A mechanistic study of proliferation induced by Angelica sinensis in a normal gastric epithelial cell line

Integrating genomic and multiomic data for Angelica sinensis provides insights into the evolution and biosynthesis of pharmaceutically bioactive compounds

Angelica sinensis roots (Angelica roots) are rich in many bioactive compounds, including phthalides, coumarins, lignans, and terpenoids. However, the molecular bases for their biosynthesis are still poorly understood. Here, an improved chromosome-scale genome for A. sinensis var. Qinggui1 is reported, with a size of 2.16 Gb, contig N50 of 4.96 Mb and scaffold N50 of 198.27 Mb, covering 99.8% of the estimated genome. Additionally, by integrating genome sequencing, metabolomic profiling, and transcriptome analysis of normally growing and early-flowering Angelica roots that exhibit dramatically different metabolite profiles, the pathways and critical metabolic genes for the biosynthesis of these major bioactive components in Angelica roots have been deciphered. Multiomic analyses have also revealed the evolution and regulation of key metabolic genes for the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically bioactive components; in particular, TPSs for terpenoid volatiles, ACCs for malonyl CoA, PKSs for phthalide, and PTs for coumarin biosynthesis were expanded in the A. sinensis genome. These findings provide new insights into the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically important compounds in Angelica roots for exploration of synthetic biology and genetic improvement of herbal quality.

Analysis of candidate biomarkers and related transcription factors involved in the development and restoration of stress-induced gastric ulcer by transcriptomics

Stress-induced gastric ulcer is one of the common complications affecting patients after trauma, mainly leading to gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation, and severe cases may be life-threatening. However, the molecular mechanism of stress-induced gastric ulcer remains unclear. In the present study, RNA-sequencing was performed on gastric tissues of normal rats (C), stress-induced gastric ulcer rats (T0), and rats recovered from gastric ulcer for 3 days (T3), and bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine changes in gene expression and biological pathways. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were constructed by STRING and visualized by the Cytoscape software. The associated transcriptional factor (TFs)-gene regulatory network of the hub DEGs was also constructed. Pairwise comparisons obtained 103 (T0_C), 127 (T3_T0), and 13 (T3_C) DEGs, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated DEGs in T0_C and T3_T0 were significantly enriched in response to oxygen-containing compound, response to organic substance, and response to external stimulus. Pathway analysis suggested that DEGs were enriched in TNF signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, apoptosis, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Seven hub genes (Fos, Jun, Nfkbia, Dusp1, Pim3, Junb, and Fosb) were obtained from the PPI networks of T0_C and T3_T0. Key TFs with close interactions, such as Fos, Jun, Nfkbia, Junb, Egr1, and Fosb, were screened This study used RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to screen out genes associated with gastric ulcer, which can help reveal the molecular mechanism of gastric ulcer development and restoration, and provide reference for the treatment of human gastric ulcers.

Natural products: a hope for glioblastoma patients

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors with an overall dismal survival averaging one year despite multimodality therapeutic interventions including surgery, radiotherapy and concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy. Few drugs are FDA approved for GBM, and the addition of temozolomide (TMZ) to standard therapy increases the median survival by only 2.5 months. Targeted therapy appeared promising in in vitro monolayer cultures, but disappointed in preclinical and clinical trials, partly due to the poor penetration of drugs through the blood brain barrier (BBB). Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have intrinsic resistance to initial chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and acquire further resistance via deregulation of many signaling pathways. Due to the failure of classical chemotherapies and targeted drugs, research efforts focusing on the use of less toxic agents have increased. Interestingly, multiple natural compounds have shown antitumor and apoptotic effects in TMZ resistant and p53 mutant GBM cell lines and also displayed synergistic effects with TMZ. In this review, we have summarized the current literature on natural products or product analogs used to modulate the BBB permeability, induce cell death, eradicate CSCs and sensitize GBM to CRT.

The Molecular Mechanisms of Plant-Derived Compounds Targeting Brain Cancer

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and malignant forms of brain tumors. Despite recent advances in operative and postoperative treatments, it is almost impossible to perform complete resection of these tumors owing to their invasive and diffuse nature. Several natural plant-derived products, however, have been demonstrated to have promising therapeutic effects, such that they may serve as resources for anticancer drug discovery. The therapeutic effects of one such plant product, n-butylidenephthalide (BP), are wide-ranging in nature, including impacts on cancer cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cancer cell senescence. The compound also exhibits a relatively high level of penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Taken together, its actions have been shown to have anti-proliferative, anti-chemoresistance, anti-invasion, anti-migration, and anti-dissemination effects against GBM. In addition, a local drug delivery system for the subcutaneous and intracranial implantation of BP wafers that significantly reduce tumor size in xenograft models, as well as orthotopic and spontaneous brain tumors in animal models, has been developed. Isochaihulactone (ICL), another kind of plant product, possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including impacts on cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as well as anti-proliferative and anti-chemoresistance effects. Furthermore, these actions have been specifically shown to have cancer-fighting effects on GBM. In short, the results of various studies reviewed herein have provided substantial evidence indicating that BP and ICH are promising novel anticancer compounds with good potential for clinical applications.

Ethyl acetate fraction from Angelica sinensis inhibits IL-1β-induced rheumatoid synovial fibroblast proliferation and COX-2, PGE2, and MMPs production

Background

The root of Angelica sinensis (AS), also known as “Dang-gui,” was a popular herbal medicine widely used in the treatment of gynecological diseases in China, Korea, and Japan for a long time. This study aimed to determine the effects of ethyl acetate fraction from Angelica sinensis (EAAS) on the interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs), and production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cyclooxygenase (COX) 2, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), involved in articular bone and cartilage destruction, by RASFs.

