Impact of dietary supplementation with N-carbamoyl-aspartic acid on serum metabolites and intestinal microflora of sows.

BACKGROUND: N-Carbamoyl-aspartic acid (NCA) is a critical precursor for de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. To investigate the cumulative effects of maternal supplementation with NCA on the productive performance, serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota of sows, 40 pregnant sows (∼day 80) were assigned into two groups: (1) the control (CON) and (2) treatment (NCA, 50 g t-1 NCA). RESULTS: Results showed that piglets from the NCA group had heavier birth weight than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). In addition, maternal supplementation with NCA decreased the backfat loss of sows during lactation (P < 0.05). Furthermore,16S-rRNA sequencing results revealed that maternal NCA supplementation decreased the abundance of Cellulosilyticum, Fournierella, Anaerovibrio, and Oribacterium genera of sows during late pregnancy (P < 0.05). Similarly, on the 14th day of lactation, maternal supplementation with NCA reduced the diversity of fecal microbes of sows as evidenced by significantly lower observed species, Chao1, and Ace indexes, and decreased the abundance of Lachnospire, Faecalibacterium, and Anaerovorax genera, while enriched the abundance of Catenisphaera (P < 0.05). Untargeted metabolomics showed that a total of 48 differentially abundant biomarkers were identified, which were mainly involved in metabolic pathways of arginine/proline metabolism, phenylalanine/tyrosine metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis, etc. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results indicated that NCA supplementation regulated intestinal microbial composition of sows and serum differential metabolites related to arginine, proline, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and fatty acids metabolism that may contribute to regulating the backfat loss of sows, and the birth weight and diarrhea rate of piglets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Two separate functions of NME3 critical for cell survival underlie a neurodegenerative disorder.

We report a patient who presented with congenital hypotonia, hypoventilation, and cerebellar histopathological alterations. Exome analysis revealed a homozygous mutation in the initiation codon of the NME3 gene, which encodes an NDP kinase. The initiation-codon mutation leads to deficiency in NME3 protein expression. NME3 is a mitochondrial outer-membrane protein capable of interacting with MFN1/2, and its depletion causes dysfunction in mitochondrial dynamics. Consistently, the patient's fibroblasts were characterized by a slow rate of mitochondrial dynamics, which was reversed by expression of wild-type or catalytic-dead NME3. Moreover, glucose starvation caused mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death in the patient's cells. The expression of wild-type and catalytic-dead but not oligomerization-attenuated NME3 restored mitochondrial elongation. However, only wild-type NME3 sustained ATP production and viability. Thus, the separate functions of NME3 in mitochondrial fusion and NDP kinase cooperate in metabolic adaptation for cell survival in response to glucose starvation. Given the critical role of mitochondrial dynamics and energy requirements in neuronal development, the homozygous mutation in NME3 is linked to a fatal mitochondrial neurodegenerative disorder.

Efficacy and Safety of Thermal Ablation for Treatment of Solitary T1N0M0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background Microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have recently attracted interest as minimally invasive treatment modalities for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the ablation outcomes of T1N0M0 PTC are not well characterized. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation (MWA or RFA) of solitary T1N0M0 PTC in patients who were ineligible for (due to presence of comorbid cardiovascular disease, renal failure, other malignancy, etc) or who refused surgery. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective multicenter study of 847 patients (660 women) who underwent thermal ablation for PTC (673 T1a, 174 T1b) between March 2015 and March 2020; of these patients, 645 underwent MWA and 202 underwent RFA. The mean age of patients was 46 years ± 11 (standard deviation) (age range, 18-81 years); the mean follow-up time was 22 months ± 13 (range, 6-60 months). Changes in tumor size and volume and the rates of technical success, tumor disappearance, disease progression, and complications were assessed. Results The technical success rate was 100%. Relative to preablation measurements, the maximum diameter and volume of the ablation zone increased during the 1st month after ablation (P < .001), whereas there was no difference by the 3rd month; subsequently, the tumors showed reduction in size at 6, 9, and 12 months (all P < .001). Complete disappearance of tumors occurred in 68% of patients (577 of 847; 69% [466 of 673] in the T1a group vs 64% [111 of 174] in the T1b group; P < .001). The postablation disease progression rate was 1.1% (nine of 847 patients; 0.9% [six of 673 patients] in the T1a group vs 1.7% [three of 174 patients] in the T1b group; P = .54). The overall complication rate was 3.4% (29 of 847 patients; 2.7% [18 of 673 patients] in the T1a group vs 6.3% [11 of 174 patients] in the T1b group; P = .02). Conclusion This multicenter study provided evidence that thermal ablation is an effective and safe treatment option in selected -patients with solitary T1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Baek and Cho in this issue.

