Solid-phase microextraction technology for in vitro and in vivo metabolite analysis

Analysis of endogenous metabolites in biological samples may lead to the identification of biomarkers in metabolomics studies. To achieve accurate sample analysis, a combined method of continuous quick sampling and extraction is required for online compound detection. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) integrates sampling, extraction and concentration into a single solvent-free step for chemical analysis. SPME has a number of advantages, including simplicity, high sensitivity and a relatively non-invasive nature. In this article, we reviewed SPME technology in in vitro and in vivo analyses of metabolites after the ingestion of herbal medicines, foods and pharmaceutical agents. The metabolites of microorganisms in dietary supplements and in the gastrointestinal tract will also be examined. As a promising technology in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, SPME and its future applications will depend on advances in analytical technologies and material science.

Palmatine from Mahonia bealei attenuates gut tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ mice via inhibition of inflammatory cytokines

Mahonia bealei is a Chinese folk medicine used to treat various ailments, in particular gastrointestinal inflammation‑related illnesses, and palmatine is one of its active constituents. In this study, ApcMin/+ mice, a genetically engineered model, were used to investigate the effects of palmatine on the initiation and progression of gut inflammation and tumorigenesis enhanced by a high‑fat diet. The in vitro antiproliferation and anti‑inflammation effects of palmatine were evaluated on HT‑29 and SW‑480 human colorectal cancer cell lines. The concentration‑related antiproliferative effects of palmatine on both cell lines (P<0.01) were observed. Palmatine significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide‑induced increase in cytokine interleukin (IL)‑8 levels in the HT‑29 cells (P<0.01). In the in vivo studies with ApcMin/+ mice, after 10 or 20 mg/kg/day oral palmatine treatment, tumor numbers were significantly reduced in the small intestine and colon in a dose‑dependent manner (P<0.01 compared with the model group). The results were supported by tumor distribution data, body weight changes and organ index. The effect on survival was also dose‑dependent. Both the low‑ and high‑dose palmatine treatments significantly increased the life span of the mice (P<0.01). The gut histology from the model group showed a prominent adenomatous change along with inflammatory lesions. With palmatine treatment, however, the dysplastic changes were greatly reduced in the small intestine and colon tissue. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of interleukin (IL)‑1α, IL1‑β, IL‑8, granulocyte‑colony stimulating factor and granulocyte macrophage colony‑stimulating factor in the gut tissue showed that these inflammatory cytokines were reduced significantly following treatment (all P<0.01); serum cytokine levels were also decreased. Data suggests that palmatine has a clinical value in colorectal cancer therapeutics, and this action is likely linked to the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines.

Quantitative determination of betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone dipropionate in human plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and a bioequivalence study

The compound medicine of betamethasone sodium phosphate (BSP) and betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) is widely used for diverse glucocorticoid-sensitive acute and chronic diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It will be useful and beneficial to validate sensitive method for the determination of BSP, BDP and their metabolites for their pharmacokinetic study. Hereby, an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) has been validated for the determination of BSP, BDP and their metabolites betamethasone (BOH), betamethasone 17-monodipropionate (B17P) and betamethasone 21-monodipropionate (B21P) in human plasma. Liquid-liquid extraction with ether and n-hexane (v/v, 4:1) was used for sample preparation of BDP, BOH, B17P and B21P with beclomethasone dipropionate as internal standard (IS), while solid phase extraction was adopted for sample preparation of BSP using prednisolone as IS. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Hypurity C18 column (150 mm×2.1 mm, 5 μm) for BOH, BDP, B21P and B17P, and a Luna C18 (2) column (150 mm×2.0 mm, 5 μm) for BSP. Electrospray ionization interfaced with positive multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan mode was used for mass spectrometric detection. The standard calibration curves were linear within the range of 2.525 × 10-9-403.9 × 10-9 mol·dm-3 for BSP, 0.125 × 10-9-55.81 × 10-9 mol·dm-3 for BDP, 0.278 × 10-9-74.95 × 10-9 mol·dm-3 for BOH, 0.098 × 10-9-4.688 × 10-9 mol·dm-3 for B17P and 0.226 × 10-9-5.411 × 10-9 mol·dm-3 for B21P, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study in 23 healthy subjects after they were injected with this compound medicine BSP and BDP.