Results

RASF proliferation was evaluated with cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) reagent in the presence of IL-1β with/without EAAS. Expression of MMPs, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), COXs, PGE2, and intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules, including p-ERK, p-p38, p-JNK, and NF-κB, were examined using immunoblotting or semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. EAAS inhibited IL-1β-induced RASF proliferation; MMP-1, MMP-3, and COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions; and PGE2 production. EAAS also inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK-1/2, p38, and JNK, and activation of NF-κB by IL-1β.

Conclusion

EAAS might be a new therapeutic modality for rheumatoid arthritis management.

Gastroprotective mechanisms of action of semisynthetic carnosic acid derivatives in human cells

Carnosic acid (CA) and its semisynthetic derivatives display relevant gastroprotective effects on HCl/ethanol induced gastric lesions in mice. However, little is known on the mechanisms of action of the new compounds. The aim of the present work was to assess the gastroprotective action mechanisms of CA and its derivatives using human cell culture models. A human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS) and lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) were used to reveal the possible mechanisms involved. The ability of the compounds to protect cells against sodium taurocholate (NaT)-induced damage, and to increase the cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) content was determined using AGS cells. Stimulation of cell proliferation was studied employing MRC-5 fibroblasts. Carnosic acid and its derivatives 10–18 raised GSH levels in AGS cells. While CA did not increase the PGE₂ content in AGS cells, all derivatives significantly stimulated PGE₂ synthesis, the best effect being found for the 12-O-indolebutyrylmethylcarnosate 13. A significant increase in MRC-5 fibroblast proliferation was observed for the derivatives 7 and 16–18. The antioxidant effect of the compounds was assessed by the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in human erythrocyte membranes, scavenging of superoxide anion and DPPH discoloration assay. The new CA derivatives showed gastroprotective effects by different mechanisms, including protection against cell damage induced by NaT, increase in GSH content, stimulation of PGE₂ synthesis and cell proliferation.

The Methanol Extract of Angelica sinensis Induces Cell Apoptosis and Suppresses Tumor Growth in Human Malignant Brain Tumors

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly vascularized and invasive neoplasm. The methanol extract of Angelica sinensis (AS-M) is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat several diseases, such as gastric mucosal damage, hepatic injury, menopausal symptoms, and chronic glomerulonephritis. AS-M also displays potency in suppressing the growth of malignant brain tumor cells. The growth suppression of malignant brain tumor cells by AS-M results from cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. AS-M upregulates expression of cyclin kinase inhibitors, including p16, to decrease the phosphorylation of Rb proteins, resulting in arrest at the G₀-G₁ phase. The expression of the p53 protein is increased by AS-M and correlates with activation of apoptosis-associated proteins. Therefore, the apoptosis of cancer cells induced by AS-M may be triggered through the p53 pathway. In in vivo studies, AS-M not only suppresses the growth of human malignant brain tumors but also significantly prolongs patient survival. In addition, AS-M has potent anticancer effects involving cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and antiangiogenesis. The in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of AS-M indicate that this extract warrants further investigation and potential development as a new antibrain tumor agent, providing new hope for the chemotherapy of malignant brain cancer.

Diterpenylquinone hybrids: synthesis and assessment of gastroprotective mechanisms of action in human cells

A modern approach in the search for new bioactive molecules is the synthesis of novel chemical entities combining molecules of different biosynthetic origin presenting biological effects as single compounds. Gastroprotective compounds from South American medicinal plants, namely quinones and diterpenes, were used as building blocks to obtain hybrid diterpenylquinones. Starting from the labdane diterpene junicedric acid and two isomers, as well as from three quinones, including lapachol, 18 hybrid molecules were synthesized. Six of them are described for the first time. The potential gastroprotective mechanisms of action of the compounds were assessed in dose-response experiments using human gastric epithelial cells (AGS) and human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). The following studies were carried out: stimulation of cell proliferation, cytoprotection against sodium taurocholate (NaT)-induced damage, synthesis of PGE₂ and total reduced sulfhydryl (GSH) content. The antioxidant capacity of the compounds was determined on the inhibition of the lipoperoxidation in human erythrocyte membranes. Hybrid compounds presented activities different from those shown by the starting compounds, supporting the potential of this approach in the search for new bioactive molecules. The effects might be modulated by selective modification in the terpene or quinone moieties of the new molecules. Structure-activity relationships are discussed.

A metabolic profiling analysis of the acute hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of Zhusha Anshen Wan compared with cinnabar in rats using (1)H NMR spectroscopy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zhusha Anshen Wan (ZSASW), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, composed of cinnabar (cinnabaris), Coptidis Rhizoma (Coptis chinensis French.), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Angelica sinensis (oliv.) Diels), uncooked Rehmanniae Radix (Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.), honey fried Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), has been widely used for sedative therapy. Cinnabar, the chief component of ZSASW, has been proved to possess the toxicities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, a metabonomics approach based on high-resolution (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the protective effects of ZSASW on the toxic effects induced by cinnabar alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group, ZSASW group and cinnabar group. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to identify different metabolic profiles of urine and serum from rats. Liver and kidney histopathology examinations and serum clinical chemistry analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

The significant difference in metabolic profiling of urine and serum of the rats was observed between cinnabar treated group, control group, and the changes of endogenous metabolites related to the toxicities were identified. The results were also certified by the liver and kidney histopathology examinations and biochemical analysis of blood.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that the four combined herbal medicines of ZSASW had the effects of protecting from the toxicity induced by cinnabar alone. This work showed that the NMR-based metabonomics approach might be a promising approach to study detoxification of Chinese medicines and reasonable combination of TCM prescriptions.

Angiogenic Effects of the Extracts from Chinese Herbs: Angelica and ChuanXiong

Angelica and ChuanXiong are used to cure ischemic heart disease in China. Previous studies found that these two herbs could increase myocardial blood flow, oxygen-supply and keep myocardial oxygen balance, etc. However, the mechanisms of angiogenic effects of these two herbs are not well-known. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Angelica and ChuanXiong on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in rat myocardial infarction, on endothelial cell proliferation and quantity of vessels on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). In this study, rats were divided randomly into either pre-treatment or acute-treatment group and sacrificed at the end of the treatments. VEGF expression using Western blot analysis was significantly increased in the groups pre-treated with ChuanXiong and Angelica when compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). There was significant increase in VEGF expression in the rats treated acutely with Angelica ( p < 0.05). In the contrary, the rats treated with ChuanXiong showed a decrease in VEGF expression when compared to the acute-treatment control group ( p < 0.05). Similar results were observed in immunohistochemistry of VEGF expression in the myocardia. Our study also demonstrated that these two herbs significantly enhanced endothelial cell proliferation ( p < 0.05) and revascularity in CAM ( p < 0.05). The data showed that Angelica and ChuanXiong could affect VEGF expression in rat myocardial infarction, promote endothelial cell proliferation and stimulate quantity of vessels on CAM model. The results suggest that Angelica and ChuanXiong have angiogenic effects, and may provide some mechanisms for the treatment of myocardial infarction and peripheral ischemia.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides reduce methotrexate-induced small intestinal damage in mice via induction of epithelial cell proliferation and migration

AIM

To study the effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (Gl-PS) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced small intestinal damage in mice and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were used for in vivo study. The mice were administered with Gl-PS (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg, ig) for 10 d, and injected with MTX (50 mg/kg, ip) on d 7 and 8 to induce intestinal damage, and then sacrificed on d 11 for morphological study and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) measurements. Before sacrificing, blood samples were collected to analyze immunoglobulin A (IgA). Rat intestinal IEC-6 cells were used for in vitro study. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using MTT method and an in vitro wounding model, respectively. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) protein expression was determined using ELISA assay. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and c-Myc mRNA expression profiles were determined using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

MTX treatment caused severe mucosal damage, significantly increased small intestine MDA levels, and decreased SOD and serum IgA levels in BALB/c mice. Gl-PS (100 and 200 mg/kg) markedly reversed the MTX effects. In IEC-6 cells, Gl-PS (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/mL) significantly stimulated the cell proliferation. Furthermore, Gl-PS (10 μg/mL) significantly stimulated the cell migration. In addition, Gl-PS (10 and 20 μg/mL) significantly increased the expression of ODC and c-Myc mRNAs. However, Gl-PS (up to 20 μg/mL) had no effect on the expression of TGFβ protein.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that Gl-PS protects small intestine against MTX-induced injury via induction of epithelial cell proliferation and migration.

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on IEC-6 cell proliferation, migration and morphology of differentiation benefiting intestinal epithelium healing in vitro

OBJECTIVES

Restoration of epithelial continuity in the intestinal surface after extensive destruction is important since intestinal epithelial cells stand as a boundary between the body's internal and external environment. Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum (Gl-PS) may benefit intestinal epithelial wound healing in different aspects, which awaits clarification. To identify potential effects, a non-transformed small-intestinal epithelial cell line, IEC-6 cells, was used.

METHODS

Effects on epithelial cell proliferation, migration, morphology of differentiation and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) protein expression, as well as the cellular ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA and c-Myc mRNA expression, were assessed, respectively, by MTT assay, wound model in vitro, observation under a microscope after hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays.

KEY FINDINGS

It was shown that Gl-PS stimulated IEC-6 cell proliferation and migration significantly in a dose-dependent manner; 10 µg/ml Gl-PS improved the morphology of differentiation in IEC-6 cells. Inefficacy in expression of TGF-β in IEC-6 cells indicated a possible TGF-β independent action of Gl-PS. However, Gl-PS increased ODC mRNA and c-Myc mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, indicating, at least partially possible involvement of ODC and c-Myc gene expression in improvement of intestinal wound healing.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the potential usefulness of Gl-PS to cure intestinal disorders characterized by injury and ineffective repair of the intestinal mucosa.

Butylidenephthalide suppresses human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in human glioblastomas

BACKGROUND

Telomerase is widely expressed in most human cancers, but is almost undetectable in normal somatic cells and is therefore a potential drug target. Using the human telomerase promoter platform, the naturally occurring compound butylidenephthalide (BP) was selected for subsequent investigation of antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

We treated human glioblastoma cells with BP and found a dose-dependent decrease in human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA expression and a concomitant increase in p16 and p21 expression. Because c-Myc and Sp1 are involved in transcriptional regulation of hTERT, the effect of BP on c-Myc and Sp1 expression was examined.

RESULTS

Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and western blotting, we showed that BP represses hTERT transcriptional activity via downregulation of Sp1 expression. Using the telomerase repeat amplification protocol, an association between BP concentration and suppression of telomerase activity, induction of human glioblastoma senescence, and inhibition of cellular proliferation was identified. This was supported by a mouse xenograft model, in which BP repressed telomerase and inhibited tumor proliferation, resulting in tumor senescence. Overexpression of hTERT restored telomerase activity in human glioblastoma cells and overcame replicative senescence.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that BP inhibits proliferation and induces senescence in human glioblastomas by downregulating hTERT expression and consequently telomerase activity. This is the first study to describe regulation of telomerase activity by BP in human glioblastomas.

Polysaccharides from the root of Angelica sinensis promotes hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis through the PI3K/AKT pathway

Background

Dozens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas have been used for promotion of "blood production" for centuries, and we are interested in developing novel thrombopoietic medicines from these TCMs. Our previous studies have demonstrated the hematopoietic effects of DangGui BuXue Tong (DBT), a formula composed of Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Astragali in animal and cellular models. As a step further to identify and characterize the active chemical components of DBT, we tested the hematopoietic and particularly, thrombopoietic effects of polysaccharide-enriched fractions from the root of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (APS) in this study.

Methods

A myelosuppression mouse model was treated with APS (10 mg/kg/day). Peripheral blood cells from APS, thrombopoietin and vehicle-treated samples were then counted at different time-points. Using the colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, we determined the effects of APS on the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and megakaryocytic lineages. Using a megakaryocytic cell line M-07e as model, we analyzed the cellular apoptosis progression with and without APS treatment by Annexin V, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Caspase 3 assays. Last, the anti-apoptotic effect of APS on cells treated with Ly294002, a Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinse inhibitor (PI3K) was also tested.

Results

In animal models, APS significantly enhanced not only the recovery of platelets, other blood cells and their progenitor cells, but also the formation of Colony Forming Unit (CFU). In M-07e cells, we observed the anti-apoptotic effect of APS. Treatment by Ly294002 alone increased the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. However, addition of APS to Ly294002-treated cells significantly reduced the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis.

Conclusions

APS promotes hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in the mouse model. This effect likely resulted from the anti-apoptosis activity of APS and is likely to involve the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Study of the anti-proliferative effects and synergy of phthalides from Angelica sinensis on colon cancer cells

Angelica sinensis is a Chinese medicinal herb for treating gynecological and gastrointestinal disorders, and also in conjunction with cancer chemotherapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects of three main Angelica sinensis phthalides, namely n-butylidenephthalide (BLP), senkyunolide A (SKA) and z-ligustilide (LGT), and their synergy on colon cancer HT-29 cells were investigated. Moreover, the results obtained in both human colon cancer HT-29 and normal colon CCD-18Co cells were compared for the investigation of selectivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT and [3H] thymidine incorporation assays were used for the evaluation of cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions among phthalides were determined by median-effect analysis.

RESULTS

All three phthalides dose-dependently decreased cell viability more potently in HT-29 than in CCD-18Co cells. The IC50 values for inhibition of cell proliferation for SKA, LGT and BLP were 54.17+/-5.10, 60.63+/-6.79 and 236.90+/-18.22microM, respectively, in HT-29 cells. Angelica sinensis extract demonstrated significant synergy in inhibiting cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

The three phthalides might have anti-cancer potential, yet the phthalides, in combination with other ingredients in Angelica sinensis extract, display significant synergy leading to a stronger anti-tumor effect.

Macrophage activation by an acidic polysaccharide isolated from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels

This study was designed to identify and characterize the mechanism of macrophage activation by AAP, an acidic polysaccharide fraction isolated from the roots of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. As a result, AAP significantly enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and cellular lysosomal enzyme activity in murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, L-NAME, a specific inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), effectively suppressed AAP-induced NO generation in macrophages, indicating that AAP stimulated macrophages to produce NO through the induction of iNOS gene expression and the result was further confirmed by the experiment of the increase of AAPinduced iNOS transcription in a dose-dependent manner. To further investigate, AAP was shown to strongly augment toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA expression and the pretreatment of macrophages with anti-TLR4 antibody significantly blocked AAP-induced NO release and the increase of iNOS activity, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion.

Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG enhances gastric ulcer healing in rats

Probiotics are widely used as functional foods which have been advocated for the maintenance of gastrointestinal microflora equilibrium and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. However, studying the role of probiotics in peptic ulcer disease is limited. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of a probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on gastric ulcer and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Gastric kissing ulcers were induced in rats by acetic acid (60% v/v). L. rhamnosus GG was given intragastrically at 10(8) cfu/day or 10(9) cfu/day for three consecutive days after ulcer induction. L. rhamnosus GG successfully colonized in the gastric mucosa especially at the ulcer margin. It also significantly and dose-dependently reduced gastric ulcer area. Cell apoptosis to cell proliferation ratio was strongly decreased and accompanied by significant up-regulation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein expression at the ulcer margin. Angiogenesis was also significantly stimulated together with the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Furthermore, L. rhamnosus GG up-regulated the phosphorylation level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF receptor) without altering the total EGF receptor expression. These findings suggested that L. rhamnosus GG enhanced gastric ulcer healing via the attenuation of cell apoptosis to cell proliferation ratio and increase in angiogenesis. Regulators of these processes such as ODC, Bcl-2, VEGF and EGF receptor are likely to be involved in the healing action of L. rhamnosus GG for gastric ulcer.

Biological Inhibitory Effects of the Chinese Herb Danggui on Brain Astrocytoma

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have demonstrated the utility of the traditional Chinese herb danggui in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Our aim was to examine whether it might similarly be used to treat glioblastoma multiforme.

METHODS

The lipid-soluble active ingredients of danggui were extracted with acetone (AS-AC) or chlorophenol (AS-CH) and their antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects were studiedin vitro on cultured GBM 8401 cells and in vivoon tumors in nude mice.

RESULTS

After a 24-hour treatment, either AS-AC or AS-CH at a lower (50 micro g/ml) and a higher concentration (100 micro g/ml) significantly inhibited the proliferative activity of GBM 8401 cultured cells by 30-50%, as well as the expression of cathepsin B and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In nude mice, the growth of the tumor was inhibited by 30% by AS-CH or AS-AC (20 mg/kg; p < 0.05) and by 60% by AS-CH or AS-AC (60 mg/kg; p < 0.05). AS-AC and AS-CH also significantly inhibited microvessel formation in the tumors of nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Danggui may inhibit tumor growth by reducing the level of VEGF and the proapoptotic protein, cathepsin B. Thus, danggui may be useful in the treatment of high-grade astrocytomas.

SBD.4 stimulates regenerative processes in vitro, and wound healing in genetically diabetic mice and in human skin/severe-combined immunodeficiency mouse chimera

In search of novel angiostimulators, we performed a high-throughput screening of medicinal plants beneficial for blood circulation. From the panel of positive hits, Angelica sinensis was selected for further investigation. Purified down to a low-molecular-weight fraction and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the material, named SBD.4A, revealed a particularly strong wound healing activity in the diabetic mouse wound-healing model, and in the human/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse chimera wound-healing model. In both models, SBD.4A compared favorably with the Food and Drug Administration-approved wound-healing drug becaplermin, suggesting that this botanical product could be a valuable treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds. Further high-performance liquid chromatography fractionation of SBD.4A yielded a hydrophilic fraction, which strongly stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, tridimensional endothelial cell network formation, as well as the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and type I collagen secretion. Because angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation are essential for wound healing, we propose that this liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-defined hydrophilic fraction is at least partially responsible for the wound-healing activity of SBD.4A.

Immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharide isolated from Angelica sinensis

The immunomodulatory activities of an Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (AP), purified from the fresh root of A. sinensis Diels, were investigated in vitro in relation to the specificity to immune cells. AP consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, galactose with the molar ratio of 1.00:4.54:2.98:11.09:7.45. Cell proliferation results showed that proliferation of total spleen cells, macrophages and T cells were promoted by the action of AP. The treatment of AP increased the production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma, while that of IL-4 was decreased. RT-PCR analysis displayed that the IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression were enhanced but the IL-4 gene expression was decreased. Some differences in cytokines secretion pattern were also detected, the expression of IFN-gamma was rapidly augmented while that of IL-2 responded later. The flow cytometry results showed that the percentage of CD4(+)T cell in total spleen cells was remarkably increased by AP, while that of CD8(+)T cell was slightly decreased. In conclusion, AP has immunomodulatory activity by regulating expression of Th1 and Th2 related cytokines. The time-effect relation of cytokines response also suggests that macrophages and natural killer cells involved in nonspecific immunity were primary activated, and helper T cell were secondarily affected by AP.

Polysaccharides from the root of Angelica sinensis protect bone marrow and gastrointestinal tissues against the cytotoxicity of cyclophosphamide in mice

Cyclophosphamide (CY) is a cytostatic agent that produces systemic toxicity especially on cells with high proliferative capacity, while polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis (AP) have been shown to increase the turnover of gastrointestinal mucosal and hemopoietic stem cells. It is not known whether AP has an effect on CY-induced cytotoxicity on bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we assessed the protective actions of AP on CY-induced leukopenia and proliferative arrest in the gastroduodenal mucosa in mice. Subcutaneous injection of CY (200 mg/kg) provoked dramatic decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count and number of blood vessels and proliferating cells in both the gastric and duodenal mucosae. Subcutaneous injection of AP significantly promoted the recovery from leukopenia and increased number of blood vessels and proliferating cells in both the gastric and duodenal tissues. Western blotting revealed that CY significantly down-regulated the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-Myc and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in gastric mucosae but had no effect on epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression. AP also reversed the dampening effect of CY on VEGF expression in the gastric mucosa. These data suggest that AP is a cytoprotective agent which can protect against the cytotoxicity of CY on hematopoietic and gastrointestinal tissues when the polysaccharide is co-administered with CY in cancer patients during treatment regimen.

Analysis of the monosaccharide components in Angelica polysaccharides by high performance liquid chromatography

An analytical method of on-line high performance liquid chromatography (HLPC) was developed to simultaneously separate and identify the monosaccharide composition of three Angelica polysaccharide fractions (APF), named APF1, APF2 and APF3. In this method, APF were hydrolyzed into component monosaccharides and subsequently labeled with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP), and then the labeled monosaccharide derivatives were separated by a reverse-phase C18 column and monitored by UV absorbance at 250 nm. The results showed that nine monosaccharide derivatives have been well separated by HPLC under optimized conditions and the composition analysis of monosaccharides from APF samples could be achieved using acid hydrolysis and a set of monosaccharide standards. With this method, the within-day and day to day precisions of the composition determinations were 3.41-4.87% and 3.12-4.93% (RSD), respectively. The method was successfully applied to the determination of the component monosaccharides of Angelica polysaccharides.

The Antitumor Effects of Angelica sinensis on Malignant Brain Tumors In vitro and In vivo

PURPOSE

In this study, we have examined the antitumor effects of chloroform extract of Angelica sinensis (AS-C), a traditional Chinese medicine, on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumors in vitro and in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

In vitro, GBM cells were treated with AS-C, and the cell proliferation, changes in distributions of cell cycle, and apoptosis were determined. In vivo, human DBTRG-05MG and rat RG2 GBM tumor cells were injected s.c. or i.c. and were treated with AS-C. Effects on tumor growth were determined by tumor volume, magnetic resonance imaging, survival, and histology analysis.

RESULTS

The AS-C displays potency in suppressing growth of malignant brain tumor cells without cytotoxicity to fibroblasts. Growth suppression of malignant brain tumor cells by AS-C results from cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. AS-C can up-regulate expression of cdk inhibitors, including p21, to decrease phosphorylation of Rb proteins resulting in cell arrest at the G0-G1 phase for DBTRG-05MG and RG2 cells. The apoptosis-associated proteins are dramatically increased and activated in DBTRG-05MG cells and RG2 cells by AS-C but RG2 cells without p53 protein expression. In vitro results showed AS-C triggered both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways for apoptosis. In in vivo studies, AS-C not only can suppress growths of malignant brain tumors of rat and human origin but also shrink the volumes of in situ GBM, significantly prolonging survivals.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of AS-C indicate that it has sufficient potential to warrant further investigation and development as a new anti-brain tumor agent.

Acetone extract of Angelica sinensis inhibits proliferation of human cancer cells via inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely prescribed in treatment of gynecological diseases. Bio-based assays for extracts of Angelica sinensis showed that the acetone extract (AE-AS) had dose-dependently antiproliferative effect on A549, HT29, DBTRG-05MG and J5 human cancer cells. The IC50 values of AE-AS on mentioned cancer cells ranged from 35 to 50 microg/ml after 24 h of treatment. After 72 h of exposure, AE-AS (40 microg/ml) significantly reduced A549 cell proliferation to 24 +/- 3.2% of control. In A549 cells, the cell cycle analysis showed that AE-AS induced a significant increase in the number of cells in G0/G1, with a concomitant decrease in the number of cells in S phase. AE-AS-induced chromatin changes and apoptosis of A549 cells were confirmed by Hoechst 33342 DNA staining and annexin V staining. A549 cells treated with AE-AS caused activation of caspase-9 and -3, and AE-AS-induced apoptosis could be inhibited by the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk. The Western blot indicated the AE-AS-triggered apoptosis is mediated via suppression of Bcl-2 oncoprotein expression rather than p53 or Bax. Besides, AE-AS decreased the levels of cdk4 protein was observed. These results indicate that the AE-AS could induce G1/S arrest and activate the mechanism of apoptosis in human cancer cells. Extracts obtained from different methods of fractionation might possess distinct bioactivity. These results prompted us to further evaluate the in vivo anticancer effects and elucidate the chemical composition profile of AE-AS.

Antioxidative and antimutagenic activities of healthy herbal drinks from Chinese medicinal herbs

Twenty-nine Chinese medicinal herbs and three healthy herbal drinks made of those herbs in a food processing pilot plant were tested for their antioxidative, free radical scavenging, mutagenic and antimutagenic activities. Water extracts of herbs (with few exceptions) and herbal drinks showed free radical scavenging activity. All water extracts of herbs and herbal drinks showed no mutagenicity toward Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98 and TA100 used in the Ames mutagenic tests. In the antimutagenic tests, the mutagenic activity of 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (NQNO) toward S. typhimurium TA98 was markedly inhibited by water extracts of herbs and herbal drinks. Based on the results, it is suggested that the herbal drinks manufactured in pilot-plant scale are safe and can be served as health-promoting drinks for the public.

Protective effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides on acetic acid-induced rat colitis

AIM: To study the protective effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASP) on colon injury in acetic acid-induced rat colitis and its mechanism.

METHODS: The colitis model of rats was produced by intracolon enema with acetic acid. The experimental animals were divided into 6 groups: normal, model, 5-ASA (100 mg/kg), and ASP (250, 500, 1 000 mg/kg), and treated intracolonically with saline, 5-ASA, and ASP respectively once a day for 7 days. The colon mucosa damage index(CMDI) and occult blood test (OBT) were evaluated. The activities of MPO and SOD, the contents of MDA and NO, the expression levels of TGF-β and EGF in the colon tissue were detected. H-E stained section was also observed.

RESULTS: Intracolon enema with ASP decreased the significanctly elevated extents of CMDI, OBT and levels of MPO, MDA, and NO in the model group (CMDI: 2.1±0.8, 1.8±0.6, 1.4±0.7 vs 2.9±0.6; OBT: 3.1±1.3, 2.7±1.1, 2.2±1.2 vs 3.8±0.8; MPO: 77.2±23.6 , 72.5±16.8, 61.3±19.2 vs 98.1±26.9; MDA: 44.26±10.25, 38.72±14.84, 31.59±12.68 vs 31.59±12.68; NO: 0.252±0.041, 0.223±0.037, 0.217±0.032 vs 0.331±0.092, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), increased the significantly reduced level of expression of TGF-β and the activity of SOD in the model group (SOD: 30.16±2.88, 31.27±2.73, 33.52±2.81 vs 28.33±1.17; TGF-β: 0.136±0.031, 0.153±0.036, 0.169±0.029 vs 0.105±0.021, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and also increased significantly the expression of EGF (EGF: 0.178±0.021, 0.195±0.031, 0.191±0.022 vs 0.151±0.026, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The histological changes were also alleviated with ASP treatment.

CONCLUSION: Enteroclysis with ASP markedly relieve the colon injury in acetic acid-induced rats colitis, which is related with promoting growth factors, decreasing oxygen free radicals and some anti-inflammation effects.

Effect of Agkistroden blomhoffi (mamushi) on the proliferation of human fibroblasts

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Agkistroden blomhoffi (mamushi) aqueous extract on human patellar tendon cells in vitro, to pharmacologically explain the natural medicine's healing effect on tendon, bone and muscle injuries.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Human patellar tendon fibroblasts (HPTF) were incubated in media containing different concentrations of mamushi aqueous extract. Cell proliferation was studied by microscopic observations and total protein, actin, collagen I, and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox 2) expressions.

