Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) has been used as traditional medicine in Asian countries for more than 2,000 years. P. ginseng contains many active components such as ginsenosides, peptides, essential oil and polysaccharides, among which, P. ginseng polysaccharides were reported to have immunomodulating, anti-cancer, anti-adhesive and antioxidant activities. For better understanding of the structures and biological activities of all the ginseng polysaccharides, here the recent research achievements were reviewed. This review would be helpful for the relevant researchers to get useful information.
Antineoplastic Agents ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Immunologic Factors ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Medicine, Traditional ; Panax ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; Polysaccharides ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

Purpose Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR is a method developed in recent years which can quantitatively evaluate the diffusion and perfusion characteristics of microenvironment.The aim of this study was to investigate the application value of IVIM in assessing relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 27 patients with RRMS confirmed clinically at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from Jun.2015 to Jan.2016 was carried out in the study.All the patients underwent the conventional MRI and IVIM MRI based on multi-b-factor (b values of 10,20,30,40,50,100,150,200,350,500,650,800,1000 s/mm2) with 3.0T MR scanner.The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC),ADCslow,ADCfast and f values were evaluated since they could reflect the diffusion and perfusion status of RRMS lesions and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) regions.Results The ADC,ADCslow,ADCfast and f values of the non-enhancing (NE) lesions were significantly higher than those in the NAWM regions both near and far from NE lesions (P＜0.05).However,the ADC,ADCslow,ADCfast and f values in the NAWM regions close to the NE lesions had no significant differences with those in the NAWM regions far from the lesions (P＞0.05).Conclusion The IVIM MRI can measure the diffusion and perfusion status of the lesions and NAWM in RRMS patients,which,therefore,is helpful in speculation of the pathological changes of RRMS lesions and in its injury classification and identification.

PurposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by time and spatial multiple, and it is the main reason for disabled young people. This paper aims to investigate the application of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with dual-compartment Tofts model in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and its correlation with clinical scoring.Materials and MethodsThe clinical data of 25 patients with RRMS were retrospectively studied. The patients underwent the conventional MRI and the DCE-MRI examination. The result was processed by dual-compartment Tofts model and quantitative measurement was carried out in terms of volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant between EES and blood plasma (Kep) and the volume of EES per unit volume of tissue (Ve), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) of the lesions and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) regions. The correlation between imaging biomarkers, expanded disability states scale (EDSS) and disease duration were also analyzed.Results ① The differences of MR imaging biomarkers Ktrans and Kep were significant between the regions of nonenhancing (NE) lesions, the NAWM regions near NE lesions and the NAWM regions far from NE lesions (χ2=6.777 and 22.343,P<0.05); however, Ve in the NE lesions had no significant differences compared with that in the NAWM regions near and far from NE lesions (P>0.05).②The CBF and CBV among these three groups had no signiifcant differences (P>0.05).③The CBF of NE lesions was signiifcantly correlated with disease duration (r=0.518,P<0.05);however, the other markers like Ktrans, Kep, Ve, CBF and CBV were neither signiifcantly correlated with EDSS nor with disease duration (r=-0.371-0.052,P>0.05).Conclusion DCE-MRI with Tofts model can quantitatively measure microvascular permeability and perfusion characteristics of lesions and NAWM regions, which thus reflects hemodynamic changes in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Objective To evaluate dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) with Patlak model for depicting the perfusion and permeability characteristics of lesions and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) regions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods Twenty-three patients with clinical confirmed RRMS were retrospectively analyzed, who had underwent conventional MRI and DCE-MRI using a 3.0 T MR scanner . The clinical characteristics and imaging data were collected. Post-processing was performed using the Patlak model. Volume transfer constant (Ktrans), fractional plasma volume (Vp) and perfusion parameters including cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) were represented as median and interquartile range(IQR). The four parameters of non-enhanced(NE) lesions, NAWM regions located close to NE lesions(NAWM close) and NAWM regions located far from NE lesions (NAWM far) were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test. Artificial color mappings were also proceeded. Results MR imaging biomarkers Ktrans was 0.132(0.064, 0.233) min-1 for NE lesions, 0.111 (0.060, 0.233) min-1 for NAWM close and 0.077(0.044, 0.185) min-1 for NAWM far, respectively. CBV was 10.660(5.555, 22.193) ml · 100 g-1 for NE lesions, 9.359(4.883, 16.290) ml · 100 g-1 for NAWM close, 6.814 (4.699, 13.623) ml·100 g-1 for NAWM far, respectively. Ktrans and CBV of NE lesions was significantly higher than that of NAWM far(χ2=7.582,P<0.05;χ2=6.394,P<0.05, respectively). Ktrans and CBV of NAWM close showed no significant differences compared with NE lesions and NAWM far. Vp and CBF had no significant differences between NE lesions, NAWM close and NAWM far regions(P>0.05). Conclusion DCE-MRI with Patlak model can measure perfusion and permeability characteristics and hemodynamic abnormalities of NE lesions and NAWM regions in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Alprostadil ; pharmacology ; Anticoagulants ; pharmacology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dextrans ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; pharmacology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Heparin ; pharmacology ; Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease ; etiology ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To explore. HRCT and MRI three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady state ac-quisition(3D-FIESTA) imaging features and clinical characteristics of bilateral large vestibular aqueduct syndrome(LVAS). METHOD: The imaging and clinical features of 14 cases of bilateral LVAS identified over a 5-year periodwere retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent HRCT and MRI 3D-FIESTA scanning of head and neck;MRI three dimensional reconstructions of internal acoustical meatus were also completed at the same time. RESULT: Audiogram showed mild to moderate hearing loss and was progressive. The cut-off values for the coronal midpointand operculum planes on the HRCT scan to diagnose an EVA were 1. 5 mm and 4. 3 mm respectively; the averagevalue was 2. 4 mm. VA expansion degree were not linked to the degree of hearing loss. MRI showed VA andlymph sac abnormalities. Concomitant image finding was cochlear hypoplasia. CONCLUSION HRCT and MRI 3D-FI-ESTA are important examinations for accurate diagnosis of LVAS. HRCT can acquire the specific size of reamedVA. MRI and 3D reconstructions of internal acoustical meatus can noninasive show more intuitive display ofLVAS and other inner ear malformations than HRCT.
Ear, Inner ; Head ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Temporal Bone ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vestibular Aqueduct ; pathology ; Vestibular Diseases ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Chinese medicine tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in cultured penis corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cell (PCSMC) in rabbits.

