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Pipeline vibration induced by fluid flow can cause pipeline fatigue damage, which seriously endangers the safety of the operation. This paper aims to clarify the dynamic variation law of pipeline vibration induced by gas–liquid two-phase flow in the elbow and the influence of different gas–liquid ratios on the dynamic evolution of two-phase flow patterns. The volume of fluid (VOF) method is used to capture the flow pattern characteristics to explore the complex information of dynamic flow pattern evolution. The vibration characteristic mechanism corresponding to the evolution of the flow pattern is explored based on the time and frequency domain, and the origin of the exciting force of the elbow is explored according to the momentum balance equation. The simulation results show that the VOF method can well capture the characteristics of slug flow developed by the interphase instability mechanism. After phase space reconstruction, the dynamic evolution mechanism of the flow pattern is complex and the chaotic characteristics of slug flow are strong. The evolution of the flow pattern is related to the increase in wave height. The superficial velocity of the liquid phase is more sensitive to the flow pattern's formation mechanism than the gas phases. The amplitude of the wave strongly depends on the Vsg and Vsl. There is a strong correlation between the main exciting force pulsation and momentum flux pulsation.

The aluminum nanopowder (nAl) was coated using hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a coating agent. The morphology and structure of the coated samples (nAl/HTPB) were characterized by Trans...

The wake field has three-dimensional flow separation characteristics, affecting various ship performances. The research on the characteristics of the wake field can provide theoretical guidance for the formation of new ship design methods and provide an understanding of flow mechanisms for improving ship performance. To explore the flow mechanism of the wake field, particle image velocimetry was used to carry out the detailed flow measurement of bulk carriers. First, the experimental uncertainty and convergence are analyzed. Then, the spatial distribution characteristics of the time-averaged field, instantaneous field, and turbulent flow statistics are discussed in detail, and a criterion for discriminating turbulent anisotropy is proposed. The results show that the vortex structure significantly affects flow characteristics, and the axial velocity contours present a U-form distribution with prominent “hook-like” features. Compared with the time-averaged velocity field, the instantaneous velocity field is chaotic and has multiple additional vortex structures, and the velocity contours and streamlines have prominent non-smooth characteristics. The wake field has an apparent double vortex structure, and the aggregation of many small vortices forms the bilge vortex. The instantaneous rotation characteristics of vortices in the wake field are highly time-dependent and fluctuate with time. The turbulent kinetic energy, the root mean square of fluctuation velocity, and the Reynolds stress have a U-form distribution. The U-form region is concentrated in the area with a large gradient. The wake distribution is in a state of turbulent anisotropy, and the kinetic energy change layer and low kinetic energy region have a low turbulent anisotropy.

The hydrodynamic loads and wake dynamics of the ducted propeller in oblique flow are investigated by detached eddy simulation (DES), with particular emphasis on the characteristics of wake fields a...

A novel ternary Au NPs/g-C3N4/BiOBr Z-scheme heterojunction composite was fabricated through hydrothermal and in-situ reduction method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of phenol under visible-light irradiation. It was found that Au NPs/g-C3N4/BiOBr showed enhanced photocatalytic activity, which is 3-fold higher than g-C3N4 and 2.5-fold higher than BiOBr. This could be attributed to the effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, narrowed band gap (2.10 eV) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

Aquatic organisms in their natural environment have soft bodies and flexible mobility. Clarifying the generation, evolution, and dissipation of vortices and jets during turning maneuvers is crucial for understanding the propulsion principle of aquatic species, which, in turn, provides guiding value for fish-like propulsion device design. In this study, time-resolved particle image velocimetry is used to explore the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus while turning. The results showed that M. anguillicaudatus maintained the wavy movement of its trunk by bending different body parts. Pressure gradients that are weaker and stronger than the surrounding environment were formed at the peaks and troughs, respectively, resulting in a thrust mechanism dominated by suction. The body fluctuation and relative fluid motion served to form a vortex. The connection of the separation line of the saddle point to the focus in this process creates an unstable flow structure that accelerates vortex dissipation. Jets are formed between the reverse vortices; the thrust jets provide forward power for turning maneuvers, and the side jets provide turning torque. As the jets and tail are situated at angles to one another, only part of the jet-generated kinetic energy provides power for the fish to swim. Additionally, proper orthogonal decomposition is utilized for objectively filtering high-frequency spatial noise in complex fish wake data. The flow field reconstructed via the mode selection of an appropriate order can be used to clearly show the evolution characteristics of large-scale coherent structures.

This study analyzes the kinematic characteristics and flow field information of zebrafish in straight and steering acceleration states using time-resolved particle image velocimetry to explore how vortices are generated and controlled to achieve the desired motion. The important role of the high- and low-pressure zones in the wake of zebrafish wavy propulsion is also presented by quantifying the pressure field around the zebrafish. With their precise body and motion control, fish have a movement advantage that cannot be achieved by artificial machinery. Exploring the evolutionary process of the fish structure and surrounding flow field during zebrafish autonomous propulsion is helpful for understanding the active control means and propulsion mechanism of fish. Zebrafish were constrained in a transparent water tank, and laser and image acquisitions systems were used to capture their spontaneous movement behavior. The results show that the pull provided by the low-pressure area and the thrust provided by the high-pressure area together provide the forward power of the zebrafish. The findings from this analysis of the bending control and propulsion mechanism of the zebrafish body can facilitate the optimal design of underwater vehicle propulsion methods, such as the propulsion efficiency and maneuverability of a bionic propeller.

Importance The data may supports the notion that the mechanical and vascular mechanisms of glaucomatous injury are intertwined Background To study the association of intraocular pressure (IOP) related factors, IOP, trans-lamina cribrosa pressure difference (TLCPD), cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) and retinal vessel diameters (RVD), central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE), central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) with neuro-retinal rim area (RA). Design A population-based, cross-sectional study Participants 6830 people aged 30 years and over. Methods All participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination, fundus photograph based measurements of RVD and Heidelberg retinal tomogram (HRT) measurement of optic disc. Main Outcome Measures RA, CRAE, CRVE, IOP, Body mass Index (BMI), CSFP and TLCPD. Results POAG was diagnosed using two separate methods: 67 from expert consensus, and 125 from the international society of geographic and epidemiologic ophthalmology (ISGEO) classification. After excluding of those with high myopia or without gradable HRT images, 4194 non-glaucoma and 40 POAG were analyzed for determinants of RA. On multivariable analysis determinants of reduced RA were POAG (P

We have shown that a combination of ligustrazine and berberine produces more effective inhibition on platelet activation and inflammatory reactions in rat acute myocardial infarction compared with either agent alone. In this study we evaluated the beneficial effects of a combination of ligustrazine and berberine in a rat model of coronary microembolization (CME).SD rats were treated with ligustrazine, berberine, ligustrazine+berberine, or clopidogrel for 2 weeks. When the treatment completed, CME was induced by injection of sodium laurate into the left ventricular, while obstructing the ascending aorta. All rats were intubated for hemodynamic measurements. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses, flow cytometry, and ELISAs. Heart tissues were isolated for histopathology and subsequent protein analyses.Pretreatment with the combination of ligustrazine (27 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) and berberine (90 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) significantly improved cardiac function, and decreased myocardial necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, microthrombosis and serum CK-MB levels in CME rats. In addition, this combination significantly decreased plasma ET-1 levels and von Willebrand factor, inhibited ADP-induced platelet activation, and reduced TNFα, IL-1β, ICAM-1 and RANTES levels in serum and heart tissues. The protective effects of this combination were more prominent than those of ligustrazine or berberine alone, but comparable to those of a positive control clopidogrel (6.75 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)).The combination of ligustrazine and berberine significantly improved cardiac function in rat CME model via a mechanism involving antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects.

