Objective To establish a HPLC method for determining emodin in Radix et Caulis Ventilaginis leiocarpae. Methods Stationary phase was Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 (4.6 mm?150 mm, 5 ?m), mobile phase was methanol-0.1%phosphoric (75∶25), detection wavelength was 285 nm, flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and column temperature was 30 ℃. Results There was good linearity in the range of 0.006 3～0.063 ?g for emodin (r=0.999 9). The average recovery of emodin was 102.0% with RSD=1.58%. Conclusion This method is rapid and accurate. It can be applied to control the quality of Radix et Caulis Ventilaginis leiocarpae.

BACKGROUND:Stem cell transplantation provides a new approach to treat chronic renal disease.Specific marking and in vivo tracing of stern cells are the basis of studies in this field.However,the marking methods appropriate for all cells remain uncertain.OBJECTIVE:To observe the in vivo location and differentiation of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and green fluorescence protein (GFP)-Iabeled cells in adriamycin nephrosis rats so as to explore an efficient labeling and tracing method for metanephric mesenchymal cells (MMCs) derived from embryonic rats.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:Grouping comparative observation was performed at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from April to December 2007.MATERIALS:A total of 60 female SD rats,weighing 180-220 g,of dean grade,were used to establish models of adriamycin nephrosis.METHODS:DAPI and MMCs infected with GFP and DAPI were respectively injected into addamycin nephrosis via the tail vein.DAPI and GFP distribution in the frozen sections was detected at 1,3,and 5 weeks,postoperatively.In addition,GFP expression in renal tissues was detected by ABC immunoenzymatic staining method.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:DAPI and GFP-labeled Cell grafts in adriamycin nephrosis rats were compared.The changes of GFP-transfected MMCs at different time points were observed.RESULTS:DAPI positive cells were observed in tubular structures after 1 weeks of injection of DAPI-labeled cells and DAPI alone,and remained existing at 5 weeks,but the florescence was reduced with time.GFP-transfected MMCs were able to survive and integrate into tubular structures after 1 week,and remained existing at 5 weeks.Moreover,the fluorescence was not reduced.ABC immunoanzymatic staining showed that only a few GFP-positive MMCs appeared in glomerular tufts,and mainly distributed in cytoplasm.Semi-quantitative evaluation of GFP show that the positive cell rate in rats with early application was greater than that with advanced application,and the positive rate was increased with time.CONCLUSION:Liposome mediated GFP gene transfer was an efficient labeling in vitro and suitable tracing method for cell differentiation experiment in vivo,suitable for short-term tracing and observation of transplanted cells.

Apoptosis is proved responsible for renal damage during ischemia/reperfusion. The regulation for renal apoptosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has still been unclearly characterized to date. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of histone acetylation on IRI-induced renal apoptosis and the molecular mechanisms in rats with the application of curcumin possessing a variety of biological activities involving inhibition of apoptosis. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four experimental groups (SHAM, IRI, curcumin, SP600125). Results showed that curcumin significantly decreased renal apoptosis and caspase-3/-9 expression and enhanced renal function in IRI rats. Treatment with curcumin in IRI rats also led to the decrease in expression of p300/cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) and activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs). Reduced histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation was found near the promoter region of caspase-3/-9 after curcumin treatment. In a similar way, SP600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), also attenuated renal apoptosis and enhanced renal function in IRI rats. In addition, SP600125 suppressed the binding level of p300/CBP and H3K9 acetylation near the promoter region of caspase-3/-9, and curcumin could inhibit JNK phosphorylation like SP600125. These results indicate that curcumin could attenuate renal IRI via JNK/p300/CBP-mediated anti-apoptosis signaling.

Apoptosis is proved responsible for renal damage during ischemia/reperfusion. The regulation for renal apoptosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has still been unclearly characterized to date. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of histone acetylation on IRI-induced renal apoptosis and the molecular mechanisms in rats with the application of curcumin possessing a variety of biological activities involving inhibition of apoptosis. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four experimental groups (SHAM, IRI, curcumin, SP600125). Results showed that curcumin significantly decreased renal apoptosis and caspase-3/-9 expression and enhanced renal function in IRI rats. Treatment with curcumin in IRI rats also led to the decrease in expression of p300/cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) and activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs). Reduced histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation was found near the promoter region of caspase-3/-9 after curcumin treatment. In a similar way, SP600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), also attenuated renal apoptosis and enhanced renal function in IRI rats. In addition, SP600125 suppressed the binding level of p300/CBP and H3K9 acetylation near the promoter region of caspase-3/-9, and curcumin could inhibit JNK phosphorylation like SP600125. These results indicate that curcumin could attenuate renal IRI via JNK/p300/CBP-mediated anti-apoptosis signaling.

COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread throughout the world. China has achieved rapid containment of this highly infectious disease following the principles of early detection, early quarantine and early treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The inclusion of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the Chinese protocol is based on its successful historic experience in fighting against pestilence. Current findings have shown that the Chinese medicine can reduce the incidence of severe or critical events, improve clinical recovery and help alleviate symptoms such as cough or fever. To date there are over 133 ongoing registered clinical studies on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The three Chinese patent medicines (/ (Forsythiae and Honeysuckle Flower Pestilence-Clearing Granules/Capsules), (Honeysuckle Flower Cold-Relieving Granules) and (Stasis-Resolving & Toxin-Removing) were officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration to list COVID-19 as an additional indication. The pharmacological studies have suggested that Chinese medicine is effective for COVID-19 probably through its host-directed regulation and certain antiviral effects.