Novel Application of Natural Anisole Compounds as Enhancers for Transdermal Delivery of Ligustrazine

To improve the transdermal delivery of ligustrazine, Foeniculum vulgare food origin anisole compounds were employed as promoters. Transdermal fluxes of ligustrazine were determined by Franz-type diffusion cells. Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra were used to detect the biophysical changes of the stratum corneum and to explore the mechanism of permeation enhancement. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to monitor the morphological changes of the skin. Among the three anisoles, anisic acid increased the penetration flux of ligustrazine significantly. The ligustrazine flux with anisic acid (11.9 μg/cm(2)/h) was higher than that any other group (p < 0.05). Spectra observations revealed that these anisole enhancers were able to disturb and extract the stratum corneum lipids. In addition, apparent density was used to describe the desquamation extent of the scutella. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the permeation enhancement of ligustrazine, including disturbing and extracting stratum corneum lipid, forming a competitive hydrogen bond. All data suggested that anisole compounds could be a group of safe and active penetration enhancers for transdermal delivery of ligustrazine.

Antitumor Activity of Total Flavonoids from Daphne genkwa in Colorectal Cancer

Daphne genkwa Sieb.et Zucc. is a well-known medicinal plant. This study was designed to investigate the anticancer effects of total flavonoids in D. genkwa (TFDG) in vitro and in vivo. HT-29 and SW-480 human colorectal cancer cells were cultured to investigate the anticancer activity of TFDG. In addition, the Apc(Min/+) mouse model was applied in the in vivo experiment. Results of the cell experiment revealed that TFDG possessed significant inhibitory effects on HT-29 and SW-480 human colorectal cancer cells (both p < 0.01). Furthermore, our in vivo data showed that after treatment with TFDG, there was a significant increase in life span (both p < 0.01) and tumor numbers were reduced in the colon (both p < 0.01), which was supported by the data of tumor distribution, body weight changes and organ index. Our results also indicated that expressions of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in gut tissue were downregulated by treatments of TFDG, and immunity cytokine secretions in the serum were regulated after oral administration of TFDG. Taken together, these findings suggested that TFDG has a potential clinical utility in colorectal cancer therapeutics, and TFDG's action is likely linked to its ability to regulate immune function and inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Cancer Chemoprevention Effects of Ginger and its Active Constituents: Potential for New Drug Discovery

Ginger is a commonly used spice and herbal medicine worldwide. Besides its extensive use as a condiment, ginger has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the management of various medical conditions. In recent years, ginger has received wide attention due to its observed antiemetic and anticancer activities. This paper reviews the potential role of ginger and its active constituents in cancer chemoprevention. The phytochemistry, bioactivity, and molecular targets of ginger constituents, especially 6-shogaol, are discussed. The content of 6-shogaol is very low in fresh ginger, but significantly higher after steaming. With reported anti-cancer activities, 6-shogaol can be served as a lead compound for new drug discovery. The lead compound derivative synthesis, bioactivity evaluation, and computational docking provide a promising opportunity to identify novel anticancer compounds originating from ginger.

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of genkwanin on colorectal cancer in the APC(Min/+) mice

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. To evaluate the antitumor effect of genkwanin on colorectal cancer enhanced by western high-fat diet, we investigated the activity of genkwanin on HT-29 and SW-480 human colorectal cancer lines in vitro and on the APC(Min/+) mice in vivo. In a cell culture system, six different inflammatory cytokines obviously stimulated two cancer cells growth in a concentration-dependent manner, while genkwanin significantly inhibited HT-29 and SW-480 human colorectal cancer cells proliferation and inflammatory cytokine IL-8 secretion. In the APC(Min/+) mice, the body weights, spleen and thymus indexes and immunity cytokine secretions were significantly improved after oral administration 12.5 and 25mg/kg/day of genkwanin. Besides, the tumor multiplicity changes and inflammatory cytokine levels were markedly reduced in two genkwanin-treated groups. The dysplastic adenomatous changes were also obviously ameliorated in gut histopathology. Taken together, our results indicated that genkwanin had a better antitumor activity partly via enhancing host immunity and decreasing the inflammatory cytokine levels. Genkwanin may be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer chemopreventive effects of baicalein, an active enteric microbiome metabolite from baicalin