Iron homeostasis is strictly regulated in mammals, and disordered iron metabolism is recognized as a risk factor for various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The hepcidin‑ferroportin axis is the key signaling mechanism that controls systemic iron homeostasis. Increased serum hepcidin is associated with multiple types of cancer and atherosclerosis (AS), and therapeutics that decrease hepcidin levels have been proposed to treat these diseases. However, the effects of abnormal circulating hepcidin on hyperlipidemia remain unexploited. The natural compound tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been reported to have therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases, whereas the mechanisms involved remain incompletely understood. Thus, the effects of TMP on the expression of hepcidin in hyperlipidemic mice were investigated and the mechanisms involved were explored. Hyperlipidemia increased serum hepcidin, which was inhibited by TMP intervention. The results also indicated that TMP may decrease hepcidin expression via inhibition of Stat3 signaling. These findings suggest a promising rationale to prevent and hyperlidemia by targeting hepcidin or its upstream regulators, and highlight the potential application of natural compounds in treating hepcidin disorder‑associated diseases.

Background/Aims: Systemic iron homeostasis is strictly governed in mammals; however, disordered iron metabolism (such as excess iron burden) is recognized as a risk factor for various types of diseases including AS (Atherosclerosis). The hepcidin-ferroportin axis plays the key role in regulation of iron homeostasis and modulation of this signaling could be a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of these diseases. TMP (Tetramethylpyrazine) has been reported to have therapeutical effect on AS. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of iron overload under hyperlipidemia condition on the endothelial injury, inflammation and oxidative stress by employing FPN1 Tek-cre mouse model with or without TMP intervention. Methods: Subjects for this study were 80 FPN1 Tek-cre mice and 40 C57BL/6 mice and we randomly divided them into six groups: Group N: C57BL/6 mice with normal diet, Group M: C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet, Group FN: FPN1 Tek-cre mice with normal diet, Group FNT: FPN1 Tek-cre mice with normal diet and TMP injection, Group FM: FPN1 Tek-cre mice with high-fat diet, Group FMT: FPN1 Tek-cre mice with high-fat diet and TMP injection. After seven days of treatment, blood samples were obtained to detect the levels of blood lipids, Hepcidin, NO, ET-1, ROS, MDA, SOD, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α respectively. The liver and aorta were used for testing the lipid deposition by using hematoxylin and eosin(HE). Results: Hyperlipidemia could cause iron overload in the aorta and increased serum hepcidin level, particularly in FPN1 Tek-cre mice, and can be reversed by TMP intervention. Knockout of Fpn1 induced increase of serum hepcidin, exacerbated endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammatory response, particularly under hyperlipidemia condition. TMP intervention attenuated these processes. Conclusions: Our study signifies the potential application of certain natural compounds to ameliorating iron disorders induced by hyperlipidemia and protecting on endothelial function through modulation of hepcidin-ferroportin signaling.

This paper covers the safety requirements and inspection methods for insulating components used in electrical accessories by an analyzing the properties of the insulating components used in electrical accessories based on the standard of IEC 60884.

To explore the effects of Panax Quinquefolium Saponin (PQS) on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway of neonatal rat myocardial cells subjected to hypoxia. Neonatal rat myocardial cells were cultured in vitro. After the myocardial cell injury was induced by hypoxia, the cells were randomized into 5 groups: the normal group, the model group, the positive control group (Ciclosporin A, 2 µ mol/L), the low-dose PQS group (PQSL, 25mg/L), and the high-dose PQS group (PQSH, 50 mg/L). Morphology and behavior of myocardial cells were observed under an inverted microscope. Apoptosis rate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate of myocardial cells were determined by colorimetry. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was assessed using a fluorexon laser. Phospho-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β and phospho-Akt as well as cytochrome C were determined by Western blot LDH leakage in the Ciclosporin A group, PQSH group and PQSL group reduced progressively compared with the model group (P

