Aim To investigate the role of Wnt/β-cate-nin signaling pathway on the baicalin-induced osteo-genic differentiation in rat bone marrow derived mesen-chymal stem cells ( rBMSC ) . Methods rBMSC was isolated and cultured by adherence screening method. Alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) amount, CFU-FALP and mineralized nodules were compared between each ba-icalin group and vehicle control group at different time points. Real time q-PCR was employed to evaluate the mRNA level of Wnt signaling-related marker ( Wnt10a, GSK-3β,β-catenin and LEF1) after baica-lin treatment. Protein expression of β-catenin and Runx2 was measured by Western blot. Results Ba-icalin significantly increased ALP activities from day 3 to day 7 . The formation of CFU-FALP and mineralized nodules remarkably increased after rBMSC was treated with1, 10, 50 μmol · L-1 baicalin. mRNA levels of Wnt10a, β-catenin, GSK-3β, LEF1and osteocalcin were enhanced significantly in baicalin-treated group compared to control group. Protein expression of β-catenin and Runx2 was also elevated. Conclusion Baicalin ( 0. 1 to 50 μmol · L-1 ) promotes the osteo-genic differentiation and maturation of rBMSC, in which Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway might be in-volved.

To explore novel antifatigue agents targeting with AMPA receptor, 10 compounds were synthesized and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. 1-BCP was treated as the leading compound. The antifatigue activities were evaluated by weight-loaded forced swimming test, and the AMPA receptor binding affinities were tested with radioligand receptor binding assays. The results unveiled that 5b appeared to possess potent antifatigue activities and high affinity with AMPA receptor, which deserved further studies.