Herba leonuri (HL) is a famous Chinese traditional medicine with long history. Recent studies have shown that the effects of HL are versatile. In addition to its activating effect on blood flow which has been widely used in gynecological and obstetrical disorders, HL has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on ischemic diseases including myocardial infarction (MI). Experimental studies have shown that HL ameliorated myocardial ischemia, increased coronary blood flow, and improved heart functions. The underlying mechanism is proved to be its antioxidant effects including scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species in ischemic myocardium. The antioxidant effects of HL are exerted only under the condition of oxidative stress. A significant angiogenesis promoting effect is also counted for its cardioprotective effects. Clinic trials also indicated that HL could inhibit blood platelet congregating, resist coagulation, restrain thrombosis, and improve hemorheology in patients with coronary heart diseases. This paper gives a brief review on HLos cardioprotective effects based on recent research progress.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Heart ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; drug therapy ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species

Objective To investigate the in vitro effects of bladder cancer cell proliferation after silencing Notch1 gene. Methods The siRNA eukaryotic expression vector of Notch1 (psiRNA1)was constructed and transfected into bladder cancer cell lines T24 and BIU-87. Methabensthiazuron (MTT) and flow cytometry (FCM) assays were used to detect bladder cancer cells line growth, cell cycle and apoptosis after the transfection. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression changes of Notch1 in these cell lines. Results After transfection for 72 h, the rate of G0/G1 phase cells inceased from (23.89±1.32) % to (80.13±2.69)% in T24 cell line, and increased from (24.63±1.68)% to (69.44±2.41)% in BIU-87 cell line (both P<0.05). In addition, apop-totic cell index in T24 and BIU-87 cell lines increased from (1.28±0.14)% to (13.75±1.23)%, from (1.01±0.27)% to (8.72±1.01)%, respectively(both P<0.05). The growth of T24 and BIU-87 cell lines was obviously inhibited 24 h after the transfection, and the inhibitory effects lasted until 96 h after the transfection. Notch1 mRNA and protein significantly downregulated after transfection compared to the control(P<0.05). Conclusions Silencing Notch1 expression can inhibit the prolif-eration of bladder cancer cell lines. Notch1 gene might act as a tumor gene in bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents in Astragalus dahuricus.

METHODThe compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and HPLC, and their structures were elucidated by their spectroscopic evidences.

RESULTSix compounds were identified as: 7, 2'-dihydroxy-3', 4'-dimethoxyisoflavan (1), 2'-hydroxy-3', 4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 8, 2'-dihydroxy-7, 4'-dimethoxyisoflavan (3), 7-hydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (4), 7, 3'-dihydroxy-4'-metho-xyisoflavone (5), 9, 10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6).

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1-6 were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Isoflavones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

This study aimed to determine whether aldosterone could induce vascular cell apoptosis in vivo. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: vehicle (control), aldosterone, aldosterone plus eplerenone or hydralazine. They were then implanted with an osmotic mini-pump that infused either aldosterone or the vehicle. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly by the tail-cuff method. After 8 weeks, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and renin activity (PRA) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Aortic apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assay. The levels of cytochrome c and caspase-3 were determined by Western blotting and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected by immnuohistochemistry and Western blotting. The results showed that as compared with control group, aldosterone-infused rats exhibited: (1) an increase in SBP; (2) significantly elevated PAC with depressed PRA; (3) elevated aortic vascular cell apoptosis accompanied with higher levels of cytochrome c and activated caspase-3; and (4) significantly up-regulated Bax protein with down-regulated Bcl-2. These effects of aldosterone were significantly inhibited after co-administration with eplerenone but not with hydralazine. It was concluded that aldosterone induced vascular cell apoptosis by its direct effect on the aorta via mineralocorticoid receptors and independently of blood pressure, which may contribute to aldosterone-mediated vascular injury.

Objective To determine the association of mutations in aldosterone synthase (CYPllB2)and 11 beta-hydroxylase(CYP11B1)genes with primary aldosteronism(PA).Methods Five mutations of CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 genes were analyzed in patients with PA and normal population.Among them,intron 2 was detected by 2 independent PCR reactions,and the others were analyzed using Taqman probes.The Haploview 4.0,SNPassoc 1.5-3 and Haplo.stats 1.3.8 were used to analyse the association between polymorphisms and PA.Results All the selected mutations were successfully genetyped.Only rs64lO allelic frequencies in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA)and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism(IHA)were significantly different with those in controls (P＜0.05).There was a relative excess of AA homozygotes and AG heterozygotes of rs6410 allele in APA group compared with control group(P＜0.01).There were significantly different genotypes AA and AG of rs6410 allele between patients with IHA and controls only after adjusted for age,gender,eeptible haplotype AAAWT was identified to be significantly associated with APA(OR=1.44,95%CI 1.19-1.76).Three susceptible haplotypes AAAWT,AGGWT and AGAWC were identified to be significantly associated with IHA(OR=1.55,95%CI 1.23-1.96;OR=1.49,95%CI 1.17-1.89;OR=1.40,95%CI 1.04-1.88).In contrast,1 protective haplotype GGAWT showed significant difference between patients with APA and controls(OR=0.73,95%CI 0.55-0.97).Conclusion There is a significant association between genetic variations in CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 genes and genetie predisposition to PA.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of celecoxib on the cell proliferation and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma line.

METHODS3-[ 4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to investigate the cell proliferation. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to analyze the cell cycle arrest. Immunocytochemistry technique was to observe the expression of VEGF.

RESULTSCelecoxib inhibited the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma line, the cell number of G0/G1 phase increased from 62.13% to 91.35%, and the cell number of G2/M and S phase decreased from 21.59% to 3.56% and from 16.28% to 5.01%, respectively, cell cycle progression was arrested at G1/S phase. Celecoxib decreased the positive expression of VEGF in HNE-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONSCelecoxib inhibited the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma significantly and the expression of VEGF.

Celecoxib ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Pyrazoles ; pharmacology ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

Objective To explore the serum level of magnesium in patients with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) and the effect of early magnesium sulfate combined with Nimodipine injection on the prognoses of these patients with DAI. Methods Ninety-nine patients with DAI, admitted to our hospital from September 2006 to June 2010,were randomly divided into 2 groups.The serum level of magnesium was detected on admission. And both groups were treated with Nimodipine injection intravenously 0.5-1.0 mg/h for 7 consecutive d after admission.The experimental group was treated with 250 g/L MgSO4 injection for 3 consecutive d and the control group was treated without MgSO4.Follow-up was performed to observe the relationship between prognoses and both serum level of magnesium on admission and early MgSO4 treatment. Results No significant difference on fatality rate was noted between the experimental group and the control group; however,the experimental group enjoyed a significantly higher good recovery rate and moderate disability rate than the control group (P＜0.05); No significant correlation between the serum level of magnesium and Glasgow outcome scale was noted in both groups. Conclusion The serum level ofmagnesium on admission can't affect the prognoses.As compared with use of nimodipine alone,combined early treatment of 250 g/L magnesium sulfate with continuous intravenous infusion couldn't decrease the mortality rate,but can decrease the severe disability rate and improve the prognoses of patients and enhance their life qualities.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes and significance of plasma CD40L and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) operation. METHODS: According to the occurrence of primary heart events or restenosis 6 months after the PCI, 68 patients were divided into the ACS group and the stable angina pectoris (SAP) group. Plasma CD40L and PAPP-A after the PCI operation were measured and compared. Thirty-six patients underwent repeated angiography after the PCI. Their baseline and follow up angiograms were compared by quantitative coronary angiography to assess the incidence of restenosis. RESULTS: CD40L and PAPP-A after the PCI operation were higher in the ACS group than that in the SAP group.The group having primary heart events within 6 months had higher level of PAPP-A after the PCI. The group having restenosis 6 months had higher level of PAPP-A after the PCI. The change of later loss index of coronary artery lumen diameter was correlated with PAPP-A level after the PCI. CONCLUSION CD40L and PAPP-A were higher in the ACS group, indicating the possible mechanism by which CD40L facilitates the plaque rupture via up-regulating the PAPP-A expression.Plasma PAPP-A level after the PCI possibly for cases the occurrence of primary heart events or restenosis within 6 months.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; blood ; therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angina, Stable ; blood ; CD40 Ligand ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Postoperative Period ; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo determine the feasibility and the effectiveness of HIV risk behavior intervention characterized by initiator taking the lead combined with peer's participation, as to preventing HIV epidemic through promoting condom use and reducing the number of sexual partners among men who have sex with men (MSM) groups.