Aim: To observe the expression changes of Akt and GSK-3β during vascular inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet in rats. Methods: 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were separately fed for 18 weeks with two types of diets; a normal diet (control group, CON) or high-fat diet hyperlipidmia group, HLP). Then the body weight, lipid parameter, plasma hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) , malondialdehyde (MDA), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), Lectin-like oxidized cellulose low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), as well as aortic endothelial p-GSK-3β, GSK-3β, p-Akt, Akt expressions were determined. Results: In comparison with the control group, the model group showed a significant increase in the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C) and significant decrease in the level of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) after high-fat diet for 18 weeks (p α, and sICAM-1 levels were observed relative to the control group (p β in rat aorta. Conclusion: Short-term high-fat diet could induce vascular endothelium injury by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. And PI3K/Akt pathway could play an important role in hyperlipidemia-induced vascular endothelium injury.

Background Ischemic postconditioning (IPOC) has been suggested to reduce ischemic reperfusion injury. It remains unclear whether the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt is a causal mechanism in the cardioprotection afforded by IPOC, which was examined in the model of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) minipigs. Methods and results Minipigs underwent 45-min occlusion of the left anterior descending artery and 24-h reperfusion by PTCA. Postconditioning was elicited by three cycles of 30-s reperfusion followed by 30-s ischemia at the onset of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining after 24-h reperfusion, and mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K were ascertained by reverse transcriptase-PCR and western-blot analysis in biopsies. Infarct size was significantly reduced and myocardial PI3K (Akt and GSK-3β) phosphorylation was significantly increased with IPOC treatment compared with ischemic reperfusion. The administration of the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (30 µg/kg) attenuated the protection of IPOC in the infarct size and decreased the expression of Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation compared with IPOC. IPOC had no impact on mRNA expression of AKT and GSK-3β. Conclusion Our findings show that IPOC is capable of protecting the myocardium against IR injury in the PTCA minipig model. The PI3K/Akt-signaling pathway is involved in the cardioprotective effect of IPOC.

Hydrofoil is the important part of ship design and diverse motion equipment. The optimization design of hydrofoil section on lift-to-drag radio with genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing algorithm are demonstrated, and the method on the hydrofoil section design of the propeller design will be done. Objective function and fitness of every individual are provided by flow solver of panel method. The optimization method on design of hydrofoil section on lift-to-drag is successfully used. The optimization results show the combination of optimization algorithm is feasible at the optimal design of hydrofoil sections. What’s more, a comparison between two different optimization algorithms is made, a conclusion that the simulated annealing algorithm is better then the genetic algorithm is obtained.

To observe the regulatory effect of Chinese drugs for activating blood circulation (ABC) and for activating blood circulation and detoxifying (ABCD) on indices of thrombosis, inflammatory reaction, and tissue damage in a rabbit model of toxin-heat and blood stasis syndrome.Fifty-four rabbits were randomized into the normal control group, model group, simvastatin group (simvastatin, 0.93 mg/kg per day), ABC group [Xiongshao Capsule, 0.07 g/kg per day], and ABCD group [Xiongshao Capsule, 0.07 g/kg per day, and Huanglian Capsule, 0.14 g/kg per day]. All except the normal control group received a single injection of bovine serum albumin and were fed with high-fat diets for 6 weeks. At the end of week 4 of giving high-fat diets, a dose of endoxitin was given by ear vein injection, and a randomized 2-week treatment was initiated. At the end of treatment, blood lipids, circulating endothelial cells, and the pathological changes of the aortic arch were assessed. The serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9), tissue inhibitors to metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), granule membrane protein-140 (GMP-140), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were determined.Compared with the model group, ABCD group showed decreased serum triglyceride (TG) level, improvement in the pathological change in the aortic arch, and reduction in the number of circulating endothelial cells (4.00 ± 1.41 per 0.9 μL for ABCD group vs 7.83 ± 1.72 per 0.9 μL for the model group). In addition, the levels of serum GMP-140, PAI-1, and IL-6 in ABCD group were also significantly reduced [0.79 ± 0.20 ng/mL, 5.23 ± 1.39 ng/mL, 40.64 ± 10.11 pg/mL for ABCD group vs 1.08 ± 0.31 ng/mL, 7.28 ± 2.01 ng/mL, 54.44 ± 13.56 pg/mL for the model group, respectively, P0.05]. A trend showing improvement in the indices of thrombosis, inflammatory reaction, and tissue damage was observed in the ABC group when compared to the model group, but the changes were not statistically significant (P0.05).Chinese drugs for activating blood circulation and detoxifying have beneficial effects on regulating indices of thrombosis (GMP-140 and PAI-1) and inflammatory reaction (IL-6) in rabbit model with toxic-heat and blood stasis. The effect of the activating blood circulation and detoxifying drugs in regulating the levels of serum GMP-140, PAI-1, and IL-6 was superior to that of the activating blood circulation drugs.

