Objective: To establish a method of quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker (QAMS) for simultaneously determination of neoastilbin, astilbin, neoisoastilbin, isoastilbin, and engeletin in Smilax glabra, and research the tendency of content changes in different growth years by QAMS. Methods: An HPLC method was established to determine the relative correction factors of four other flavonoids by using astilbin as the internal reference standard. Then the method was used to determine the various content of five flavonoids in different growth years and validate the feasibility and accuracy by comparing the content results determined by the external standard method with QAMS. The dynamic change regularity of flavonoids in S. glabra was investigated. Results: A total of 23 samples from five batches in different growth years were simultaneously determined by external standard method and QAMS, the results deviation were all less than 1.0%. The content of five flavonoids in different growth years was different, astilbin decreased with the increase of growth years, neoastilbin, neoisoastilbin and isoastilbin had the reverse trend. Conclusion: The established QAMS method is feasible and accurate for the simultaneous determination of five flavonoids in S. glabra. Growth years have a certain impact on the content of each component.

Objective To investigate the effects of Saussurea involucrata extract pretreatment on the expression of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in mice and its possible neuroprotective mechanism.Methods Seventy-two Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation,saline,Saussurea involucrata extract,and edaravone groups (n =18 in each group).Saussurea involucrata extract 0.8 g/kg was given intraperitoneally in the Saussurea involucrata extract group; edaravone 3 mg/kg was given in the edaravone group; and the same volume of saline was given in the saline group.A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced after 7 days of continuous injection.Cerebral infarct volume was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect TLR4-positive cells in ischemic brain tissue.Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of TLR4/NF-κB mRNA.Results The cerebral infarct volume in mice in the saline,Saussurea involucrata extract and edaravone groups was 131.55± 28.25 mm3,84.10 ±13.92 mm3 and 65.10 ± 6.78 mm3,respectively.There were significant difference (F =10.158,P =0.012).The infarct volume in the Saussurea involucrata extract group (P =0.020) and edaravone group (P0.005) was significantly less than that in the saline group,and there was no significantly difference between the 2 groups.The numbers of cortex and TLR4 positive cells in hippocampus area at the ischemic sides in the saline group were significantly more than those in the sham operation group (all P ＜0.001).The numbers of positive cells of cortex and TLR4 in the Saussurea involucrata extract group and the edaravone group were significantly decreased compared to the saline group (all P ＜ 0.05),and there was no significant differences between the Saussurea involucrata extract group and the edaravone group.The expressions of TLR4,p50,and p65 mRNA in the saline group were significantly up-regulated compared to the sham operation group (all P =0.000).Saussurea involucrata extract could significantly down-regulate the expressions of TLR4,p50,and p65 mRNA at 24 hours after ischemia/reperfusion (all P =0.000).Edaravone could significantly down-regulate the expressions of TLR4 and p65 mRNA (all P =0.000) and it had a down-regulated trend for the expression of p50 mRNA (P =0.053); while there was no significant difference in the expressions of TLR4 and p65 mRNA between the Saussurea involucrata extract group and the edaravone group.Conclusions Saussurea involucrata extract pretreatment may significantly reduce the cerebral infarct volume,down-regulate the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB subunit,and play a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting inflammatory response after ischemia.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of polydatin on learning and memory and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) kinase activity in the hippocampus of rats with chronic alcoholism.

METHODSForty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, chronic alcoholism group, low and high polydatin group. The rat chronic alcoholism model was established by ethanol 3.0 g/(kg · d) (intragastric administration). The abstinence scoring was used to evaluate the rats withdrawal symptoms; cognitive function was measured by Morris water maze experiment; Cdk5 protein expression in the hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence; Cdk5 kinase activity in the hippocampus was detected by liquid scintillation counting method.

RESULTSThe abstinence score, escape latency, Cdk5 kinase activity in chronic alcoholism group rats were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). The abstinence score, escape latency in high polydatin group rats were significantly lower than those of chronic alcoholism group (P < 0.05); Cdk5 kinase activity in high and low polydatin group rats was significantly lower than that of chronic alcoholism group( P < 0.05); immunofluorescence showed that the Cdk5 positive cells of chronic alcoholism group were significantly increased compared with control group (P < 0.05), and the Cdk5 positive cells of polydatin groups were significantly decreased compared with chronic alcoholism group ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPolydatin-reduced the chronic alcoholism damage may interrelate with regulation of Cdk5 kinase activity.