Sequencing on an imported case in China of COVID-19 Delta variant emerging from India in a cargo ship in Zhoushan, China.

A cluster of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections was found in a cargo ship under repair in Zhoushan, China. Twelve of 20 crew members were identified as SARS-CoV-2 positive. We analyzed four sequences and identified them all in the Delta branch emerging from India with 7-8 amino acid mutation sites in the spike protein.

Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (including microwave ablation [MWA] and radiofrequency ablation [RFA]) has emerged as a remarkable technology for the treatment of benign and malignant diseases. The objective of this multicenter study was to assess the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation in a large cohort of patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 725 patients who underwent MWA/RFA at 11 centers between March 2015 and March 2020. The mean age of patients was 46 ± 11 years (range, 22-81); the mean follow-up time was 21 ± 13 months (range, 6-60). Changes in size of tumor, the rates of tumor disappearance, disease progression, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: From 6 months post-ablation, the size of tumors was significantly reduced compared with those recorded pre-ablation (p < 0.001 for all). Five hundred and fifteen (71.0%) PTMCs had completely disappeared as assessed by ultrasound examination. Six (0.8%) patients developed disease progression post-ablation; of these, 5 (0.7%) patients developed new PTMCs, while one (0.1%) patient developed cervical lymph node metastasis. Nineteen (2.6%) patients developed complications post-ablation; of these 14 (1.9%) patients developed voice hoarseness, 4 (0.6%) developed hematoma, and one (0.1%) patient developed cough. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation represents an effective and safe treatment for patients with PTMC besides active surveillance and surgery.

Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio relates to poor prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a novel biomarker to predict the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes of elderly patients with AMI and assessed the prognostic value of PLR on in-hospital adverse events. METHODS: A total of 1,001 patients were divided into an older group (n = 560) and a younger group (n = 441) based on age ≥ 60 years and successfully underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12 h after presentation. Total white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets counts were measured at admission. RESULTS: The incidence of heart rupture, acute heart failure, total adverse events, and death resulting from all events were significantly higher in patients ≥ 60 years than in younger patients, whereas the incidence of postoperative angina and reinfarction were similar between groups. Regarding blood counts, total white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets were lower in the older group than in the younger group. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was significantly higher in the older group. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, high PLR > 147 predicted adverse events (specificity 72% and sensitivity 63%). In multiple logistic regression analysis, age, hypertension, and PLR were identified as independent predictors of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The in-hospital outcomes of elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction were poor. PLR was an independent risk factor for in-hospital adverse events, which suggested that strong inflammation and prothrombotic status may contribute to the poor prognoses of elderly patients.

Potential Presymptomatic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, Zhejiang Province, China, 2020.

We report a 2-family cluster of persons infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the city of Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China, during January 2020. The infections resulted from contact with an infected but potentially presymptomatic traveler from the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province.

Detection of Novel Coronavirus by RT-PCR in Stool Specimen from Asymptomatic Child, China.

We report an asymptomatic child who was positive for a coronavirus by reverse transcription PCR in a stool specimen 17 days after the last virus exposure. The child was virus positive in stool specimens for at least an additional 9 days. Respiratory tract specimens were negative by reverse transcription PCR.

