Objective:To pharmacognostically identify Selaginellae uncinatae Herba to provide reference for the identification and utilization of Selaginellae uncinatae Herba. Methods:On the basis of observing the characters, structure and microscopic characteris-tics of the powder, Selaginella uncinata Herba was identified by a TLC method using amentoflavone as the reference substance. The contents of total ash, acid insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extracts in Selaginellae uncinatae Herba were detected as well. Results:The morphological identification, microscopic identification and TLC identification of the herb was respectively established. The content limits of the total ash, acid insoluble ash and alcohol soluble extract were preliminarily determined. Conclusion:The studies provide reference for the identification and quality evaluation of Selaginellae uncinatae Herba.

OBJECTIVETo explore the differentially expressed genes and related signaling pathways in MC3T3-E1 osteo- blasts in response to suitable fluid shear stress values and action time with cDNA microarrays.

METHODSMC3T3-E1 cells cultured on a cover slip were subjected to fluid shear stress using a parallel plate flow chamber. The harvested RNA was used for microarray hybridization comprising approximately 44 170 genes, as well as for the subsequent real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction validation of expression levels for selected genes. Microarray results were analyzed by using both GO and Pathway analysis.

RESULTSMicroarray analysis indicated that 884 differentially expressed genes were found. Among these genes, 444 were upregulated, whereas 440 were downregulated. The Notch signal and RIG- I -like receptor signaling pathways were involved in the Pathway analysis. GO analysis mainly involved different functional classifications, such as prostaglandin biosynthesis, nitric oxide-mediated signal transduction, calcium mediated signal, and cellular immune response, among others.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanism underlying the protective effect of fluid shear stress on MC3T3-E1 cells might be related to promoting cell survival- and inhibiting cell apoptosis-related signaling pathways and biological processes.

Apoptosis ; Calcium ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Osteoblasts ; Signal Transduction ; Stress, Mechanical

OBJECTIVETo explore the suitable level and action time of 17-beta estradiol and fluid shear stress (FSS) and their combined effect on the proliferation of rat osteoblasts in vitro.

METHODSMC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were adopted after subcultured and different concentrations of 17-beta estradiol and FSS values were applied respectively on MC3T3-E1, the suitable level of 17-beta estradiol and FSS were selected through MTT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Then the two factors at the suitable level were applied simultaneously to MC3T3-E1 to detect the proliferation activity.

RESULTSSeventeen-beta estradiol(10(-8) mol x L(-1) for 5 d and 12 x 10(-5) N FSS for 60 min exhibited better effects on the proliferation activity than the other groups respectively, and the combined effect of both factors was better than any single-factor treated group.

CONCLUSIONBoth 17-beta estradiol and FSS have a suitable threshold in promoting proliferation of osteoblasts, and two-factor treated group exhibits better effect than any other single-factor treated groups. Therefore 17-beta estradiol and FSS have a synergetic action on differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Estradiol ; Osteoblasts ; Rats ; Stress, Mechanical