The genus Salvia in the family Lamiaceae with nearly 1 000 species, is widespread in temperate and tropical regions around the world. Many species of genus Salvia are important medicinal plants with a long history of which Danshen (the dried roots and rhizomes of S. miltiorrhiza) is one of the most popular herbal traditional medicines in Asian countries. The chemical constituents from Salvia plants mainly contain sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids and polyphenols etc, which exhibit antibacterial, antidermatophytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antiplatelet aggregation activities and so on. In this article, the development of new constituents and their biological activities of Salvia genus in the past five years were reviewed and summarized for its further development and utilization.
Diterpenes ; isolation & purification ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Salvia ; chemistry ; Sesquiterpenes ; isolation & purification ; Triterpenes ; isolation & purification

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of blood glucose,blood pressure and blood uric acid level on hematuria in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsOne hundred and sixty-two ACS patients were selected and received standardized treatment after admission to hospital.Urine test was taken and patients were divided into no hematuria group(37 cases),microscopic hematuria group (56 cases) and gross hematuria group(69 cases) according to the results.Blood pressure,fasting and postprandial 2 hours blood glucose,glycated hemoglobin and blood uric acid level were measured and compared among three groups.ResultsMicroscopic hematuria group compared with no hematuria group,fasting and postprandial 2 hours blood glucose,glycated hemoglobin,systolic blood pressure and blood uric acid level raised 58.0％[(7.9 ±0.7) mmol/L vs. (5.0 ± 1.1) mmol/L],33.3％[(12.4 ±0.8) mmol/L vs.(9.3 ± 0.6 ) mmol/L ],48.2％ [ ( 8.3 ± 0.8 )％ vs.( 5.6 ± 0.5 )％ ],23.8％ [ ( 151.6 ± 7.0) mm Hg ( 1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa) vs.(122.5 ±9.9) mm Hg],29.2％ [(635.4 ±47.4) μmol/L vs.(491.8 ±83.4)μmol/L]respectively,there were significant differences (P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ).Gross hematuria group compared with microscopic hematuria group,the above mentioned indexes raised 16.5％[ (9.2 ± 1.1 ) mmol/L vs.(7.9 ± 0.7)mmol/L],30.6％[ ( 16.2 ± 1.8) mmol/L vs.( 12.4 ± 0.8) mmol/L],14.5％[ (9.5 ± 0.8)％ vs.(8.3 ± 0.8)％ ],18.8％[(180.1 ± 12.3) mm Hg vs.(151.6 ±7.0) mm Hg],34.6％[(855.5 ±74.5) μ mol/L vs.(635.4 ±47.4 ) μ mol/L ] respectively,there were significant differences ( P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ).Gross hematuria group compared with no hematuria group,the above mentioned indexes increased significantly(P＜ 0.01 ).The level of diastolic blood pressureamong three groups had no significant difference(P ＞ 0.05).The Logistic regression analysis showed that fasting and postprandial 2 hours blood glucose (r =3.175,P =0.001 ;r =0.906,P =0.001 ),glycated hemoglobin ( r =16.109,P =0.001 ),systolic blood pressure (r =0.429,P =0.003 ),blood uric acid level(r =1.317,P =0.004) were risk factors on hematuria after antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in ACS patients,the impact of glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose on hematuria was stronger than that of blood uric acid level and systolic blood pressure.ConclusionWith the increase of blood glucose,systolic blood pressure,blood uric acid,the risk of hematuria increases in ACS patients.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the activity of nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH ) oxidase in peripheral blood mononuclear cell and left ventricular remodeling in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods Fifty-two patients with AMI hospitalized from December 2010 to June 2011 were selected as AMI group,and 25 patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia hospitalized in the same period were selected as control group.All patients were examined by Doppler echocardiography and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated.Fasting blood was drawn on the second day after hospitalization to measure the level of biochemical indexes,malondialdehyde(MDA ) and the activity of NADPH oxidase.The correlation of the level of MDA,the activity of NADPH oxidase and LVMI was analyzed.Results The level of MDA in AMI group was significantly higher than that in control group [(6.14 ±t 2.80) μ mol/L vs(2.95 ± 1.82) μmol/L,P ＜ 0.01 ].The levd of O2- in AMI group was also obviously higher than that in control group [(21.61 ± 10.66) RLU/mg protein vs.( 7.12 ± 4.48 ) RLU/mg protein,P ＜ 0.01 ],as well as the activity of NADPH oxidase [ ( 2.84 ± 1.05 ) RLU/mgprotein vs.( 1.97 ± 0.80) RLU/mg protein,P ＜ 0.01].Positive correlation was found between LVMI and the level of MDA(r =0.57,P ＜ 0.01 ),as well as between LVMI and the activity of NADPH oxidase(r =0.71,P＜0.01 ).Conclusions The activity of NADPH oxidase in peripheral blood mononuclear cell inereases in AMI patients and plays an important role in left ventricular remodeling after AMI.