Alcoholism ; physiopathology ; Animals ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Learning ; drug effects ; Memory ; drug effects ; Rats ; Stilbenes ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the changes of plasma levels of the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter aspartic acid (Asp), inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine (Gly) and asparagine (Asn) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODSPlasma samples were collected from 15 MDD patients (9 males and 6 females, aged 32-64 y) and 14 healthy subjects (7 males and 7 females, aged 30-65 y); and also collected from 7 MDD patients (5 males and 2 females) 2 months after antidepressant treatment. The plasma levels of amino acids were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method.

RESULTSPlasma Asp and Gly levels were significantly lower in MDD patients than those in controls (P<0.04). There were positive correlations between plasma levels of Gly and Asp, and between Gly and Asn (P<0.005) in the control group; while in MDD patients, a significant positive correlation was found only between plasma levels of Gly and of Asp (P<0.001). MDD patients did not show significant changes in plasma Asp, Asn and Gly levels after antidepressant treatment compared to those before treatment.

CONCLUSIONThe reduced plasma Asp and Gly levels may serve as a clinical biomarker for MDD.

Adult ; Aged ; Antidepressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Asparagine ; blood ; Aspartic Acid ; blood ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; blood ; drug therapy ; Female ; Glycine ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of combination therapy of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) with methotrexate (MTX) on collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rats.

METHODSTotally 55 male SD rats were stratified by body weight. Nine of them were randomly recruited as the normal control group. The rest 46 were immunized with type II bovine collagen (C II) for establishing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model. Forty successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into 4 groups according to swollen toe degree, i.e., the CIA group, the TMP group, the MTX group, and the TMP plus MTX group, 10 in each group. Rats in the MTX group were administered with MTX (1. 2 mg/kg) , once per week for 4 continuous weeks. Those in the TMP group were administered with 40 mg/kg TMP, once per day for 10 continuous days, and then discontinued for 7 successive days, and continued for another 10 successive days. Rats in the TMP plus MTX group were administered with a mixture of equal dose MTX and TMP, and when MTX was discontinue, TMP was administered according to the way in the TMP group. Equal volume of saline solution was given to rats in the normal control group and the CIA group. Clinical parameters including ankle width (mediolateral diameter) and hindpaw swelling were measured at day 0, 4, 11, 18, and 26 after treatment. Rats were sacrificed 28 days after treatment, their knee joints and ankle joints were collected for pathological analyses. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A were detected by ELISA. Changes of fibrinogen (FIB) and platelet aggregation rate (PAg) were detected.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the ankle width and hindpaw swelling increased significantly (P < 0.01), contents of FIB and PAg increased obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 increased remarkably (P <0. 01) in the CIA group. Obvious cell proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, hyperemia and edema of synovial tissues could be seen. Pannus formed and immerged in cartilages, resulting in necrosis. Compared with the model group, changes of ankle width and hindpaw swelling were all alleviated in each medicated group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Of them, the effect was superior in the MTX group to that of the TMP group and the MTX plus TMP group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Contents of FIB, serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 decreased significantly in the MTX group (P < 0.05). Contents of FIB, serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 decreased significantly in the TMP group and the MTX plus TMP group (P < 0.05). Besides, serum levels of FIB and IL-6 were obviously lower in the MTX plus TMP group than in the TMP group and the MTX group (P < 0.01). Levels of PAg and IL-17A were more significantly lowered in the TMP group than in the MTX plus TMP group and the MTX group. Pathological changes could be alleviated in each medicated group, with the optimal effect obtained in the MTX plus TMP group.

CONCLUSIONCombination of TMP with MTX could significantly ameliorate inflammatory reactions and FIB contents of CIA rats.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Cattle ; Collagen Type II ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Hemorheology ; Interleukin-17 ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Male ; Methotrexate ; therapeutic use ; Pyrazines ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Synovial Membrane

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of mTOR siRNA on mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells in vitro,and growth and apoptosis in transplanted tumor in nude mice.

METHODSmTOR siRNA was transfected into ESCC cell line EC9706 cells. The expressions of factors of the mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. DNA contents and cell apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay. The effects of mTOR siRNA on the transplanted tumor growth were assessed in nude mice.

RESULTSThe levels of mTOR and p-p70S6K were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while the level of p70S6K was increased (P < 0.05) in the cells transfected with mTOR siRNA, compared with that in untransfected cells and cells transfected with control siRNA. After being interfered by mTOR siRNA, the number of apoptotic cells was increased, cell proliferation became slower and cell cycle was arrested in G(1) phase compared with that in control cells. Also, mTOR siRNA inhibited the growth of transplanted tumor in vivo.

