Effect of flight transport stress on blood parameters in beagles and the anti-stress effect of dangshen.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of flight transport stress on beagles' routine blood indexes and biochemical parameters and evaluated the anti-stress effect of dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula). METHODS: We selected 12 beagles and divided them into two groups. One group was treated with dangshen decoction two hours before the flight, and the other group was untreated. Their routine blood indexes and clinical biochemical parameters were tested and analyzed before transport, after unloading and after adaptation for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days after administering dangshen. RESULTS: We found that flight transportation stress adversely influenced many of the beagles' routine blood indexes. These recovered during adaptation, with dangshen administration assisting recovery of most indexes. Flight transport stress also adversely influenced biochemical indexes in the beagles. Again these recovered during adaptation, and dangshen aided in the recovery. CONCLUSION: Thus, we found that flight transport adversely affected the beagles' blood indexes, and dangshen reversed the damage from transport stress.

Anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of the Traditional Chinese Medicinal formulation Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san in a rat model of chronic stress.

Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal formulation widely used for the treatment of neuropsychological disorders. The present study examined the anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san in a rat model of chronic stress. The results of an elevated plus maze test showed that Dan­zhi­xiao­yao­san significantly attenuated the levels of anxiety-induced stress as evidenced by increases in the time spent in the open arm region, as well as the percentage of entries into this area. In addition, Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san alleviated stress­induced neuronal death, as indicated by histological examination. Furthermore, mechanistic studies suggested that the anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san may be mediated via attenuation of chronic stress­induced upregulation of α­synuclein and corticosterone, and downregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the hippocampal region of the brain at the mRNA and protein level. In addition, Dan­zhi­xiao­yao­san decreased the serum levels of stress­induced corticosterone in the model animals. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Dan­zhi­xiao­yao­san exerted anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects in a rat model of chronic stress via attenuation of stress­induced upregulation of α­synuclein and corticosterone, and downregulation of PP2A in the hippocampus.

The gastroprotective effect of pogostone from Pogostemonis Herba against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Pogostemonis Herba, known as "Guang-Huo-Xiang" in Chinese, has been widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction. Pogostone is one of the major constituents of Pogostemonis Herba. The aim was to scientifically evaluate the possible gastroprotective effect and the underlying mechanisms of pogostone against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Rats were orally treated with vehicle, lansoprazole (30 mg/kg) or pogostone (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and subsequently exposed to acute gastric lesions induced by indomethacin. Gross evaluation, histological observation, gastric mucosal superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione content, catalase activity, malonaldehyde level and prostaglandin E2 production were performed. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, as well as terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay, immunohistochemistry for heat-shock protein 70, B-cell lymphoma-2 and Bax were conducted. Results indicated that rats pretreated with pogostone showed remarkable protection from the gastric mucosa damage compared to vehicle-treated rats based on the ulcer index and inhibition percentage. Histologically, oral administration of pogostone resulted in observable improvement of gastric injury, characterized by reduction of necrotic lesion, flattening of gastric mucosa and alleviation of submucosal edema with hemorrhage. Pogostone pretreatment significantly raised the depressed activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase, while reduced the elevated malonaldehyde level compared with indomethacin-induced group. Pogostone-pretreated group induced a significant increase in gastric mucosal prostaglandin E2 level and obvious up-regulation of protein levels and mRNA expressions of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. Furthermore, antiapoptotic effect of pogostone was verified by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay, and the apoptotic process triggered by pogostone involved the up-expression of heat-shock protein70 and B-cell lymphoma-2 protein, and suppression of Bax protein expressions in the ulcerated tissues. It is speculated that the gastroprotective effect of pogostone against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration might be associated with its stimulation of cyclooxygenase-mediated prostaglandin E2, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effect.

White pepper and piperine have different effects on pharmacokinetics of puerarin in rats.

This study attempted to explore the effects of white pepper and its major component piperine on puerarin administered to rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of puerarin in rats were determined by oral administration (400 mg/kg) or intravenous injection (40 mg/kg) of puerarin, pretreated with or without white pepper and piperine given orally. Compared to the control group given oral puerarin only, the combined use of piperine (10 or 20 mg/kg) increased the C max of puerarin by 1.30-fold or 1.64-fold and the AUC0-∞ by 133% or 157%, respectively. In contrast, coadministration of white pepper (125 or 250 mg/kg) decreased oral absorption of puerarin to 83% or 74%, respectively. On the other hand, pretreatment with piperine orally did not alter the intravenous pharmacokinetics of puerarin, while the AUC of puerarin after intravenous administration was increased by pretreatment with white pepper. The results indicate that pretreatment with piperine or pepper exerts different effects on pharmacokinetics of puerarin administrated via intragastric and intravenous routes. Therefore, it is suggested that the combined application of piperine or white pepper with puerarin should be carefully monitored for potential diet-drug interactions.