Molecular evolution of GII.P17-GII.17 norovirus associated with sporadic acute gastroenteritis cases during 2013-2018 in Zhoushan Islands, China.

In this study, we investigated the molecular characteristics and spatio-temporal dynamics of GII.P17-GII.17 norovirus in Zhoushan Islands during 2013-2018. We collected 1849 samples from sporadic acute gastroenteritis patients between January 2013 and August 2018 in Zhoushan Islands, China. Among the 1849 samples, 134 (7.24%) samples were positive for human norovirus (HuNoV). The complete sequence of GII.17 VP1 gene was amplified from 31 HuNoV-positive samples and sequenced. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the full-length sequence of the VP1 gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the GII.17 genotype detected during 2014-2018 belongs to the new GII.17 Kawasaki variant. Divergence analysis revealed that the time of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of GII.17 in Zhoushan Islands was estimated to be between 1997 and 1998. The evolutionary rate of the VP1 gene of the GII.17 genotype norovirus was 1.14 × 10-3 (95% HPD: 0.62-1.73 × 10-3) nucleotide substitutions/site/year. The spatio-temporal diffusion analysis of the GII.17 genotype identified Hong Kong as the epicenter for GII.17 dissemination. The VP1 gene sequence of Zhoushan Island isolates correlated with that of Hong Kong and Japan isolates.

New Enhanced Method for Determination of Trace Sulfamethodxazole Based on the Fluorescence Behaviors of Cyclodextrins in Water Solutions.

The widespread occurrence of sulfonamides (SAs) in the environment water has rasied great concerns about their potential to antibiotics resistance. In this study, the fluorescence behaviors of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) representing certain properties of the SAs mixed with three different kinds of cyclodextrins (CDs) in water solutions were investigated, respectively. The result reported that the shapes of the fluorescence peak and its position for the SMZ that were mixed with the CDs were almost the same as those of the standard SMZ, respectively. In addition, compared with the identical control sample the fluorescence of SMZ mixed with each of the CD was greatly enhanced. Therefore, a new simple, and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of SMZ was established in water solutions. and the dynamic linear ranges varied from 0.01 to 0.7 mg/L with the detection limit of 7.1 ng/L. And the correlation coefficient was more than 99.9%. Significantly, this new method was successfully applied to direct determination of SMZ in pharmaceutical compounds. Moreover, the results showed that the SMZ could separately form the 1:1 supramolecular compound with each of the CD.

Sphincterotomy plus balloon dilation versus sphincterotomy alone for choledocholithiasis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy plus balloon dilation (ESBD) is considered to be a promising method for the removal of large common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, when compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) alone, the efficacy and safety of ESBD remain controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ESBD vs. EST for the removal of large CBD stones. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched up to 15 July 2018 for literature that compared ESBD with EST for the removal of CBD stones. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) of the stone clearance rate and the complication rate were used to compare the efficacy and safety of ESBD vs. EST. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies with 2789 patients were included. The results showed that the stone removal rate was much higher in the ESBD group than in the EST group, both across all endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) sessions (OR 2.68, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.79 to 4.01) and during the first ERCP session (OR 2.07, 95 %CI 1.37 to 3.12). The ESBD group had fewer complications than EST alone (OR 0.63, 95 %CI 0.47 to 0.85). Moreover, the ESBD group needed less mechanical lithotripsy (OR 0.38, 95 %CI 0.24 to 0.61) and had a shorter procedure time (mean difference - 4.05, 95 %CI - 7.02 to - 1.09) than EST alone. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of ESBD were superior to those of EST for the removal of large CBD stones. Moreover, less mechanical lithotripsy and shorter procedure times were needed with ESBD to manage large stones.

Total flavonoids from sea buckthorn ameliorates lipopolysaccharide/cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation.

The total flavonoids from sea buckthorn (TFSB) exhibit a potent anti-inflammatory activity; however, the effect of TFSB on respiratory inflammatory disease is not fully known. The present study evaluated the potential of TFSB to prevent airway inflammation and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that TFSB remarkably inhibited lipopolysaccharide/cigarette smoke extract (LPS/CSE)-induced expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, CXCL1, and MUC5AC at both mRNA and protein levels in HBE16 bronchial epithelial cells. TFSB also decreased the production of PGE2 through inhibition the expression of COX2 in LPS/CSE-stimulated HBE16 cells. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar fluid and histological analyses revealed that LPS/cigarette smoke exposure-induced elevated cell numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in bronchoalveolar fluid, inflammatory cell infiltration, and airway remodeling were remarkably attenuated by TFSB in mice. Immunohistochemical results also confirmed that TFSB decreased the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, COX2, CXCL1, and MUC5AC in LPS/CS-exposed mice. Mechanistically, TFSB blocked LPS/CSE-induced activation of ERK, Akt, and PKCα. Molecular docking further confirmed that the main components in TFSB including quercetin and isorhamnetin showed potent binding affinities to MAPK1 and PIK3CG, two upstream kinases of ERK and Akt, respectively. In summary, TFSB exerts a potent protective effect against LPS/CS-induced airway inflammation through inhibition of ERK, PI3K/Akt, and PKCα pathways, suggesting that TFSB may be a novel therapeutic agent for respiratory diseases.

Quercetin, Kaempferol and Isorhamnetin in Elaeagnus pungens Thunb. Leaf: Pharmacological Activities and Quantitative Determination Studies.

Elaeagnus pungens leaf was documented to be very effective to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis both as traditional Chinese medicine and minority traditional medicine; yet the actual effective components still remain unknown. This work is to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antalgic and antitussive activities of E. pungens leaf, quercetin and kaempferol, and their contents in E. pungens leaf. Pharmacological experiments showed that they could considerably reduce ear-swelling of mouse and relieve writhing reaction of mouse; they could also prevent mouse from coughing significantly. These findings suggested that quercetin and kaempferol are major effective components treating asthma and chronic bronchitis. Quantitative analysis results indicated that the levels of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin varied greatly in different species of Elaeagnus and in different plant parts: E. pungens leaf is more similar to Elaeagnus umbellate leaf chemically; quercetin level is exceptionally high in Elaeagnus oldhami leaf; E. pungens leaf is a better medical part for treating asthma and chronic bronchitis in comparison with other parts.

Molecular mechanism and research progress on pharmacology of traditional Chinese medicine in liver injury.

CONTEXT: Liver disease is a common threat to human health, caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver. Recent studies have shown that active ingredients (for example: flavonoids, saponins, acids, phenols, and alkaloids) from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can have hepatoprotective benefits, which represents an attractive source of drug discovery for treating liver injury. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed recent contributions on the chemically induced liver injury, immunological liver damage, alcoholic liver injury, and drug-induced liver injury, in order to summarize the research progress in molecular mechanism and pharmacology of TCM, and provides a comprehensive overview of new TCM treatment strategies for liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant literature was obtained from scientific databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science. and CNKI databases on ethnobotany and ethnomedicines (from January 1980 to the end of May 2018). The experimental studies involving the antihepatic injury role of the active agents from TCM and the underlying mechanisms were identified. The search terms included 'liver injury' or 'hepatic injury', and 'traditional Chinese medicine', or 'herb'. RESULTS: A number of studies revealed that the active ingredients of TCM exhibit potential therapeutic benefits against liver injury, while the underlying mechanisms appear to contribute to the regulation of inflammation, oxidant stress, and pro-apoptosis signaling pathways. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The insights provided in this review will help further exploration of botanical drugs in the development of liver injury therapy via study on the effective components of TCM.

Transcriptome assembly in Suaeda aralocaspica to reveal the distinct temporal gene/miRNA alterations between the dimorphic seeds during germination.

