Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.

Objective:To explore the related influencing factors for prognosis of patients undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for blowout orbital fracture(BOF),so as to adopt corresponding intervention measures for patients in clinical practices,thus improve the prognosis of patients.Methods:A total of 107 patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF in Qingdao Municipal Hospital from September 2015 and September 2024 were enrolled in this study.Preoperative and postoperative clinical data,as well as follow-up records,of patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery for BOF were collected.According to follow-up data of plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF,the 107 patients were divided into two groups:a poor prognosis group(n=35)and a favorable prognosis group(n=72).Comparative analysis was performed for the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was subsequently employed to identify influencing factors for prognosis of patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF,and conduct assessment and analysis for risk factors.Results:In poor prognosis group with 35 patients:12 cases occurred diplopia(34.28%),and 11 cases occurred limited ocular motility(31.42%),and 11 cases occurred enophthalmos(31.42%),and 1 case occurred infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia(2.85%).The age(44.66±12.70 years old)and surgical duration(91.43±56.97 minutes)of poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those of favorable prognosis group,with statistical significance(t=-2.547,-2.23,P<0.05).The proportions of patients with hypertension history,with diabetes history,with bone defect area≥2 cm2,and interval between injury and surgery≥14 days of poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those of favorable prognosis group,with statistical differences(x2=8.756,33.142,62.163,13.769,P<0.05),respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified diabetes history,bone defect area≥2 cm2,and interval between injury and surgery≥14 days were influencing factors for the prognostic of patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF(OR=0.022,0.012,0.123,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The d iabetes history,bone defect area≥2 cm2,and interval between injury and surgery≥14 days are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients who undergo plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF.It is important measure that effectively improve prognosis of patients who undergo plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF,which include selecting optimal surgical timing,defining the extent of bone defects and the comorbidities before surgery,and implementing glycemic control at perioperative and postoperative stage.

Objective:To explore the related influencing factors for prognosis of patients undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for blowout orbital fracture(BOF),so as to adopt corresponding intervention measures for patients in clinical practices,thus improve the prognosis of patients.Methods:A total of 107 patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF in Qingdao Municipal Hospital from September 2015 and September 2024 were enrolled in this study.Preoperative and postoperative clinical data,as well as follow-up records,of patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery for BOF were collected.According to follow-up data of plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF,the 107 patients were divided into two groups:a poor prognosis group(n=35)and a favorable prognosis group(n=72).Comparative analysis was performed for the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was subsequently employed to identify influencing factors for prognosis of patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF,and conduct assessment and analysis for risk factors.Results:In poor prognosis group with 35 patients:12 cases occurred diplopia(34.28%),and 11 cases occurred limited ocular motility(31.42%),and 11 cases occurred enophthalmos(31.42%),and 1 case occurred infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia(2.85%).The age(44.66±12.70 years old)and surgical duration(91.43±56.97 minutes)of poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those of favorable prognosis group,with statistical significance(t=-2.547,-2.23,P<0.05).The proportions of patients with hypertension history,with diabetes history,with bone defect area≥2 cm2,and interval between injury and surgery≥14 days of poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those of favorable prognosis group,with statistical differences(x2=8.756,33.142,62.163,13.769,P<0.05),respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified diabetes history,bone defect area≥2 cm2,and interval between injury and surgery≥14 days were influencing factors for the prognostic of patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF(OR=0.022,0.012,0.123,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The d iabetes history,bone defect area≥2 cm2,and interval between injury and surgery≥14 days are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients who undergo plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF.It is important measure that effectively improve prognosis of patients who undergo plastic and reconstructive surgery with transnasal endoscope for BOF,which include selecting optimal surgical timing,defining the extent of bone defects and the comorbidities before surgery,and implementing glycemic control at perioperative and postoperative stage.

OBJECTIVETo establish a model of gastric precancerous lesion by using Aristolochic manshuriensis which contains aristolochic acids.

METHODThe SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control and three different doses of ethanol extractive of A. manshuriensis (EEA) (corresponding to aristolochic acid I 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg x kg(-1)), respectively. EEA was intragastrically given to rats every other day. At the end of the 10th, 15th, 20th week, part of the rats in each group was sacrificed and the stomachs were weighed. The gastric tumor was assessed by the weight and the relative stomach weight to the body weight. The stomachs were fixed in 4% neutral formalin, and the paraffin imbedding tissues were sliced and HE stained. Histomorphology was observed under the light microscope to determine gastric hyperplasia, mucosa precancerosis (atypical hyperplasia) and gastric cancer formation.