CONCLUSIONSmTOR siRNA can effectively interfere in mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway, induce cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth, suggesting that mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; enzymology ; pathology ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 70-kDa ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tumor Burden

This study aimed to investigate antibody levels of the newer human enteroviruses (EV) A71, A90, and B87 in the population of Shandong Province, and provide a scientific basis for the development of prevention and control measures. In this study, serum specimens were collected from 400 individuals living in Yantai city, Shandong Province in 2010. EV-A71, A90, and B87 antibodies were detected using neutralization tests, and the results were analyzed by statistical methods. It was found that the positive neutralizing antibody rates of EV-A71, A90 and B87 in the population were 46.0%, 8.8%, and 47.0%, respectively. Their geometric mean titers (GMT) were 1 : 5.20, 1 : 1.49, and 1 : 4.02, respectively. Positive antibody rates for EV-A71 and EV-B87 were lowest in the 1-yr and 7-mo age groups, respectively. Positive rates increased gradually with age, and become consistent in the population aged >5 years. Positive antibody rates of EV-A90 were consistent across all age groups. Maternal antibody levels of EV-A71 declined rapidly after birth, and the increase in seroprevalence among 3-7 years old children implied that most EV-A71 infections occurred in preschool and early elementary school children. High positive antibody rates of EV-B87 in healthy individuals, especially children, implied that there may be an immune barrier within the general population. The population monitoring of EV-A90 should be strengthened, as its positive antibody rate is low.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Enterovirus A, Human ; classification ; genetics ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Enterovirus Infections ; blood ; immunology ; virology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo digitalize the changes in characters of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex after perspiration with colorimeter and electronic nose.

METHODWith perspired and non-perspired Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex as objective, colorimeter and electronic nose were used to detect their color characteristic parameter and odor characteristic parameter. Finally, an identification model was established.

RESULTIn terms of drug color, the color characteristic parameter model was established for perspired and non-perspired Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex on the basis of L*, a*, b* color spaces. The range of 90% of reference values of perspired Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex: L* (52.22-59.42), a* (5.36-7.68), b* (22.04-27.05). The range of 90% of reference values of non-perspired Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex: L* (38.42-47.31), a* (9.63-11.85), b* (18.48-25.53). In terms of drug odor, the principal component analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares method (PLS) showed significant difference between perspired and non-perspired Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex.

CONCLUSIONThe difference in drug color and odor of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex before and after perspiration can be digitalized according to color and odor characteristic parameters tested with colorimeter and electronic nose.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Color ; Colorimetry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Magnolia ; chemistry ; Odorants ; analysis ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of microRNA expression in cortex tissues in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD)and the possible roles of microRNA in the pathogenesis of HIBD. METHODS Rat HIBD model was prepared. The cortex tissues were obtained 14 days after the HIBD event. The microRNA expression profiles were measured using microRNA microarray. Expression of 9 microRNAs (miR-126,-26a,-674-5p,-21,-25,-290, miR-124,-125b-5p and microRNA-9a) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTShe results of microRNA expression profiles indicated that 27 pieces of microRNA were up-regulated more than 2 folds and 60 pieces were down-regulated more than 2 folds compared with the normal control group. The results of the 9 microRNAs detected by quantitative real-time PCR were consistent with those detected by microRNA microarray.

CONCLUSIONSHIBD rats have significant changes in microRNA expression, suggesting that microRNA expression may play important roles in the pathogenesis of HIBD.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; etiology ; genetics ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; physiology ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

To analyze the genetic characteristics of echovirus 6 (E6) isolated from meningitis and encephalitis cases in Shandong Province, China, we collected cerebrospinal fluid samples from meningitis and encephalitis cases in Shandong Province from 2007 to 2012 for virus isolation. Viral RNAs were extracted from positive isolates, and complete VP1 coding regions were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. Homology comparison and phylogenetic analysis were performed. Six isolates were identified as E6 by microneutralization assay and molecular typing. The homology analysis showed that the six isolates had 78. 6%-99. 8% nucleotide and 95. 5%-100. 0% amino acid identities with each other, as well as 76. 9%-78. 4% nucleotide and 92. 3%-95. 1% amino acid identities with the prototype strain (D' Amori). The phylogenetic analysis based on the integrated VP1 sequences indicated that all Shandong E6 isolates could be separated into four clusters, designated as A, B, C, and D. The six E6 isolates belonged to clusters A, B, and D. Our study reveals high genetic differences between Shandong E6 isolates and suggests different transmission lineages of E6 co-circulated in Shandong Province.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Echovirus 6, Human ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Encephalitis ; epidemiology ; virology ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Meningitis ; epidemiology ; virology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Alignment ; Viral Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics