four coumaroylspermidine constituents in Carthamus tinctorius by HPLC-DAD].

The HPLC-DAD method was established to simultaneously determine the contents of four coumaroylspermidine[ N1, N5, N10-(Z)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine (1), N1, N5-(Z)-N10-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine (2), N1(E)-N5-(Z)-N10-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine (3), and N1, N5, N10-(E)-tri-p-coumaroyl-spermidine (4) ] in Carthamus tinctorius. The method was performed on an Eclipse XDB-C18 column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 µm) eluted with 47% methanol in an isocratic program. The flow rate was 1 mL•min⁻¹; the injection volume was 10 µL, and the column temperature was 30 ℃. The detective wavelength was 270, 280, 290, and 300 nm, respectively. Four coumaroylspermidine constituents showed a good linearity in the range of 0.002 1-0.041 6 (r=0.999 5), 0.002 6-0.051 2 (r=0.999 7), 0.002 7-0.054 0 (r=0.999 8) g•L⁻¹, and 0.005 0-0.100 4 (r=0.999 8) g•L⁻¹, respectively. The average recoveries of these four coumaroylspermidine constituents were in the range of 98.61%-100.9% (RSD 2.3%-3.0%). In conclusion, the method is simple, rapid, and sensitive, which could be used as a quantitative determination method for the four coumaroylspermidine components in C.tinctorius.

[Yinxingye Capsule Intervened Vascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis of Hyperhomocysteinemia Rats: an Experimental Study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore targets of Chinese herbal medicine at cellular and molecular leve1s through an experimental study on Yinxingye Capsule (YC) intervening vascular endothelial cell apoptoeis of hyperhornocysteinemia (HHcy) rats. METHODS: The HHcy model was prepared in male Wistar rats. Totally 42 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the control group (n =10), the model group (n = 11), the YC group (n =11), the folic acid group (n =10). Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) solution (1%) was administered to rats in the control group by gastrogavage.3% methionine suspension at 1. 5 g/kg was administered to rats in the model group by gastrogavage. 3% methionine suspension at 1. 5 g/kg and folic acid suspension at 0. 06 g/kg was administered to rats in the folic acid group by gastrogavage. 3% methionine suspension at 1. 5 g/kg and YC at 0. 02 g/kg was administered to rats in the YC group by gastrogavage. Morphological changes of aortic tissue were observed by hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. The plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level was detected in each group. The endothelium-dependent diastolic functions of the thoracic aorta on different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and acetylcholine (Ach) were detected. Gene expressions of Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), c-Fos, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (c-IAP2) were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Pathological results showed that thickening aortic endothelium, swollen and desquamated endothelial cells. Few foam cells could be seen in the model group. Myoma-like proliferation of smooth muscle cells in tunica media could also be seen. These pathological changes were milder in the YC group and the folic acid group. Compared with the control group, plasma Hcy levels increased in the model group (P <0. 05). The endothelium-dependent diastolic rates at 10(-6) and 10(-4)mol/L Ach and 10(-7) -10(-3)mol/L SNP all decreased in the model group (P <0. 01, P <0. 05). Gene expressions of Bax, c-Fos, and iNOS increased, but c-IAP2 gene expressions decreased in the model group (all P <0. 05). Compared with the model group, plasma Hcy levels decreased in the YC group and the folic acid group (P <0. 05). The endothelium-dependent diastolic rates increased in the YC group and the folic acid group at various SNP concentrations except 10(-6) mol/L SNP in the folic acid group. The endothelium-dependent diastolic rates increased in the YC group and the folic acid group at 10(-6) and 10(-4)mol/L Ach (all P <0. 05). Gene expressions of Bax, c-Fos, and iNOS decreased in the YC group and the folic acid group, but c-IAP2 gene expression increased in the folic acid group (all P <0. 05). CONCLUSION: YC could reduce plasma Hcy levels, down-regulate gene expressions of Bax, c-Fos, and iNOS, thereby reducing apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells, improving vascular endothelial function, and delaying atherosclerotic process.

[Study on process conditions of Forsytiae Fructus].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of different processing methods on the content and biological activity of main chemical constituents of Forsytiae Fructus, in order to provide the basis for rational processing of Forsytiae Fructus. METHOD: The content of extracts was determined by the extract determination method of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The effects of chemical constituents of Forsytiae Fructus under different processing conditions were compared by HPLC method. Furthermore, free radical scavenging DPPH method was used to assess the antioxidation effect, and the antibacterial effect of Forsytiae Fructus was evaluated according to the inhibition effect on staphylococcus aureus. RESULT: Considering various factors, the optimum boiling process is that adding six-fold water and boiling for 8 min. CONCLUSION: The content and activity of chemical constituents of Forsytiae Fructus are significantly different under different processing conditions.

[Analysis of the levels of serum total calcium and inorganic phosphate of 2,342 children in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of serum total calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphate (P) levels during children growth and related factors. METHODS: Using a stratified-multi-steps-cluster sampling method, we selected 2,342 healthy children aged 10-18 years from urban and suburban areas of Beijing from September 2001 to December 2001 to test the levels of serum Ca and P. Their meal status was also surveyed to analyse the correlation of the leves of serum Ca and P with sex, age, height, weight, and diet on statistic basis. RESULTS: The Ca levels of Beijing children were (2.39 +/- 0.12) mmol/L, which had a positive correlation with age, height, and weight (P < 0.01). The Ca levels of female children were somewhat higher than those of male [male, (2.38 +/- 0.12) mmol/L; female, (2.39 +/- 0.12) mmol/L; P < 0.05]. The Ca levels of urban children were significantly higher than those of suburban children [urban, (2.40 +/- 0.13) mmol/L; suburban, (2.37 +/- 0.10) mmol/L; P < 0.001]. The P levels of Beijing children were (1.39 +/- 0.18) mmol/L, which had a negative correlation with age, height, and weight (P < 0.01). The P levels of male children were significantly higher than those of female [male, (1.43 +/- 0.18) mmol/L; female, (1.36 +/- 0.17) mmol/L; P < 0.001]. The P levels of urban children were significant higher than those of suburban children [urban, (1.41 +/- 0.19) mmol/L; suburban, (1.38 +/- 0.16) mmol/L; P < 0.001]. The Ca levels of Beijing children had a negative correlation with P levels (r=-0.141, P < 0.01). [Ca] x [P] (mmol/L) of Beijing children were 3.32 +/- 0.44. The value of [Ca] x [P] reached peak by 3.45 +/- 0.46 when Beijing children were of 13-14 years old, and then the value declined with increasing age. CONCLUSION: The levels of serum Ca and P correlates with sex, age, growth, and diet. The level of serum Ca goes up while P goes down during the children growth.

[Spectrophotomatric determination of antioxidative activity of extractives of Chinese traditional medicine by supercritical fluid CO2 extraction technology].

Applying supercritical CO2 fluid extraction technology, flavonoids were extracted from Chinese traditional medicine asarum heterotropoides, atractylodes macrocephala, and rheum palmatun. Using the method of autoxidation pyrogallol (known as 325 nm method), the superoxide radical scavenging effect of the extraction was carried out in the buffer solution of HCl-tris (pH 8.2). With spectrophotometry, hydroxyl radical created by the system Co2+ + H2O2 in the reaction like Fenton reaction was eliminated by alizarin violet as the color developing agent in the buffer solution HCl-tris (pH 9.0) and the reaction condition was investigated. Result showed that these extractions are elimination agent for these radicals. Asarum heterotropoides is the best of the three.

[Study on the spectral properties of caffeic acid and its derivatives].

Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and forsythiaside are active components of Chinese herbs and have diverse biological activities. As the similar compounds, they all include 3, 4-dihydroxy-phenyl in their structures. In this paper, the fluorescence and UV spectra of the caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and forsythiaside were studied in different pH. The spectra properties of fluorescence and UV were further discussed in view of the phenol hydroxyl states, free, dissociative and protonated. It is found that the luminescence intensity, the peak shape and peak wavelength change with pH. Experimental results also indicate that caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and forsythiaside can emit fluorescence in wide range of pH (2-12), and fluorescent intensity is enhanced as the dissociation of 4-phenol hydroxyl. On the other hand, fluorescent intensity may be quenched as the dissociation of 3-phenol hydroxyl. Furthermore, in strong acidic or in strong basic media, the fluorescence is quenched partly, and the shape of UV spectra changed greatly in strong basic media, meaning that their molecular structures are changed considerable.