AIM To establish a UPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of chlorogenic acid,protocatechuic acid,protocatechualdehyde,cryptochlorogenic acid,syringic acid,1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid,cynaroside,isochlorogenic acid B,neochlorogenic acid,isochlorogenic acid A,hesperidin,caffeic acid,isochlorogenic acid C and rosmarinic acid in Waigan Fengsha Granules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30℃ thermostatic Waters ACQUITY UPLC.HSS C18 column(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.2%phosphoric acid flowing at 0.2 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 275,327 nm.Subsequently,chemometric analysis was performed.RESULTS Fourteen constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 6),whose average recoveries were 95.68%-104.8%with the RSDs of 0.7%-3.0%.Seven batches of samples were clustered into two types,three principal components demonstrated the acumulative contribution rate of 93.031%.CONCLUSION This accurate and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Waigan Fengsha Granules.

AIM To establish a UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous content determination of hyperoside,kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside,esculin,chlorogenic acid,berberine,quercetin,rehmannioside D,palmatine,leonurin A,paeoniflorin,timosaponin BⅡand rutin in Guanhuangmu Granules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 40℃ thermostatic Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.05%formic acid(containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate)-acetonitrile flowing at 0.3 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electron spray ionization source was adopted in positive and negative ion scanning.RESULTS Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r＞0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 93.46%-102.01%with the RSDs of 2.13%-3.65%.CONCLUSION This rapid,accurate,stable and sensitive method can be used for the quality control of Guanhuangmu Granules.

AIM To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous content determination of hyperoside,isoquercitrin,gallic acid,ellagic acid,quercetin,rutin,afzelin,avicularin,quercetin-3-O-6-trans-chumaryl-β-D-glucoside and quercetin 3-O-2″-galloyl-β-D-glucoside in Yuejihua Formula Granules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 40℃ thermostatic Water Acquisition UPLC ? HSS T3 column(1.8 μm,2.1 mm×150 mm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-0.1%formic acid flowing at 0.3 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electron spray ionization source was adopted in negative ion scanning with multiple reaction monitoring mode.RESULTS Ten constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r＞0.995 8),whose average recoveries were 97.3%-99.6%with the RSDs of 0.8%-2.7%.CONCLUSION This simple,rapid,sensitive and specific method can be used for the quality control of Yuejihua Formula Granules.

AIM To improve the quality control method of Zanthoxylum nitidum(Roxb.)DC.METHODS In the TLC qualitative identification of nitidine chloride,chelerythrine and toddalolactone,the analysis was performed on silica gel GF254 TLC plate,chloroform-methanol-ammonia(30∶1∶0.1)was taken as a developing agent.The HPLC fingerprints for Z.nitidum and its adulterants were established.In the HPLC content determination of magnoflorine,nitidine chloride and chelythrine,the analysis was performed on a 30℃ thermostatic Diamonsil Plus column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%trifluoroacetic acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 273 nm.RESULTS The clear TLC plots demonstrated good separation.The similarities of fingerprints for eighteen batches of medicinal materials were 0.484-0.983,Z.nitidum and its adulterants were effectively distinguished.Three constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(R2=1.000 0),whose average recoveries were 98.9%-103.3%with the RSDs of 1.17%-1.96%.CONCLUSION This simple and reproducible can provide a new method for the quality control of Z.nitidum.

AIM To evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and bioequivalency of Yexiazhu Formula Granules and Decoction.METHODS Twelve rats were randomly assigned into two groups and given intragastric administration of the solutions of Yexiazhu Formula Granules and Decoction(0.428 2,2.000 g/kg),respectively,after which blood collection was made at 0.083,0.167,0.25,0.5,0.75,1,2,3,4,8,12,24,36 h,UPLC-MS/MS was adopted in the plasma concentration determination of gallic acid,corilagin and ellagic acid,and main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.Subsequently,the bioequivalency of these two preparations was investigated.RESULTS No significant differences in AUC0-∞,AUC0-t,MRT0-∞,MRT0-t,t1/2,Tmax,CL and Cmax were observable between the two preparations(P＞0.05),whose Cmax,AUC0-∞ ratios or logarithmic mean differences accorded with bioequivalence standard at the 90%confidence level.CONCLUSION Yexiazhu Formula Granules and Decoction demonstrate approximate pharmacokinetic properties and display bioequivalency.

AIM To prepare artesunate nanomicelles,and to evaluate their in vivo pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity.METHODS The nanomicelles were prepared with poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(L-histidine)(mPEG-PLA-PHis)as a carrier,after which the formulation was optimized by single factor test combined with Box-Behnken response surface method,and encapsulation efficiency,drug loading,settling rate,particle size,Zeta potential,in vitro drug release were determined.Twelve H22 tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned into two groups and given tail vein injection of Artesunate Injection and artesunate nanomicelles(1 mg/kg),respectively,after which blood collection was made at different time points,HPLC was adopted in the plasma concentration determination of artesunate,and main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.Thirty-six H22 tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned into six groups,containing model group(normal saline),positive group(20 mg/kg cyclophosphamide),Artesunate Injection group(30 mg/kg)and artesunate nanomicelles low-dose,medium-dose,high-dose groups(10,20,30 mg/kg),then the body weight,tumor weight were recorded and tumor inhibitory rate was calculated at 3 d after the last administration.RESULTS The optimal formulation was determined to be 10.18∶1 for(mPEG-PLA-PHis)-drug ratio,0.48 mg/mL fo artesunate concentration,and 0.96 h for hydration time,the encapsulation efficiency,drug loading,settling rate,particle size and Zeta potential were(94.27±1.26)%,(8.26±0.18)%,(4.19±0.20)%,(65.14±4.96)nm and-(17.64±1.06)mV,respectively.The accumulative release rate of nanomicelles in mild acidic medium was higher than that in mild alkaline medium,demonstrating pH-sensitivity.Compared with injection,the nanomicelles displayed prolonged t1/2,MRT(P＜0.01),decreased CL(P＜0.01),and increased AUC0-t(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the different doses of artesunate nanomicelles groups exhibited no obvious changes in mouse body weight(P＞0.05)and decreased tumor weight(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),especially for the medium-dose group with the tumor inhibitory rate of 55.40%.CONCLUSION High encapsulation efficiency and strong in vivo anti-tumor activity are observable in artesunate nanomicelles.

AIM To investigate the effects of Moluodan Dami Pills on chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)rats and their mechanism.METHODS The rat models were randomly divided into the model group,the low-dose group and high-dose Moluodan Dami Pills groups(2.43 g/kg and 4.86 g/kg),and vitamin A group(0.32 g/kg),following the 16 weeks successful induction of CAG by five-factor modeling method,in contrast to another 10 normal rats of the control group.After 8 weeks corresponding administration,the rats of each group had their general physiological status and pH value of gastric juice assessed;their pathological changes of gastric mucosa observed by naked eyes combined with HE staining;their changes of gastrin-secreting cells(G cells)and somatostatin-secreting cells(D cells)in gastric mucosa observed by immunohistochemistry;and their serum levels of pepsinogen Ⅰ/pepsinogen Ⅱ(PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ)ratio,TNF-α and IL-6 detected by ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Moluodan Damei Pills and vitamin A displayed lower pH values of gastric juice(P＜0.05),improved pathological changes of gastric mucosa,increased G and D cells counts(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),increased ratio of serum PGⅠ/PGⅡ,and decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Moluodan Dami Pills can effectively improve the symptoms of CAG rats through its influence on the number and secretion abilityof G and D cells,the levels of serum PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ ratio and inflammatory factors.

AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Fumai Lyophilized Injection on a mouse model of chronic heart failure after acute myocardial infarction and H9C2 cells with injury induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation.METHODS Thirty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the sham-operation group,the model group,and the Yiqi Fumai group,among which the chronic heart failure model was made by ligation of anterior descending coronary artery and given 4 weeks corresponding drug administration.The H9C2 cells were divided into the normal group,the OGD model group,the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Yiqi Fumai groups,and the JQ1(BRD4 inhibitor)group.The following detections were conducted:heart ultrasound among the mice;the HE staining of the myocardial tissue for the observation of the morphological changes,spectrophotometry of cellular ATP level,JC-1 method for the determination of the mitochondrial membrane potential,RT-qPCR for the assessment of the mRNA expressions of ANP、BNP and BRD4,TUNEL method for the determination of level of cardiomyocytes apoptosis,and Western blot for the determination of the protein expressions of BRD4,AMPK and p-AMPK in both the mice and H9C2 cells.RESULTS Compared with the sham-operation group,the model group displayed decreased heart function(P＜0.01);obviously more hypertrophic or morphologically irregular cardiomyocytes;up-regulated mRNA expressions of ANP,BNP and BRD4(P＜0.01);increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate(P＜0.01);decreased p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression(P＜0.01);and increased BRD4 protein expression(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the Yiqi Fumai groups shared improvement in terms of all the aforementioned indices levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the H9C2 cells of the normal group,those of the OGD model group displayed up-regulated mRNA expressions of ANP,BNP and BRD4(P＜0.01);increased apoptosis rate(P＜0.01);decreased p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression(P＜0.01);increased BRD4 protein expression(P＜0.01),and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels(P＜0.01).Compared with the OGD model group,the groups treated with either Yiqi Fumai or JQ1 demonstrated improvement in terms of the aforementioned indices levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Fumai Lyophilized Injection exhibits its efficacy in improving cardiac function,myocardial energy metabolism,intracellular mitochondria dysfunction and biogenesis in a mouse model of chronic heart failure after myocardial infarction.The effects may be mediated by regulation of BRD4/AMPK signaling pathway.

AIM To investigate the effects of tectorigenin on preadipocyte differentiation and the possible mechanism.METHODS CCK8 method was used to detect the effects of tectorigenin on 3T3-L1 cell viability.After 2 days contact inhibition(Day 0 of differentiation),the cells were exposed to inducer and tectorigenin of different concentrations(0,10,20,40,60 μmol/L),in contrast to those of the control group with no inducer use.On the 9th day of differentiation,the cells had their lipid droplets observed by oil red O staining;their levels of TG and NEFA detected by biochemical kit;their protein expressions of PPARγ,C/EBPα,perilipin-1,ADFP,AMPKα and p-AMPKα detected by Western blot;and their mRNA expressions of Adiponectin,FABP4,FAS and Acly detected by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Tectorigenin concentration of 60 μmol/L or lower levels left no impact upon the cell viability(P＞0.05).Compared with the model group with induced differentiation,the groups intervened with tectorigenin administration displayed decreased formation of lipid droplets;lower levels of TG and NEFA(P＜0.01);decreased protein expressions of C/EBPα,PPAR γ,perilipin-1 and ADFP(P＜0.01);increased protein expressions of AMPKα and p-AMPKα(P＜0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of Adiponectin,FABP4,FAS and Acly(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Tectorigenin inhibits preadipocyte differentiation into mature adipocytes,which may be related to its efficacy in the regulation of C/EBPα,PPARγ,AMPKα and p-AMPKα.

AIM To investigate the mechanism of triterpenoids quillaic acid and gypsogenin-3-O-glucuronide from Psammosilene tunicoides on tunicamycin-induced rheumatoid arthritis fibroblasts-like synoviocytes(RA-FLS)via the endoplasmic reticulum pathway.METHODS The research objects of tunicamycin-induced RA-FLS intervened with quillaic acid and gypsogenin-3-O-glucuronide had their cell proliferation activity detected;their level of tumor nerosis factor-α(TNF-α)detected by ELISA;their apoptosis detected by flow cytometry;their cell migration ability detected by Transwell experiment;their expressions of transcription activator 6(ATF-6),glucose regulatory protein 78(GRP78),C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),cysteine protease protein-12(caspase-12)and anti-apoptosis Bcl-2 protein detected by Western blot;and their mRNA expressions of ATF-6,GRP78 and CHOP detected by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,each group intervened with quillaic acid or gypsogenin-3-O-glucuronide displayed decreased levels of TNF-α(P＜0.01);weakened cell proliferation and migration ability(P＜0.01);increased apoptosis rate(P＜0.01);decreased protein expressions of ATF-6 and Bcl-2(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and increased protein expressions of CHOP and caspase-12(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).In addition,decreased GRP78 protein expression in the low and medium dose groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased mRNA expression of ATF-6,GRP78(P＜0.01)and increased CHOP mRNA expression(P＜0.01)in the medium dose groups of quillaic acid and gypsogenin-3-O-glucuronide were observed as well.CONCLUSION Quillaic acid and gypsogenin-3-O-glucuronide may play a protective role in rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of RA-FLS,inducing apoptosis and reducing the secretion of related inflammatory factors via endoplasmic reticulum signal pathway.