Network pharmacology analysis of the renal protective effects of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) using experimental data obtained in an avian (quail) hyperuricemia model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nephroprotective potential of orally administered bracken Pteridium aquilinum extract against renal damage in quails, induced by a high-purine diet, to form a foundation for subsequent clinical studies and applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mass spectrometry analysis was conducted on the pteridophyte subjected to steam explosion. Network pharmacological methods were then utilized to pinpoint shared targets and pathways, which suggested that Pteridium aquilinum has a capability to counteract renal injury. A total of 48 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) "Difaku" quails were selected and segregated into six distinct groups. The control group received a standard diet, whereas the other groups were fed a high-purine diet. Beginning on day 14, each group was subjected to designated therapeutic measures. The study continued for 40 days, after which relevant biological markers were assessed. RESULTS: Active compound peaks from the steam-exploded Pteridium aquilinum were isolated. Subsequently, 101 targets and several pathways associated with renoprotective effects were discerned, indicating that the Pteridium aquilinum achieves its nephroprotective function through comprehensive regulatory mechanisms. The high-purine diet successfully induced hyperuricemia in the quails, resulting in renal impairment. Following intervention with varied Pteridium aquilinum dosages, renal protective outcomes were evident, though xanthine oxidase activity remained unaffected. Histological analyses demonstrated a notable decrease in renal lesion dimensions post-intervention. CONCLUSION: The steam-exploded bracken Pteridium aquilinum may provide nephroprotective benefits against hyperuricemia-induced renal damage in quails through comprehensive regulatory processes. This highlights the Pteridium aquilinum's potential as an innovative nephroprotective therapeutic and dietary solution, presenting a promising avenue for hyperuricemia and renal damage treatment and prevention.

[Comparative study on serum transitional components of Huatan Jiangqi Capsules in rats under pathological and physiological status].

The differences of transitional components and metabolic processes of Huatan Jiangqi Capsules(HTJQ) in rats under normal physiological and pathological conditions of COPD were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The rat COPD model was established by passive smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. After the normal and COPD model rats were douched with HTJQ, the blood was collected from hepatic portal vein and the drug-containing serum samples were prepared by methanol precipitation of protein. Then, 10 batches of drug-containing serum samples of HTJQ were prepared and analyzed by UPLC serum fingerprint to evaluate the quality and stability of drug-containing serum samples. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to collect the mass spectrometric information of the transitional components. Twenty-eight transitional components of HTJQ in normal rats and 25 transitional components of HTJQ in COPD model rats were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Under pathological and physiological conditions, there were not only the same transitional components in rat serum, but also corresponding differences. Further studies showed that there were also differences in the metabolic process of transitional components between the two conditions. In normal rats, most of the metabolic types of transitional components were phase I reactions. In COPD model rats, phase Ⅰ reactions decreased and phase Ⅱ reactions increased correspondingly. With UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology, the differences of transitional components and the metabolism process of HTJQ in rats under normal physiological and pathological conditions were analyzed. The results showed that types of transitional components and the activity of some metabolic enzymes would be changed in COPD pathological state, which would affect the metabolic process of bioactive components in vivo. It laid a foundation for further elucidating the metabolic process and pharmacodynamic substance basis of HTJQ.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate encapsulated realgar nanoparticles exhibit enhanced anticancer therapeutic efficacy against acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Realgar and (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are natural medicines that inhibit cancer cell growth, resulting in inhibition of formation and development of tumors. The anticancer effects of realgar and EGCG were greatly improved following formulation as nanoparticles. EGCG has received increased attention as a drug carrier. The aim of this study was to prepare a new nanomedicine, (EGCG-RNPs), in which encapsulated nano-realgar. EGCG-RNPs were prepared by coprecipitation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), particle size and zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in vitro release. Furthermore, we evaluated the antiproliferative effects of EGCG-RNPs on HL-60 cells in vitro, antitumor effect by intratumoral injection of EGCG-RNPs into solid tumors derived from APL HL-60 cells in vivo. Possible mechanisms were evaluated using uptake and efflux experiments in HL-60 cells. The results showed that the average particle size and zeta potentials of EGCG-RNPs was 200.3 ± 1.23 nm and -46.8 ± 1.31 mV. Controlled release of EGCG-RNPs was sustained and continued up to 72 h in vitro. Compared with nano-realgar and EGCG + RNPs (EGCG and nano-realgar physical mixing), EGCG-RNPs significantly inhibited growth of HL-60 cells. In a solid tumor model, EGCG-RNPs decreased tumor volumes, with an inhibitory rate of 60.18% at a dose of 70 mg · kg-1. The mechanisms of antitumor improvement may correlate with the increased uptake of realgar and prolonged the retention time of realgar in HL-60 cells due to EGCG as a carrier. EGCG-RNPs could enhance anticancer therapeutic efficacy for acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Aminated ß-cyclodextrin-grafted Fe3O4-loaded gambogic acid magnetic nanoparticles: preparation, characterization, and biological evaluation.

