墨旱莲对4种蝮蛇毒引起的炎症和出血的影响

目的探讨墨旱莲提取液对短尾蝮蛇毒、蛇岛蝮蛇毒、白眉蝮蛇毒及尖吻蝮蛇毒所致的炎症和出血的影响。方法应用短尾蝮蛇毒、蛇岛蝮蛇毒、白眉蝮蛇毒及尖吻蝮蛇毒所致大鼠足跖肿胀的致炎模型,观察墨旱莲提取液对蛇毒所致大鼠足跖肿胀的影响。墨旱莲提取液分别与不同蛇毒混合,给小鼠腹部皮下注射,观察其对蛇毒引起的小鼠皮下出血的影响。结果墨旱莲提取液15g／kg连续2次灌胃给药,对短尾蝮蛇毒、蛇岛蝮蛇毒、白眉蝮蛇毒或尖吻蝮蛇毒所致大鼠足跖肿胀的急性炎症造模和短尾蝮蛇毒棉球肉芽肿的慢性炎症造模(20g／kg)均有明显的抑制作用,对这些蛇毒引起的小鼠皮下出血也能明显抑制。结论墨旱莲提取液对短尾蝮蛇毒、蛇岛蝮蛇毒、白眉蝮蛇毒及尖吻蝮蛇毒引起的炎症和出血均有明显的抑制作用。     

墨旱莲提取物抑菌活性初步研究

对药用植物墨旱莲Eclipta prostrata提取物的抑菌活性物质进行研究。结果表明：（1）通过不同部位提取物的抑菌试验,发现只有叶和根茎含有抑菌活性物质;（2）墨旱莲提取物对金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠杆菌、枯草杆菌、藤黄球菌的最低抑菌浓度分别为0.6、2.0、0.8、1.0 g/mL,最小杀菌浓度均为1.0 g/mL,对白色念珠菌有很强的抑菌作用,但对黑曲霉无效;（3）通过不同极性溶剂的抑菌试验表明,抑细菌活性物质易溶于石油醚、乙醚等非极性溶剂,具有最佳抑细菌效果的提取溶剂为偏碱性的65%乙醇溶液;（4）墨旱莲的抑菌活性物质可能为黄酮类物质。     

Ethnopharmacological uses,phytochemistry, biological activities,and biotechnological applications of Eclipta prostrata

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - Eclipta prostrata belongs to a family of medicinal plants (Asteraceae) and plays a role in the treatment of several diseases, including infectious...     

Nickel accumulation,localisation and the biochemical responses in Eclipta prostrata (L.) L

The objective of the study was to examine the growth, accumulation and biochemical responses in Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., at increasing levels of nickel in soil after 30 days of treatment. Accumulation of nickel in different parts of the plant was found in a concentration-dependent manner, and the uptake was significantly higher in roots than in shoots. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the metal-exposed plant, compared with the control. The plant exhibited a significant decrease in its pigment content at Ni treatment levels from 100 mg/kg onwards. Compared with the control, a significant increase was observed in the metal exposed plant in its non-enzymatic antioxidants such as proline, flavonoid and phenolic compounds, as well as in the activity of enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The present study revealed the mechanism adopted by E. prostrata in alleviating nickel-induced oxidative damage. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) provided supporting evidence for the uptake of heavy metals, localisation and binding or interaction of nickel in the leaf. Thus, the plant appears to have the potential as a tolerant nickel phytoremediator species for application in decontamination of moderately polluted soils.     

Supportive Role of Probiotic Strains in Protecting Rats from Ovariectomy-Induced Cortical Bone Loss

Osteoporosis is a major health problem that occurs as a result of an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. Different approaches have been established for treating osteoporosis. Recently, because of their health benefits and also low adverse reaction, probiotics have been receiving considerable attention. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of five probiotic strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bacillus coagulans, in protecting rats from ovariectomized (OVX)-induced bone loss. Forty-nine adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into seven groups as follows: group 1, control; group 2, OVX; group 3, OVX + Lactobacillus acidophilus; group 4, OVX + Lactobacillus casei; group 5, OVX + Bacillus coagulans; group 6, OVX + Bifidobacterium longum; and group 7, OVX + Lactobacillus reuteri. Probiotics were fed to OVX groups at the concentration of (1 × 10⁹ CFU/ml/day) for 4 weeks. Then, biochemical parameters, including vitamin D, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were assessed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were used that assess bone mineral density (BMD), bone marrow concentration (BMC), and area of global, femur, spine, and tibia. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei significantly increased Ca and ALP and decreased P in treated groups. Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium longum increased vitamin D significantly. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei indicated the most effects on BMD. In terms of BMC, and bone area, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus casei demonstrated the significant enhancement in OVX groups treated with. Among the probiotics used in this study, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei showed the most effects in terms of BMD, BMC, bone area, and biochemical parameters. It seems that probiotics effects on bone health are strain dependent, but further studies should be done to prove these findings.