METHODSSubjects were recruited via peer referral chain. Twelve key MSM were recruited as initiators in bars or other MSM venues in 3 cities of Hefei, Wuhu and Fuyang. Then, each initiator recruited up to 3 MSM to participate and also each of them continued recruiting others. A total of 218 eligible MSM were recruited, and there were four intervention activities conducted. Firstly, twelve initiators were trained according to intervention manual and then intervention activities were implemented by initiators based on their referral chain. Participants were required to complete self-administrated questionnaire at baseline and the third month after intervention finished. The comparison of the results before and after intervention was conducted two months later to see any improvement in HIV/AIDS knowledge, and condom use.

RESULTSOf 218 participants, 170 (77.9%) were followed up in assessment three months later. The results from paired t-Test and Chi Square Test showed that intervention increased HIV/STDs related knowledge (baseline, 14.71 +/- 2.59; follow-up, 16.95 +/- 1.81; t = -10.647, P < 0.01) and the rate of having female sexual partner during previous 2 months (baseline, 17.6%; follow-up, 11.2%; P < 0.01) were of significant differences. Meanwhile, the intervention increased rate of condom use in the last three times of anal intercourse with homosexual partners, casual homosexual partners and primary homosexual partners (baseline, 55.3%, 43.2%, 49.1%; follow-up, 65.2%, 52.2%, 60.9%; chi(2) = 9.979, P < 0.01; chi(2) = 5.797, P < 0.05; chi(2) = 13.082, P < 0.01; respectively) and decreased rate of non-condom use in the last anal intercourse with homosexual partners, casual homosexual partners and primary homosexual partners (baseline, 41.2%, 35.3%, 45.3%; follow-up, 25.3%, 27.1%, 31.2%; P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.01; respectively) were all of some improvement. Other relevant indicators of 218 participants with 170 followed were compared, excepting the above similar findings, there were no differences in rate of number of female sexual partner during previous 2 months and rate of condom use in the last three anal intercourse with casual homosexual partners and rate of non-condom use in the last anal intercourse with casual homosexual partners.

CONCLUSIONHIV risk behavior intervention based on MSM peer groups is feasible and might increase the condom use among MSM.

Adult ; Condoms ; Contact Tracing ; Feasibility Studies ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Partners

Objective To investigate the effects of dl-3-n-butylphthalide(NBP) on the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in the rat brain tissue after acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning.Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:normal group,model group and experimental group.The acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning model was made by the literature.Rats in experimental group were given 80 mg · kg-1 NBP,and rats in normal group and model group were given same volume of saline by gavage one time a day for seven days.Immunohistochemistry were used to observe the positive cells changes of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 after CO poisoning among the three groups.RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9's mRNA and protein.Results In normal group,the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 positive cells were 4.98-± 1.34,8.65 ± 1.89,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 of mRNA were 0.19 ± 0.02,0.18 ± 0.03,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 of proteins were 0.09-± 0.01,0.08 ± 0.0i.In model group,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 positive cells were 29.43 ± 4.53,40.45 ± 5.23,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 of mRNA were 0.47 ±0.05,0.75 ± 0.05,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 of proteins were 0.78 ± 0.05,0.86 ± 0.07.Compared with normal group,the expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were increased significantly in the model group (P ＜ 0.05).In experimental group,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 positive cells were 22.26 ± 3.12,25.09 ±4.25,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 of mRNA were 0.35 ±0.05,0.41 ±0.05,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 of proteins were 0.37 ± 0.02,0.45 ± 0.02.Compared with model group,the Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expressions were dowm regulated in rats of experimental group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion NBP seemed to play an important role in alleviation of brain damage via decreasing the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 and inhibiting the apotosis of cells.