Based on aminated ß-cyclodextrin (6-NH2-ß-CD)-grafted Fe3O4 and gambogic acid (GA) clathrate complexes, a nanoparticle delivery system was developed with the aim to achieve low irritation, strong targeting, and high bioavailability of a gambogic acid magnetic nanopreparation. 6-NH2-ß-CD grafted onto Fe3O4 MNPs was demonstrated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, zeta potential, and magnetic measurements. The average particle size of the Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs was 147.4 ± 0.28 nm and the PDI was 0.072 ± 0.013. The encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, zeta potential, and magnetic saturation values of the Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs were 85.71 ± 3.47%, 4.63 ± 0.04%, -29.3 ± 0.42 mV, and 46.68 emu g-1, respectively. Compared with free GA, the in vitro release profile of GA from Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs was characterized by two phases: an initial fast release and a delayed-release phase. The Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs displayed continuously increased cytotoxicity against HL-60 and HepG2 cell lines in 24 h, whereas the carrier Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs showed almost no cytotoxicity, indicating that the release of GA from the nanoparticles had a sustained profile and Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs as a tumor tissue-targeted drug delivery system have great potential. Besides, blood vessel irritation tests suggested that the vascular irritation could be reduced by the use of Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs encapsulation for GA. The t 1/2 and the AUC of the Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD@GA MNPs were found to be higher than those for the GA solution by approximately 2.71-fold and 2.42-fold in a pharmacokinetic study, respectively. The better biocompatibility and the combined properties of specific targeting and complexation ability with hydrophobic drugs make the Fe3O4@NH2-ß-CD MNPs an exciting prospect for the targeted delivery of GA.

Similarity Evaluation of Different Origins and Species of Dendrobiums by GC-MS and FTIR Analysis of Polysaccharides.

GC-MS method combined with FTIR techniques by the analysis of polysaccharide was applied to evaluate the similarity between wild (W) and tissue-cultured (TC) Dendrobium huoshanense (DHS), Dendrobium officinale (DO), and Dendrobium moniliforme (DM) as well as 3 wild Dendrobium spp.: Dendrobium henanense (DHN), Dendrobium loddigesii (DL), and Dendrobium crepidatum (DC). Eight monosaccharides involving xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucose, mannose, fructose, galactose, and galacturonic acid were identified in the polysaccharide from each Dendrobium sample while the contents of the monosugars varied remarkably across origins and species. Further similarity evaluation based on GC-MS data showed that the r cor values of different origins of DHS, DO, and DM were 0.831, 0.865, and 0.884, respectively, while the r cor values ranged from 0.475 to 0.837 across species. FTIR files of the polysaccharides revealed that the similarity coefficients between W and TC-DHS, DO, and DM were 88.7%, 86.8%, and 88.5%, respectively, in contrast to the similarity coefficients varying from 57.4% to 82.6% across species. These results suggested that the structures of polysaccharides between different origins of the investigated Dendrobiums might be higher than what we had supposed.

Preparation and Characterization of Folate Targeting Magnetic Nanomedicine Loaded with Gambogenic Acid.

To engineer multifunctional nanomedicines for simultaneous imaging and therapy of cancer cells, we have prepared Gambogenic acid (GNA) loaded folic acid (FA) armed MNPs (FA-GNA-MNPs) to target the folate receptor (FR) positive cancer cells. The FA-GNA-MNPs have been prepared by a facile method, which have been further characterized by SEM, TEM, IR and UV-vis spectra. And the cytotoxicity of FA-GNA-MNPs to HeLa and A549 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The FA-GNA-MNPs (with loading efficiency of 4.35%) showed sustained liberation of GNA molecules (with 73.46% release in 96 h). The mean particle diameter (MD) of FA-GNA-MNPs and the polydispersity index (PDI) are 254.3 nm and 0.139, respectively. The cytotoxicity of free GNA and FA-GNA-MNPs toward HeLa cells showed that FA-GNA-MNPs was more cytotoxic than GNA. Based on these findings, it suggests that FA-GNA-MNPs would be as a novel multifunctional nanomedicine/theranostic for concurrent targeting, imaging and therapy of the FR-positive cancer cells.

