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Inappropriate use of acetaminophen (APAP) can lead to morbidity and mortality secondary to hepatic necrosis. Ginsenoside Rg1 is a major active ingredient in processed Panax ginseng, which is proved to elicit biological effects. We hypothesized the beneficial effect of Rg1 on APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity was through Nrf2/ARE pathway. The study was conducted in cells and mice, comparing the actions of Rg1. Rg1 significantly improved cell survival rates and promoted the expression of antioxidant proteins. Meanwhile, Rg1 reduced the excessive ROS and the occurrence of cell apoptosis, which were related to Nrf2/ARE pathway. Expression of Nrf2 has a certain cell specificity.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Chaihu-Longgu-Muli Decoction (CLMD) is a classic prescription created by Zhong-jing Zhang, a famous ancient Chinese medical scientist, to harmonize uncontrollable body activities and calm the minds. Now Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physicians often apply it to treat psychiatric diseases such as epilepsy. Aim of the study This study investigated the mechanism of the effect of Chaihu-Longgu-Muli Decoction (CLMD) on hippocampal neurons pyroptosis in rats with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE). Materials and methods The lithium chloride-pilocarpine-induced TLE rat model was established. The behavioral testing was performed and, the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum was detected by ELISA, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and TNF-α in hippocampus. The expression of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in hippocampal dentate gyrus was detected by immunofluorescence assay. Results CLMD could significantly suppress the frequency and duration time of epileptic seizures, reduce the expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 TNF-α and IL-1β. Conclusions CLMD exerted an obvious antiepileptic effect by improving pyroptosis in hippocampal neurons of TLE rats.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), are the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Shengmai Powder (SMP) was found to have cardioprotective effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS Based on the systematic pharmacological methodology, this research determined the genes of DCM and the known targets of SMP, predicted potential compounds and targets of SMP, constructed networks for DCM and SMP, and performed network analysis. RESULTS Five network were constructed: (1) the DCM gene PPI network; (2) the Compound-compound target network of SMP; (3) the SMP-DCM PPI network; (4) the Compound-known target network of SMP; (5) and the SMP known target-DCM PPI network. Several DCM and treatment related targets, clusters, signaling pathways, and biological processes were found. CONCLUSIONS SMP is able to regulate glycometabolism-related, lipid metabolism-related, inflammatory response-related, oxidative stress-related signaling pathways, and biological processes and targets, which suggests that SMP may have a therapeutic effect on DCM.

Objective. To explore the effects of the Hedysarum multijugum Maxim.-Radix Salviae compound (Huangqi-Danshen Compound (HDC)) on oxidative capacity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy by a network pharmacology-based strategy. Methods. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)@Taiwan, TCM Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), TCM Integrated Database (TCMID), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology were used to obtain and screen HDC’s active components, and the PharmMapper database was used to predict HDC human target protein targets. The DCM genes were collected from the GeneCards and OMIM databases, and the network was constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape 3.7.1 and the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Finally, HDC was used to intervene in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) model rats, and important biological processes and signaling pathways were verified using techniques such as immunohistochemistry. Results. A total of 176 of HDC’s active components and 442 potential targets were obtained. The results of network analysis show that HDC can regulate DCM-related biological processes (such as negative regulation of the apoptotic process, response to hypoxia, the steroid hormone-mediated signaling pathway, cellular iron ion homeostasis, and positive regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling) and signaling pathways (such as the HIF-1 signaling pathway, the estrogen signaling pathway, insulin resistance, the PPAR signaling pathway, the VEGF signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway). Animal experiments show that HDC can reduce fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) ( P < 0.05 ). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that HDC can regulate the protein expression of apoptosis-related signaling pathways in DCM rats ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. It was initially revealed that HDC improves DCM through its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. HDC may play a therapeutic role by improving cardiomyocyte apoptosis in DCM rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) obtained from the feces of a Baihe Jizihuang Tang (BHT)-treated rat depression model. Rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and the differences in VOCs were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), NIST software, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Eleven biomarkers were identified on the basis of VOC migration time, and their relative peak intensities were analyzed. A metabonomic model was established using multivariate statistical analysis. The study demonstrated the metabonomics of CUMS rats and the intervention effect of BHT and also highlighted the potential therapeutic effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Jingfang for the clinical treatment of complex diseases, which was in line with the holistic and systemic approaches of TCM. This study augments the use of metabonomics based on HS-GC-IMS in research studies. Using this method, there is no need to pre-process samples by extraction or derivatization, and the VOC component of the sample can be detected directly and rapidly. In conclusion, this study establishes a simple, convenient, and fast technique, which can help identify clinical biomarkers for rapid medical diagnosis.

