Utticaceae includes about 1300 species in 47 genera which largely spread in wet tropical regions,and 341 species in 25 genera are in China.Some species are used in Chinese folk medicine.So far,studies on chemistry and pharmacology of Urticaceous plants are mainly focused on nettle of Urtica L.In this review,the chemical researches on 35 new compounds and related pharmacological effects of the plants in Urticaceae reported during2000-2010 are described.The 35 new compounds belong to the classes of lignan,secolignan,norlignan,flavonoid,alkaloid,sesquiterpenoid,triterpenoid,sterol,and sphingolipid.The main bioactivities include cytotoxic,antitumor,antimicrobial,antifungal,anti-BPH,anti-HIV,antidiabetic,hypolipidemic,5α-reductase inhibitory,hair regrowth promotion,and anti-oxidative activities.

Objective To study the influence of Annao tablet on the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) murine and to explore the interventional mechanism of TGF-β1 on aGVHD. Methods Hematopoietic stem cells of male Balb/c mice were transplanted to female C57BL/6 mice for the development of aGVHD murine model. Recipient mice were divided into Annao group and blank group randomly and respectively administrated with Annao soup (a kind of Chinese herb) and 0.9% sodium chloride intragastrically. Clinical symptom, survival time and body weight were recorded at 14th and 30th day and some sections of liver, small bowel and skin were taken for histological changes. Serum level of TGF-β1 were measured by enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA), splenocyte protein of TGF-β1 by Western Blot and TGF-β1 mRNA by fluorescent quantitation polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Serum level of TGF-β1 in both groups had no statistical difference (P = 0.305), but it rose to (148.31 ± 7.95) ng/mL at 14th day and (183.48 ± 5.91) ng/mL at 30th day in Annao group, which had significant difference when compared with that in blank group (P = 0.000). IOD/IODβ-actin value of TGF-β1 protein in Annao group was 0.33 ± 0.05 at 14th day and 0.56 ± 0.04 at 30th day, which was higher than that in blank group (P = 0.000) and the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA of splenocyte in Annao group was 1.24 ± 0.04 at 14th day and 2.14 ± 0.33 at 30th day which was much higher than that in blank group (P = 0.000). Conclusion Annao tablet helps to relieve symptoms of acute GVHD by raising serum level of TGF-β1 and intensifying expression of protein of TGF-β1 and its mRNA.

To investigate whether human amniotic membrane (HAM) preparations have the possibility to type I hypersensitivity and its allergenicity. In systemic active allergic test model, 30 guinea pigs were equally divided into three groups. Each 10 guinea pigs were immunized with fresh HAM homogenate, albumen solution (positive control) and PBS (negative control). After the animals were stimulated with corresponding allergen, observe their reaction till dying or 3 h, then obtain blood samples, to determine blood histamine concentrations using chemical fluorometry and four hemorheologic markers by hemorheology analysis system. The guinea pigs responded to fresh HAM homogenate in almost the same manner as to PBS, and no obvious allergic reaction was observed in the animals except those in positive control group. The blood histamine concentration and four hemorheologic markers showed no significant differences between HAM and PBS (P > 0.05), both were much lower than positive control group (P < 0.01). Fresh HAM won't lead to type I hypersensitivity for lack of allergen performance.
Allergens ; immunology ; Amnion ; immunology ; Animals ; Guinea Pigs ; Histamine ; blood ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity, Immediate ; immunology ; Materials Testing