[Preparation Technique of Tetraploid of Dioscorea zingiberensis Synthetic Seed Based on Embryogenic Callus].

OBJECTIVE: To provide technical support for industrialization promotion of tetraploid of Dioscorea zingiberensis, the manufacturing method for synthetic seeds of tetraploid of Dioscorea zingiberensis was established and the correlated influential factors were studied. METHODS: By taking embryogenic calluses of tetraploid of Dioscorea zingiberensis as propagation materials, the influential factors such as components of artificial endosperm, seed coats,storage conditions and germination materials on germination and seedling of the synthetic seeds were evaluated. RESULTS: When 4% alginate +2% CaCl2 + 2% chitosan was served as seed coat materials, and 1/2 MS +0. 2 mg/L BA +0. 5 mg/L NAA + 0. 1 mg/L penicillin + 0. 3% carhendazim powder + 0. 2% sodium benzoate + 1. 0% sucrose + 0. 5% activated carbon + 1. 0% tapioca starch was served as endosperm, the synthetic seeds had high germination rate and seedling rate. After storing at 4 °C for 20 d, the germination rate and seedling rate of synthetic seeds was 76. 7% and 71. 7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Manufacturing technology of synthetic seeds of tetraploid of Dioscorea zingiberensis with embryogenic calluses as propagation materials has production prospects.

The application of biotechnology in medicinal plants breeding research in China.

Breeding is not only an important area of medicinal plants research but also the foundation for the superior varieties acquirement of medicinal plants. The rise of modern biotechnology provides good opportunities and new means for medicinal plants breeding research in China. Biotechnology shows its technical advantages and new development prospects in breeding of new medicinal plants varieties with high and stable yield, good quality, as well as stress-resistance. In this paper, we describe recent advances, problems, and development prospects about the application of modern biotechnology in medicinal plants breeding research in China.

[Genetic stability study on autotetraploid plant of Dioscorea zingiberensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the genetic stability of autotetraploid plant of Dioscorea zingiberensis. METHODS: The chromosome of root-tip was determined by photomicroscope, and the agronomic characters were observed in the period of stable growth. The protein content was determined and the experiment of protein polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was carried out. Furthemore, the diosgenin content was determined and compared. RESULTS: The chromosome number of autotetraploid plantlet was 2n = 4x = 40. The agronomic characters showed typical autotetraploid characteristics. The contents of diosgenin and protein of autotetraploid were higher than that of the diploid. The protein electrophoresis bands of all the lines were similar. CONCLUSION: The experiment confirmed that the autotetraploid plant of Dioscorea zingiberensis, which was artificially induced, had good genetic stability. It lays the foundation for the polyploid breeding to develop superior varieties of Dioscorea zingiberensis.

Germplasm preservation in vitro of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

BACKGROUND: The root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a common traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, the wild resources of P. multiflorum have been seriously broken, and the cultivated varieties have been degrading. The germplasm resources of P. multiflorum need protection and preservation. So far, no in vitro germplasm preservation of P. multiflorum has been reported. OBJECTIVE: To explore a method for the in vitro germplasm preservation of P. multiflorum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A large number of buds from seed explants were induced by tissue culture. The single buds were used as experimental materials to study the effects of plant growth regulator, temperature, and osmotic pressure on the preservation time, growth recovery, and genetic stability. RESULTS: When the buds were inoculated onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media containing 4% w/v sucrose, 2% w/v mannitol, and 1% w/v sorbitol, supplemented with paclobutrazol (PP333) 1.0 mg/l, abscisic acid (ABA) 5.0 mg/l, and daminozide (B9) 30.0 mg/l in an illuminated chamber under a 16 h photoperiod of 1500 lx light intensity at 15°C for 10 months, the survival rate was over 70% with good growth recovery and genetic stability. CONCLUSION: The results of this study can be used for medium-term in vitro germplasm preservation of P. multiflorum, and meeting actual needs of research and production.

[Study on inducing embryogenic callus of Dioscorea zingiberensis by orthogonal design].