Objective To design a WeChat mini program called Chinese Syndrome Differentiation Learning Platform (CSDLP) on smartphone to improve health literacy.Methods The developer tools of WeChat (Version: v1.01.170925) were used for designing and debugging the mini program. SPSS17.0 was used for statistical purposes. “View container”“Basic content”“Form component”“Navigation” and “Media components” were used for the development of the WeChat mini program. The detailed method was referred to https://mp.weixin.qq.com/debug/wxadoc/dev/.Results A WeChat mini program called CSDLP was developed. This program has three major functions which are WeChat reading, WeChat class and WeChat syndrome differentiation. The official test report showed that there were no functionality errors for the seven android smartphones (referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F and G) that CSDLP was tested on. Statistical analysis results showed that the average memory in D, E, F and G was lower than in A, B and C. Average ratio was the highest in F and the lowest in G. The average loading time was the same for all smartphones. The audio database for diagnostics using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and a lecture video database were based on diagnostic textbook. Our team built a syndrome differentiation database which included 51 diseases.Conclusion CSDLP can improve knowledge visualization, studying process, and information sharing in terms of the training and development of new techniques for syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, and it can provide a better illustration for people to understand TCM. Keywords: Syndrome differentiation and treatment, Learning platform, Smartphone, WeChat Program

Objective To establish a rat model of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) with the pathopattern of Qi-deficiency and Blood-stasis (QDBS) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and then assess its feasibility.Methods Swimming exhaustion method and Rubrospinal Tract (RST) transection were combined to establish arat model of SCI with pathopattern of QDBS in TCM. Macroscopic representation, including the body weight, food intake and tongue scores, was recorded. Behavioristics was scored with spontaneous vertical exploration test. Hemorrheology was analyzed using hemorheological analyzer and morphology of spinal cord was observed. The feasibility of the model was confirmed on the basis of the reversion caused by administration of Bu Yang Huan Wu Decoction (BYHWD).Results The findings in the QDBS group were consistent with the symptoms of QDBS syndrome, including reduced body weight, food intake, and forelimb utilization rate and increased tongue scores. However, the corresponding findings in the BYHWD group were superior to those in the QDBS group after 35 d (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the QDBS group showed higher whole blood viscosity and hematocrit values (P < 0.05) and a lower red blood cell (RBC) deformability index (P < 0.05), while the corresponding findings in the BYHWD group were close to those in the control group. An eminence or induration appeared in the injured spinal cord, which was suspected to be vacuoles or a scar. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the R/T ratio in the BYHWD group was higher than that in the QDBS group (P < 0.05).Conclusion Swimming exhaustion method combined with RST transection operation can successfully establish a rat model of SCI with pathopattern of QDBS. Keywords: Spinal cord injury (SCI), Qi-deficiency and Blood-stasis (QDBS), Bu Yang Huan Wu Decoction (BYHWD), Rubrospinal tract (RST)

Digital Chinese medicine (DCM) is an emerging interdisciplinary field developed from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and information science. In this article, we consider the significance and propose an architecture for DCM research, and highlight the key tasks that need to be performed to provide references for the integration of information science into Chinese medicine research. Keywords: Interdisciplinary study, Information science, Digital Chinese medicine (DCM), Syndrome differentiation, Digital model

Background An impairment of the integrity of the mucosal epithelial barrier can be observed in the course of various gastrointestinal diseases. The migration and proliferation of the intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cells are essential repair modalities to the healing of mucosal ulcers and wounds. Atractylenolide I (AT-I), one of the major bioactive components in the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AMR), possesses multiple pharmacological activities. This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of AT-I on gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Methods Scratch method with a gel-loading microtip was used to detect IEC-6 cell migration. The real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) system was adopted to evaluate IEC-6 cell proliferation. Intracellular polyamines content was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Flow cytometry was used to measure cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c). mRNA and protein expression of TRPC1 and PLC-γ1 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting assay respectively. Results Treatment of IEC-6 cells with AT-I promoted cell migration and proliferation, increased polyamines content, raised cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c), and enhanced TRPC1 and PLC-γ1 mRNA and protein expression. Depletion of cellular polyamines by DL-a-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis) suppressed cell migration and proliferation, decreased polyamines content, and reduced [Ca2+]c, which was paralleled by a decrease in TRPC1 and PLC-γ1 mRNA and protein expression in IEC-6 cells. AT-I reversed the effects of DFMO on polyamines content, [Ca2+]c, TRPC1 and PLC-γ1 mRNA and protein expression, and restored IEC-6 cell migration and proliferation to near normal levels. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that AT-I stimulates intestinal epithelial cell migration and proliferation via the polyamine-mediated Ca2+ signaling pathway. Therefore, AT-I may have the potential to be further developed as a promising therapeutic agent to treat diseases associated with gastrointestinal mucosal injury, such as inflammatory bowel disease and peptic ulcer.

Oxidative stress is mainly caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The damage causes a net stress on normal organs, leading to a gradual loss of vital physiological function. ROS, such as free radicals, represent a class of molecules which are derived from the metabolism of oxygen and exist inherently. However, excessive produced ROS can damage all aerobic organisms. Ginseng is one of the most commonly used alternative herbal medicines, also as a traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant potential function of ginsenoside Rg1 against cisplatin-caused hepatic damage. Male mice were treated with cisplatin to induce oxidative stress to mimic the side effect of anti-cancer drug cisplatin. Ginsenoside Rg1 effectively prevented against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, alleviating histological lesions. Antioxidant functions of Rg1 were restrained by the activation of p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, simultaneously accompanied with expression of protein products. Accumulative p62 and increased activation of JNK in hepatocytes promoted the activation of Nrf2. For the other, degradation of Nrf2 was guided by tyrosine phosphorylation, ubiquitin, and Keap1. In summary, Rg1 prevents hepatotoxicity mainly by inhibiting the binding of Keap1 and Nrf2, partly by p62 accumulation, and more importantly by increasing the production of antioxidative proteins associated to Nrf2. Pharmacological activation of Nrf2 is an effective way in combating against liver injury.

Neurons undergo degeneration, apoptosis and death due to ischaemic stroke. The present study investigated the effect of Sijunzi decoction (SJZD), a type of traditional Chinese medicine known as invigorating spleen therapy, on anoikis (a type of apoptosis) in rat brains following cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into sham, model, nimodipine and SJZD low/medium/high dose groups. A middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established. Neurobehavioural scores were evaluated after administration for 14 days using a five-grade scale. Blood-brain barrier permeability and apoptotic rate were detected using Evans blue (EB) extravasation and TUNEL staining, respectively. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and collagen IV (COL IV) were determined using immunohistochemistry. Neurobehavioural scores decreased remarkably in all SJZD and nimodipine groups compared to the model group (P

Inappropriate use of acetaminophen (APAP) can lead to morbidity and mortality secondary to hepatic necrosis. Ginsenoside Rg1 is a major active ingredient in processed

The air-dried aerial parts of Croton campestris, C. chaetocalyx, C. eriocladus, and C. glandulosus, with occurrence in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, yielded essential oils, and their volatile constituents were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Sesquiterpenes, both hydrocarbons and oxygenated, were the most highly represented classes in the oils: the former ranging from 55.3% to 85.1%, and the latter varying from 7.2% to 33.2%. The oils were separated into two groups using hierarchical cluster analysis whose main constituents were β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, γ-elemene, β-elemene, α-humulene and δ-elemene (Group A, C. campestris and C. eriocladus); and spathulenol, bicyclogermacrene, δ-elemene, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene and δ-cadinene (Group B, C. chaetocalyx and C. glandulosus). Percentage of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons was higher in Group A (83-85%) than in Group B (55-63%). However, regarding the oxygenated sesquiterpenes, it was reversed, being bigger in Group B (28-33%) than in Group A (7-8%). Percentage of similarity in Group A was 92% and in Group B it was 86%. These chemotaxonomic results showed a significant contribution for the better botanical knowledge of these four Croton species occurring in North Brazil.