     

Hypolipidemic activity of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. leaf extract in atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic rats

In atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic model, the rats receiving treatment with the aqueous extract of the leaves of E. prostrata showed significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein and elevation in high density lipoprotein cholesterol.The aqueous extract of E. prostrata was found to possess significant hypolipidemic activity. The results also suggest that E. prostrata leaf extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt. concentrations is an excellent lipid-lowering agent.     

降钙素对骨质疏松大鼠骨密度形态计量学与骨代谢的影响

目的探讨降钙素(密盖息)对骨质疏松大鼠骨密度、骨形态计量学影响以及与血钙、磷、维生素D代谢和生长因子的关系。方法用摘除大鼠双侧卵巢的方式制备骨质疏松模型(OVX),实验动物分为4个组:模型对照组、密盖息治疗组,盐酸雷洛昔芬治疗组,假手术组。应用HOLOGIC第4代双能X线4500W骨密度仪测定大鼠腰椎、股骨上段骨密度值(BMD);以骨形态计量学测股骨骨小梁面积、矿化沉积率;用ELISA法测定血清IGF-1水平和血清25OHVitD浓度以及血淋巴细胞维生素D受体(VDR)含量。结果密盖息治疗组、盐酸雷洛昔芬治疗组均较OVX组腰椎、股骨上段骨密度增高,组间比较差异有显著性(P<0.01)。密盖息治疗组较盐酸雷洛昔芬治疗组股骨上段骨密度增高,两组之间差异有显著性(P<0.01)。密盖息治疗组骨小梁面积明显增加、矿化沉积率增高。密盖息治疗组、盐酸雷洛昔芬治疗组血清IGF-1浓度值、血清25-OHVitD浓度值升高,与OVX组比较差异有显著性(P<0.01)。各组血淋巴细胞VDR含量无明显变化,与OVX组比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论密盖息能够预防腰椎、股骨上段骨密度丢失,使骨小梁面积明显增加、矿化沉积率增高并且血清IGF-1及血清25-OHVitD浓度值升高,但对VDR含量无明显作用。     

仙灵骨葆对骨质疏松大鼠OPG/RANK/RANKL 表达的影响

目的:观察仙灵骨葆治疗骨质疏松模型大鼠后,对大鼠体内OPG/RANKL/RANK表达的影响。方法:卵巢摘除法建立SD大鼠骨质疏松模型,设立假手术组、对照组(单纯去卵巢组)、雌激素组(给予17β-雌二醇)和治疗组(给予仙灵骨葆)。术后1周开始给药,给药12周后检测各组大鼠股骨骨密度,ELISA法检测血清中OPG/RANKL含量,RT-PCR检测骨组织中OPG/RANK/RAN-KL mRNA表达,免疫组化检测骨组织中RANK的表达。结果:对照组大鼠骨密度显著低于假手术组;治疗组和雌激素组大鼠O-PG表达显著高于对照组,RANK及RANKL的表达显著低于对照组。结论:采用卵巢摘除法成功建立大鼠骨质疏松模型;仙灵骨葆可促进骨质疏松大鼠OPG的表达,并抑制RANK及RANKL的表达,对骨质疏松模型大鼠有治疗作用。     

Effects of Remifemin Treatment on Bone Integrity and Remodeling in Rats with Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Remifemin (isopropanolic extract of Cimicifuga Racemosa) on postmenopausal osteoporosis. 120 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: sham surgery with vehicle, ovariectomy with vehicle, ovariectomy with estradiol valerate, or ovariectomy with Remifemin. Daily oral administrations of the vehicle, estradiol valerate, or Remifemin began 2 weeks after surgery and lasted to 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Ten rats in each group were sacrificed at each timestep with assessment of bone mineral density, trabecular bone structure, and biomechanical parameters of the femur and lumbar vertebra. Bone turnover markers were evaluated 12 weeks after surgery. Both drugs prevented bone density loss in the distal end of the femur and preserved the trabecular bone structure in both the lumbar vertebra and distal end of the femur following ovariectomy. Both drugs protected bone stiffness at the tested regions and reduced bone reabsorption in ovariectomized rats. The preventive effects of Remifemin against bone-loss can rival those of estradiol valerate if treatment duration is adequately extended. In conclusion, Remifemin may demonstrate equivalent effects to estradiol valerate in terms of preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

骨质疏松大鼠脂肪基质细胞成骨能力的研究

目的:探讨骨质疏松大鼠的脂肪基质细胞有无成骨能力。方法:采用去势法构建SD大鼠骨质疏松模型,设置2组样本,分别为19月龄骨质疏松SD雌性大鼠,正常19月龄SD雌性大鼠。每组大鼠分别取腹股沟脂肪垫中脂肪,用胶原酶消化法培养获得脂肪间充质干细胞,绘制并分析细胞生长曲线;再用经典的骨向诱导液诱导2组ASCs,比较2组细胞骨向分化能力有无差别。结果:骨质疏松大鼠与正常老龄大鼠的ASCs骨向分化能力无明显差别。结论:可用去势法构建SD大鼠骨质疏松模型,并可取其细胞行进一步研究。老龄骨质疏松大鼠的ASCs也可以考虑作为种子细胞促进其自体骨愈合,从而为利用自体ASCs促进骨质疏松骨愈合打下一定的理论基础。     

Structural Characterisation of FabG from Yersinia pestis,a Key Component of Bacterial Fatty Acid Synthesis

Ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein reductases (FabG) are ubiquitously expressed enzymes that catalyse the reduction of acyl carrier protein (ACP) linked thioesters within the bacterial type II fatty acid synthesis (FASII) pathway. The products of these enzymes, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, are essential components of the bacterial cell envelope. The FASII reductase enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI) has been the focus of numerous drug discovery efforts, some of which have led to clinical trials, yet few studies have focused on FabG. Like FabI, FabG appears to be essential for survival in many bacteria, similarly indicating the potential of this enzyme as a drug target. FabG enzymes are members of the short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, and like other SDRs, exhibit highly conserved secondary and tertiary structures, and contain a number of conserved sequence motifs. Here we describe the crystal structures of FabG from Yersinia pestis (YpFabG), the causative agent of bubonic, pneumonic, and septicaemic plague, and three human pandemics. Y. pestis remains endemic in many parts of North America, South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, and a threat to human health. YpFabG shares a high degree of structural similarity with bacterial homologues, and the ketoreductase domain of the mammalian fatty acid synthase from both Homo sapiens and Sus scrofa. Structural characterisation of YpFabG, and comparison with other bacterial FabGs and the mammalian fatty acid synthase, provides a strong platform for virtual screening of potential inhibitors, rational drug design, and the development of new antimicrobial agents to combat Y. pestis infections.     

Effect of α-Lipoic Acid on Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High-Fructose Diet

This study investigated the effect of administration of α-lipoic acid (LA) on lipid metabolism in high fructose–fed insulin-resistant rats. High-fructose feeding (60 g/100 g diet) to normal rats resulted in a significant increase in the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), free fatty acids (FFAs), and phospholipids in plasma, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle. Reduced activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and increased activity of the lipogenic enzyme hydroxymethylglutaryl–coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase were observed in plasma and liver. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lowered and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly elevated. Treatment with LA (35 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal) reduced the effects of fructose. The rats showed near-normal levels of lipid components on plasma and tissues. Activities of key enzymes of lipid metabolism were also restored to normal values. Cholesterol distribution in the plasma lipoproteins was normalized, resulting in a favorable lipid profile. This study demonstrates that LA can alter lipid metabolism in fructose-fed insulin-resistant rats and may have implications in the treatment of insulin resistance.     

Thiophenes,polyacetylenes and terpenes from the aerial parts of Eclipata prostrata

One new bithiophenes, 5-(but-3-yne-1,2-diol)-5′-hydroxy-methyl-2,2′-bithiophene (2), two new polyacetylenic glucosides, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-1-hydroxy-4E,6E-tetradecene-8,10,12-triyne (8), (5E)-trideca-1,5-dien-7,9,11-triyne-3,4-diol-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9), six new terpenoid glycosides, rel-(1S,2S,3S,4R,6R)-1,6-epoxy-menthane-2,3-diol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10), rel-(1S,2S,3S,4R,6R)-3-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-1,6-epoxy menthane-2,3-diol (11), (2E,6E)-2,6,10-trimethyl-2,6,11-dodecatriene-1,10-diol-1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (12), 3β,16β,29-trihydroxy oleanane-12-ene-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (13), 3,28-di-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3β,16β-dihydroxy oleanane-12-ene-28-oleanlic acid (14), 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl oleanlic-18-ene acid-28-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (15), along with fifteen known compounds (1, 3–7, and 16–24), were isolated from the aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata. Their structures were established by analysis of the spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds 1–9 were tested for activities against dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), compound 7 showed significant antihyperglycemic activities by inhibitory effects on DPP-IV in human plasma in vitro, with IC₅₀ value of 0.51 μM. Compounds 10–24 were tested in vitro against NF-κB-luc 293 cell line induced by LPS. Compounds 12, 15, 16, 19, 21, and 23 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activities.     

Expression of Sclerostin scFv and the Effect of Sclerostin scFv on Healing of Osteoporotic Femur Fracture in Rats

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic disease characterized by low bone mass with deterioration of the bony microstructure which leads to both bone brittleness and increased risk of fracture. Sclerostin is a protein encoded by the SOST gene which is specifically expressed in osteocyte. Monoclonal antibodies of sclerostin can promote bone formation by antagonizing its inhibitory action. However, the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies to exert such effects are limited by the large molecular mass and high immunogenicity. Here, we report that we purified a high immune affinity, single-chain antibody of SOST: SOST–single-chain Fv (scFv). Real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of the variable regions of the heavy- and light-chain gene from a secretory anti-SOST antibody was performed. Animal experiments showed that SOST–scFv promoted bone healing in a rat model of osteoporosis.     

新型氨基酸制剂对创伤大鼠血游离氨基酸的影响

观察了富含牛磺酸 (Tau)、谷氨酰胺 (Gln)以及高支链氨基酸 (HBCAA)的新型氨基酸制剂对创伤大鼠血中游离氨基酸浓度的影响。结果表明 ,创伤后三天起 ,血浆游离氨基酸总和均显著降低 ,对照组基本无改变 ;创伤后Tau、BCAA、精氨酸以及天冬氨酸等具有抗氧化和免疫调节作用的氨基酸含量明显降低 ,新处方使用一周后其浓度有效回升 ,且效果好于 17种氨基酸 ,从而有利于机体伤口的愈合。这些结果为进一步阐明复合氨基酸制剂促进创伤愈合的作用及其开发应用提供了理论依据     

Effect of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on the Participation of Vasodilator Factors in Aorta from Orchidectomized Rats

Benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) against cardiovascular diseases have been reported. Vascular tone regulation is largely mediated by endothelial factors whose release is modulated by sex hormones. Since the incidence of cardiovascular pathologies has been correlated with decreased levels of sex hormones, the aim of this study was to analyze whether a diet supplemented with the specific PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could prevent vascular changes induced by an impaired gonadal function. For this purpose, control and orchidectomized rats were fed with a standard diet supplemented with 5% (w/w) sunflower oil or with 3% (w/w) sunflower oil plus 2% (w/w) DHA. The lipid profile, the blood pressure, the production of prostanoids and nitric oxide (NO), and the redox status of biological samples from control and orchidectomized rats, fed control or DHA-supplemented diet, were analyzed. The vasodilator response and the contribution of NO, prostanoids and hyperpolarizing mechanisms were also studied. The results showed that orchidectomy negatively affected the lipid profile, increased the production of prostanoids and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased NO production and the antioxidant capacity, as well as the participation of hyperpolarizing mechanisms in the vasodilator responses. The DHA-supplemented diet of the orchidectomized rats decreased the release of prostanoids and ROS, while increasing NO production and the antioxidant capacity, and it also improved the lipid profile. Additionally, it restored the participation of hyperpolarizing mechanisms by activating potassium. Since the modifications induced by the DHA-supplemented diet were observed in the orchidectomized, but not in the healthy group, DHA seems to exert cardioprotective effects in physiopathological situations in which vascular dysfunction exists.     

Effect of Amino Acid Supplementation to a Rice Diet on Niacin Requirement of Rats

The effect of amino acid supplementation to a rice diet on the niacin requirement of rats was studied in relation to the phenomenon of niacin or tryptophan deficiency caused by the addition of threonine or gelatin to a low casein diet. Supplementation of a mixture of all limiting amino acids other than tryptophan to a 90% rice diet stimulated the growth of rats only temporarily without additional supplementation of niacin. However, the supplementation of the same mixture of limiting amino acids to a diet containing an amino acid mixture simulating rice protein, clearly decreased the growth of rats after a temporary increase. The growth was then remarkably improved by the further addition of niacin or niacin plus tryptophan. This result supports the hypothesis that the addition of all limiting amino acids other than tryptophan, increases the use of tryptophan for protein synthesis and may lead to niacin deficiency.     

Clavulanic Acid Attenuating Effect on the Diabetic Neuropathic Pain in Rats

Neurochemical Research - Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. Excess glutamate release and oxidative stress are hypothesized to be involved in the...