To investigate the effects of drug-containing serum of Chinese herbal compound, Xiongshao Capsule (, XS, for activating-blood) and Huanglian Capsule (, HL, for dispellingtoxin) on the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced inflammatory factors in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: the blank control group treated with distilled water, the positive control group treated with simvastatin (1.8 mg/kg), the test group I treated with Chinese herbal compound of XS (0.135 g/kg), and the test group II treated with Chinese herbal compound of XS (0.135 g/kg) and HL (0.135 g/kg). All the treatments were administered for 7 successive days by gastrogavage. Rats' blood serum was harvested 1 h after the last administration to prepare respective drugcontaining serum. HUVECs were exposed to ox-LDL (100 μg/mL) to induce cell injury model and incubated with corresponding drug-containing serum for 24 h. Untreated HUVECs were set for blank control. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in supernatant of cultured HUVECs were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HUVEC surface expressions of ICAM-1 and E-selectin were determined by flow cytometry.Levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and sICAM-1 in the supernatant of HUVECs as well as the cell surface expressions of ICAM-1 and E-selectin significantly increased after 24-h ox-LDL stimulation (P0.01), while the abnormal elevations, except sICAM-1 in the test group I, were all reduced in the treated groups (the positive control and the two test groups) significantly (P0.01 or P0.05). Besides, the effect in the test group II seemed somewhat higher than that in the test group I but with no statistical significance (P0.05).Drug-containing serum of XS plus HL has a certain inhibitory effect on the vascular endothelial inflammation response induced by ox-LDL.

The magnetic properties of Fe-based alloy ribbons are sensitive to stress, and it’s an interesting scientific question whether stress-induced magnetic anisotropy during annealing procedure can be eliminated by tempering. In this paper, the synchrotron radiation technique was used to observe the microstructure of Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 amorphous ribbons annealed at 540 ℃ for 30 minutes under 394.7MPa stress and tempered several times at the same temperature. The macroscopic elongation of the samples during stress annealing and tempering was recorded by SupereyesB011 microcamera, and the magnetic anisotropy of the samples was measured by HP4294A impedance analyzer. After fitting the experimental data, it is found that: (a) The lattice anisotropy, macroscopic strain and magnetic anisotropy of the sample show negative exponential attenuation with the tempering times, and their final residual are 19.04%. 98.27% and 31.65%. (b) Multiple tempering can not completely eliminate lattice anisotropy, macroscopic strain and magnetic anisotropy induced by stress annealing. (c) The magnetic anisotropy of the sample has a linear relationship with the lattice anisotropy, but the intercept between the reverse extension line of the relation curve and the longitudinal coordinate is not zero. When the lattice anisotropy is zero, there is still 16.36% magnetic anisotropy. This is different from Ohnuma's conclusion that lattice anisotropy is the direct cause of magnetic anisotropy. (d) The structure anisotropy caused by the residual stress after stress annealing is the main cause of magnetic anisotropy, but it is not the only reason. The directional congregation of agglomerated nanocrystalline grains caused by creep of amorphous substrates during stress annealing is also an important cause of magnetic anisotropy induced by stress annealing. Moreover, the magnetic anisotropy induced by the directional congregation of agglomerated nanocrystalline grains due to the creep of amorphous substrates during stress annealing can not be completely eliminated by tempering.

A new dammarane-type glycoside and a new long chain sesquiterpene glycoside, along with nine known compounds 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh1 (3), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rh1 (4), ginsenoside F1 (4), amarantholidoside IV (6), ginsenoside Rc (7), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg2 (8), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg2 (9), ginsenoside Rd (10) and gypenoside XLVI (11) were isolated from Gynostemma yixingense. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D-, 2D-NMR and ESI-MS techniques as well as by comparison of the spectral data with those of related compounds as 2 alpha,3beta,20(S)-trihydroxydammar-24-ene-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl((1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl((1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (1) (2E,6E)-10-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1,10,11-trihydroxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6-diene (2).

To determine the differential genes in ischemic myocardium of Wistar rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we constructed two differential gene expression profiles. AMI model was generated by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in Wistar rats. Total RNA was extracted from the normal and the ischemic heart tissues under the ligation point at the 8th day after the operation. Differential gene expression profiles of the two samples were constructed by using long serial analysis of gene expression (LongSAGE). Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) was used to confirm the expression changes of partial target genes. The main results were as follows: a total of 15966 tags were screened from the normal and the ischemic LongSAGE maps, and 9646 tags in the normal tissue and 9563 tags in the ischemic tissue were obtained. Among them, 7665 novel tags were identified by NCBI BLAST search. In the ischemic tissue, 142 genes significantly changed compared to those in the normal tissue (P

In this paper, isotropic pitch and anisotropic pitch with similar physical properties were chose to be precursors for activated carbons. Chemical activations with same conditions were carried out and the characteristic difference of activated carbons from different pitch precursors was discussed. As a result, isotropic pitch with more noncrystallite carbon atoms or edge carbon atoms on the microstructural defects had more reactive ability and more pores, 1.36 cm 3 /g, were manufactured through sufficient chemical activation. However, the crystallites of anisotropic pitch had larger size and good tropism so that the activations mostly reacted on the interspaces of carbonaceous layers. Therefore, isotropic pitch based activated carbon with sufficient chemical activation had higher specific surface area (2913) m 2 /g and better iodine adsorption value (2630 mg/g).

To explore the effect of drug-containing serum of Chinese herbal compounds [Xiongshao Capsule (XS, for activating blood) and Huanglian Capsule (HL, for dispelling toxin)] on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced adherence between human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), inflammatory reaction and expression of related proteins in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 in each group) using random digit table: the blank control group treated with distilled water, the test group I treated with Chinese herbal compound of XS (0.135 g/kg), the test group II treated with Chinese herbal compound of HL (0.135 g/kg), and the test group Ill treated with Chinese herbal compound of XS (0.135 g/kg) and HL (0.135 g/kg). All medication was given by gastrogavage once a day for a week. Rats' blood serum was harvested 1 h after the last administration to prepare drug-containing serum. HUVECs were exposed to TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL) to induce cell injury model and incubated with corresponding drug-containing serum (10%) for 24 h. Normal rats' serum was given to cells in the blank control group and the model group, while XC + HL containing serum was given to cells in the rest 3 groups. The adherence of HUVECs and PMN cells was detected by using rose bengal strain. Levels of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1P) in the supernatant of cultured HU-VECs were determined by ELISA. Protein expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 (p38MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 12) were determined by Western blot.Compared with the blank control group, HUVECs were seriously injured; PMN adherence amount significantly increased; levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and IL-1beta increased; expression levels of p-p38MAPK and p-ERK 1/2 in the supernatant of HUVECs significantly increased in the model group (all P0.01). Compared with the model group, HUVECs-PMN adherence amount decreased (P0.05); levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and IL-1 beta in the supernatant of HUVECs decreased (P0.01, P0.05); expression levels of p-p38MAPK and p-ERK 1/2 of endothelial cells decreased in the test group I, II, and III (P0.01).Drug-containing serums of activating blood, activating blood and dispelling toxin could attenuate TNF-alpha induced injury of HUVECs, inhibit HUVECs-PMN adherence and the release of adhesion factors. Its mechanism might be involved with protein phosphorylation of p38MAPK and ERK 1/2 in the MAPK pathway.

Ginsenoside Rb3 (GRb3) is one of the main components in plasma of Panax quinquefolius Saponin of stem and leaf (PQS), which can be into human plasma. Previous studies have found PQS has estrogen-like vascular protective effects. In the present study, we investigated the estrogen-like protective effect of GRb3 on oxidative stress and dysfunction of endothelial cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The activities of SOD, NOS and the contents of MDA in the cell lysate were examined by enzyme method or spectrophotometry. The NO and ET-1 concentrations in the cell culture supernatant were measured by ELISA method. The iNOS and eNOS mRNA expression were measured by real time RT-PCR, while the phosphorylation levels of Akt was measured by Western blotting. The results showed that GRb3 could enhance the activity of SOD, reduce the content of MDA, increase the level of NOS, NO, ET-1 and iNOS mRNA expression while decrease the eNOS mRNA expression and the phosphorylation level of Akt. These effects were blocked by estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182780. GRb3 can play a role in protecting vascular endothelial cells by estrogen receptors, the protective mechanism is similar to 17-β estrodiol.

To observe the effect of activating blood circulation drugs or activating blood circulation and detoxication drugs on indices of platelet activation, inflammation, and coagulation status correlated with blood-stasis and toxin in acute myocardial infarction rats.Totally 100 male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the activating blood circulation group, the activating blood circulation and detoxication group, and the metoprolol group, 20 in each group. Rats in the activating blood circulation group were administered with Xiongshao Capsule at the daily dose of 0.39 g/kg. Rats in the activating blood circulation and detoxication group were administered with Xiongshao Capsule (at the daily dose of 0.39 g/kg) and Huanglian Capsule (at the daily dose of 0.135 g/kg). Rats in the metoprolol group received metoprolol at the daily dose of 2.25 mg/kg. And rats in the rest two groups were administered with normal saline. All medication lasted for 3 successive weeks. After the last administration, the rat model of acute myocardial infarction was prepared by ligation of left anterior descending artery. No ligation was given to rats in the sham-operation group. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after modeling. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), platelet α granule membrane protein-140 (GMP-140), 11 dehydro-thromboxane B2 (11-DH-TXB2), fibrinopeptide A (FPA), antithrombin III (AT-III), and D-dimer (DD) were detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression of TNF-α was tested by RT-PCR.Platelet activation parameters were significantly increased in the model group, when compared with the sham-operation group (P0.01). Compared with the model group, all indices (except GMP-140 in the metoprolol group) obviously decreased in each medicated group (P0.01, P0.05). Besides, β-TG and 11-DH-TXB2 were superior in the activating blood circulation and detoxication group to that of the metoprolol group (P0.05). But 11-DH-TXB2 was also obviously superior in the activating blood circulation and detoxication group to that of the activating blood circulation group (P0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, an obviously hypercoagulable state was obviously shown in the AMI model group, with significantly increased FPA and DD (P0.05 or 0.01) and significantly decreased AT III (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the FPA level significantly decreased in each medicated group (P0.01), and the AT III level significantly increased in the activating blood circulation group and the activating blood circulation and detoxication group (both P0.01). The level of DD obviously decreased in the activating blood circulation and detoxication group (P0.01). Besides, the 3 indices were superior in the activating blood circulation and detoxication group to those of the metoprolol group (P0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the serum TNF-α level and myocardial TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly increased in the model group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the model group, not only the serum TNF-α level was significantly decreased, but also the TNF-α gene expression in the myocardial tissue was improved in the activating blood circulation and detoxication group (P0.01).Combined use of activating blood circulation and detoxication drugs could play an effective role in treatment of coronary heart disease by fighting against platelet activation, improving the hypercoagulable state, and inhibiting inflammation, which was significantly better than using activating blood circulation and removing stasis drugs alone.

Panax quinquefolius saponin of stem and leaf (PQS), the effective parts of American ginseng, is widely used in China as a folk medicine for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases treatment. In our previous studies, we have demonstrated that PQS could improve the endothelial function of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats with high glucose fluctuation. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of PQS against intermittent high glucose-induced oxidative damage on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase kinase (PI3K)/Akt/GSK-3βpathway involved. Our results suggested that exposure of HUVECs to a high glucose concentration for 8 days showed a great decrease in cell viability accompanied by marked MDA content increase and SOD activity decrease. Moreover, high glucose significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. More importantly, these effects were even more evident in intermittent high glucose condition. PQS treatment significantly attenuated intermittent high glucose-induced oxidative damage on HUVECs and meanwhile increased cell viability and phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3βof HUVECs. Interestingly, all these reverse effects of PQS on intermittent high glucose-cultured HUVECs were inhibited by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. These findings suggest that PQS attenuates intermittent-high-glucose-induced oxidative stress injury in HUVECs by PI3K/Akt/GSK-3βpathway.

The biological role of platelet gelsolin in platelet activation of acute myocardial infarction is not defined. In order to provide a potential new antiplatelet target for Chinese medicine and to elucidate the contribution of Xiongshao capsule, the effective components of Chuanxiong rhizome and red peony root, in this study, we randomly allocated Sprague Dawley rats to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation or sham surgery and different drug prophylaxis as control. We found that gelsolin is highly expressed in platelet rich plasma and lowly expressed in platelet poor plasma, accompanied by the high platelet activation level in model rats; plasma actin filaments and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of platelet calcium ion increased and plasma vitamin D binding protein decreased in model rats. Xiongshao capsule could inhibit the gelsolin expression in platelet rich plasma and ischemic heart tissue simultaneously and reduce the level of plasma F-actin and MFI of platelet calcium ion. Our study concludes that platelet gelsolin is an important contributor to platelet activation, and platelet gelsolin inhibition may form a novel target for antiplatelet therapy. Xiongshao capsule may be a promising Chinese medicine drug for antiplatelet and aspirin-like cardioprotection effect.

In this study, the dynamic expression of granule membrane protein-140 (GMP-140), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 was observed in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Out of 276 Wistar rats, 6 were randomly selected as the control group, and the rest were randomly divided into 18 groups, with 15 rats in each group. The left coronary artery was ligated in 9 groups to establish the myocardial infarction model, and the remaining 9 groups served as the sham-operated groups without ligature. Of the surviving rats, 6 were randomly selected from each myocardial infarction group and sham-operated group, respectively, at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 h, and at 2, 3, 5 and 7 days after successful modeling. Serum levels of GMP-140, t-PA, hs-CRP, IL-6, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were then detected using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. The results revealed that, after successful modeling, the serum levels of GMP-140 and MMP-9 continually increased, reaching the first peak at 18 h and the maximum peak on day 2. Levels then decreased slightly, but remained higher than those of the control group (p

To observe the influence of high blood glucose fluctuation on the endothelial function of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats and the effects of Panax Quinquefolius Saponin (PQS) of stem and leaf. The T2DM model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a small dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg) plus high fat and high caloric laboratory chow. Then, diabetic rats were divided into steady high blood glucose (SHG) group and fluctuant high blood glucose (FHG) group according to fasting blood glucose coefficient of variation (FBG-CV), and then, the FHG group rats were divided into 4 groups according to the level of FBG-CV and fasting blood glucose: PQS 30 mg/(kg·d) group, PQS 60 mg/(kg·d) group, metformin hydrochloride control (MHC) group, and FHG control group, 10 in each group. Meanwhile, 10 rats without any treatment were used as normal control (NOR) group. Eight weeks later, the aortic arteries histology, plasma hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and serum nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) were measured. In comparison with the NOR group, the level of plasma HGF and serum NO, ET-1 and TNF-α, and sICAM-1 in SHG and FHG control groups were all significantly increased (P