To study the effect and mechanism of Sijunzi decoction( SJZD) containing serum on the repairing of gastrointestinal mucosal damage.SJZD containing serum was prepared by serum pharmacological method. Cell migration model was established by tips scratch method, Real-time-cell-analyzer( RTCA) was used to mensurate IEC-6 cell proliferation, the mRNA and protein expression of TLR-2 and My D88 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis,respectively.Medium dose( 10%) and high dose( 20%) of SJZD containing serum stimulated IEC-6 cell migration at 8 h after cell damage; medium dose( 10%)and high dose( 20%) of SJZD containing serum increased IEC-6 cell proliferation at 12 h after cell damage; low dose( 5%),medium dose( 10%) and high dose( 20%) of SJZD containing serum enhanced IEC-6 proliferation both at 24 h and 36 h after cell damage. Medium dose( 10%) and high dose( 20%) of SJZD containing serum upregulated TLR-2 and My D88 mRNA and protein expression,respectively.Sijunzi decoction can repair the injury of gastrointestinal mucosal barrier,the mechanism may be related to its effect on activating TLR-2 / My D88 signaling pathway,and promoting IEC-6 cell migration and proliferation.

A number of patients with meningiomas and psychiatric disorders will suffer psychiatric symptom recurrence following tumorectomies. The present study reported a retrospective analysis regarding 42 cases of patients with meningiomas using complete clinical follow-up data from June 2005 to June 2013. The patients were divided into the systemic antipsychotic (SP) group (n=20) following 6months of postoperative SP therapy and the none-SP (NSP) group (n=22), who did not receive postoperative antipsychotic treatment. Patients were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at the time points of prior to surgery, immediately following surgery, and 6 months, 12 months and 3 years following surgery. The effective rate, recurrence rate, rehospitalization rate and survival analysis were calculated. The BPRS score and PANSS scores (including PANSS positive, PANSS negative, PANSS general psychopathology and PANSS overall) in the SP group at 6 months, 12 months and 3 years following surgery were significantly decreased compared with the NSP group (P

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of coenzyme Q10 for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. Data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of coenzyme Q10 versus placebo or western medicine on patients with T2DM. The study’s registration number is CRD42018088474. The primary outcomes included glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin. Result. Thirteen trials involving 765 patients were included. Compared with the control group, coenzyme Q10 may decrease the HbA1c (WMD −0.29; 95% CI −0.54, −0.03; P=0.03) and the fasting blood glucose (WMD −11.21; 95% CI −18.99, −3.43; P=0.005). For fasting insulin, there is also not strong evidence that confirms which one is better because there was no statistical difference (WMD −0.48; 95% CI −2.54, 1.57; P=0.65). Conclusion. Based on current evidence, coenzyme Q10 may assist glycemic control, decrease TG, and improve HDL-C in patients with T2DM.

The aim of the present study was to determine a more specific, efficient and simple method for the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Different strains of rats were injected at the base of the tail with bovine type II collagen (CII) emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). The onset and severity of arthritis were evaluated by clinical assessment. The established CIA model was analyzed using a comprehensive examination of clinical, hematological, histological and radiological parameters. The results demonstrated that Wistar rats were the most susceptible strain to CIA followed by Wistar Furth rats, with Sprague Dawley rats being the least susceptible. Following primary and booster immunization, female Wistar rats developed severe arthritis, with an incidence of >83% and low variability in clinical signs. The development of arthritis was accompanied by a significantly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared with that in the control rats. The radiographic examination revealed bone matrix resorption, considerable soft tissue swelling, periosteal new bone formation and bone erosion in the arthritic joints of the CIA rats. Histopathologically, the synovial joints of CIA rats were characterized by synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation, marked cellular infiltration, bone and cartilage erosion and narrowing of the joint space. The administration of an intradermal injection of only 200 µg bovine CII emulsified in IFA at the base of the tail therefore leads to the successful development of a CIA rat model. This well-characterized CIA rat model could be specifically used to study the pathophysiology of human rheumatoid arthritis as well as to test and develop anti-arthritic agents for humans.

The present study investigated the chemical constituents of aerial part of Polygonum pubescens Blume. Twenty-two compounds 1–22 were obtained from petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of aerial part of P. pubescens, including a new phenylpropanoide esters 1 and 21 known compounds. The structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Sixteen compounds were assessed for their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. Several compounds showed effects on different targets.