Baicalin is a major constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis, which is a commonly used herbal medicine in many Asian countries. After oral ingestion, intestinal microbiota metabolism may change parent compound's structure and its biological activities. However, whether baicalin can be metabolized by enteric microbiota and the related anticancer activity is not clear. In this study, using human enteric microbiome incubation and HPLC analysis, we observed that baicalin can be quickly converted to baicalein. We compared the antiproliferative effects of baicalin and baicalein using a panel of human cancer cell lines, including three human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. In vitro antiproliferative effects on CRC cells were verified using an in vivo xenograft nude mouse model. Baicalin showed limited antiproliferative effects on some of these cancer cell lines. Baicalein, however, showed significant antiproliferative effects in all the tested cancer cell lines, especially on HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells. In vivo antitumor results supported our in vitro data. We demonstrated that baicalein exerts potent S phase cell cycle arrest and pro-apoptotic effects in HCT-116 cells. Baicalein induced the activation of caspase 3 and 9. The in silico modeling suggested that baicalein forms hydrogen bonds with residues Ser251 and Asp253 at the active site of caspase 3, while interactions with residues Leu227 and Asp228 in caspase 9 through its hydroxyl groups. Data from this study suggested that baicalein is a potent anticancer metabolite derived from S. baicalensis. Enteric microbiota play a key role in the colon cancer chemoprevention of S. baicalensis.

Commonly Used Dietary Supplements on Coagulation Function during Surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients who undergo surgery appear to use dietary supplements significantly more frequently than the general population. Because they contain pharmacologically active compounds, dietary supplements may affect coagulation and platelet function during the perioperative period through direct effects, pharmacodynamic interactions, and pharmacokinetic interactions. However, in this regard, limited studies have been conducted that address the pharmacological interactions of dietary supplements. To avoid possible bleeding risks during surgery, information of potential complications of dietary supplements during perioperative management is important for physicians.

METHODS

Through a systematic database search of all available years, articles were identified in this review if they included dietary supplements and coagulation/platelet function, while special attention was paid to studies published after 1990.

RESULTS

Safety concerns are reported in commercially available dietary supplements. Effects of the most commonly used natural products on blood coagulation and platelet function are systematically reviewed, including 11 herbal medicines (echinacea, ephedra, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, kava, saw palmetto, St John's wort, and valerian) and 4 other dietary supplements (coenzyme Q₁₀, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, fish oil, and vitamins). Bleeding risks of garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, saw palmetto, St John's wort, and fish oil are reported. Cardiovascular instability was observed with ephedra, ginseng, and kava. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between dietary supplements and drugs used in the perioperative period are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent potential problems associated with the use of dietary supplements, physicians should be familiar with the perioperative effects of commonly used dietary supplements. Since the effects of dietary supplements on coagulation and platelet function are difficult to predict, it is prudent to advise their discontinuation before surgery.

Natural products and chemotherapeutic agents on cancer: prevention vs. treatment

Natural products play an important role in cancer therapeutics, and lately more attentions have been paid to the prevention of major lethal malignancies, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). After oral ingestion, botanicals' parent compounds can be converted to their metabolites by the enteric microbiome, and these metabolites may have different bioactivities and variable bioavailability. In this study, we used an active ginseng metabolite, protopanaxadiol (PPD), as an example to assess its colon cancer preventive effect by comparing its effect with the treatment effect of fluorouracil (5-FU). A xenograft tumor nude mouse model with human colon cancer cell inoculation was used. After preventive PPD or treatment 5-FU administration with the same dose (30 mg/kg), tumor growth inhibition was evaluated by both a Xenogen bioluminescence imaging technique and manual tumor size measurement. Our data showed that preventive PPD very significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared to 5-FU (p < 0.01). Our data suggest that the PPD is a promising cancer prevention agent. More studies are needed to explore the chemopreventive actions of PPD and its potential clinical utility.

A novel molecularly imprinted method with computational simulation for the affinity isolation and knockout of baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by precipitation polymerization with baicalein (BAI) as the template and used as solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent, aiming at the affinity isolation and selective knockout of BAI from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB). We used computational simulation to predict the optimal functional monomer, polymerization solvent and molar ratio of template to functional monomer. Characterization and performance tests revealed that MIP exhibited uniform spherical morphology, rapid binding kinetics, and higher adsorption capacity for BAI compared with nonimprinted polymer (NIP). The application of MIP in SPE coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography to extract BAI from SB showed excellent recovery (94.3%) and purity (97.0%). Not only the single BAI compound, but also the BAI-removed SB extract was obtained by one-step process. This new method is useful for isolation and knockout of key bioactive compounds from herbal medicines.

Metabonomic Profiling Reveals Cancer Chemopreventive Effects of American Ginseng on Colon Carcinogenesis in Apc(Min/+) Mice

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines in the West. It has been reported to possess significant antitumor effects that inhibit the process of carcinogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying its anticancer effects remain largely unresolved. In this study, we investigated the cancer chemopreventive effects of American ginseng on the progression of high fat (HF) diet-enhanced colorectal carcinogenesis with a genetically engineered Apc(Min/+) mouse model. The metabolic alterations in sera of experimental mice perturbed by HF diet intervention as well as the American ginseng treatment were measured by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) and liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOFMS) analysis. American ginseng treatment significantly extended the life span of the Apc(Min/+) mouse. Significant alterations of metabolites involving amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates were observed in Apc(Min/+) mouse in sera, which were attenuated by American ginseng treatment and concurrent with the histopathological improvement with significantly reduced tumor initiation, progression and gut inflammation. These metabolic changes suggest that the preventive effect of American ginseng is associated with attenuation of impaired amino acid, carbohydrates, and lipid metabolism. It also appears that American ginseng induced significant metabolic alterations independent of the Apc(Min/+) induced metabolic changes. The significantly altered metabolites induced by American ginseng intervention include arachidonic acid, linolelaidic acid, glutamate, docosahexaenoate, tryptophan, and fructose, all of which are associated with inflammation and oxidation. This suggests that American ginseng exerts the chemopreventive effects by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Antioxidative Activity of Flavonoids from Abrus cantoniensis against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice

The present study investigated the flavonoids from Abrus cantoniensis against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice. The flavonoids from A. cantoniensis were extracted with ethanol and purified by macroporous resin and polyamide. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay was used to measure the antioxidative activities in vitro. The ethanol-induced ulcer mouse model was used to evaluate the gastroprotective activities of the flavonoids from A. cantoniensis. In addition, a method was established to ensure accuracy for animal ulcer evaluation. The flavonoids from A. cantoniensis showed a strong free radical scavenging capacity with an IC50 of 43.83 µg/mL in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. At doses between 28.16-112.67 mg/kg, the flavonoids conspicuously reduced the ulcer index in ethanol-induced mice (p<0.001). Significant differences were found in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and myeloperoxidase in the stomach tissues between the flavonoids from the A. cantoniensis groups and the ethanol control group. The gastroprotective effect of the flavonoids from A. cantoniensis could be due to its antioxidative activity of the defensive mechanism. The data revealed that the flavonoids from A. cantoniensis could be a potential therapeutic agent for gastric ulcer prevention and treatment.

Anti-Colon Cancer Effects of 6-Shogaol Through G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest by p53/p21-cdc2/cdc25A Crosstalk

Chemopreventive agents can be identified from botanicals. Recently, there has been strong support for the potential of 6-shogaol, a natural compound from dietary ginger (Zingiber officinale), in cancer chemoprevention. However, whether 6-shogaol inhibits the growth of colorectal tumors in vivo remains unknown, and the underlying anticancer mechanisms have not been well characterized. In this work, we observed that 6-shogaol (15 mg/kg) significantly inhibited colorectal tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. We show that 6-shogaol inhibited HCT-116 and SW-480 cell proliferation with IC50 of 7.5 and 10 μM, respectively. Growth of HCT-116 cells was arrested at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, primarily mediated by the up-regulation of p53, the CDK inhibitor p21(waf1/cip1) and GADD45α, and by the down-regulation of cdc2 and cdc25A. Using p53(-/-) and p53(+/+) HCT-116 cells, we confirmed that p53/p21 was the main pathway that contributed to the G2/M cell cycle arrest by 6-shogaol. 6-Shogaol induced apoptosis, mainly through the mitochondrial pathway, and the bcl-2 family might act as a key regulator. Our results demonstrated that 6-shogaol induces cancer cell death by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. 6-Shogaol could be an active natural product in colon cancer chemoprevention.

The Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Jinlida as Add-On Medication in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Ineffectively Managed by Metformin Monotherapy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial

BACKGROUND

Metformin plays an important role in diabetes treatment. Studies have shown that the combined use of oral hypoglycemic medications is more effective than metformin monotherapy. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, we evaluated whether Jinlida, a Chinese herbal medicine, enhances the glycemic control of metformin in type 2 diabetes patients whose HbA1c was ineffectively controlled with metformin alone.

METHODS

A total of 186 diabetes patients were enrolled in this double-Blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either Jinlida (9 g) or the placebo TID for 12 consecutive weeks. All subjects in both groups also continuously received their metformin without any dose change. During this 12-week period, the HbA1c, FPG, 2 h PG, body weight, BMI were assessed. HOMA insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

At week 12, compared to the HbA1c level from week 0, the level of the Jinlida group was reduced by 0.92 ± 1.09% and that of the placebo group was reduced by 0.53 ± 0.94%. The 95% CI was 0.69-1.14 for the Jinlida group vs. 0.34-0.72 for the placebo group. There was a very significant HbA1c reduction between the two groups after 12 weeks (p < 0.01). Both FG and 2 h PG levels of the Jinlida group and placebo group were reduced from week 0. There were a very significant FG and 2 h PG level reductions between the two groups after 12 weeks (both p < 0.01). The Jinlida group also showed improved β-cell function with a HOMA-β increase (p < 0.05). No statistical significance was observed in the body weight and BMI changes. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Jinlida significantly enhanced the hypoglycemic action of metformin when the drug was used alone. This Chinese herbal medicine may have a clinical value as an add-on medication to metformin monotherapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR-TRC-13003159.

Determination of six polyynes in Oplopanax horridus and Oplopanax elatus using polyethylene glycol modified reversed migration microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography

A PEG-modified reversed migration MEEKC method was developed for simultaneous determination of six polyynes, including oplopandiol, falcarindiol, oplopandiol acetate, (11S, 16S, 9Z)-9,17-octadecadiene-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol,1-acetate, oplopantriol B, and oplopantriol A, in Oplopanax horridus and Oplopanax elatus. The running buffer containing 0.8% v/v ethyl acetate, 3.8% w/v SDS, 6.6% v/v n-butanol in 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5), followed by mixing with propan-2-ol at 30% v/v and PEG-1000 at 15% w/v, was applied in the analysis. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine the six polyynes in five samples of Oplopanax horridus and one of O. elatus. The result showed that the types and amounts of polyynes present were obviously different when comparing the two herbs. Besides, the developed PEG-modified reversed MEEKC method might be suitable for the analysis of hydrophobic analytes in herbal medicines.

The effectiveness and safety of a danshen-containing Chinese herbal medicine for diabetic retinopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen in Chinese) is a common traditional Chinese herbal medicine often used to treat many medical conditions. The Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) is a danshen-containing Chinese herbal product for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, to date, no controlled clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of CDDP on diabetic retinopathy (DR).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present large-scale clinical trial was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of CDDP in treating patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

223 NPDR patients were enrolled in this controlled trial. Subjects received oral study medications three times daily for 24 weeks. The four groups were placebo, low-dose (270 mg), mid-dose (540 mg) and high dose (810 mg herbal medicine). Primary endpoints were changes in fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA) and fundoscopic examination parameters.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

At 24 weeks, for the FFA, the percent of "Excellent" and "Effective" in the high-dose and mid-dose CDDP groups was 74% and 77%, respectively, very significantly higher than 28% in the placebo group (P<0.001). For fundoscopic examination, the percent of "Excellent" and "Effective" in the high-dose and mid-dose CDDP groups was 42% and 59%, respectively, very significantly higher than 11% in the placebo group (P<0.001). No adverse events with clinical significance were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

DR is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes and a major cause of adult blindness worldwide. Our clinical trial data demonstrated the therapeutic value and safety of a danshen-containing Chinese herbal medicine in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Anti-hyperuricemia effects of allopurinol are improved by Smilax riparia, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The roots and rhizomes of Smilax riparia are called "Niu-Wei-Cai" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This botanical has been used in treating the symptoms of gout and other hyperuricemic-related conditions in TCM. Allopurinol is a commonly used medication to treat hyperuricemia and its complications. In this study, we evaluated whether Smilax riparia could enhance allopurinol׳s effects by decreasing the serum uric acid level in a hyperuricemic mouse model induced by potassium oxonate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined the effects of allopurinol (5mg/kg) administration alone or in combination with Smilax riparia saponins (SRS, 500 mg/kg) on the serum uric acid (SUA), serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in a hyperuricemic mouse model. The effects of allopurinol alone or those of allopurinol plus SRS on the XOD activities were measured. Western blot analysis was used to measure the levels of mURAT1, mGLUT9 and mOTA1 in the mice.

RESULTS

Compared with allopurinol alone, the combination of allopurinol and SRS significantly decreased the serum uric acid level and increased the urine uric acid level (both P<0.05), leading to the normalized serum and urine uric acid concentrations. Data on serum and urine creatinine and BUN supported these observations. The attenuation of hyperuricemia-induced renal dysfunction was linked to the inhibition of both serum and hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD), the down-regulation of renal mURAT1 and mGLUT9, and the up-regulation of mOAT1.

CONCLUSION

The anti-hyperuricemia effects of allopurinol are improved by Smilax riparia co-administration. The results were supported by the measurement of uric acid, creatinine, BUN, XOD, mURAT1, mGLUT9 and mOAT1. Our data may have a potential value in clinical practice in the treatment of gout and other hyperuricemic conditions.

Phenolic Derivatives from the Root Bark of Oplopanax horridus

Four new phenolic derivatives, including two phenylpropanoid glycosides, one benzoate glycoside, and one lignan glycoside, together with one known glyceride, were isolated from the root bark of Oplopanax horridus. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3-{4-[(6-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl) oxy]-3,5-dimethoxyphenylpropanoic acid (1), (+)-[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-7- (hydroxylmethyl)-10,11-dimehoxydibenzo[a,c][8]annulen-6-yl]methyl β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (+)-methyl 4-[6-O-{3-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-(1-methylpropyl)oxy]-5-oxopentanoyl}-4-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3-methoxybenzoate (3), and 2-methoxy-4-[(1E)-3-methoxy-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl]phenyl 6-O-{3-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-[(1-methylpropyl)oxy]-5-oxopentanoyl-4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (4) on the basis of spectroscopic techniques including NMR and MS analyses. The known compound was identified as glycer-2-yl ferulate (5) by comparing its physical and spectral data with those reported in the literature.

