Drought stress exerts a considerable effect on growth, physiology and secondary metabolisms of the medicinal plants. It could inhabit the growth of the medicinal plants but promote secretion of secondary metabolites. Other researches indicated that the medicinal plants could depend on the ABA signaling pathway and secreting osmotic substances to resist the drought stress and reduce the damage by it. The article concludes the changes in growth, physiology, secondary metabolisms and response mechanisms of medicinal plants to drought stress that provides a theoretical basis for exploring the relationship between medicinal plants and drought stress.
Abscisic Acid ; metabolism ; Droughts ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Water ; metabolism

Restriction site amplification polymorphism (RSAP) markers were employed to access the genetic diversity and relationship of 120 lilyturf germplasms from different geographical origins. Sixteen RSAP primer pairs generated 326 polymorphic bands, of which 318 (97.55%) were polymorphic. The value of polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.87 to 0.95 with an average of 0.92. These results indicated there was abundant genetic diversity among samples. The results of data analysis on 20 population showed that the value of percentage of polymorphic locus (PPL), Nei's gene diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (I) were 19.94%-85.58%, 0.082 6-0.210 7, 0.120 6-0.328 1 respectively. The most abundant genetic diversity was found in the O. japonicus population from Zhejiang and the least in the Liriope minor population. The genetic distance among 20 population was 0.024 6-0.286 8, of which the minimum genetic distance was 0.024 6 between population I and population 13 while the maximum 0.286 8 between population 5 and population 15. Coefficient of genetic differentiation among natural populations was 0.115 3 (Gst). And the gene differentiation contributed to 43.07% of the total genetic variation among populations and to 56.93% within populations. The total gene flow (Nm) was 0.660 9. UPMGA clustering analysis was basically similar to of the principle coordinate analysis (PCA). The 120 samples were classified into four major groups, which were basically corresponded with the genetic relationships based on morphological traits. The results of UPMGA and PCA were also consistent with geographical origins.
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis ; China ; Genetic Variation ; Liriope Plant ; classification ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

Objective The infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV),which is a hepatotropic DNA virus,can cause acute or chronic viral hepatitis and further may develop liver fibrosis,cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years,with the establishment of HBV transfection cell and animal models,the anti -hepatitis B virus effect of ingredients extracted from many traditional Chinese medicine has been proved.Therefore,chemical composition extracted from the resourceful library of traditional Chinese medicine,with high efficiency and low toxicity,might be the direction for developing anti -hepatitis B virus medicine.

Objective To identify the isolated rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),and evaluate the efficiency of adenoviral vector expressing human urokinase type plasminogen activator(uPA) in transfection of rat MSCs and its effect on proliferation of MSCs. Methods MSCs were isolated and purified by pasted wall purification,and were identified by immunicytochemistry.The transfection efficiency of uPA was detected by fluorescent microscopy,the expression of uPA in MSCs was detected by Western blotting,and the proliferation of MSCs was evaluated by MTT. Results The harvested MSCs exhibited the typical appearance of MSCs,and it was revealed by immunohistochemistry that the expression of MSCs markers CD29 and CD90 was positive,while that of CD34 and CD45 was negative.A tendency of increase in expression of green fluorescent protein(GFP) was observed with increase of multiplicity of infection(MOI).After transfection with AduPA for 72 h,the transfection efficiency reached(94.0?1.5)% at MOI of 80,and positive GFP cells could still be observed even after 7 d.The transfected uPA had no effect on the proliferation of MSCs. Conclusion MSCs are favourable genetic vectors to express uPA,and can be used for treatment of liver fibrosis.

With inlet temperature, specific gravity, feeding speed as independent variables, the comprehensive evaluating indexes of content of schisandrin and arctiin as dependent variable, the experimental data were fitted to a second order polynomial equation. Based on establishing the mathematical relationship between the comprehensive evaluating indexes and respective variables, Box-Benhnken central composite test and response surface analysis method was employed to optimize the spray drying technology of Biqiu granules ethanol extract. The optimal drying parameter was as follows: the inlet temperature was 175 degrees C, the specific gravity was 1.10, feeding speed was 32 r x min(-1). Under these conditions, the comprehensive evaluating indexes of spraying dry processes was 92.68, which was close to the model prediction. The spraying dry technology of Biqiu granules ethanol extract optimized by response surface methodology was accurate and feasible, which provided theoretical experiment basis for the industrialization production.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Ethanol

First with the qualified rate of granules as the evaluation index, significant influencing factors were firstly screened by Plackett-Burman design. Then, with the qualified rate and moisture content as the evaluation indexes, significant factors that affect one-step pelletization technology were further optimized by Box-Behnken design; experimental data were imitated by multiple regression and second-order polynomial equation; and response surface method was used for predictive analysis of optimal technology. The best conditions were as follows: inlet air temperature of 85 degrees C, sample introduction speed of 33 r x min(-1), density of concrete 1. 10. One-step pelletization technology of Biqiu granules by Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken response surface methodology was stable and feasible with good predictability, which provided reliable basis for the industrialized production of Biqiu granules.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of melatonin on residual hair follicle cells of scald rats at early stage.

METHODSEighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into scald group, treatment group, sham group , with 6 rats in each group. The rats in scald group and treatment group were subjected to 30% TBSA partial thickness scald on the back, and were resuscitated with balanced solution after 1 hour, while those in sham group were immersed in water at 37 degrees C for 25 s to simulate scald, and did not receive fluid replacement. Rats in treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg melatonin solution at 1 minute, 8 hours and 12 hours after scald, while those in sham group and scald group were given equal volume of 1% alcohol sodium-isotonic saline instead. Tissue samples were harvested at 6, 12 and 24 post scald hours (PSH) for determination of MDA and GSH levels. Apoptosis of residul hair follicle was detected by TUNEL method and immunohistochemistry of caspase-3.

RESULTSThe level of MDA in scald group at each time point was much higher than that in sham group (P < 0.01) and treatment group (P < 0.05), and it peaked at 12 PSH. The changes in GSH were just opposite to that of MDA. Under fluorescence microscope, the residual hair follicle cells were blue, and the apoptotic cells appeared green. The apoptosis rate in scald group at 6, 12, 24 PSH was obviously higher than that in sham (P < 0.01) and treatment groups (P < 0.05), which was (20.2 +/- 3.4)% vs (4.3 +/- 2.3)% vs (10.9 +/- 3.2)%, (31.2 +/- 3.6)% vs (5.1 +/- 2.5)% vs (19.1 +/- 3.7)%, (22.4 +/- 2.7)% vs (4.1 +/- 2.4)% vs (13.1 +/- 3.4)%, respectively. The score of caspase-3 positive cell in scald group was higher than those in sham group (P < 0.01) and treatment group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere is obvious correlation between oxidative stress and apoptosis rate of hair follicle cells in rats with partial thickness scald. Early administration of melatonin may have anti-apoptosis ability for residual hair follicle cells by attenuation of oxidative stress.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Burns ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Hair Follicle ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Melatonin ; therapeutic use ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZDD) on mRNA and protein expressions of transient receptor potential family vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential family vanilloid subtype 5 (TRPV5) in Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU)-infected rat semens and spermatogenic cells, and to explore the pathomechanism of UU-infected infertility and the intervention of ZDD.

METHODSTotally 45 were randomly selected from 60 4-5 months old SD rats. UU testicular infected animal models were set up after bladder inoculation of UU suspension. The remaining 15 rats were simultaneously injected with normal saline as a normal control group. After a successful modeling, UU infected model rats were randomly divided into the model group, the azithromycin group, and the ZDD group, 15 in each group. Rats in the ZDD group were administered with ZDD at the daily dose of 1 g/kg by gastrogavage. Rats in the azithromycin group were administered with azithromycin suspension at the daily dose of 0. 105 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group. All medication was performed once daily for 21 successive days. Testes and epididymis were extracted after rats were killed and UU positive rates were compared among all groups. Sperm cells were separated using a mechanical separation technique. Sperm motility parameters were detected using color sperm motion detection system. mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermatogenic cells were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.

RESULTSThe UU positive rate was obviously higher in the model group than in the normal control group [(86.7% (13/15 cases) vs. 0] P < 0.05). It was lower in the ZDD group [33.3% (5/15 cases)] and the azithromycin group [26.7% (4/15 cases)] than in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, class A and B sperms were reduced, the linear velocity and the average velocity were significantly lowered, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermated genic cells significantly decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, class A and B sperms were increased, linear and curve velocities and the average velocity were significantly elevated, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 significantly increased in the ZDD group and the azithromycin group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with azithromycin group, class A and B sperms were increased, the linear velocity and the average velocity were significantly elevated, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 significantly increased in the ZDD group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONZDD could fight against UU infection and elevate semen quality, which might be associated with up-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermatogenic cells.

Animals ; Calcium Channels ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Infertility ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; TRPV Cation Channels ; metabolism ; Testis ; Ureaplasma Infections ; Ureaplasma urealyticum

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Zhibai Dihuang Pill (ZBDHP) on urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and sperm quality in ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) infection infertile patients.

METHODSRecruited were 80 infertility patients with Uu infection at Andriatrics Clinics and Department of Reproduction, including 130 cases of positive Uu semen and 50 cases of negative Uu semen. Patients with positive Uu semen were randomly assigned to the observation group (72 cases) and the control group (58 cases) according to the visit sequence. All patients took antibiotics for 2 weeks. Patients in the observation group additionally took ZBDHP, 6 g each time, twice daily. Those in the control group additionally took Vit E (100 mg each time, twice per day) and ATP (40 mg each time, twice per day). The therapeutic course for all was 90 days. Semen parameters and uPA contents of the sperm membrane were detected and comparatively analyzed.

RESULTSThe sperm membrane uPA content, the sperm motility, the sperm viability, and the percentage of normal morphology sperm in Uu positive infected patients were lower than those in Uu negative infected patients with statistical difference (P < 0.05), but with no significant difference in the sperm density between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in pre-treatment sperm membrane uPA contents and sperm parameters between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, the sperm membrane uPA content, the sperm motility, the sperm viability, and the percentage of normal morphology sperm obviously increased in the two groups with statistical difference (P < 0.05). After treatment, the sperm membrane uPA content increased more obviously in the observation group, with statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSInfection with Uu leads to decreased uPA content of sperm membrance and the sperm motility. ZBDHP could effectively treat Uu infected infertility possibly through fighting against Uu damaged sperm membrane and make the sperm membrane uPA content return to normal, and elevate the fertilizability of sperms.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Communicable Diseases ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Infertility ; Infertility, Male ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; Ureaplasma Infections ; drug therapy ; Ureaplasma urealyticum ; drug effects ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy difference in the treatment of functional dyspepsia between acupuncture at the acupoints selected by pattern/syndrome differentiation and domperidone.

METHODSSeventy cases were randomized into an acupuncture group (35 cases) and a western medication group (35 cases). In the acupuncture group, Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6) were selected. Taichong (LR 3) and Neiting (ST 44) were added for excess syndrome while Gongsun (SP 4) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) were added for deficiency syndrome. A pair of electrodes was attached to one acupoint and an assistant point (2 mm next to the acupoint centripetally) and stimulated with disperse-dense wave at 2 Hz/100 Hz, once a day. In the western medication group, domperidone was prescribed for oral administration, 10 mg each time, three times a day. In the two groups, the treatment of 5 days made one session and 4 sessions were required totally. Nepean dyspepsia index (NDI) was compared after treatment, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after treatment between the two groups respectively.

RESULTSThe score of symptom and score of life quality in NDI after treatment and at each follow-up time point were improved obviously in the acupuncture group as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01). In the western mediation group, the score of symptom and the score of life quality in NDI after treatment and in follow-up of 1, 2 and 3 months were improved obviously as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01), but the differences were not significant in follow-up of 4 and 5 months (both P > 0.05). Compared with the western medication group, the symptom score of NDI was reduced obviously after treatment and in each time point of follow-up in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the score of life quality was increased obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture at the acupoints selected by pattern/syndrome differentiation and domperidone are effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Domperidone is unsatisfactory in the long-term effect, but acupuncture achieves the positive short-term and long-term effects on functional dyspepsia.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Dyspepsia ; diagnosis ; psychology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Time ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult