In this work, a fast and efficient microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was developed to extract main bioactive alkaloids from lotus plumue. To optimize MAE conditions, three main factors were selected using univariate approach experiments, and then central composite design (CCD). The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: methanol concentration of 65%, microwave power of 200 W, and extraction time of 260 s. A high performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector (HPLC–DAD) method was established to quantitatively analyze these phytochemicals in different lotus plumule samples and in different part of lotus. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an Agilent Zorbax Extend-C18 column (4.6 mm×150 mm, 3.5 μm). Gradient elution was applied with the mobile phase constituted with 0.1%triethylamine in water (A) and acetonitrile (B): 40%?70% B at 0?8 min, 70%?100% B at 8–9 min, 100% B for 2 min, and then equilibrated with 40%B for 2 min.

BACKGROUND:There are less studies addressing whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients are different from healthy people.
OBJECTIVE:To compare the multi-differentiation capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells isolated from systemic lupus erythematosus model mice and normal control mice.
METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of systemic lupus erythematosus model mice and C57BL mice were isolated and cultured fol owed by osteogenic and adipogenic differentiations, respectively. Differentiation abilities of two kinds of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Passaged bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from C57BL mice were long spindle-shaped and evenly distributed, while bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus model mice showed slow growth and were relatively smal er than those from C57BL mice. After osteogenic induction, the amount of calcium salt and calcium nodules were significantly less in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus model mice than from normal control mice. PCR detection showed that expressions of Runx2, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were also significantly decreased in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus model mice. After adipogenic induction, the number of lipid droplets in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus model mice was significantly less than the control group, and PCR detection also showed significantly decreased expression of adipogenic genes, including PPARγ2 and lipoprotein lipase. These findings suggest that the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus model mice exhibit lower osteogenic and adipogenic capacities than those from normal C57BL mice, and also have the impaired multi-differentiation ability.