BACKGROUND: Dimorphic seeds from Suaeda aralocaspica exhibit different germination behaviors that are thought to be a bet-hedging strategy advantageous in harsh and unpredictable environments. To understand the molecular mechanisms of Suaeda aralocaspica dimorphic seed germination, we applied RNA sequencing and small RNA sequencing for samples collected at three germination stages. RESULTS: A total of 79,414 transcripts were assembled using Trinity, of which 57.67% were functionally annotated. KEGG enrichment unveiled that photosynthesis and flavonol biosynthesis pathways were activated earlier in brown seed compared with black seed. Gene expression analysis revealed that nine candidate unigenes in gibberellic acid and abscisic acid signal transduction and 23 unigenes in circadian rhythm-plant pathway showed distinct expression profiles to promote dimorphic seed germination. 194 conserved miRNAs comprising 40 families and 21 novel miRNAs belonging to 20 families in Suaeda aralocaspica were identified using miRDeep-P and Mfold. The expression of miRNAs in black seed was suppressed at imbibition stage. Among the identified miRNAs, 59 conserved and 13 novel miRNAs differentially expressed during seed germination. Of which, 43 conserved and nine novel miRNAs showed distinct expression patterns between black and brown seed. Using TAPIR, 208 unigenes were predicted as putative targets of 35 conserved miRNA families and 17 novel miRNA families. Among functionally annotated targets, genes participated in transcription regulation constituted the dominant category, followed by genes involved in signaling and stress response. Seven of the predicted targets were validated using 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends or real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that specific genes and miRNAs are regulated differently between black and brown seed during germination, which may contribute to the different germination behaviors of Suaeda aralocaspica dimorphic seeds in unpredictable variable environments. Our results lay a solid foundation for further studying the roles of candidate genes and miRNAs in Suaeda aralocaspica dimorphic seed germination.

Dexamethasone-induced cellular tension requires a SGK1-stimulated Sec5-GEF-H1 interaction.

Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is often used to induce osteoblast commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and this process requires RhoA-dependent cellular tension. The underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we show that dexamethasone stimulates expression of fibronectin and integrin α5 (ITGA5), accompanied by an increase in the interaction of GEF-H1 (also known as ARHGEF2) with Sec5 (also known as EXOC2), a microtubule (MT)-regulated RhoA activator and a component of the exocyst, respectively. Disruption of this interaction abolishes dexamethasone-induced cellular tension and GEF-H1 targeting to focal adhesion sites at the cell periphery without affecting dexamethasone-induced levels of ITGA5 and fibronectin, and the extracellular deposition of fibronectin at adhesion sites is specifically inhibited. We demonstrate that dexamethasone stimulates the expression of serum-glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1), which is necessary and sufficient for the induction of the Sec5-GEF-H1 interaction. Given the function of SGK1 in suppressing MT growth, our data suggest that the induction of SGK1 through treatment with dexamethasone alters MT dynamics to increase Sec5-GEF-H1 interactions, which promote GEF-H1 targeting to adhesion sites. This mechanism is essential for the formation of fibronectin fibrils and their attachment to integrins at adhesion sites in order to generate cellular tension.

Review: A Japanese population-based meta-analysis of vonoprazan versus PPI for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: Is superiority an illusion?

BACKGROUND: Vonoprazan (VPZ) is a novel acid suppressant that has been used in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapies in recent years. However, the efficacy and safety of VPZ vs proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) in H. pylori eradication therapies remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To perform a meta-analysis in order to assess the efficacy and safety of VPZ vs PPI for H. pylori eradication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to July 10, 2017, for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized clinical studies (NRCTs). The pooled eradication rate (ER) and pooled occurrence rates of adverse events were used to compare the efficacy and safety of VPZ - and PPI-containing regimens. RESULT: A total of 14 studies with 14 636 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the pooled ER of VPZ -containing regimens was much higher than that of PPI-containing regimens when used as first-line therapies. This difference was significant for both intention-to-treat (85.1% vs 68.0%, P < .00001) and per-protocol analyses (89.0% vs 74.2%, P < .00001). Moreover, subgroup analysis indicated significant superiority of VPZ in both patients with clarithromycin-resistant strains (81.5% vs 40.9%, P < .00001) and those with clarithromycin-susceptible strains (94.9% vs 89.6%, P = .006). However, VPZ did not show superiority to PPI as part of a second-line triple therapy based on both intention-to-treat (83.4% vs 82.0%, P = .79) and per-protocol analyses (89.3% vs 90.1%, P = .06). Finally, RCT subgroup analysis showed the safety of VPZ -containing regimens to be better than PPI-containing regimens (26.4% vs 33.3%, P = .008), whereas there was no significant difference in this regard for the NRCT subgroup analysis (5.7% vs 4.7%, P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of VPZ is superior to PPI in first-line H. pylori triple eradication therapies but not in second-line therapies. The safety of VPZ -containing regimens appears to be equal or even superior to that of PPI. However, most reports included in this study had low levels of evidence. Hence, adequate and high-quality RCTs will be needed to support our results.

Two new secoiridoids and other anti-hepatitis B virus active constituents from Swertia patens.

Two new secoiridoids, swerpatic acid (1) with an unusual C8 skeleton and swerpalactone (2), were isolated along with ten known compounds (3-12) from the whole plants of Swertia patens. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Eight compounds were evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activities on Hep G 2.2.15 cell line in vitro. Compounds 4 and 10 showed moderate inhibitory activities on the secretion of HBsAg with IC50 values of 1.96 and 0.50 mM.

Oxysophocarpine Ameliorates Carrageenan-induced Inflammatory Pain via Inhibiting Expressions of Prostaglandin E2 and Cytokines in Mice.

Oxysophocarpine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides. We investigated the analgesic effect of oxysophocarpine on carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain in mice, in order to explore its possible mechanisms. Mouse ear swelling tests and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests were used to investigate the effects of oxysophocarpine on inflammatory pain in mice. Morphological changes on inflamed paw sections were measured by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The mRNA and protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 were investigated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, western-blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In our results, oxysophocarpine shows a significant anti-inflammatory effect in the mouse ear swelling test. Oxysophocarpine also significantly reduced the paw edema volume and improved mechanical allodynia threshold value on carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain, as well as relieved paw tissues inflammatory damage and reduced the numbers of neutrophils in mice. Oxysophocarpine significantly suppressed over-expression of cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2, and inhibited the over-phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Based on these findings we propose that oxysophocarpine attenuates inflammatory pain by suppressing the levels of phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6.

[Chemical constituents of Swertia kouitchensis Franch].

This study is to investigate the chemical constituents of Swertia kouitchensis. The whole plants of air-dried Swertia kouitchensis was extracted with 90% EtOH. The water extract was suspended in H2O and extracted with petroleum ether, EtOAc and n-BuOH, successively. The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography from the EtOAc fraction, and their structures were identified based on spectral analyses (MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR). Twenty-eight compounds were obtained, and characterized as erythrocentaurin (1), erythrocentaurin dimethylacetal (2), swertiamarin (3), vogeloside (4), 2'-O- actylswertiamarin (5), swertianoside D (6), gentiocrucines A-B (7-8), gentiocrucine (9), 1-hydroxy-3, 7, 8-trimethoxyxanthone (10), 1-hydroxy-3, 5, 6-trimethoxyxanthone (11), 3-epitaraxerol (12), erythrodiol 3-O-palmitate (13), (+) -syringaresinol (14), caffeic acid (15), trans-coniferyl aldehyde (16), trans-coniferyl alcohol (17), 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (18), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid (19), 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic aldehyde (20), 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (21), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (22), 3-acetoxybenzoic acid (23), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (24), 3-hydroxybenzoic alcohol (25), nicotinic acid (26), 2-furoic acid (27), and uracil (28). Compounds 1-4, 6-28 were obtained from S. kouitchensis for the first time.