[Chemical constituents and mechanism of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS and network pharmacology].

The chemical constituents of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules were analyzed and identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) to clarify the pharmacological substance basis. In addition, network pharmacology was employed to explore the mechanism of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules in the treatment of cerebral infarction. Gradient elution was performed using acetonitrile and 1% acetic acid in water as the mobile phase. Mass spectrometry was performed in positive and negative ion modes. Xcalibur 4.2 software was used for compound analysis, including accurate mass-to-charge ratio and MS/MS fragment information, combined with the comparison of reference standards and literature data. A total of 152 compounds were identified, including 32 organic acids, 35 flavonoids and their glycosides, 33 diterpenes, 13 phthalides, 12 triterpenes and triterpene saponins, 23 nitrogen-containing compounds, and 4 other compounds, and their fragmentation patterns were analyzed. SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, DAVID, and other databases were used to predict and analyze the core targets and mechanism of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network topology analysis identified 10 core targets, including TNF, VEGFA, EGFR, IL1B, and CTNNB1. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules mainly exerted their effects through the regulation of lipid and atherosclerosis, glycoproteins in cancer, MicroRNAs in cancer, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis-related pathways. Molecular docking was performed between the key constituents and core targets, and the results demonstrated a strong binding affinity between the key constituents of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules and the core targets. This study comprehensively elucidated the chemical constituents of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules and explored the core targets and mechanism in the treatment of cerebral infarction based on network pharmacology, providing a scientific reference for the study of the pharmacological substance basis and formulation quality standards of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules.

[Jingfang Mixture regulates balance of spleen T lymphocyte subsets in urticaria mice by inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway].

Urticaria is an immune-mediated allergic disease. This study explored the effect of Jingfang Mixture on spleen T lymphocyte subsets of urticaria mice. A total of 50 Kunming mice were randomized into normal group(C), model group(V), and low-(JF-L, 0.5 g·kg~(-1)), medium-(JF-M, 1 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(JF-H, 2 g·kg~(-1)) Jingfang Mixture groups, with 10 mice in each group. The mixture of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide(0.1 mg + 0.1 mL) was used(intraperitoneal injection) to induce urticaria in mice. The administration began 6 days after the first immunization, and the second immunization was carried out 10 days after the first immunization. The pruritus index was detected within 30 min after the second immunization. The administration lasted 21 days. After 21 days, the serum was taken to detect the total IgE level. Based on hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining, the pathological changes of skin tissue were observed, and Western blot was used to detect the levels of p-Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/JAK2 and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/STAT3 in skin tissue. The spleen was taken to detect the spleen index, and flow cytometry was employed to determine the expression of lymphocyte subsets. The results showed that group V had obvious pathological changes in skin tissue compared with group C. Moreover, group V showed more scratches, higher spleen index, and higher level of total serum IgE than group C. In addition, higher levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, lower proportions of CD4~+T, Th1, and Treg, higher proportions of CD8~+T, Th2, and Th17, and lower ratios of CD4~+/CD8~+, Th1/Th2, and Terg/Th17 were observed in group V than in group C. Compared with group V, each administration group showed alleviation of the pathological morphology of skin tissue, obvious epidermal thickening, relatively intact collagen fiber structure of dermal reticular layer, alleviated edema, and relief of vasodilation and peripheral inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, less scratching, lower spleen index, lower p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 were observed in the administration groups than in group V. JF-M group and JF-H group demonstrated lower levels of total IgE, larger proportions of CD4~+T, Th1, and Treg, smaller proportions of CD8~+ T, Th2, and Th17, and higher ratios of CD4~+/CD8~+, Th1/Th2, and Terg/Th17. In conclusion, Jingfang Mixture may improve the symptoms of urticaria mice by regulating the balance of spleen T lymphocyte subsets through JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway.

Aspirin Ameliorates Pancreatic Inflammation and Fibrosis by Inhibiting COX-2 Expression in Experimental Chronic Pancreatitis.

Aim: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex and intractable disease mainly manifested as chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Aspirin(acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) has been reported to be used in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP), but its effectiveness on CP is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ASA in CP mice. Methods: A murine model of CP was induced by intraperitoneal injection with 20% L-arginine. After one week of L-arginine administration, mice in the ASA treatment group were administered aspirin (100mg/kg/d) by intragastric gavage. At two, four, and six weeks after the first injection of L-arginine, mice were euthanized and the pancreas was collected for histological and molecular analysis. A second model of CP (caeruelin-induced) was used as a validation experiment to test the effect of ASA. Results: L-arginine-induced CP resulted in over-expression of the inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. COX-2 expression decreased after ASA treatment. Pancreatic-injury inflammatory response (measured by changes in amylase, CK-19, F4/80, CD3, MCP-1, IL-6) and fibrosis degree (measured by expression of COL1A1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1) was reduce in ASA -treated mice model. The therapeutic effect of ASA was also observed in caeruelin-induced CP. Conclusion: ASA has an ameliorating effect in murine models of CP through inhibition of pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis, which may be a promising option for clinical treatment.

[Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules antagonizes cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice by inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress].

Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsules(CZTL) is effective in activating blood, resolving stasis, replenishing Qi, and dredging collaterals, which has been widely used in clinical treatment of stroke(cerebral infarction) differentiated into the syndrome of wind striking meridian and collateral in the recovery stage characterized by blood stasis and Qi deficiency. However, its modern pharmacological mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study duplicated the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion(MCAO/R) model in mice using the suture-occluded method to explore the protective effect and mechanism of CZTL on ischemic stroke. The mice were divided into the sham-operation group, model group, and CZTL group. The ones in the CZTL group were gavaged with 0.3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) CZTL for three successive days. One hour after the last intragastric administration, those in the model and CZTL groups were subjected to MCAO/R. After 24 h reperfusion, the effects of CZTL on neurological deficit score, cerebral infarction area, brain edema, and brain histopathology were evaluated. The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS), malondialdehyde(MDA), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) in brain tissue homogenate were detected using corresponding assay kits. The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), Toll like receptor 4(TLR4), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB P65 subunit(p-NF-κB P65) were assayed by Western blot. The results indicated that CZTL significantly reduced the neurological deficit score, brain edema, and infarct volume, improved the brain histopathology, inhibited the expression of ROS, MDA, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in the brain tissue, and up-regulated the activity of SOD, down-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, promoted the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and suppressed the expression of TLR4 and p-NF-κB P65 phosphorylation of MCAO/R mice. All these have demonstrated that CZTL has a significant protective effect against MCAO/R injury in mice, which may be related to its resistance to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

[A new quinoline alkaloid from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans].

Three compounds, including scolosprine C(1), uracil(2) and hypoxanthine(3), were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate fraction of centipede by silica gel normal-phase column chromatography, reversed-phase medium pressure preparation chromatography, and high-pressure semi-preparative HPLC. The structure was elucidated through a combination of spectroscopic analyses [such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) and mass spectrometry(MS)] and literature review. Among them, compound 1 was a new quinoline alkaloid. In previous reports, we have described the isolation and structure elucidation of one new and two known quinoline alkaloids. In this paper, we would report the isolation and structure elucidation of scolosprine C in detail.

The effects of nuclear factor-kappa B in pancreatic stellate cells on inflammation and fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis.

The activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) plays a critical role in the progression of pancreatic fibrosis. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Previous evidence indicated that NF-κB in acinar cells played a double-edged role upon pancreatic injury, whereas NF-κB in inflammatory cells promoted the progression of CP. However, the effects of NF-κB in PSCs have not been studied. In the present study, using two CP models and RNAi strategy of p65 in cultured PSCs, we found that the macrophage infiltration and MCP-1 expression were increased, and the NF-κBp65 protein level was elevated. NF-κBp65 was co-expressed with PSCs. In vitro, TGF-ß1 induced overexpression of the TGF-ß receptor 1, phosphorylated TGF-ß1-activated kinase 1 (p-TAK1) and NF-κB in the PSCs. Moreover, the concentration of MCP-1 in the supernatant of activated PSCs was elevated. The migration of BMDMs was promoted by the supernatant of activated PSCs. Further knockdown of NF-κBp65 in PSCs resulted in a decline of BMDM migration, accompanied by a lower production of MCP-1. These findings indicate that TGF-ß1 can induce the activation of NF-κB pathway in PSCs by regulating p-TAK1, and the NF-κB pathway in PSCs may be a target of chronic inflammation and fibrosis.

Respective roles of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members in pancreatic stellate cell activation induced by transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1).

Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a crucial role in the progression of pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is one of the strongest stimulator inducing fibrosis. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins (including ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK) are known to contribute to PSC activation and pancreatic fibrosis. Previous studies have identified PSC activation induced by TGF-ß1 is related to MAPK pathway, but the respective role of MAPK family members in PSC activation still unclear, and which family member may be the key mediator in mice PSC activation still controversial. In this study, we investigated the influence of different MAPK family member (JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK) on mice PSC activation using an in vivo and in vitro model. The results showed p-JNK, p-ERK and p-p38 MAPK were all over-expressed in CP group, and p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-p38 MAPK were co-expressed with activated PSC. In vitro, TGF-ß1 induced JNK and ERK over-expression in PSCs. In contrast, p38 MAPK expression in PSC showed only a very weak increase. JNK- and ERK-specific inhibitors inhibited FN and α-SMA mRNA expression in PSCs, and a p38 MAPK inhibitor had no effect on PSC activation. These findings indicate that JNK and ERK were directly involved in the PSCs activation induced by TGF-ß1 and the development of pancreatic fibrosis. p38 MAPK participate in the progression of CP, but it does not respond to TGF-ß1 directly and may not be regarded as the target of TGF-ß1 induced PSC activation.

Dachaihu decoction ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration in chronic pancreatitis.

AIM: To explore the role of macrophages in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and the effect of Dachaihu decoction (DCHD) on pancreatic fibrosis in mice. METHODS: KunMing mice were randomly divided into a control group, CP group, and DCHD group. In the CP and DCHD groups, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20% L-arginine (3 g/kg twice 1 d/wk for 6 wk). Mice in the DCHD group were administered DCHD intragastrically at a dose of 14 g/kg/d 1 wk after CP induction. At 2 wk, 4 wk and 6 wk post-modeling, the morphology of the pancreas was observed using hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson staining. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the co-expression of F4/80 and IL-6 in the pancreas. Inflammatory factors including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and IL-6 were determined using real time-polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to detect fibronectin levels in the pancreas. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, mice with 20% L-arginine-induced CP had obvious macrophage infiltration and a higher level of fibrosis. IL-6 serum concentrations were significantly increased. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that IL-6 and F4/80 were co-expressed in the pancreas. With the administration of DCHD, the infiltration of macrophages and degree of fibrosis in the pancreas were significantly attenuated; IL-6, MCP-1 and MIP-1α mRNA, and fibronectin levels were reduced. CONCLUSION: The dominant role of macrophages in the development of CP was mainly related to IL-6 production. DCHD was effective in ameliorating pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and inflammatory factor secretion in the pancreas.

The synthesis of TiO2 and TiO2-Pt and their application in the removal of Cr (VI).

The deposition of noble metal on titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been considered as an effective strategy to improve the activity of TiO2. In this paper, TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared via a sol-gel route, followed by heat treatment at elevated temperatures. TiO2-Pt catalyst was prepared by deposition of platinum (Pt) on the surface of as-prepared TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 and TiO2-Pt were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible differential reflectance spectra and infrared spectroscopy. TiO2 and TiO2-Pt were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the removal of Cr (VI) under ultraviolet-light illumination. TiO2 prepared at low temperature had smaller particle size and higher specific surface area, and consequently had higher activity on the removal of Cr (VI). The Pt deposited on the surface of TiO2 favoured the separation of photo-produced electrons (e-) and holes (h+), inhibited the recombination of e- and h+, and enhanced Cr (VI) removal. However, its blocking of active sites also inhibited the removal of Cr (VI). The deposition of 1% (wt.%) Pt to TiO2 produced the optimum activity for the removal of Cr (VI). A lower pH favoured the adsorption of Cr (VI) on the surface of TiO2, and correspondingly enhanced the removal of Cr (VI).

The synthesis of nanostructure TiO2 co-doped with N and Fe and their application for micro-polluted source water treatment.

The doping of titanium dioxide (TiO2) with various metal or nonmetal elements has been considered as an effective strategy to extend the photoactive wavelength region to include visible light. In this paper, TiO2 nanoparticles co-doped with N and Fe were prepared via a sol-gel route, followed by a heat treatment at elevated temperatures. The co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles showed a strong visible light absorption and exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue as compared with pure TiO2 nanoparticles. Polypropylene packings, coated with the prepared N-Fe co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles, were used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the treatment of micro-polluted source water. Under the illumination of sunlight, when the water was treated with the coated polypropylene packings, the reduction of COD(Mn) was about 60%, whereas it was just 10% and 30% when the water was treated with pure polypropylene packings and polypropylene packings coated with pure TiO2, respectively. The NH3-N could also be decreased dramatically on the co-doped TiO2-coated polypropylene packings. The results showed that N-Fe co-doped TiO2-coated polypropylene packings still had a strong activity after three months of operation.

Myocardioprotective effects of the combination of ischemic preconditioning with hypothermia and crystalloid cardioplegia in immature rabbits.

This study was undertaken to explore the myocardioprotective effects of the combination of ischemic preconditioning (IP) with hypothermia and St.II Thomas crystalloid cardioplegic solution (CCS) on immature hearts in the rabbit. Isolated immature rabbit hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer on Langendorff apparatus. In experiment 1, 24 hearts were divided into 4 groups (n=6 in each group): Con, IP1, IP2 and IP3 group. Hearts of the four groups underwent 0, 1, 2 or 3 cycles of IP respectively. Then all the hearts were subjected to a sustained ischemia period of 2 h at 20 degrees C and a postischemic reperfusion period of 30 min at 37 degrees C. In experiment 2, 48 hearts were divided into 6 groups (n=8 in each group): SCon1, SIP1, SCon2, SIP2, SCon3 and SIP3 group, according to hypothermia and the duration of sustained ischemia (30 min at 32 degrees C; 90 min at 25 degrees C, 2 h at 20 degrees C). The SIP1, SIP2 and SIP3 groups were preconditioned twice before the sustained hypothermic ischemia, while the SCon1, SCon2 and SCon3 groups were not preconditioned. CCS was applied during sustained ischemia, all the hearts were reperfused for 30 min at 37 degrees C. Heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and peak rate of increase or decrease of left ventricular pressure (+/-dp/dt(max)) were recorded. Tissue concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. At the end of reperfusion, values of product of LVDP and HR, +/-dp/dt(max) in IP2 group were 96%+/-21%, 101%+/-19% and 84% +/-15% of the baseline values respectively, which were significantly higher than those of Con group and IP3 group (P<0.01, P<0.05); also, the ATP content of IP2 group was higher than that of the Con group (P<0.01). When CCS was applied during sustained period of hypothermic ischemia at 32 degrees C or 25 degrees C, recovery rates of RPP (rate product, =LVDPxHR) and +dp/dt(max) in SIP1 group were 87% +/-14% or 99% +/-26% of the baseline values respectively (P<0.05, vs SCon1 group), the values in SIP2 group changed to 87% +/-16% or 102% +/-20% respectively (P<0.05, vs SCon2 group). Contents of ATP in SIP1 and SIP2 groups were significantly higher than those of SCon1 or SCon2 groups respectively (P<0.05), but MDA content of the two groups were significantly lower than those of SCon1 or SCon2 groups (P<0.05) respectively. The study indicates that IP attenuates hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion injury to immature rabbit hearts under 20 degrees C ischemia, two cycles of IP showing better myocardioprotective effects than 1 or 3 cycles of IP. When IP was combined with CCS which were applied during hypothermic ischemia period, the beneficial effects of IP were weakened as the temperature during the hypothermic period was elevated.

[Effects of ischemic preconditioning on the hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion injury of immature rabbit hearts].

AIM: To study effects of ischemic preconditioning on the hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion injury of immature rabbit hearts. METHODS: The isolated immature rabbit (3-4 weeks) hearts were perfused on Langendorff apparatus. After 30 min perfusing with 37 degrees C K-H perfusate, the hearts in part one were yielded 0, 1, 2 or 3 times of IP respectively before 120 min ischemia at 20 degrees C hypothermia, and the hearts in part two were yielded 0 or 2 times of IP before being arrested by infusion of St. Thomas II crystalloid cardioplegic solution, then the arrested hearts were yielded ischemia for 30, 90 or 120 min at 32 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 2 degrees C hypothermia respectively. Then all the hearts were reperfused for 30 min at 37 degrees C normothermia. Heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), +/- dp/dt(max) were recorded at baseline, preischemic and 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30 min after reperfusion. Also contents of ATP and MDA and activity of SOD and Ca(2+) -ATPase of myocardium were measured. RESULTS: At the end of reperfusion, the recovery rate of left ventricular function in IP2 group were significantly higher than that of control group and IP3 group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), also the IP2 group showed a higher content of ATP and activity of Ca(2+) -ATPase than control group and IP3 group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). When the ischemic hearts were at different hypothermia accompanied with CCS, the recovery rate of left ventricular function and contents of ATP in SIP1 and SIP2 group were significantly higher than that of SCon 1 group and SCon 2 group respectively (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), the contents of MDA in the two IP groups were lower than that of the two control groups. CONCLUSION: IP can attenuate the hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion injury of immature rabbit hearts, the cardioprotective effects are dependent on the mode of IP and the possible mechanisms may involve the following aspects: decrease the consumption of ATP, inhibit lipid peroxidation and maintain the activity of Ca(2+) -ATPase of cardiac myocyte.