RESULTThe rats treated with different doses of EEA for 10 weeks induced mucosa papillary, epithelioma hyperplasia. Histological observation showed mucosa precancerosis lesions characterized as atypical hyperplasia at the dose levels corresponding to aristolochic acid I 5.0 and 10.0 mg x kg(-1) treated for 10 weeks. The incidence rate of gastric precancerosis in those two groups was 100% at the 15th week. Malignant tumors were observed in most of the animals in 10.0 mg x kg(-1) group. The animals in 5.0 mg x kg(-1) group were well tolerant compared to 10.0 mg x kg(-1) group during the course of experiment, so the dose of aristolochic acid I 5.0 mg x kg(-1) and 10-15 weeks treatment were considered to be optimum to establish the model of gastric precancerosis.

CONCLUSIONA rat model of gastric precancerosis can be induced within a short duration by giving an oral administration of the ethanol extract of A. manshuriensis which contains aristolochic acids.

Animals ; Aristolochia ; chemistry ; Aristolochic Acids ; administration & dosage ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the substance basis and the mechanism of pseudoanaphylactoid reactions (PR) induced by Shuanghuanglian injection (SHLI).

METHOD(1)The study of PR and the substance basis of PR of SHLI: ICR mice were divided into different test groups, the mice were intravenously injected with solutions of different concentration of SHLI, baicalin, forsythin, caffeotannic acid, positive control Compound 48/80 and normal sodium. All test substances were mixed with 0.4% Evans blue. The reaction and vascular permeability of the ears were observed and measured 30 min after SHLI injection. (2) The study of mechanisms: Mice were pretreated with an oral administration of Astemizol, intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide 75 mg x kg(-1) or Compound 48/80 4 mg x kg(-1), then mice were intravenously injected with SHLI. At last, vascular permeability of the ears in pretreated groups was compared with SHLI treatment alone group.

RESULTSHLI of 300 mg x kg(-1) and 600 mg x kg(-1) caused obvious vascular hyperpermeability, but baicalin, forsythin and caffeotannic didn't cause vascular hyperpermeability in the ears. The Astemizol can decrease the degree of SHLI-induced vascular hyperpermeability of the ears in the mice. After intraperitoneal injected with cyclophosphamide, there was a slight decrease in the degree of SHLI-induced vascular hyperpermeability, but there was no marked changes in the degree of the SHLI-induced vascular hyperpermeability after the mice were pretreated with Compound 48/80.

CONCLUSIONSHLI in clinic equivalent dose can cause vascular hyperpermeability. Baicalin, forsythin and caffeotannic may not result in the PR of SHLI. The mechanism of the PR maybe relate to that SHLI stimulates histamine release, the activation of leucocyte maybe take part in the SHLI-induced PR, too. Antihistamine drug can prevent the genesis of PR which induced by SHLI.

Anaphylaxis ; chemically induced ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Animals ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; Injections ; Mice

OBJECTIVETo investigate the antiatherogenic effect and possible mechanisms of the extracts of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM) or Fructus Crataegi (FC), as well as their interaction.

METHODWistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: normal group and model group. The atherosclerotic model rats were injected VD3 and ovalbumin, while fed with high cholesterol diet. After the model was determined successfully, all model rats were divided into normal group, model group, Xuezhikang group, RSM group, FC group, mixture of RSM and FC group. Each group was given the corresponding drugs for 4 weeks. After 12 weeks, blood serum were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase ( SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). And the blood plasma also analyzed for levels of endothelin (ET), 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and so on. At last, the pathological observation of aorta was carried out.

RESULTCompared with those in model group, the TC, TG, LDL-C, ET, TXB2 and MDA levels and TXB2/PGF1alpha ratio were reduced, while the HDL-C, the serum SOD, No and 6-keto-PGF1alpha level were raised in the intervention groups. Although the levels of CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 were lower than model group, there was no obvious effect on the releasing of TNF-alpha.

CONCLUSIONRSM and FC could inhibit the atherogenesis formation and development, which might be due to regulating the lipid metabolism, enhancing the antioxidation, and reducing the release of inflammatory factors.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; prevention & control ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Crataegus ; Disease Models, Animal ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Salvia miltiorrhiza

OBJECTIVETo modify the empirical method of precision-cut liver slice technique, and study the hepatotoxicity of monocrotaline by this technique.

METHODLiver slices were prepared by the domestic shaking slicer. The technique of precision-cut liver slice was established by detecting MTT reduction used as the slice viability under different culture medium, thickness of slices, pH and culture temperature. After monocrotaline and liver slices co-culture for 6, 24 h, the slice viability, enzyme activity of GPT, GOT, LDH, GGT and protein concentration were detected by MTT reduction, enzyme kinetics method and BCA protein assay method, respectively.

RESULTWhen the thickness of slices was 200 microm and pH of medium was 6.8, culture temperature was 37 degrees C, BPM culture medium, the viability of slices could maintain on a steady level. LDH leakage was significantly increased and protein content was obviously decreased after monocrotaline co-culture for 24 h with final concentration 0.02, 0.1 and 0.5 g x L(-1). No statistically significant difference between control group and monocrotaline 3 dose groups was observed in the slice viability and the content of GPT, GOT, LDH, GGT and protein after monocrotaline co-culture for 6 h.

CONCLUSIONThe slice viability could retain 24 h in modified BPM medium surroundings; monocrotaline displayed liver toxicity in some degree after co-culture for 24 hours in 0.02, 0.1 and 0.5 g x L(-1) concentration.

Animals ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Monocrotaline ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Temperature ; Toxicity Tests

OBJECTIVETo establish a simple and feasible method of anaphylactoid test on awaked small animals for screening and assessing anaphylactoid reaction of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injection with different concentration of tween 80.

METHODTest substances containing 0.4% Evans blue were intravenously injected into mice at volume of 20 mL x kg(-1) or guinea pigs at a volume of 30 mL x kg(-1). The behaviors were observed and the vascular permeability of ears evaluated by the extent of ear blue staining and absorbance of Evans blue extraction of ears were tested at 30 min after injection.

RESULTTween 80 solution, Yuxingcao injection with tween 80, and Shuanghuanglian powder injection obviously increased vascular permeability of ears characterized as ear blue staining and increased absorbance of the Evans blue extract from ears extracted by acetone saline both in mice and in guinea pigs in a concentration-dependent (in the case of tween 80) or a dose-dependent (Shuanghuanglian) manner.

CONCLUSIONEar vascular permeability test in mice and guinea pigs can be used as animal models to screen and test anaphylactoid reaction induced by injections.

Anaphylaxis ; chemically induced ; Animals ; Capillary Permeability ; drug effects ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; adverse effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Models, Animal

OBJECTIVETo investigate the fetotoxicity of monocrotaline.

METHODMouse whole embryo culture (WEC) was applied. Post-implantation (8.5 d) mouse embryos were isolated from their mothers and put into the medium of immediately centrifuged serum (ICS) prepared from rats. Different concentrations of monocrotaline (100, 50, 25, 12.5 mg x L(-1)) were added into the WEC. Development (yolk sac diameter, crown-rump length, head length, somite number) and organic morphodifferentiation (yolk sac circulation, allantois, embryonic flexion, heart, brain, optic-otic-olfactory organ, branchial arch, maxillary, mandible, bud) of embryos were observed at 48 h after treatment.

RESULTObvious fetotoxicity could be observed in various monocrotaline treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner. Development of embryos was delayed significantly at dose 12.5-100 mg x L(-1). Malformations were shown in all organic morphodifferentiation indice, especially in opti-otic organ, mandible and bud.

CONCLUSIONMonocrotaline had obvious fetotoxicity in vitro WEC, indicating that exposure of pregnant mice to monocrotaline may have potential risk on fetus.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Culture Media ; Embryo, Mammalian ; drug effects ; physiology ; Female ; Male ; Mice ; Monocrotaline ; toxicity

OBJECTIVEBy using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, we studied the dose-effect relationship of endotoxin induced RAW 264.7 cells to release TNF-alpha, and then detected the content of endotoxin in 8 kinds of injections, so that we can investigate the feasibility and the interference factors of the novel test.

METHODBy using endotoxin of different concentrations to induce RAW 264. 7 cells to release TNF-a, we drew the curve of dose-effect relationship between endotoxin and generated TNF-alpha. Then we detected the content of TNF-alpha in yuxingcao, shuanghuanglian, qingkailing, gegensu, xiangdan, qianrongmei and jiangxianmei injections and shuanghuanglian powder injection, and calculated their content of endotoxin.

RESULTThe endotoxin could induce the cells to release TNF-alpha in a good dose-dependent manner, even at a very low concentration. In the range of maximum available dilution multiple, the content of endotoxin in the rest 7 kinds of injections was less than 1.0 EU x mL(-1) except qingkailing injection of two batch.

CONCLUSIONCytokine revulsion has the advantage of wide detection range, high sensitivity, simple operation, and the detected endotoxin is of bioactivity. This method provides another technical mean for pyrogen test of injections.

Animals ; Biological Assay ; methods ; Cell Line ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Endotoxins ; adverse effects ; analysis ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; immunology ; Mice ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; analysis ; immunology