Proto-oncogene, the fundamental component of cellular genome, is rarely or finitely expressed in normal conditions, and can regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation and information conduction. Many proto-oncogenes show the temporal and specific expression during spermatogenesis. The expression of some proto-oncogenes reinforces in the growth and development of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. To explore the relationship between proto-oncogene and testicular function and that between proto-oncogene and regulative factors of testicular function helps to comprehend the regulation of the testicular function at the molecular level.
Animals ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Humans ; Leydig Cells ; cytology ; Male ; Proto-Oncogenes ; physiology ; Sertoli Cells ; cytology ; Spermatogenesis ; genetics ; Testis ; physiology

In recent years, the discovery and studies on aquaporin have made us have a more in-depth understanding about the physiological and pathological processes of water metabolism. Over years, however, there has been no quantitative study on the target sites of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines at the molecular level. In that case, aquaporin was found to been a new target molecule to explain the efficacy exertion of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines. By studying aquaporin, researchers can understand the implicit meaning of the diuretic effect of traditional Chinese medicines and conduct quantitative studies on the diuretic effect. So far, many scholars have conducted a series of studies in the traditional Chinese medicine field by using the findings on aquaporin and made certain advances. This article provides a summary about the efficacy exertion of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines through target molecule aquaporin.
Animals ; Aquaporins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Diuretics ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Water ; metabolism

Objective: In order to provide the standardization of production and quality control method of Mirabilitum Praeparatum, the fungi from fermentation broth of Mirabilitum Praeparatum were isolated and identificated, and the fermentation and processing of Mirabilitum Praeparatum were investigated. Methods: The traditional fermentation conditions of Mirabilitum Praeparatum such as temperature and humidity were imitated, using watermelon as culture media. Separation and purification of fungi in fermentation broth of Mirabilitum Praeparatum were carried out on PDA, CZA, and Sabourand media, using plate streaking method. The fungi isolated from fermentation broth of Mirabilitum Praeparatum were identified by morphological observation, microstructure observation, and comparison on DNA ITS sequences. Results: Six fungi were isolated from the fermentation broth of Mirabilitum Praeparatum and identified as WF-1 (Fusarium); WF-2 (Penicillium), WF-3 (Mucor); WF-4, WF-5, and WF-6 (Alternaria). Conclusion: Mirabilitum Praeparatum is produced by salt-tolerant fungi in fermentation broth of watermelon, rather than the traditional view that it is the small crystallization seeping from the watermelon.

Backcground:Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box protein 3 (ASB3) is a member of ASB family and contains ankyrin repeat sequence and SOCS box domain.Previous studies indicated that it mediates the ubiquitination and degradation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 and is likely involved in inflammatory responses.However,its effects on oncogenesis are unclear.This study aimed to investigate the effects of ASB3 on the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods:We used next-generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing to detect ASB3 mutations in CRC specimens or cell lines,and used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,Western blotting,and immunohistochemical or immunofluorescence assay to determine gene expression.We evaluated cell proliferation by MTT and colony formation assays,tested cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry,and assessed cell migration and invasion by transwell and wound healing assays.We also performed nude mouse experiments to evaluate tumorigenicity and hepatic metastasis potential of tumor cells.Results:We found that ASB3 gene was frequently mutated (5.3％) and down-regulated (70.4％) in CRC cases.Knockdown of endogenous ASB3 expression promoted CRC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion in vitro and facilitated tumorigenicity and hepatic metastasis in vivo.Conversely,the ectopic overexpression of wild-type ASB3,but not that of ASB3 mutants that occurred in clinical CRC tissues,inhibited tumor growth and metastasis.Further analysis showed that ASB3 inhibited CRC metastasis likely by retarding epithelial-mesenchymal transition,which was characterized by the up-regulation of β-catenin and E-cadherin and the down-regulation of transcription factor 8,N-cadherin,and vimentin.Conclusion:ASB3 dysfunction resulted from gene mutations or down-regulated expression frequently exists in CRC and likely plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC.

OBJECTIVETo clarify drug properties of components in Euodiae Fructus.

METHODThe rat cold syndrome model was induced by cold water stress method. The content of neurotransmitters sand hormones such as DA, 5-HT, NE, AChE and 17-OHCS in serum of model rats were taken as the indexes to evaluate drug properties of components in Euodiae Fructus.

RESULTEuodiae Fructus and its components could correct or relief the content of energy metabolism and substance metabolism-related neurotransmitters sand hormones in serum of model rats with water-stressed cold syndrome.

CONCLUSIONEuodiae Fructus and its components are proved to show hot property.