OBJECTIVE: To select the suitable medium to induce embryogenic callus of Dioscorea zingiberensis. METHODS: Plantlet of Dioscorea zingiberesis in vitro was obtained by using apical meristem as explant. The different parts of the plantlets were cultured to select the best explant used for inducing callus and embryoids. Growing rate and diosgenin content were calculated in orthogonal test to optimize combination of phytohormones for inducing embryogenic callus. RESULTS: The leaves were suitable explants to induce callus and embryoid. The inducing rate of callus and embryoids reached 92.5% and 42.5%, respectively. The optimal medium for inducing embryogenic callus was MS + 6-BA 2.0 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L + 2,4-D 1.0 mg/L. CONCLUSION: The results of this study can be used for effective induction of embryogenic callus of Dioscorea zingiberensis, and lay the foundation for the subsequent research of artificial seeds.

[Optinization of rapid propagation technique and induction and identification of autotetraploid of Polygonum multiflorum].

OBJECTIVE: To establish and optimize the rapid propagation system of Polygonum multiflorum, as well as explore method for induction and identification of autotetraploid. METHOD: Propagation medium was optimized by orthogonal test. The buds were immersed in colchicine solution with different concentrations for different time to select induction conditions for autotetraploid of P. multiflorum. RESULT: The most appropriate propagation medium was MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg x L(-1) 6-BA, 0.3 mg x L(-1) NAA, and 0.4 mg x L(-1) PP333. That the buds were soaked in 0.2% colchicine solution for 30 h, or soaked in 0.3% colchicine solution for 18 h, was optimal condition to induce autopolyploid of P. multiflorum with induction rate as high as 16.7%. CONCLUSION: Rapid propagation of P. multiflorum could be achieved by tissue culture. Furthermore, colchicine was an effective inducer of polyploidy, and 25 tetraploid lines were obtained through chromosome identification. The experiment laid a foundation for the wild resource conservation, superior varieties breeding of P. multiflorum.

15-Meth-oxy-14,15-di-hydro-andranginine.

The title polycyclic alkaloid, C22H26N2O3, an indole derivative obtained from Melodinus yunnanensis, comprises three chiral C atoms and crystallizes as a racemate. Its seven-membered heterocyclic ring has a twisted conformation, with the N atom within the plane of the indole moiety and with two adjacent C atoms deviating in opposite directions from its plane by 0.756 (3) (methyl-ene C) and -0.802 (3) Š(methine C). In the crystal, pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers.

[Studies on adventitious root induction in vitro and suspension culture of Polygonum multiflorum].

To achieve sustainable resources use of Polygonum multiflorum, adventitious roots were efficiently induced and cultured by suspension culture. In order to obtain optimal medium for induction adventitious roots from the young stems of P. multiflorum, MS medium was optimized by supplementing with different concentrations of sucrose and plant growth substances. The optimal medium for suspension culture of adventitious roots was determined by orthogonal design. The adventitious roots with suspension culture were subcultured, and the growth curve was also determined. Furthermore, the effective compound in adventitious roots was detected. The result indicated that the optimal medium for efficient induction of adventitious roots was MS medium containing 4% w/v sucrose, supplemented with 2.0 mg x L(-1) NAA, and 0.2 mg x L(-1) 6-BA. The optimal medium for suspension culture of adventitious roots was MS medium containing 3% sucrose, supplemented with 2.0 mg x L(-1) NAA, and 0.2 mg x L(-1) ABT-7.2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyl-diphenyl-ethylene-2-O-beta-D-glucoside was detected in adventitious roots, which was effective compound in medicinal material of P. multiflorum. In conclusion, the experiment achieved efficient induction and suspension culture of adventitious roots of P. multiflorum, and laid a foundation for the research on the sustainable use of traditional Chinese medicine resources.

[Clinical study on hemangiomas treatment with high-intensity focused ultrasound (60 cases)].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect and appropriate power of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of infant hemangioma. METHODS: 80 infants with hemangioma were randomly divided into four groups, 20 cases in each group. All cases in group A, B and C were irradiated on the lesion surface with 3-5 mm/s speed for five continuous come-and-goes using HIFU, with frequency 9 MHz, impulse 1 000 Hz and 10% scanning overlap. The power was respectively 3.5 W in group A, 4.0 W in group B and 4.5 W in group C. One session contained three times of treatment, with one month interval. The cases in group D were only followed up as control group. The therapeutic effect, ulcer and scar in irradiated region in group A, B, C were observed 6 months after the last treatment, which were synchronously compared with those in group D. RESULTS: 6 months after the last treatment, 7, 9, 8 cases were cured and 9, 8, 10 cases were almost cured, and 4, 3, 2 cases got improved in group A, B, C, respectively. The total effective rate was 100% in the three groups. While only 5 cases got improved in group D. The treatment effect in group A, B and C was obviously better than that in group D (P < 0.05), with no significant difference among the three groups statistically (P > 0.05). Ulcer and scar in irradiated skin occurred in 0,4,6,0 cases in group A, B, C and D, respectively. The incidence of ulcer and scar was obviously higher in group B and C than that in group A and D statistically (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HIFU irradiating is one of effective methods for infant hemangioma treatment. The appropriate power should not be above 3.5 W.

Nitrogen level changes the interactions between a native (Scirpus triqueter) and an exotic species (Spartina anglica) in Coastal China.

The exotic species Spartina anglica, introduced from Europe in 1963, has been experiencing a decline in the past decade in coastal China, but the reasons for the decline are still not clear. It is hypothesized that competition with the native species Scirpus triqueter may have played an important role in the decline due to niche overlap in the field. We measured biomass, leaf number and area, asexual reproduction and relative neighborhood effect (RNE) of the two species in both monoculture and mixture under three nitrogen levels (control, low and high). S. anglica showed significantly lower biomass accumulation, leaf number and asexual reproduction in mixture than in monoculture. The inter- and intra-specific RNE of S. anglica were all positive, and the inter-specific RNE was significantly higher than the intra-specific RNE in the control. For S. triqueter, inter- and intra-specific RNE were negative at the high nitrogen level but positive in the control and at the low nitrogen level. This indicates that S. triqueter exerted an asymmetric competitive advantage over S. anglica in the control and low nitrogen conditions; however, S. anglica facilitated growth of S. triqueter in high nitrogen conditions. Nitrogen level changed the interactions between the two species because S. triqueter better tolerated low nitrogen. Since S. anglica is increasingly confined to upper, more nitrogen-limited marsh areas in coastal China, increased competition from S. triqueter may help explain its decline.

In vitro tetraploid induction and generation of tetraploids from mixoploids in Dioscorea zingiberensis.

This article describes an efficient colchicine-mediated technique for the in vitro induction of tetraploids in Dioscorea zingiberensis and its confirmation by flow cytometry. Buds immersed in 0.2% colchicine solution for 36 hours prior to culture induced as high as 35.6% tetraploid plants. Colchicine-induced tetraploids remained stable after six months in soil. Leaf characteristics of diploids and tetraploids in D. zingiberensis were compared. It was determined that the leaf sizes of glasshouse-grown plants and stomatal sizes of both in vitro and glasshouse-grown plants were suitable parameters for identifying putative tetraploids in D. zingiberensis. Besides generating tetraploids, this technique generated mixoploids in D. zingiberensis. Calli derived from mixoploid leaves were induced to form buds and shoots. Individual shoots were classed as diploid, mixoploid, and tetraploid by flow cytometry. This callus-based technique could be employed when a genome-doubling agent generated mixoploids, but no tetraploids.

[Clinical analysis of cleft lip and palate repair at the same time on 468 infants].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility, merit and shortcoming of simultaneously repairing cleft lip and palate during the infancy. METHODS: 468 infants with cleft lip and palate repaired simultaneously in our department from 1995 to 2004 were reviewed retrospectively, as well as the cases repaired three years before were followed up and evaluated in pronunciation. RESULTS: 468 infants with cleft lip and palate were effectively treated simultaneously, associated with 173 had complications and 1 died after operation. 94 cases appeared dyspnea (20.1%), 74 cases had ruptured incision in palate including 63 cases in uvula, 2 cases infected in clip incision, 1 case got paralytic brain for lack of oxygen during the anesthesia, 2 cases ran malignant high fever including 1 dying of it, 1 case bled excessively after iodoform gauze pulled out. Among the 168 cases followed up relative to 278 who had treated three years before, 115 cases got clear pronunciation, 48 cases were next and 5 cases' pronunciation were unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Repairing cleft lip and palate simultaneously during the infancy has high rates of dyspnea and ruptured incision in uvula, though which contributes to clear pronunciation and has other merits, and perfect anesthesia is important to success in operation.