Objective To investigate the effects of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)on axon growth inhibitory factor A(Nogo-A)and its downstream pathway protein RHO-associated coiled spiral kinase 2(ROCK2)in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)mice,and to explore the mechanism by which it promotes axon repair and regeneration.Methods EAE model was induced in C57BL/6 female mice by subcutaneous injection of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55(MOG35-55).Mice were randomly divided into EAE group and AS-Ⅳ group(n=8 per group).EAE group received intraperitoneal injection of PBS on the 3rd day post-immunization,while AS-Ⅳ group was administered AS-Ⅳ at a dosage of 30mg/(kg.d)once daily,0.2 ml per injection,for 25 consecutive days.On the 28th day post-immunization,the expression levels of growth-associated protein 43(GAP-43),neuronal core antigen(NeuN),microtubule associated protein 2(MAP-2),glial fibroacidic protein(GFAP),and Iba1 in the spinal cord were detected using immunofluorescence assay.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was conducted to detect mRNA expression levels of GAP-43,Nogo-A,and Nogo receptor(NgR)genes.Western blotting was utilized to determine the expression levels of GAP-43,Nogo-A,ROCK2,phosphorylated myosin phosphatase(p-MYPT1),B-lymphoblastoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax).Results Compared with EAE group,AS-Ⅳ treatment significantly reduced the positive cell expression rates of Iba1 microglia and GFAP astrocyte in spinal cord(P<0.01 and P<0.001,respectively),while it also increased the positive expression rates of NeuN and MAP-2(P<0.001 and P<0.05,respectively).The treatment also upregulated the expression level of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2(P<0.001)and downregulated the expression level of pro-apoptotic factor Bax(P<0.05),leading to an increase in Bcl-2/Bax ratio(P<0.05).Furthermore,AS-Ⅳ enhanced the expression of GAP-43 protein(P<0.05)and decreased the mRNA expression levels of neuroregeneration inhibitor Nogo receptor(NgR)and ROCK2 gene(P<0.001,P<0.05,respectively);as well as decreased the expression levels of Nogo-A,ROCK2 and p-MYPT1 proteins(P<0.05,P<0.001).Conclusion AS-Ⅳ may inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes and neuronal apoptosis in EAE mice by inhibiting Nogo-A and downstream pathway ROCK 2,thereby promoting the expression of GAP-43,NeuN and MAP-2,alleviating neuronal damage,and facilitating axon repair and regeneration.

This study aimed to explore the characteristic role of Puerariae Lobatae Radix(PLR) in Gegen Decoction for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea(PD). Estrogen(E_2) was combined with oxytocin to establish a mouse model of PD. The mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a Gegen Decoction group, a PLR-free Gegen Decoction group, a PLR group, and a positive drug group(ibuprofen). Writhing response times and writhing incubation of mice in each group were tested by behavio-ral assessment, and the serum levels of prostaglandin F_(2α)(PGF_(2α)), prostaglandin E_2(PGE_2), E_2, and progesterone(PROG) were detected by ELISA kits. Western blot method was adopted to detect cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and estrogen receptor alpha(ER_α) expression levels in uterine tissues. Doppler ultrasound was employed to detect changes in uterine artery blood flow in mice, including peak systolic blood flow velocity(maximum velocity), end-diastolic velocity(minimum velocity), peak systolic blood flow velocity/end-diastolic velocity(S/D), pulsatility index(PI), and resistive index(RI). Histopathological changes in the uterus were detected by HE staining. Based on the oxytocin-induced isolated uterine contraction model, the effects of Gegen Decoction, PLR-free Gegen Decoction, and PLR on the amplitude, frequency, and activity of isolated uterine contraction were compared to investigate the role of PLR in Gegen Decoction for the treatment of PD. The results showed that compared with the Gegen Decoction group, the PLR-free Gegen Decoction improved the indicators of PD except for E_2 content, ER_α expression, and uterine artery blood flow. PLR could significantly down-regulate the serum content of E_2 and the protein expression of uterine ER_α, and improve the uterine artery blood flow. The data suggested that PLR, as the sovereign drug of Gegen Decoction, might function in Gegen Decoction for the treatment of PD by mediating E_(2 )and improving the uterine artery blood flow.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Dysmenorrhea/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Mice ; Plant Roots ; Pueraria ; Uterus