Objective To determine serum leptin levels and investigate its relatio nship with liver function, insulin resistance and nutritional parameters in pati ents with post-hepatitis liver cirrhosis. Methods Thirty-two ma le patients with post-hepatitis cirrhosis and fourteen male control subjects were enrolled in thi s study. Fasting blood samples were obtained, and serum leptin levels, fasting g lucose and insulin levels were determined in all subjects, and nutritional param e ters were determined in cirrhosis patients. The cirrhosis patients were divided into three groups according to Child-Pugh classification. Results Serum leptin l evels in male hepatic cirrhosis were significantly higher than those of healthy control. There was no significant difference in serum leptin levels among the th ree groups of patients with cirrhosis according to Child-Pugh classification. Se rum insulin levels in male cirrhosis were significantly higher than that of heal thy control. The insulin sensitivity index in cirrhotic patients was decreased c ompared with normal control group. Serum leptin levels in liver cirrhosis were s ignificantly correlated with BMI, TSF and fasting insulin levels, respectively ( r=0.343, 0.340 and 0.352, P

Objective To test the hypothesis that attachment of synovial cell to &?2-microglobulin modified with advanced glycation end products (ACE-?2m) would affect cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation.Methods Normal human synovial cells (type B cells) were isolated and plated in culture dishes coated with AGE-?2m or with normal extracellular matrix proteins (EMP). Adhesion was analyzed by counting the isotope-labelled cells. Spreading was tested using a light microscope and proliferation determined by 3H-TdR incorporation and counting the number of cells. Results Synovial cells adhered less effectively to AGE-?2m, ?2m and AGE-collagen than to the normal EMP (collagen and fibronectin). Cells interacting with AGE-?2m, ?2m or AGE-collagen also demonstrated less extensive spreading throughout the examined time intervals (60-120 minutes after plating), and decreased 3H-TdR incorporation and cell numbers after 72 hours of plating when compared to cells interacting with normal EMP. Conchusion AGE-?2m in amyloid may alter synovial cell behavior in situ in ways which cods contribute to the development of dialysis-related amyloidodsis(DRA).