Protopanaxadiol, an active ginseng metabolite, significantly enhances the effects of fluorouracil on colon cancer

In this study, we evaluated the effects of protopanaxadiol (PPD), a gut microbiome induced ginseng metabolite, in increasing the anticancer effects of a chemotherapeutic agent fluorouracil (5-FU) on colorectal cancer. An in vitro HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell proliferation test was conducted to observe the effects of PPD, 5-FU and their co-administration and the related mechanisms of action. Then, an in vivo xenografted athymic mouse model was used to confirm the in vitro data. Our results showed that the human gut microbiome converted ginsenoside compound K to PPD as a metabolite. PPD and 5-FU significantly inhibited HCT-116 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner (both p < 0.01), and the effects of 5-FU were very significantly enhanced by combined treatment with PPD (p < 0.01). Cell cycle evaluation demonstrated that 5-FU markedly induced the cancer cell S phase arrest, while PPD increased arrest in G1 phase. Compared to the control, 5-FU and PPD increased apoptosis, and their co-administration significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells (p < 0.01). Using bioluminescence imaging, in vivo data revealed that 5-FU significantly reduced the tumor growth up to Day 20 (p < 0.05). PPD and 5-FU co-administration very significantly reduced the tumor size in a dose-related manner (p < 0.01 compared to the 5-FU alone). The quantification of the tumor size and weight changes for 43 days supported the in vivo imaging data. Our results demonstrated that the co-administration of PPD and 5-FU significantly inhibited the tumor growth, indicating that PPD significantly enhanced the anticancer action of 5-FU, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. PPD may have a clinical value in 5-FU’s cancer therapeutics.

Synthesis of surface nano-molecularly imprinted polymers for sensitive baicalin detection from biological samples

Surface molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP@SBA-15) imprinted on the surface of hybrid nanostructured organic/inorganic materials (SBA-15) were prepared for the selective extraction and detection of baicalin (BA) from biological samples. The surface morphologies and characteristics of the imprinted and non-imprinted polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results indicated that the polymers were successfully grafted on the surface of SBA-15 and possessed a highly ordered mesoporous structure. In binding tests, MIP@SBA-15 reached saturated adsorption within 80 min and exhibited significant specific recognition toward BA with large adsorption capacity. Meanwhile, the prepared MIP@SBA-15 was used as a selective sorbent for solid-phase extraction of BA from biological samples. Recoveries of BA from the liver and spleen ranged from 90.6% to 90.9% with RSD < 3.7%. All these results reveal that this method is simple, rapid and sensitive for effectively extracting and detecting trace BA in biological samples.

TRAIL pathway is associated with inhibition of colon cancer by protopanaxadiol

Among important components of American ginseng, protopanaxadiol (PPD) showed more active anticancer potential than other triterpenoid saponins. In this study, we determined the in vivo effects of PPD in a mouse cancer model first. Then, using human colorectal cancer cell lines, we observed significant cancer cell growth inhibition by promoting G1 cell cycle redistribution and apoptosis. Subsequently, we characterized the downstream genes targeted by PPD in HCT-116 cancer cells. Using Affymetrix high density GeneChips, we obtained the gene expression profile of the cells. Microarray data indicated that the expression levels of 76 genes were changed over two-fold after PPD, of which 52 were upregulated while the remaining 24 were downregulated. Ingenuity pathway analysis of top functions affected was carried out. Data suggested that by regulating the interactions between p53 and DR4/DR5, the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathway played a key role in the action of PPD, a promising colon cancer inhibitory compound.

Unstable simple volatiles and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of essential oil from the roots bark of Oplopanax horridus extracted by supercritical fluid extraction

Volatile oil from the root bark of Oplopanax horridus is regarded to be responsible for the clinical uses of the title plant as a respiratory stimulant and expectorant. Therefore, a supercritical fluid extraction method was first employed to extract the volatile oil from the roots bark of O. horridus, which was subsequently analyzed by GC/MS. Forty-eight volatile compounds were identified by GC/MS analysis, including (S,E)-nerolidol (52.5%), τ-cadinol (21.6%) and S-falcarinol (3.6%). Accordingly, the volatile oil (100 g) was subjected to chromatographic separation and purification. As a result, the three compounds, (E)-nerolidol (2 g), τ-cadinol (62 mg) and S-falcarinol (21 mg), were isolated and purified from the volatile oil, the structures of which were unambiguously elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis including 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques.