In order to identify Cimicifugae Rhizoma from its adulterants and to ensure its safe use, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence of Cimicifugae Rhizoma and its adulterants were amplified and bidirectionally sequenced by DNA barcoding technology. Sequence assembly and consensus sequence generation were performed by the CodonCode Aligner V3.7.1. The genetic distances were computed by MEGA 5.0. Identification analyses were performed using neighbor-joining (NJ) methods. The length of ITS2 sequence of the three origin plants of Cimicifugae Rhizoma include Cimicifuga heracleifolia, C. foetida, C. dahurica was 217, 219 and 219 bp, respectively. Their intraspecific genetic distance was much lower than the interspecific genetic distance with their closely related species. The NJ tree of ITS2 indicated that the three origin plants of Cimicifugae Rhizoma formed a monophyletic clade, Cimicifugae Rhizoma and its adulterants could be distinguished clearly. The authors proposed that ITS2 sequence was suitable for the authentication of Cimicifugae Rhizoma and its adulterants.
Base Sequence ; China ; Cimicifuga ; classification ; genetics ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; classification ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; classification ; genetics

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

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

The effect of amygdalin joint hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on the endplate chondrocytes derived from intervertebral discs of rats induced by IL-1beta and the possible mechanism were studied and explored. Chondrocytes were obtained from endplate of one-month SD rat intervertebral discs and cultured primary endplate chondrocytes. After identification, they were divided into normal group, induced group, amygdalin group, HSYA group and combined group. CCK-8 kit was adopted to detect the proliferation of the endplate chondrocytes. FCM was measured to detect the apoptosis. Real-time PCR method was adopted to observe the mRNA expression of Aggrecan, Col 2 alpha1, Col 10 alpha1, MMP-13 and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta. The protein expression of Col II, Col X was tested through immunofluorescence. Compared with the normal group, the proliferation of the endplate chondrocytes decreased while the apoptosis increased (P < 0.05). With down regulation of the mRNA expressions of Aggrecan, Col 2 alpha1 and up regulation of the mRNA expressions of Col 10 alpha1, MMP-13, IL-1beta (P < 0.05), the protein expression of Col II decreased while the protein expression of Col X increased. Compared with the induced group, amygdalin group, HSYA group, the combined group could inhibit the apoptosis and promote the proliferation (P < 0.05). They could increase the mRNA expressions of Aggrecan and Col 2 alpha1 while decrease the mRNA expressions of Col 10 alpha1, MMP-13 and IL-1beta (P < 0.05). They could also enhance the protein expression of Col II while reduce the protein expression of Col X. The effect of the combined group was significantly better than that of amygdalin and HSYA. Amygdalin joint HSYA could inhibit the degeneration of the endplate chondrocytes derived from intervertebral discs of rats induced by IL-1beta and better than the single use of amygdalin or HSYA.
Amygdalin ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cells, Cultured ; Chalcone ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Chondrocytes ; drug effects ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Drug Synergism ; Interleukin-1beta ; Intervertebral Disc ; cytology ; Quinones ; pharmacology ; Rats

Head ; surgery ; Humans ; Neck ; surgery ; United States

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of qidong huoxue decoction (QHD) on inflammatory factors and Toll-like receptor (TLR4) mRNA expressions in acute lung injury (ALI) rats.

METHODSTotally 50 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model group, low, middle, high dose QHD groups according to body weight, 10 rats in each group. Rats in low, middle, high dose QHD groups were intragastrically administered with QHD at 4, 8, and 16 mL/kg 24, 12 h before modeling and 12 h after modeling, respectively. Normal saline was intragastrically administered to rats in the blank control group and the LPS model group. An ALI rat model was established using intratracheal instillation of LPS. Rats were killed after 24-h modeling. Then the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was prepared. Contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, and L-10 were detected using ELISA. TLR4 mRNA expressions were determined byreal time PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, contents of TNF-α, IL-1β , and IL-10 increased (P <0. 01), TLR4 mRNA expressions also increased in the LPS model group (all P <0. 01). Compared with the LPS model group, contents of TNF-α and IL-1β decreased (P <0. 05, P <0. 01), IL-10 levels increased (P <0. 01) , TLR4 mRNA expressions were also reduced (P <0. 01), in high and middle dose QHD groups. Compared with the high dose QHD group, con- tents of TNF-α and IL-1β increased in middle and low dose QHD groups (P <0. 05); IL-10 levels decreased (P <0. 05) in the low dose QHD group(P <0. 05), TLR4 mRNA expressions also increased in the low dose QHD group (P <0. 05). Compared with the middle dose QHD group, IL-10 levels was reduced, but TLR4 mRNA expressions increased in the low dose QHD group (P <0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSQHD had the protective effect on LPS induced ALI rats. Its mechanism might be associated with inhibiting TLR4 mRNA expressions, leading to decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-β, elevated anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and thereby, correcting unbalanced inflammation.

Acute Lung Injury ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effect of propofol anesthesia on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-induced hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein in hippocampus in depressed rats.Methods Thirty-two female WYK rats in which the total score was 30-120 after Open-field test,aged 24 weeks,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =8 each):control group (group C),propofol group (group P),ECT group (group E)and propofol + ECT group (group PE).In groups C and E,the animals received intraperitoneal normal saline 5 ml,and in addition the animals received ECT 15 min later in group E.In groups P and PE,the animals received intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg propofol 5 ml,and in addition the animals received ECT 15 min later in group PE.The learning and memory function was assessed by Morris water maze test at 24 h after ECT.The animals were sacririced at 6 h after Morris water maze test and the hippocampal tissues were removed for determination of the expression of phosphorylated Tau protein.Results Compared with group C,the escape latency was significantly prolonged,the swimming time was significantly shortened in groups P,E and PE,the expression of phosphorylated Tau protein in hippocampus was down-regulated in group P,and the expression of phosphorylated Tau protein in hippocampus was up-regulated in group E ( P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group E,the escape latency was significantly shortened,the swimming time was significantly prolonged,and the expression of phosphorylated Tau protein in hippocampus was down-regulated in group PE (P ＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which propofol anesthesia improves cognitive impairment induced by ECT may be related to inhibition of hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein in hippocampus in depressed rats.

Projects which supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in discipline of pharmacology of Chinese medicine between 2010 to 2013 financial years were reviewed. Based on these research items, new features and problems were summarized in this field.
China ; Foundations ; economics ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; economics ; Natural Science Disciplines ; economics ; Research ; economics

AIM: To identify the novel nuclear export signal by analyzing the DNA sequences and detecting the cell localization of different adenovirus ElA - associated protein BS69 isoforms. METHODS:BS69 DNA sequences in Emsebl database were blasted and the sequence of amino acids was aligned with the typical nuclear export signal. Different BS69 isoform fragments were cloned into pcDNA3.1 vector and transfected into Cos7 cells. The BS69 localization was observed by immunostaining and the function was verified by Western blotting. RESULTS: A novel nuclear export signal was found in BS69 isoform 2 but not in isoform 1.The isoform 2 was localized in cytoplasm and isoform 1 in nucleus, which was also consistent with the DNA sequence. The isoform 2 was involved in LMP1 - activated JNK phosphorylation whereas the isoform 1 was not. CONCLUSION: Different BS69 isoforms have different cellular localization. BS69 isoform 2 is localized in cytoplasm, interacting with Epstein - Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 and may be involved in nasopharyngeal carcinoma development.However, the isoform 1 is localized in nucleus and plays important roles in transcription.

Objective To explore the value of abnormal imaging findings on susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in delayed graft function (DGF). Methods The conventional MRI and SWI images of 26 cases with DGF and 20 cases with normal renal function of transplanted kidneys were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with cysts and angiomyolipomas were excluded. Normal structures of transplanted kidney were identified. If lesions of abnormal signal intensity were found in the transplanted kidney, the location, border and signal intensity compared to renal cortex would be analyzed. The differences in signal intensity between the abnormal signal lesions and normal renal cortex in the same SWI layer of DGF were compared by using independent-sample t test. The differences in positive detection rate of discovering the abnormal signal lesions in DGF between conventional MRI and SWI were compared by using McNemar test. Results Of the 26 cases with DGF, one case was found to exhibit abnormally low signal lesions with fuzzy boundary located at junctional zone between cortex and medulla on both conventional MRI and SWI images. Ten cases were found to exhibit abnormally low signal lesions with fuzzy boundary located at junctional zone between cortex and medulla on SWI images only. Fifteen cases exhibited no abnormal signal lesions on both conventional MRI and SWI images. Twenty cases with normal renal function of transplanted kidney, no abnormal signal lesions were found on both conventional MRI and SWI images. The differences in signal intensity between the abnormally low signal lesions (130±20) and normal renal cortex (177±25) in the same SWI layer of 11 cases with DGF were statistically significant (t=-4.582,P<0.01). The differences in positive detection rate of discovering the abnormally low signal lesions in DGF between conventional MRI [3.8%(1/26)] and SWI [42.3% (11/26)] were statistically significant (χ2=8.100,P=0.002). Conclusions Abnormally low signal lesions with fuzzy boundary located at junctional zone between cortex and medulla on SWI images suggest the presence of DGF. Compared with conventional MRI, SWI appears to be superior in detecting the abnormally low signal lesions.