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and efficacy of a docetaxel plus cisplatin regimen for patients of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)treated concurrently with definitive IMRT in a short-term observation.MethodsRadiation consisted of 7000 cGy given to the planning target volume (PTV) of primary tumor, 6600 cGy given to the PTV of metastatic lymph nodes and 6000 cGy to the PTV of subclinical disease in 220-228 cGy/fraction were delivered over 31-32 treatment days. Thirty-two patients with newly diagnosed NPC received definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)concurrent with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and DDP 75 mg/m2 on day 1(or DDP 25 mg/m2 on day 1-day 3), repeating every 21 to 28 days for 2 cycles.ResultsAll patients received the full dose of radiotherapy and completed 2 cycles of chemotherapy with a median follow-up of 13 months (2-28 months).No treatment-related death was observed. Major toxicities included hematologic toxicity and mucositis. The incidence rates of grade 3-4 leucopenia,grade 3-4 neutropenia and grade 3 acute mucositis were 46.9 ％ (15/32),59.4 ％ (19/32) and 40.6 ％ (13/32) respectively.The complete remission (CR) rate was 96.9 ％ (31/32).During treatment,90.6 ％ (29/32)patients acquired granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)for leucopenia. The 1-year overall survival, local recurrence-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival were 100 ％ (31/32),96.9 ％ (31/32),96.9 ％ (31/32),96.9 ％ (31/32),respectively,for the whole cohort.Conclusions2 cycles of the docetaxel plus cisplatin regimen with concurrent IMRT are demonstrated being feasible and effective in treating locally advanced NPC with promising results.The major toxicities are leucopenia and neutropenia, but they are tolerable with the use of G-CSF. Further investigation of long-term efficacy of the regimen is required.

Objective To investigate the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in liver cancer and its clinical significance. Methods The specimens of liver cancer tissues, adjacent tissues, cirrhotic tissues and chronic hepatitis tissues were collected from 50 patients who received radical resection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from July 2007 to April 2008. The mRNA and protein expressions of DNMT1,DNMT3a and DNMT3b in liver cancer tissues, adjacent tissues, cirrhotic tissues and chronic hepatitis tissues were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression of DNMTs in the liver cancer tissues was compared with those in the adjacent tissues, cirrhotic tissues and chronic hepatitis tissues by using t test and Mann-Whitney U test. The correlation between the protein expression of DNMTs in the liver cancer tissue and the clinicopathological features was analyzed by chi-square test or Fisher exact test, and the tumor-free survival time was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier method and the difference in tumor-free survival rate between different patients was analyzed by Log-rank test. Results The mRNA expressions of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b in the liver cancer tissue were 2.57, 2.29 and 4.86 times higher than those in the adjacent tissues (t = 3.94, 2. 72, 4. 06, P ＜ 0.05 ). The mRNA expressions of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b were 2.38,2.14 and 4.66 times higher than those in the cirrhotic tissues, and 6.12, 4.58 and 12.99 times higher than those in the chronic hepatitis tissues. The mRNA expressions of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b in the liver cancer tissue were significantly higher than those in the cirrhotic tissues and chronic hepatitis tissues ( U = 587.5,730. 0,562.5; 65.5, 64.5, 71.0, P ＜ 0.05). The protein expression of DNMT1 was correlated with the size, number,TNM stages and vascular invasion of tumors ( x2 = 4.08, 5.95, 4.08, P ＜ 0.05 ). The protein expression of DNMT3a was correlated with the size, number and TNM stages of tumors (x2 = 4.08, 5.95, 4.08, P ＜ 0.05 ).The mean tumor recurrence time of patients with low expressions of DNMT1 and DNMT3a were 9.4 and 8.7 months, which were significantly longer than 5.0 and 3.2 months of those with high expressions of DNMT1 and DNMT3a (x2 =3.89, 9.91, P＜0.05). Conclusions DNMTs play an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis.High expressions of DNMT1 and DNMT3a are correlated with the postoperative recurrence of liver cancer, which are valuable prognostic factors for liver cancer.

Objective To explore the protective effect of 17β-estradiol on traumatic brain injury in rats.Methods A total of 45 adult male SD rats were divided into 3 groups using the random digit table, 15 rats in each group:the control group only exposed but not injured the brain, the injury group received traumatic brain injury ( TBI) by Feeney’ s method, and the treatment group received the same handling with injury group, and pretreatment with 17β-estradiol peritoneal injection, 1 mg/kg per day for one week.The other two groups were given the same volume of castor oil.At 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after injury, the brain tissue water content, malondialdehyde ( MDA) content and superoxide dismutase ( SOD) activity were measured.Results At 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after injury, the levels of brain tissue water content in the injury group and treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05 ) .At 6 h after injury, the brain tissue water contents in the injury group and treatment group were ( 99.83 ±0.40 )% and ( 99.53 ±0.41 )%,respectively, with a non-significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).At 24 h and 48 h after injury, the brain tissue water contents in the injury group was ( 105.17 ±0.43 )% and ( 107.54 ±0.39 )%, in the treatment group was (103.26 ±0.42)%and (105.89 ±0.43)%, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( P<0.05).At 6 h after injury, the levels of MDA in the injury group and treatment group increased and maintained at a higher level, and the levels of SOD decreased.Compared with the control group, there had a significant difference ( P<0.05 ) . The levels of MDA and SOD in the injury group and treatment group at 6 h after injury had a non-significant difference ( P>0.05).But at 24 h and 48 h after injury, the levels of MDA in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the injury group [(130.39 ±7.02) μmol/g vs.(149.41 ±8.25) μmol/g, (125.41 ±6.59) μmol/g vs.(157.72 ± 8.93) μmol/L] , and the levels of SOD in the treatment group were significantly higher than thoset in the injury group [(88.46 ±7.17) U/g vs.(80.10 ±4.87) U/mg, (97.31 ±7.89) U/g vs.(84.29 ±6.13) U/g], with a significant difference ( P<0.05 ) between the two groups.Conclusions 17β-estradiol has a protective effect on traumatic brain injury.

Objective To analyze the correlation between impact positions on the head and hyperextension severities of cervical spinal cord,as well as their treatment.Methods A retrospective analysis was done for 41 cases of hyperextension of cervical spinal cord without fracture-dislocation who had received management in our department from January 1999 to January 2004.All the patients had no cervical disorders before injuries.They were injured by impact mostly on the forehead,cheek or lower mandible.Their neurological findings at admission and 6-month follow-ups were assessed according to ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) rating system.Results Of the 20 patients who were injured by impact on the forehead,four were rated in neural function as grade B,11 as grade C,and five as grade D at admission,while one as grade C,11 as grade D,and eight as grade E at 6-month follow-up.Of the 12 patients who were injured by impact on the cheek,one was rated in neural function as grade B, four as grade C,and seven as grade D at admission,while one as grade C,two as grade D,and nine as grade E at 6-mouth follow-up.Of the nine patients who were injured by impact on the lower mandible,five were rated in neural function as grade B,three as grade C,and one as grade D at admission,while two as grade B,five as grade C,and two as grade E at 6-month follow-up.The 6-month follow-ups after treatment showed that the neural function was rated below grade C in nine patients,seven of whom had been injured by impact on mandible.Two patients of grade B who showed little improvement after treatment had been injured also by impact on mandible.Conclusion Impact on the lower mandible causes mote severe hyperextension than impact on tbe cheek or forehead.Both rea- sonable non-operative and operative treatments can lead to satisfactory outcome for patients with hyperextension of cervical spinal cord but without fracture-dislocation.

Objective To investigate the prognostic factors of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.Methods From Nov.1999 to Dec.2006,a total of 85 patients were diagnosed by postoperative pathology as gastrointestinal stromal tumors.The relationship between the prognosis of GIST and demographic factors、tumor location、operation style、preoperative metastasis、lymphadenectomy、grading of Fletcher were analyzed retrospectively.Results The 1 year、3 year and 5 year survival rate of these 85 patients were 94%,60%,57%respectively,Univariate analysis indicated that tumor location、operation style、grading of Fletcher and preoperative metastasis were significant predictors of survival(P<0.05),while demographics and lymphadenectomy were not statistically related with prognosis.Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative metastasis was the independent factor predicting the prognosis(P=0.020,β=4.226).Conclusion Radical surgical excision is still the therapy of choice for primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors.Preoperative metastasis is the independent factor predicting poor prognosis,therefore early diagnosis and treatment are very important for GIST.Fletcher grading is also a simple recalls to predict the prognosis of GIST.