METHODSBy using laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM), the [Ca2+]i fluorescence signal changes was investigated in cultured PCSMC loaded with Ca2+ indicator Fluo-3/AM and divided into potassium chloride(KCl) group and norepinephrine (NE) group. Compared with verapamil (Ver), the effects of TMP was observed in different concentrations on [Ca2+]i increase induced by high potassium and NE.

RESULTSTMP had no obvious effect on resting PCSMC [Ca2+]i. It was found that 1, 10, 100 mumol/L TMP significantly inhibited [Ca2+]i increase induced by high potassium-depolarization. The peak inhibition rates were (38.6 +/- 3.0)%, (44.1 +/- 2.4)% and (53.7 +/- 4.1)% respectively. TMP could also inhibit cytosolic calcium pool release induced by 1 mumol/L NE. The peak inhibition rates were (13.9 +/- 2.7)%, (21.2 +/- 1.9)% and (29.5 +/- 3.6)% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSTMP can inhibit rabbit PCSMC [Ca2+]i significantly by suppressing voltage-dependent calcium channel and cytosolic calcium pool release. The effect, similar to Ver, signifies the important mechanism of erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy.

Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; metabolism ; Penis ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of ursolic acid (UA), apentacyclic triterpene acid, on MCF-7 cell apoptosis, and probable mechanism involved by detecting the expressions of caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase(PARP) at protein level.

METHODMCF-7 cells were cultured with different concentrations of UA. Growth inhibition of UA on MCF-7 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle and sub-G1 peak were performed by FCM. Morphologic changes of UA-treated cells were observed by light microscope. Apoptotic cells with condensed or fragmented nuclei were visualized by Ho 33258 staining by a fluorescence microscope (EX: U. V.). The protein expression of caspase-3 and PARP was analyzed by immunofluorescence cell staining (SABC-Cy3).

RESULT24 hours after UA treatment, inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth was concentration-dependent. The IC50 value for UA was (22.6 +/- 3.0) micromo x L(-1). Cell cycle anaysis by FCM showed that 50 micromol x L(-1) of UA arrested MCF-7 cell cycle at G0 - G1 phase. Morphological changes of MCF-7 Cells exhibited many of the hallmark features of apoptosis, including chromatin clumps and aggregation and DNA fragmentation. UA increased caspase-3 protein expression.

CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that UA evokes MCF-7 cell apoptosis is correlation with the up-regulation of caspase-3. Our study indicated that UA might be a potential Chinese medical component for breast neoplasm.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Breast Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology ; Caspase 3 ; Caspases ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Humans ; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases ; metabolism ; Triterpenes ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the extent of retinal vascular development and influencing factors at birth and the relation between retinal vascularization and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODSFrom October, 2006 to December 2006, retinal vascularization was screened and evaluated in 84 neonates at different weeks of gestation and birth weights (BWs), had dilated fundus evaluation for zone of retinal vascularization by the 130 degrees lens of a digital fundus camera. The infants' pupils were dilated with 2.5% phenylephrine and 0.5% cyclopentolate eye drops. The study cohort was divided into subgroups depending on the weeks of gestation and birth weights. The control group consisted of healthy term infants. Maternal and neonatal factors were ascertained and analysed.

RESULTSVascularization up to zone I and II was considered to be immature retina; vascularization up to zone III or beyond was considered to be mature retina. In this study, 11 of 12 infants who were born at < 30 weeks of gestation, 12 of 26 infants who were born at < 31 approximately 33 weeks of gestation, 1 of 26 babies who were born at < 34 approximately 36 weeks of gestation and none of 20 babies who were born at < 37-40 weeks of gestation had immature retina; 12 of 15 babies at < 1500 g BW, 8 of 14 infants at 1500 g < BW < 1700 g, 4 of 11 infants at 1700 g < BW < 2000 g and of 44 infants at > 2000 g BW had immature retina. Those infants who were born at > 34 weeks of gestational age and at > 2000 g BW had mature retina. Infants who were born between 31 to 34 weeks of gestation and at 1501 to 2000 g BW had variable extent of retinal vascularization at birth. Vascularization was associated with postconceptional age (F = 31.9193, P = 0.000), birth weight (F = 32.4532, P = 0.000), anemia (F = 36.9391, P = 0.000), surfactant (F = 24.000, P = 0.0000), poor nutrition (F = 4.184, P = 0.041), RDS (F = 17.6191, P = 0.000), cesarean delivery (F = 10.972, P = 0.0022) and oxygen > 48 h (F = 22.076, P = 0.0000). Vascularization was affected mainly by the postconceptional age (95% CI = 1.57-261.728, P = 0.021). At last, 15/24 infants with immature retina developed ROP while none of the infants with mature retina developed ROP (chi2 = 45.1087, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONThere is considerable variability in the extent of retinal vascularization in infants who we born between 31 to 34 weeks of gestation. Modifiable maternal and fetal factors could influence extent of vascularization at birth. Immature retina is the critical factor of ROP. Gestational age is the main factor of the immature retina in premature infants.

Birth Weight ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Male ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Retina ; anatomy & histology ; Retinal Vessels ; growth & development

Fifteen tissues of 4-year-old fruit repining stage Jilin ginseng were chosen as materials, six kinds of monomer saponins (ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd) content in 15 tissues was measured by HPLC and vanillin-sulfuric acid method. The relative expression of FPS, SQS, SQE, OSC, β-AS and P450 genes in 15 tissues was analyzed by real-time PCR. The correlations between ginseng saponin content in 15 tissues of Jilin ginseng and biosynthetic pathway -related genes were obtained. The results showed that was a synergistic increase and decrease trend of positive linear correlation among six kinds of monomer saponin content, and there was a significantly (P < 0.01) positive correlation between monomer saponin content and total saponins content. Monomer saponin content and 6 kinds of enzyme gene correlation were different. Biosynthesis of ginseng total saponins and monomer saponin were regulated by six kinds of participation ginsenoside biosynthesis enzyme genes, the expression of these six kinds of genes in different tissues of ginseng showed collaborative increase and decrease trend, and regulated biosynthesis of ginseng ginsenoside by group coordinative manner.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Panax ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plant Structures ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Saponins ; analysis ; metabolism