Objective: To explore the effect of perioperative chemotherapy on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients under real-world condition. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Real world data of gastric cancer patients receiving perioperative chemotherapy and surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy in 33 domestic hospitals from January 1, 2014 to January 31, 2016 were collected. Inclusion criteria: (1) gastric adenocarcinoma was confirmed by histopathology, and clinical stage was cT2-4aN0-3M0 (AJCC 8th edition); (2) D2 radical gastric cancer surgery was performed; (3) at least one cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was completed; (4) at least 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) [SOX (S-1+oxaliplatin) or CapeOX (capecitabine + oxaliplatin)] were completed. Exclusion criteria: (1) complicated with other malignant tumors; (2) radiotherapy received; (3) patients with incomplete data. The enrolled patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy were included in the perioperative chemotherapy group, and those who received only postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were included in the surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group. Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to control selection bias. The primary outcome were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after PSM. OS was defined as the time from the first neoadjuvant chemotherapy (operation + adjuvant chemotherapy group: from the date of operation) to the last effective follow-up or death. PFS was defined as the time from the first neoadjuvant chemotherapy (operation + adjuvant chemotherapy group: from the date of operation) to the first imaging diagnosis of tumor progression or death. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival rate, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the independent effect of perioperative chemo therapy on OS and PFS. Results: 2 045 cases were included, including 1 293 cases in the surgery+adjuvant chemotherapy group and 752 cases in the perioperative chemotherapy group. After PSM, 492 pairs were included in the analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, tumor stage before treatment, and tumor location between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group, patients in the perioperative chemotherapy group had higher proportion of total gastrectomy (χ(2)=40.526, P<0.001), smaller maximum tumor diameter (t=3.969, P<0.001), less number of metastatic lymph nodes (t=1.343, P<0.001), lower ratio of vessel invasion (χ(2)=11.897, P=0.001) and nerve invasion (χ(2)=12.338, P<0.001). In the perioperative chemotherapy group and surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group, 24 cases (4.9%) and 17 cases (3.4%) developed postoperative complications, respectively, and no significant difference was found between two groups (χ(2)=0.815, P=0.367). The median OS of the perioperative chemotherapy group was longer than that of the surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group (65 months vs. 45 months, HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89, P=0.001); the median PFS of the perioperative chemotherapy group was also longer than that of the surgery+adjuvant chemotherapy group (56 months vs. 36 months, HR=0.72, 95% CI:0.61-0.85, P<0.001). The forest plot results of subgroup analysis showed that both men and women could benefit from perioperative chemotherapy (all P<0.05); patients over 45 years of age (P<0.05) and with normal body mass (P<0.01) could benefit significantly; patients with cTNM stage II and III presented a trend of benefit or could benefit significantly (P<0.05); patients with signet ring cell carcinoma benefited little (P>0.05); tumors in the gastric body and gastric antrum benefited more significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: Perioperative chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Female ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Male ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*

This study analyzed the plasma components of Gegen Decoction(GGD) by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS), which is expected to serve as a reference for exploring the pharmacodynamic substances of GGD. Female Wistar rats were given(ig) GGD and then plasma samples were collected and analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The results showed that 42 chemical components were identified: 25 prototypes(14 from Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 6 from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 from Paeoniae Radix Alba, and 2 from Ephedrae Herba) and 17 metabolites(from isoflavonoids in Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to achieve rapid analysis of plasma components of GGD, laying a basis for elucidating the therapeutic material basis and mechanism of GGD.
Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Female ; Mass Spectrometry ; Paeonia ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective:To explore the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tang (BYHWT) on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) at different stages. Method:The 36 female C57BL/6 mice were immunized subcutaneously with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptides (MOG_35-55),then randomly divided into 9, 17, 28 d EAE control group. Each BYHWT group was orally given drugs on the 3^rd day after immunization (50 g·kg^-1·d^-1), and EAE control group was given the same volume of normal saline in the same way once a day for 9, 17 and 28 d after immunization. The effect of BYHWT on EAE mice was observed with internationally accepted clinical score. Brain and spinal cord specimens were collected at 9, 17 and 28 d after immunization. The neuroprotective effect of BYHWT was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and solid blue staining (LFB). The expressions of BDNF and GAP-43 in spinal cord and brain were detected by Western blot. Result:After treatment, BYHWT can significantly inhibit myelitis cell infiltration and alleviate myelin loss. Compared with EAE group, the expression of Nogo-A in the spinal cord of each BYHWT group was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), and the expression of BDNF in the spinal cord was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the BYHWT group 17 and 28 d group compared with EAE group 17 and 28 d group. Compared with EAE 9, 17 d group, GAP-43 expression was significantly up-regulated in the spinal cord of BYHWT 9, 17 d group (P<0.01). Conclusion:BYHWT can improve the local nerve growth microenvironment and promote the expression of NTFs, reduce the expressions of neuroinhibitory factors, and play a role in neuroprotection.

AIM:To investigate the clinical significance of stathmin 1 (STMN1) expression in cervical cancer and the influence of its expression on the viability and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. METHODS:Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of STMN1 in cervical cancer tissues, and the relationship between the expression and clinical characteristics of cervical cancer was analyzed. STMN1-siRNA was transfected into cervical squamous-cell carcino-ma SiHa cells. The protein levels of STMN1, STAT3, p-STAT3 and survivin were determined by Western blot after trans-fection for 48 h. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RESULTS:The protein expression of STMN1 in cer-vical cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues (P<0.01). The STMN1 protein expression level was not correlated with age and histological types of cervical cancer patients, but was related to clinical stage, histo-logical differentiation and lymph node metastasis ( P<0.01). Transfection with STMN1-siRNA significantly reduced the expression of STMN1 in SiHa cells. Compared with control group, the cell viability in STMN1-siRNA group was significant-ly decreased, the apoptotic rate and ROS content were increased, and the protein levels of p-STAT3 and survivin were down-regulated (P<0.01). However, no significant difference of the STAT3 protein level was observed between STMN1- siRNA group and control group. CONCLUSION:STMN1 is highly expressed in cervical cancer, and its expression is re-lated to clinical stage, histological differentiation and lymph node metastasis. Inhibition of STMN1 expression reduces the viability and promotes apoptosis of cancer cells by down-regulating STAT3 signaling pathway.

Adolescent ; Empyema, Subdural ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Sinusitis ; complications ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVE With Poloxamer 407(P407) as the carrier, doxorubicin-copper-curcumin ternary complex was encapsulated in the micelles to achieve quantitative and intelligent drug release behavior and synergistic effect.METHODS With P407 as the carrier,the preparing technology was optimized by Box-Behnken design and the in vitro pH-sensitive drug release behavior of DOX-Cu-Cur/P407 was examined;the MTT analysis was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxicity to tumor cells.RESULTS Under the optimum condition, the encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin and curcumin was (93.17 ± 1.05)% and (100.03 ± 1.10)%, size distribution was (31.06 ± 4.20) nm,PDI is 0.174 ± 0.028.Meantime, in vitro drug release test showed the DOX-Cu-Cur/P407 micelles was pH-sensitive.The MTT analysis showed DOX-Cu-Cur/P407 micelles could significantly inhibit the tumor cells with a better synergistic effect compared with free drugs.CONCLUSION The optimal DOX-Cu-Cur/P407 micelle is uniform in size and has satisfactory encapsulation efficiency.Meanwhile it is sensitive to acidic microenvironment of tumor and can achieve the purpose of quantitative and intelligent drug release.

Brazilein is an active small molecular compound extracted from Caesalpinia sappan L. with favorable pharmacological properties on immune system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. C. sappan has been used as a traditional medicine in China for hundreds of years for various diseases. However, the general reproductive toxicity of brazilein is still unknown. The purpose of the present study was to thoroughly evaluate the general reproductive toxicity of brazilein in ICR mice to support the future drug development and modernization of this potent traditional Chinese medicine. The results showed that, although no apparent toxicity on the reproducibility of the male was observed, brazilein might cause considerable risks to the fetuses and females as indicated by the ratios of dead fetuses and reabsorptions. In conclusion, our results from the present study provided some useful insights about the safety profile of brazilein, suggesting that brazilein should be used with caution in pregnant women.
Animals ; Benzopyrans ; toxicity ; Caesalpinia ; toxicity ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; toxicity ; Female ; Indenes ; toxicity ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Pregnancy ; Reproduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between dissolution in vitro and absorption in vivo of Chuanping sustained release tablets.

METHODThe ephedrine, pseudoephedrine were chosen as marker components, dissolution in vitro of Chuanping sustained release tablets in the different pH were tested by the rotating basket method and HPLC; urine drug levels were determined by HPLC and absorption fractions were calculated according to Wagner-Nelson's formula and deconvolution technique.

RESULTThe linear regressive equation between the absorption percentage in vivo F and accumulative release percentage in vitro of Chuanping sustained release tablets was established as F(ephedrine) = 1.572 5f-20. 729 (R2 = 0.974 5); F(pseudoephedrine) = 1.237f-0.147 6 (R2 = 0.959 5).

CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that there was fine correlation between the absorption percentage in vivo and the accumulative release percentage in vitro of Chuanping sustained release tablets.

Adult ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; pharmacokinetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Ephedrine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Solubility ; Tablets ; chemistry ; Young Adult