Coumarinlignan (1), possessing a unique coumarin-containing lignan skeleton, was isolated from the stems of Kadsura heteroclita. Its structure and absolute configuration were determined by spectroscopic techniques, especially 2D NMR and X-ray crystallographic data analyses. The proposed biosynthetic pathway is discussed. This new compound showed good anti-HBV activity against HBeAg and HBsAg, and moderate anti-fibrotic and neuroprotective activities.

Background In recent years, the brain–gut axis theory has received increasing attention in studies of depression. However, most studies separately address potential antidepressant and prokinetic treatments. Investigations of drugs that could potentially treat comorbid depression and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction via a common mechanism of action have not yet been performed in detail. Aim To find a common mechanism of action of our patented drug, meranzin hydrate (MH), in the antidepressant and prokinetic treatment. Methods The forced swimming test (FST) model of depression, plasma ghrelin measurement, and in vivo and in vitro measurements of GI motility were used. Results 1. Administration of MH (9 mg/kg) decreased the immobility time during the FST after acute treatment; this effect was inhibited by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, but not by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin. 2. After chronic treatment, the immobility time of rats during the FST was decreased significantly by MH (2.25 mg/kg). 3. MH (9 mg/kg) increased plasma ghrelin levels in rats subjected to the FST; this increase was enhanced by the ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-6. 4. MH (9 mg/kg) also promoted gastric emptying and intestinal transit in rats with or without FST. 5. In vitro, MH (10 μM) increased jejunal contractions in rats subjected to the FST; this effect was inhibited by yohimbine. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of yohimbine was partly reversed by the ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-6. Conclusion Our study revealed that MH from natural resources exhibits antidepressive and prokinetic-like effects through the regulation of the common mediator, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor.

In this study, a new approach using

The macroscopic characteristics, tissue, caterpillar body wall and powder of Ophiocordyceps xuefengensis in different batch numbers were observed and researched by the macroscopic and microscopic identification methods. The result shows that the morphology, size, abdominal annulations of caterpillar, etc. of 0. xuefengensis are the macroscopic identification characteristics, the caterpillar body surface mycelium, body wall sculpture and crochets on abdominal legs are the microscopic identification characteristics. These characters are stable and regular discriminant features, which are proved to be the identification basis of O. xuefengensis. In addition, The characters such as crochets on abdominal legs arrange in two parallel ellipse rings, the inner crochets are long strip, and the external toes are unciform, are specific.

IMM-H004, a 3-piperazinylcoumarin compound derived from coumarin, has been proved effective against CA1 cell loss and spatial learning impairments resulting from transient global ischemia/reperfusion (TGCI/R), while the mechanism is still largely unknown. Here, we confirmed that treatment of rats with IMM-H004 immediately after TGCI/R ameliorated delayed neuronal death (DND) in the CA1 of hippocampus and cortex. Further study suggested that IMM-H004 contributed to the expression of antiapoptotic protein survivin through the activation of PI3K-dependent protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), which led to the phosphorylation of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), then relieved the inhibiting effect on survivin promoter. Additionally, IMM-H004 also enhanced the expression of hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP), which formed a complex with survivin to prevent the activation of caspase death cascade, thereby halting apoptotic cell death. Finally, we injected a HBXIP siRNA into hippocampus and performed microelectroporation before ischemia/reperfusion, which abolished the protective effect of IMM-H004. Further study revealed that HBXIP maintained the high expression of Akt and survivin. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that DND after TGCI/R was alleviated by IMM-H004 through promoting the formation of survivin-HBXIP complex, which further emphasized the importance of endogenous protein involved in self-repair after stroke.

Phlegm is one of the most common patterns of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Chinese medicine. Our research was aimed at investigating the association between phlegm syndrome of CAD and coronary angiography (CAG) by meta-analysis. According to inclusion criteria, a total of 30 studies involving 5,055 CAD patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that phlegm syndrome patients were prone to multivessel disease (28 studies, OR = 1.53, 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.88,P<0.01) and higher Gensini score (2 studies, OR = 5.90, 95% CI, 1.86 to 9.94,P=0.004), but not obviously relevant to severe stenosis (≥75%) of coronary arteries (13 studies, OR = 1.20, 95% CI, 0.63 to 2.27,P=0.57). We concluded that the coronary arteries lesions of CAD patients with phlegm syndrome were more severe than those with nonphlegm syndromes. Phlegm syndrome should, therefore, be regarded as a dangerous pattern of CAD with worse prognosis.

Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS) is a herbal preparation that has been shown to effectively relieve neurologic impairment and reduce depression. However, the efficacy of CHSGS in the treatment of patients with epilepsy with depression is unknown. Therefore, in the present study, adult rats were exposed to chronic mild stress following the establishment of chronic pilocarpine-induced epilepsy. Subsequently, a sucrose consumption test and open-field test (OFT) were performed to assess depression-like behavior. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, model, fluoxetine (1.8 g/kg) and CHSGS (2.7 g/kg) groups. The control and model groups received normal saline. The mRNA expression levels of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor and the number of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Treatment administration was conducted by once daily intragastric perfusion for 28 days. The mRNA expression levels of the 5-HT1A receptor, the number of BrdU-labeled cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, the consumption of sucrose, and frequency of vertical and horizontal movement scores in the OFT were enhanced in the fluoxetine and CHSGS groups compared with the model group (P

Three new glucosides, namely, (–)-7R8S-7′,8′-dihydroxy-dihydrodehydroconiferyl alcohol-9-O-β- d -glucopyranoside (1), (+)-7S8R-7′,8′-dihydroxy-dihydrodehydroconiferyl alcohol-9-O-β- d -glucopyranoside (2) and 4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl 1-O-[6-(hydrogen 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanedioate)]-β- d -glucopyranoside (3), along with 6 known compounds were isolated from the fruit of Euterpe oleracea Mart. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses including NMR, HR-ESI-MS and CD. All the isolated compounds demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and 2 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK), a valuable traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in clinical practice for treating patients with disorders of the digestive system. AMK has shown noteworthy promoting effect on improving gastrointestinal function and immunity, which might represent a promising candidate for the treatment of intestinal mucosa injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of AMK on intestinal mucosal restitution and the underlying mechanisms via intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cell migration model. Materials and methods A cell migration model of IEC-6 cells was induced by a single-edge razor blade along the diameter of the cell layers in six-well polystyrene plates. After wounding, the cells were grown in control cultures and in cultures containing spermidine (5 μM, SPD, reference drug), alpha-difluoromethylornithine (2.5 mM, DFMO, polyamine inhibitor), AMK (50, 100, and 200 mg/L), DFMO plus SPD and DFMO plus AMK for 12 h. The polyamines content was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with pre-column derivatization. The Rho mRNAs expression levels were assessed by Q-RT-PCR. The Rho and non-muscle myosin II proteins expression levels were analyzed by Western blot. The formation and distribution of non-muscle myosin II stress fibers were monitored with immunostaining techniques using specific antibodies and observed by confocal microscopy. Cell migration assay was carried out using inverted microscope and the Image-Pro Plus software. All of these indexes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of AMK. Results (1) Treatment with AMK caused significant increases in cellular polyamines content and Rho mRNAs and proteins expression levels, as compared to control group. Furthermore, AMK exposure increased non-muscle myosin II protein expression levels and formation of non-muscle myosin II stress fibers, and resulted in an acceleration of cell migration in IEC-6 cells. (2) Depletion of cellular polyamines by DFMO resulted in a decrease of cellular polyamines levels, Rho mRNAs and proteins expression, non-muscle myosin II protein formation and distribution, thereby inhibiting IEC-6 cell migration. AMK not only reversed the inhibitory effects of DFMO on the polyamines content, Rho mRNAs and proteins expression, non-muscle myosin II protein formation and distribution, but also restored cell migration to control levels. Conclusions The results obtained from this study revealed that AMK significantly stimulates the migration of IEC-6 cells through a polyamine dependent mechanism, which could accelerate the healing of intestinal injury. These findings suggest the potential value of AMK in curing intestinal diseases characterized by injury and ineffective repair of the intestinal mucosa in clinical practice.

Two new bicyclic sesquiterpenes, namely 6α,9α-dihydroxycadinan-4-en-3-one (1) and guai-3-en-10α-ol (2), together with one known sesquiterpene were isolated from the stems of Kadsura heteroclita, which is a Tujia ethnomedicine called ‘Xue Tong’. Their structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic analyses and by comparing the NMR data with those reported previously.