RESULTS

Mamushi aqueous extract enhanced HPTF proliferation when its concentration was lower than 333 microg/ml. Cells cultured in manushi-containing medium showed developed intercellular structure and increased protein production. However, mamushi extract higher than 500 microg/ml oppressed cell growth. At 667 microg/ml, mamushi induced Cox 2 production, a sign of cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

A. blomhoffi aqueous extract was found to directly stimulate the proliferation and protein production, particularly collagen I synthesis, of HPTF in a dose-dependent manner.

Expression of MTLC gene in gastric carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression of c-myc target from laryngeal cancer cells (MTLC) gene in gastric carcinoma (GC) tissues and the effect of MTLC over-expression on gastric carcinoma cell line BGC823.

METHODS: RT-PCR was performed to determine the expression of MTLC mRNA in GC and matched control tissues. BGC823 cells were transfected with an expression vector pcDNA3.1-MTLC by liposome and screened by G418. Growth of cells expressing MTLC was observed daily by manual counting. Apoptotic cells were determined by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

RESULTS: The expression of MTLC mRNAs was down-regulated in 9 (60%) of 15 cases of GC tissues. The growth rates of the BGC823 cells expressing MTLC were indistinguishable from that of control cells. A marked acceleration of apoptosis was observed in MTLC-expressing cells.

CONCLUSION: MTLC was down-regulated in the majority of GC tissues and could promote apoptosis of GC cell lines, which suggests that MTLC may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of gastric carcinoma.

Experimental study of anti-tumor effects of polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis

AIM: To investigate the in vivo anti-tumor effects of total polysaccharide (AP-0) isolated from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui) on mice and the in vitro inhibitory effects of AP-0 and its sub-constituents (AP-1, AP-2 and AP-3) on invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS: Three kinds of murine tumor models in vivo, sarcoma 180 (S180), leukemia L1210 and Ehrlich ascitic cancer (EAC) were employed to investigate the anti-tumor effects of AP-0. For each kind of tumor model, three experimental groups were respectively given AP-0 at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg by ip once a day for 10 days. Positive control groups were respectively given Cy at a dose of 30 mg/kg for S180 and leukemia L1210, and 5-FU at a dose of 20 mg/kg for EAC. On d 11, mice bearing S180 were sacrificed and the masses of tumors, spleens and thymus were weighed. The average living days of mice bearing EAC and of mice bearing L1210 were observed, and the rates of life prolongation of each treatment were calculated, respectively. The inhibitory effects of APs on hepatoma invasion and metastasis in vitro were investigated by employing human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HHCC) with the Matrigel invasion chamber, adhesion to extracelluler matrix and chemotatic migration tests, respectively.

RESULTS: AP-0 had no obviously inhibitory effect on the growth of S180, but it could significantly decrease the thymus weights of the mice bearing S180. AP-0 could significantly reduce the production of ascitic liquids and prolong the life of mice bearing EAC. AP-0 could also increase the survival time of mice bearing L1210. AP-0 and AP-2 had significantly inhibitory effects on the invasion of HHCC into the Matrigel reconstituted basement membrane with the inhibitory rates of 56.4% and 68.3%, respectively. AP-0, AP-1, AP-2 and AP-3 could influence the adhesion of HHCC to extracellular matrix proteins (Matrigel and fibronectin) at different degrees, among them only AP-3 had significant blocking effect on the adhesion of HHCC to fibronectin with an inhibitory rate of 30.3%. AP-0, AP-1 and AP-3 could partially inhibit the chemotactic migration abilities of HHCC.

CONCLUSION: The experimental findings suggest that total polysaccharide of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Chinese Danggui) possesses anti-tumor effects on experimental tumor models in vivo and inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro.

Effect of polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis on gastric ulcer healing

Our previous study showed that a crude extract from Angelica sinensis (ASCE), which mainly consisted of polysaccharides, significantly promoted migration and proliferation of normal gastric epithelial cells. These results strongly suggest that ASCE has a direct wound healing effect on gastric mucosa. However, there is no report concerning the effect of ASCE on gastric ulcer healing in animal models. In this study, we found that ASCE promoted ulcer healing. The area of the ulcer was reduced. This was accompanied with a significant increase in mucus synthesis when compared with the control. Angiogenesis was inhibited by the treatment of ASCE. Cell proliferation, ODC and EGFR protein expression was not affected in this process. Thus, the mechanism of how ASCE accelerates ulcer healing in addition to its effect on mucus synthesis remains to be investigated.

Mechanism of the antiulcerogenic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on indomethacin-induced lesions in the rat

Many cytokines, in particular tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha have been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions caused by various factors such as drugs and Helicobacter pylori infection. Our previous studies have shown that the polysaccharide fractions isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum (GLPS) prevented indomethacin- and acetic acid-induced gastric mucosal lesions in the rat. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether GLPS had a direct mucosal healing effect in the indomethacin-treated rat, and to explore the possible mechanisms by determining the gastric mucosal mRNA and protein levels of TNF-alpha and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity. In addition, the effects of GLPS on the cellular proliferation, ODC and c-Myc protein expression and mucus synthesis in the rat gastric cell culture (RGM-1) were examined. The present study demonstrated that GLPS at 250 and 500 mg/kg by intragastric input caused ulcer-healing effect in the rat; this was accompanied with a significant suppression of TNF-alpha gene expression, but with an increased ODC activity. In RGM-1 cells, GLPS at 0.05, 0.25 and 1.0 mg/ml significantly enhanced [3H]thymidine incorporation and ODC activity in a concentration-dependent manner. However, these effects were abrogated by the addition of the ODC inhibitor, DL-alpha-difluoromethyl-ornithine (DFMO). GLPS at 0.25-1.0 mg/ml also increased mucus synthesis, as indicated by the increased D-[6-3H]glucosamine incorporation in RGM-1 cells. Furthermore, GLPS at 0.05-1.0 mg/ml increased the c-Myc protein expression. These findings indicated that GLPS produced a mucosal healing effect in the rat model, perhaps due partly to the suppression of TNF-alpha and induction of c-myc and ODC gene.

Effect of Angelica sinensis on the proliferation of human bone cells

BACKGROUND

Angelica sinensis, an herbal medicine known for its effect to purify blood quality and improve circulation, frequently appears as the main ingredient in prescriptions for bone injuries. Currently, how pharmacologically it contributes to the reformation of bone is unclear.

METHODS

The effect of the aqueous extract of Angelica sinensis on bone cells was investigated in vitro for the first time. The human osteoprecursor cells (OPC-1) were incubated in the medium with different concentrations of the aqueous extract of Angelica sinensis and the cell proliferation was studied.

RESULTS

When the concentration of Angelica sinensis aqueous extract was <125 microg/ml, the proliferation of OPC-1 was enhanced. However, the proliferation of OPC-1 was inhibited by Angelica sinensis extract with the concentrations >250 microg/ml. Under most treatments, the cells presented very pale expression for cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox 2) protein; slightly intensified band showed at the highest Angelica sinensis concentration, 1.0 mg/ml during the course of culture.

CONCLUSION

The aqueous extract of Angelica sinensis was found to directly stimulate the proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, protein secretion and particularly type I collagen synthesis of OPC-1 at dose-dependent manner.

Nicotine suppresses gastric wound repair via the inhibition of polyamine and K(+) channel expression

Nicotine is one of the most representative components in cigarette smoke leading to gastric ulceration. Both ornithine decarboxylase and potassium ion (K(+)) channels are essential for cell growth and wound repair. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the causative relationship of these two factors during wound healing and the influence of nicotine on this healing process in rat gastric mucosal epithelial cells (RGM-1). Nicotine markedly inhibited cell migration and proliferation in RGM-1 cells. The latter effect was significantly antagonized by a nicotinic receptor blocker, mecamylamine. Nicotine also suppressed ornithine decarboxylase activity significantly. Our data showed that inhibition of cell proliferation and ornithine decarboxylase activity by nicotine was accompanied with a reduction in K(+) channel protein expression, all of which were significantly alleviated by spermidine pretreatment. These results suggested that there was a cause/effect link between ornithine decarboxylase and K(+) channel on wound repair. Nicotine in cigarette smoke inhibited this healing process and delayed wound repair in gastric epithelial cells.

Oxygen, oxidants, and antioxidants in wound healing: an emerging paradigm

Disrupted vasculature and high energy-demand by regenerating tissue results in wound hypoxia. Wound repair may be facilitated by oxygen therapy. Evidence supporting the mode of action of hyperbaric oxygen in promoting wound healing is sketchy, however. Topical oxygen therapy involves local administration of pure oxygen. The advantages of topical oxygen therapy include low cost, the lack of systemic oxygen toxicity, and possibility of home treatment. While this modality of wound care is of outstanding interest, it clearly lacks the support of mechanism-oriented studies. The search for mechanisms by which oxygen supports wound healing has now taken another step. Respiratory burst-derived oxidants support healing. Oxidants serve as cellular messengers to promote healing. Although this information is of outstanding significance to the practice of oxygen therapy, it remains largely unexplored. The search for "natural remedies" has drawn attention to herbals. Proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins are a group of biologically active polyphenolic bioflavonoids that are synthesized by many plants. Proanthocyanidins and other tannins facilitate wound healing. A combination of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract and resveratrol facilitates inducible VEGF expression, a key element supporting wound angiogenesis. Strategies to manipulate the redox environment in the wound are likely to be of outstanding significance in wound healing.

Cigarette smoke extracts delay wound healing in the stomach: involvement of polyamine synthesis

The association between cigarette smoking and peptic ulcer diseases has been well established. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is crucial for the gastroprotective and mucosal growth promoting effects in gastric ulcer healing. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible mechanism of how inhibition of ODC activity is involved in the delay of ulcer healing, if any, by cigarette smoke extracts (CSE). CSE were fractionated into chloroform extract (CE) and ethanol extract (EE). In in vivo study, rats with acetic acid-induced ulcers were given CE or EE intragastrically (2.5 or 5 mg/kg) once daily for 3 days. Ulcer sizes were significantly larger after CE or EE administration, followed by an increase in myeloperoxidase activity and a reduction in cell proliferation. However, both CSE stimulated the number of microvessels following the increase of basic fibroblast growth factor. In in vitro studies, the effect of CE or EE (10, 40, or 100 microg/ml) on cell migration and cell proliferation were measured using an in vitro wound model and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation assay, respectively. Both CSE delayed cell migration and decreased cell proliferation, which were accompanied with a reduction in ODC activity. Exogenous spermidine (5 or 10 microM) could reverse the inhibitory action on cell proliferation and ODC activity induced by CSE. In conclusion, both CSE significantly delayed ulcer healing as a result of reduction in cell proliferation and cell migration. All these effects are, in part, related to the reduction of polyamine synthesis.