Animals ; Cold Temperature ; adverse effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa ; drug effects ; pathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stomach Ulcer ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Stress, Physiological

Urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),an ubiquitous neurotrophin,was found to rise in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).We hypothesized that the urinary level of BDNF could be a potential biomarker for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with BPH.Totally,76 patients with BPH-caused LUTS and 32 male control subjects without BPH were enrolled.International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was applied to assess the symptom severity of LUTS.Urodynamic tests were performed for the diagnosis of underlying detrusor overactivity (DO) in the patients with BPH.Urine samples were collected from all subjects.Urinary BDNF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and normalized by urinary creatinine (Cr) levels.Seventy-six BPH patients were divided into moderate LUTS group (n=51,7＜IPSS ≤ 20) and severe LUTS group (n=25,IPSS＞20) according to the IPSS.Of the 76 BPH patients,DO was present in 34 (44.7％)according to the urodynamic test.The urinary BDNF/Cr levels were significantly higher in BPH patients with moderate LUTS (8.29±3.635,P＜0.0001) and severe LUTS (11.8±6.44,P＜0.0001) than normal controls (1.71±0.555).Patients with severe LUTS tended to have higher urinary BDNF/Cr levels than patients with moderate LUTS (11.8±6.44 vs.8.29±3.635,P=0.000).The conditions of BPH with LUTS correlated with elevated urinary BDNF levels,and urinary BDNF levels were even higher in BPH-DO patients.The results of this study have provided evidence to suggest that urinary BDNF level test could evaluate the severity of LUTS in BPH patients,and BDNF level can be used as a biornarker for the diagnosis of DO in BPH patients.

AIM: To study the chemical constituents of the roots of Achyranthes bidentata Bl. METHODS: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by macroporous adsorptive resin D101, silica gel, and ODS column chromatographies and preparetive HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR analyses. RESULTS: Two feruloyl tyramine glycosides and seven triterpenoid saponins were obtained and identified as N-trans-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), N-trans-feruloyl-3-methoxytyra mine-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), PJS-1 (3), chikusetsusaponin IVa (4), oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopy ranoside-6-O-methyl ester]-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyran-oside-6-O-ethylester]-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyranoside-6-O-butyl ester]-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), ginsenoside R(0) (8) and hederagenin-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (9). CONCLUSION Compound 1 is a new feruloyl tyramine glycoside, while compounds 2 and 9 are reported from A. bidentata for the first time.
Achyranthes ; chemistry ; Glucosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Tyramine ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

Anemarrhena asphodeloides processed by salt and raw product was compared including both chemical composition and laxative function in order to find the possible active substance to cure constipation. Processed and raw Anemarrhenae laxative effect on experimental constipation models was observed as well as chemical composition using UPLC-MS technology and the total sugar content was determined by phenol sulfuric acid method. Processed Anemarrhenae water extract improved excrement more than raw which has significant difference compared with the blank group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the total ion flow spectrum showed no significant difference in most substance, but the total sugar content was significantly higher than raw product. Anemarrhenae ancient be recognized benefitting for draining body water in traditional Chinese medicine which has been lost in modern books because it is manifested as excellent laxative effect not diuretic effect. Saccharides carbohydrate may have closely relationship with this magically effect.
Anemarrhena ; chemistry ; Animals ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Constipation ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Defecation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Humans ; Laxatives ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Male ; Rats, Wistar ; Rhizome ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and its distinction from mucinous cystic neoplasm of pancreas.

METHODSThe clinical, radiologic and histologic features of 17 cases of IPMN and 13 cases of mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) were reviewed. Mucin profiles (MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC) were studied by histology (HE) and immunohistochemistry (EnVision).

RESULTS10 of the 17 cases of IPMN were males. 13 cases of the IPMN were located in head of pancreas. Communication with the main pancreatic duct was demonstrated in 15 cases. Histologically, there were mild to severe papillary ingrowths of dysplastic epithelial cells, associated with intervening normal or atrophic pancreatic parenchyma. Ovarian-like stroma was not seen. Ancillary investigations showed that MUC2 and MUC5AC were detected in tumor cells of 9 and 4 cases respectively. The 4 cases with invasive component showed MUC1 positivity. On the other hand, 11 of the 13 cases of MCN occurred in middle-aged to elderly females and were located in the body and tail of pancreas. Ovarian-like stroma was commonly seen and there was no connection with the main pancreatic duct. All non-invasive MCN, regardless of the degree of cytologic atypia, were positive for MUC5AC (but not MUC2). In the 2 cases with invasive component, MUC1 expression was observed, as in IPMN.

CONCLUSIONSThe age and sex of patients, tumor location, absence of ovarian-like stroma, communication with main pancreatic duct and characteristic mucin profiles represent useful parameters in distinguishing IPMN from MCN of pancreas. The tumor cells of IPMN express mainly MUC2, while those of MCN express MUC5AC. MUC1 may also be a useful marker in demonstration of stromal invasion in these tumors.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cystadenoma, Mucinous ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucin 5AC ; Mucin-1 ; Mucin-2 ; Mucins ; metabolism ; Pancreas ; metabolism ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Precancerous Conditions ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Sex Factors

The aim of this study was to look for the chemical constituents from the rhizomes of Dryopteris sublaeta. The fresh plant was extracted twice with boiling water, the extract was concentrated to small volume under reduced pressure at 50 degrees C. The concentrated material was partitioned with ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The fraction of ethyl acetate was repeatedly chromatographied over silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 columns. Structures of pure compounds were established on the basis of their physiochemical and spectral data. Nine compounds were obtained and identified as sublaetentin A (1), sublaetentin B (2), sublaetentin C (3), sublaetentin D (4), matteuorienate A (5), matteuorienate C (6), arbutin (7), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8) and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (9). Compounds 1 - 4 are new compounds, the others were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Arbutin ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Dryopteris ; chemistry ; Flavanones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Glucosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Glycosides ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry