Fatigue ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rhodiola ; chemistry

Depleted uranium (DU) has been widely applied in industrial and military activities, and is often obtained from producing fuel for nuclear reactors. DU may be released into the environment, polluting air, soil, and water, and is considered to exert both radiological and chemical toxicity. In humans and animals, DU can induce multiple health effects, such as renal tubular necrosis and bone malignancies. This review summarizes the known information on DU's routes of entry, mechanisms of toxicity, and health effects. In addition, we survey the chelating agents used in ameliorating DU toxicity.
Animals ; Chelating Agents ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Inactivation, Metabolic ; Radiation-Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Uranium ; metabolism ; toxicity

Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook) Raffin (Fabaceae), also known as flame of forest, is a semi-deciduous tree, distributed throughout Madagascar, India, Africa, and Northern Australia. Various parts of the plant are traditionally used for the treatment of different ailments such as inflammation, rheumatism, bronchitis, diabetes, anemia, fever, gynecological disorders, and pneumonia. The plant possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, wound healing, antiarthritic, larvicidal, antimalarial, antiemetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrhoeal, antiheamolytic, diuretic, and anthelmintic activities. This review is an up-to-date compilation on its traditional uses in context to phytochemical and pharmacological perspectives.
Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Antiemetics ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Fabaceae ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of exogenous Ca2+ on protective infection of Pinellia ternata and accumulation of major components under high temperature stress.

METHODThe soilless cultivation experiment was applied, stress resistance index of P. ternata leaves, statistics the rate of lodge P. ternata,the content of oxalate in different places in the plant, the content of total alkaloids, total organic acids and glucosine in P. ternata tubers were measured based on different concentrations of exogenous Ca2+.

RESULTThe test results showed that, at lower concentrations of Ca2+ treatments, the rate of lodge P. ternata was higher than that of the others. With Ca2+ concentration increasing, activities of SOD and POD initially increased and then decreased, however, proline level tended to be down then up. Soluble oxalic acid content was lower than the content of unhandled treatment in P. ternata leaves and tubers; with Ca2+ concentration increasing, soluble oxalic acidl content and yield showed a tendency of decrease after increase in the leaves and tubers. Compared with other treatments, spraying 400 mg x L(-1) Ca2+ significantly enhanced the accumulation of total alkaloid and guanosine in P. ternata tubers. At Lower concentrations of Ca2+, the content of total free organic acid was higher in the tuber.

CONCLUSIONWith the treatment of Ca2+ the capacity of heat resistance was improved in P. ternata plants, the rate of lodge P. ternata was postponed, growing period was extended and corresponding production has increased by spraying exogenous Ca2+.

Calcium Compounds ; pharmacology ; Hot Temperature ; Pinellia ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Stress, Physiological

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on mitochondrial dynamics and cell apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells. METHODS: HK-2 cells were divided into three groups: HK-2 cells were challenged with LPS (800 μg/L) for 24 hours as LPS group, or LPS mixed with EP (0.25 mmol/L) for 24 hours as EP group. Cells were incubated with normal saline for 24 hours as control group. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). JC-1 staining and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (FITC/PI) assays were used to evaluate mitochondrial membrane potential and cell apoptosis, respectively. Western Blot was used to evaluate the protein expressions of mitochondrial dynamics, including death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK-2), mitofusin (Mfn-1 and Mfn-2), and apoptotic associated biomarkers, including caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cytochrome C (Cyt C), and DNA repair enzyme poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). RESULTS: Compared with the NC group, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α of LPS group were significantly increased, the expression of SOD, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level were significantly decreased, the expression of mitochondrial fission protein DAPK-2 was significantly increased, and mitochondrial fusion proteins Mfn-1 and Mfn-2 were significantly decreased, cell apoptosis and apoptotic protein caspase-3, caspase-9 and Cyt C were increased, and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, PARP were significantly decreased. Compared with the LPS group, the oxidative activities and inflammatory factors above were inhibited in EP group [MDA (μmol/L): 12.35±2.21 vs. 45.95±1.76, SOD (kU/L): 54.68±1.42 vs. 40.73±1.60, IL-6 (ng/L): 67.87±2.61 vs. 338.92±20.91, TNF-α (ng/L): 19.23±1.80 vs. 180.69±6.51], mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level were significantly increased [mitochondrial membrane potential: (99.43±0.25)% vs. (69.40±0.75)%, ATP (×10⁶ RLU): 0.19±0.01 vs. 0.12±0.05], the expression of mitochondrial fission protein was significantly decreased (DAPK-2/β-actin: 0.03±0.01 vs. 0.61±0.02), mitochondrial fusion proteins were significantly increased (Mfn-1/β-actin: 0.43±0.04 vs. 0.17±0.01, Mfn-2/β-actin: 0.201±0.004 vs. 0.001±0.001), percentage of cell apoptosis was significantly decreased [(5.25±0.17)% vs. (34.42±0.64)%], the expressions of apoptotic proteins were significantly decreased (caspase-3/β-actin: 0.25±0.15 vs. 1.76±0.01, caspase-9/β-actin: 0.09±0.02 vs. 1.52±0.12, Cyt C/β-actin: 0.001±0.001 vs. 0.350±0.030), and the expressions of anti-apoptotic proteins and PARP were significantly increased (Bcl-2/β-actin: 0.500±0.010 vs. 0.009±0.004, Bcl-xL/β-actin: 0.550±0.010 vs. 0.009±0.001, PARP/β-actin: 0.94±0.01 vs. 0.16±0.13), with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS There are enhanced mitochondrial fission and diminished mitochondrial fusion in LPS-induced HK-2 cells. EP can protect mitochondria functions by regulate mitochondrial dynamics, and reducethe apoptosis of LPS-induced HK-2 cells.
Apoptosis ; Humans ; Kidney ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Mitochondrial Dynamics/drug effects* ; Protective Agents/pharmacology* ; Pyruvates/pharmacology*

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) is a well-known tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Its fruit's pericarp abounds with a class of isoprenylated xanthones which are referred as mangostins. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that mangostins and their derivatives possess diverse pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic activities as well as neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review article provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities of mangostins and their derivatives to reveal their promising utilities in the treatment of certain important diseases, mainly focusing on the discussions of the underlying molecular targets/pathways, modes of action, and relevant structure-activity relationships (SARs). Meanwhile, the pharmacokinetics (PK) profile and recent toxicological studies of mangostins are also described for further druggability exploration in the future.
Animals ; Anti-Infective Agents ; pharmacology ; Anticarcinogenic Agents ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Cardiovascular Agents ; pharmacology ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Garcinia mangostana ; chemistry ; Humans ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Xanthones ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVEMatrine has an anti-fibrosis effect, such as hepatic cirrhosis and derma fibrosis, while its effect on glomerulosclerosis is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the renoprotective effects of matrine on experimental glomerulosclerosis in rats and inquire into its mechanisms.

METHODSThe rats were randomly assigned to following groups: normal control group, model control group, benazepril treatment group, matrine 100 mg/kg treatment group and matrine 50 mg/kg treatment group. The rats of normal control group were subjected to sham operation and were injected with normal saline via the tail vein one week later. The rats of the other groups were uninephrectomized and injected with adriamycin (5 mg/kg) via the tail vein one week later. The dose of benazepril was 6 mg/kg. Both matrine and benazepril were given by gastric perfusion from the first day after the operation. The level of urinary protein was measured at the 2nd, 4th and 6th week after the operation. The serum total protein and albumin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were tested only at the 6th week after operation. Renal pathology changes were evaluated at the 6th week as well. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in glomeruli.

RESULTSMatrine and benazepril not only reduced the excretion of urinary protein and the level of serum creatinine and BUN, but also significantly ameliorated glomerular mesangial proliferation and glomerular sclerosis (P < 0.05, respectively). Immunohistochemical staining indicated that there was an increasing FN, LN, CTGF and TGF-beta1 expression in model control group as compared to the three treatment groups (P < 0.05). Matrine 100 mg/kg treatment group and benazepril treatment group showed much more advantages than matrine 50 mg/kg treatment group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the former two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMatrine has a renoprotective effect on experimental glomerulosclerosis in rats, the possible mechanism might relate to the reduction of the TGF-beta1 negative function via CTGF, which will inhibit the activation and proliferation of glomerular intrinsic cells, decrease the secretion of ECM accordingly.

Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Benzazepines ; pharmacology ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Kidney Diseases ; prevention & control ; Kidney Glomerulus ; drug effects ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Quinolizines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Renal Agents ; pharmacology

In view of the increasing number of patients undergoing kidney dialysis or transplant every year, a survey of the literature on renal protective medicinal plants was undertaken. Most of them are from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although many of the medicinal herbs reported have not been investigated in terms of active chemical ingredients, some do have compounds well characterized. They fall into a wide range of structures. Several groups of compounds with well established activities are discussed. These include: antioxidant phenolic compounds like tannins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, unsaturated organic acids and lignans; circulation enhancing compounds like saponins, and basic alkaloids with multiple targets (G-protein coupled receptors). Also presented are proinflammatory and antiinflammatory fatty acids like linoleic (n-6) and α-linolenic (n-3) acids, respectively. Attention is also drawn to the plants containing nephrotoxic aristolochic acid. Different directions of future research are also presented. We hope that this review may provide some leads for new drug discovery and development, and more rational application of TCM.
Animals ; Humans ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Protective Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Structure-Activity Relationship

Acetates ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Diving ; adverse effects ; Ear Canal ; injuries ; Nitrogen ; Oxygen ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rabbits

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of combined administration of verapamil and nitroglycerin on the function of canine transplanted lungs. METHODS: Twenty orthotopic left lung transplantations were performed in 40 canines, which were randomly divided into 4 groups. In group I (control), the donor lungs were perfused and preserved with LPD solution, while group II with LPD solution plus verapamil 0.1 g/L, group III with LPD solution plus nitroglycerin 0.1g/L, and group IV with LPD solution plus verapamil 0.1 g/L and nitroglycerin 0.1 g/L. Hemodynamics and graft gas exchange were assessed 0, 2 and 4 h after the operation. The lung grafts were harvested to measure the wet/dry weight ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. RESULTS: Compared with group I, II and III, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO₂), dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension volume [P(A- a)O₂] in group IV were improved significantly (P<0.05). No significant difference in the partial pressure of carbondioxide (PaCO₂) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was observed in the 4 groups (P>0.05). In group IV, the wet/dry weight ratio and MDA contents were lower than those in the other 3 groups, and the SOD activity was significantly higher than that of the other 3 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Verapamil and nitroglycerin in LPD solution can protect the respiratory function of canine lung grafts by attenuating pulmonary edema and oxidative stress.
Animals ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Dogs ; Hemodynamics ; Lung ; Lung Transplantation ; Nitroglycerin ; pharmacology ; Organ Preservation ; Protective Agents ; Reperfusion Injury ; Verapamil ; pharmacology