Effects of hydroxy safflower yellow-A on tumor capillary angiogenesis in transplanted human gastric adenocarcinoma BGC-823 tumors in nude mice

Flavonoids with Anti-Angiogenesis Function in Cancer

The formation of new blood vessels, known as angiogenesis, significantly impacts the development of multiple types of cancer. Consequently, researchers have focused on targeting this process to prevent and treat numerous disorders. However, most existing anti-angiogenic treatments rely on synthetic compounds and humanized monoclonal antibodies, often expensive or toxic, restricting patient access to these therapies. Hence, the pursuit of discovering new, affordable, less toxic, and efficient anti-angiogenic compounds is imperative. Numerous studies propose that natural plant-derived products exhibit these sought-after characteristics. The objective of this review is to delve into the anti-angiogenic properties exhibited by naturally derived flavonoids from plants, along with their underlying molecular mechanisms of action. Additionally, we summarize the structure, classification, and the relationship between flavonoids with their signaling pathways in plants as anti-angiogenic agents, including main HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, JNK1/STAT3, and MAPK/AP-1 pathways. Nonetheless, further research and innovative approaches are required to enhance their bioavailability for clinical application.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibits the hyperactivation of rat platelets by regulating the miR-9a-5p/SRC axis

Pathological platelet activation plays a vital role in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) has been shown to have significant anti-platelet aggregation and anti-activation effects, but its mechanism of action is unclear. Our study showed that HSYA inhibited the expression of platelet surface glycoproteins IIβ/III α (GPIIβ/III α) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) during platelet activation and reduced platelet Ca2+ accumulation. HSYA significantly reduced the number of platelets and inhibited adrenaline-induced platelet hyperaggregation in rats. Transcriptomic analysis of platelets suggested that HSYA significantly suppressed SRC and MAPK3 (ERK1/2) gene expression. YEEI peptide, an SRC activator, could significantly reverse the inhibition of HSYA on the phosphorylation of SRC/PLCγ2/PKCδ/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway proteins and reverse the effect of HSYA on platelet activation-related markers GPIIβ/IIIα protein, TXA2 and cAMP. The SRC genes were further predicted by transcriptome analysis of HSYA-regulated miRNAs combined with bioinformatics techniques. The results suggested that HSYA could significantly upregulate the expression level of the miR-9a-5p gene and further confirmed that miR-9a-5p had a targeted regulatory relationship with SRC by dual-luciferase activity reporter and cell transfection experiments. The inhibitory effect of HSYA on the SRC/PLCγ2/PKCδ/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway was significantly reversed after platelets were transfected with the miR-9a inhibitor, while SRC siRNA attenuated the effect of the miR-9a inhibitor. SRC siRNA was able to attenuate the effect of the miR-9a inhibitor. In conclusion, this study suggests that HSYA can inhibit the activation of the SRC/PLCγ2/PKC δ/MEK/ERK1/2 axis by upregulating platelet miR-9a-5p, thereby reducing the activation of platelets and inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Traditional Chinese medicine promotes bone regeneration in bone tissue engineering

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a promising method for the repair of difficult-to-heal bone tissue damage by providing three-dimensional structures for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been introduced as an effective global medical program by the World Health Organization, comprising intricate components, and promoting bone regeneration by regulating multiple mechanisms and targets. This study outlines the potential therapeutic capabilities of TCM combined with BTE in bone regeneration. The effective active components promoting bone regeneration can be generally divided into flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and polyphenols, among others. The chemical structures of the monomers, their sources, efficacy, and mechanisms are described. We summarize the use of compounds and medicinal parts of TCM to stimulate bone regeneration. Finally, the limitations and prospects of applying TCM in BTE are introduced, providing a direction for further development of novel and potential TCM.

Pharmacological Activities of Safflower Yellow and Its Clinical Applications

Background. Safflower is an annual herb used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It consists of the dried flowers of the Compositae plant safflower. It is found in the central inland areas of Asia and is widely cultivated throughout the country. Its resistance to cold weather and droughts and its tolerance and adaptability to salts and alkalis are strong. Safflower has the effect of activating blood circulation, dispersing blood stasis, and relieving pain. A natural pigment named safflower yellow (SY) can be extracted from safflower petals. Chemically, SY is a water-soluble flavonoid and the main active ingredient of safflower. The main chemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications of SY are reviewed in this paper, thereby providing a reference for the use of safflower in preventing and treating human diseases. Methods. The literature published in recent years was reviewed, and the main chemical components of SY were identified based on chemical formula and structure. The pharmacological properties of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), SYA, SYB, and anhydrosafflor yellow B (AHSYB) were reviewed. Results. The main chemical constituents of SY included HSYA, SYA, SYB, and AHSYB. These ingredients have a wide range of pharmacological activities. SY has protective effects on the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, lungs, and brain. Moreover, its effects include, but are not limited to, improving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, abirritation, regulating lipids, and treating cancer and diabetic complications. HSYA is widely recognised as an effective ingredient to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Conclusion. SY has a wide range of pharmacological activities, among which improving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the most significant.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A of Carthamus Tinctorius L., Represses the Malignant Development of Esophageal Cancer Cells via Regulating NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common digestive tract malignant tumor and the clinical outcome of patients with EC after surgery remains unsatisfactory. Hence, it is necessary to identify some effective drugs or methods to improve the prognosis of patients with EC. In this study, we attempted to analyze the potential role of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in EC. Combined with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) as well as Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) website, we tried to identify the related genes and pathways of HSYA. Then we estimated the actions of HSYA on proliferation, invasion and migration, and apoptosis of EC cells using cell counting kit 8, transwell and flow cytometry assays, respectively. At last, the expression of inflammatory protein and signaling pathway-related protein were measured using western blot analysis. Relative protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) were all upregulated in EC tissues compared with normal tissues and they might be the target gene of HSYA according to bioinformatics analysis. HSYA exerted an inhibitory actions on cells proliferation, invasion, and migration but could accelerate the apoptosis of cells in EC. Moreover, HSYA could inhibit the expression of ICAM1, MMP9, TNF-α, and VCAM1 and induced the expression of phosphor-nuclear transcription factor kappa B p65 (p-P65) and phosphor-I kappa B-alpha (p-IκBα), but it did not influence the expression of P65 and IκBα. HSYA suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration, simultaneously induce apoptosis of EC cells partly via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.

The Metabolism of Tanshinone IIA, Protocatechuic Aldehyde, Danshensu, Salvianolic Acid B and Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in Zebrafish

Background:

Tanshinone IIA (TIIA), protocatechuic aldehyde (PA), danshensu (DSS), salvianolic acid B (SAB) and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) are the major components of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) and Carthamus tinctorius L. (Honghua) herbal pair. These active components may contribute to the potential synergistic effects of the herbal pair.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the metabolites of TIIA, PA, DSS, SAB and HSYA in zebrafish, and to explore the influence of HSYA on the metabolism of TIIA, PA, DSS, and SAB.

Method:

48 h post-fertilization zebrafish embryos were exposed either to each compound alone, TIIA (0.89 μg/mL), PA (0.41 μg/mL), DSS (0.59 μg/mL), SAB (2.15 μg/mL), and HSYA (1.83 μg/mL) and in combination with HSAY (1.83 μg/mL). The metabolites of TIIA, PA, DSS, SAB, and HSYA in zebrafish were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and quantitatively determined by HPLC-MS with single and combined exposure.

Results:

Among the 26 metabolites detected and characterized from these five compounds, methylation, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, hydrolysis, sulfation and glucuronidation were the main phase I and phase II metabolic reactions of these compounds, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed that HSYA could either enhance or reduce the amount of TIIA, PA, DSS, SAB, and their corresponding metabolites.

Conclusion:

The results provided a reference for the study on drug interactions in vivo. In addition, the zebrafish model which required much fewer amounts of test samples, compared to regular mammal models, had higher efficiency in predicting in vivo metabolism of compounds.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A induces autophagy in human liver cancer cells by regulating Beclin 1 and ERK expression

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a water-soluble component of the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), and research has revealed that HSYA exhibits antitumor effects. In the present study, the effects of HSYA on the autophagy of a Hep-G2 liver cancer cell line, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Hep-G2 cells were treated with HSYA and the viability of cells was measured using an MTT assay. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were performed to determine the expression of light chain 3 II (LC3-II) and p62, as well as the autophagy regulators Beclin 1 and ERK1/2. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the formation of autophagosomes. The combined effects of HSYA and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) were also determined. The results revealed that the viability of Hep-G2 cells decreased with increasing concentrations of HSYA. Furthermore, LC3-II expression increased significantly and the level of p62 decreased significantly in the HYSA group compared with the control group. Additionally, an increase in Beclin 1 expression and a decrease in phosphorylated-ERK1/2 expression was observed in Hep-G2 cells treated with HYSA. Following treatment with CQ and HSYA, a significant increase in the viability of Hep-G2 cells was observed compared with the HSYA group. Collectively, the results indicated that HSYA induced autophagy by promoting the expression of Beclin 1 and inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK in liver cancer cells. Therefore, HSYA may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for liver cancer.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a chemical compound of the yellow color pigments extracted from the safflower, has been widely used in clinical treatment with positive antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antitumor effects. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of HYSA on development and progress in inflammation-mediated NSCLC are unknown.

METHODS

Cell counting kit-8, colony formation, EdU, cell apoptosis, wound healing, Transwell migration and invasion, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; flow cytometry; and Western blotting were conducted using human NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299.

RESULTS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly promoted the proliferation and enhanced colony formation of A549 and H1299 cells, while HYSA notably reversed the effects of LPS. HYSA induced apoptosis of LPS-mediated A549 and H1299 cells in a dose dependent manner; and remarkably suppressed migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), significantly regulated production of LPS-induced inflammation cytokines, and downregulated protein expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways in LPS-induced A549 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, PI3K (LY294002) and ERK (SCH772984) inhibitors remarkably inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, and induced apoptosis in LPS-mediated A549 and H1299 cells. These effects were even more obvious in the presence of HYSA and LY294002 or SCH772984 compared to those of either agent alone.

CONCLUSION

HYSA suppressed LPS-mediated proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in A549 and H1299 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways, indicating that HYSA may be a potential candidate to treat inflammation-mediated NSCLC.

Screening of blood-activating active components from Danshen-Honghua herbal pair by spectrum-effect relationship analysis

BACKGROUND

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza, DS) and Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius, HH) are commonly used traditional Chinese medicines for activating blood and removing stasis, and DS-HH (DH) herbal pair had potential synergistic effects on promoting blood circulation. Therefore, it is essential to make clear the active components of this herbal pair for better understanding their potential synergistic effects.

PURPOSE

To comprehensively evaluate the activity of DH herbal pair on physiological coagulation system of rats, and seek their potential active components by spectrum-effect relationship analysis.

METHODS

The water extracts of DH herbal pair with different proportions (DS: HH = 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 1:5 and 1:3) were prepared. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups: blank group, model group, model + 1:1 (DH) group, model + 2:1 group, model + 3:1 group, model + 5:1 group, model + 1:5 group and model + 1:3 group. The intragastric administration was performed for eight times with 12 h intervals. SC40 semi-automatic coagulation analyzer was employed to determine coagulation indices. Meanwhile, HPLC and LC-MS were applied for chemical analyses of DH extracts. Finally, the active ingredients were screened by spectrum-effect relationship analysis and the activities of major predicted compounds were validated in vitro.

RESULTS

Different proportions of DH extracts could significantly prolong thrombin time (TT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), increase prothrombin time (PT) and decrease fibrinogen (FIB) content, reduced whole blood viscosity (WBV) and plasma viscosity (PV), decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate blood (ESR) compared with model group. Furthermore, fifteen highly related components were screened out by the spectrum-effect relationship and LC-MS analysis, of which caffeic acid, salvianolic acid B, hydroxysafflor yellow A and lithospermate acid had significant blood-activing effect by prolong APTT and decrease FIB content at high (0.6 mM), medium (0.3 mM) and low (0.15 mM) (except lithospermate acid) concentrations in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

DH herbal pair showed strong blood-activating effect on blood stasis rat through regulating the parameters involved in haemorheology and plasma coagulation system. Four active compounds, caffeic acid, salvianolic acid B, hydroxysafflor yellow A and lithospermate acid predicted by spectrum-effect relationship analysis had good blood-activating effect. Therefore, spectrum-effect relationship analysis is an effective approach for seeking active components in herbal pairs.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for a Broad Spectrum of Diseases

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is one of the major bioactive and water-soluble compounds isolated from Carthami Flos, the flower of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). As a natural pigment with favorable medical use, HSYA has gained extensive attention due to broad and effective pharmacological activities since first isolation in 1993. In clinic, the safflor yellow injection which mainly contains about 80% HSYA was approved by the China State Food and Drug Administration and used to treat cardiac diseases such as angina pectoris. In basic pharmacology, HSYA has been proved to exhibit a broad spectrum of biological effects that include, but not limited to, cardiovascular effect, neuroprotection, liver and lung protection, antitumor activity, metabolism regulation, and endothelium cell protection. Although a great number of studies have been carried out to prove the pharmacological effects and corresponding mechanisms of HYSA, a systemic review of HYSA has not yet been seen. Here, we provide a comprehensive summarization of the pharmacological effects of HYSA. Together with special attention to mechanisms of actions, this review can serve as the basis for further researches and developments of this medicinal compound.

A comprehensive in vitro and in vivo metabolism study of hydroxysafflor yellow A

As the most important marker component in Carthamus tinctorius L., hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) was widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, due to its effect of improving blood supply, suppressing oxidative stress, and protecting against ischemia/reperfusion. In this paper, both an in vitro microsomal incubation and an in vivo animal experiment were conducted, along with an LC-Q-TOF/MS instrument and a 3-step protocol, to further explore the metabolism of HSYA. As a result, a total of 10 metabolites were searched and tentatively identified in plasma, urine, and feces after intravenous administration of HSYA to male rats, although no obvious biotransformation was found in the simulated rat liver microsomal system. The metabolites detected involving both phase I and phase II metabolism including dehydration, deglycosylation, methylation, and glucuronic acid conjugation. A few of the metabolites underwent more than one-step metabolic reactions, and some have not been reported before. The study would contribute to a further understanding of the metabolism of HSYA and provide scientific evidence for its pharmacodynamic mechanism research and clinical use.

Antiangiogenic Effect of Flavonoids and Chalcones: An Update

Chalcones are precursors of flavonoid biosynthesis in plants. Both flavonoids and chalcones are intensively investigated because of a large spectrum of their biological activities. Among others, anticancer and antiangiogenic effects account for the research interest of these substances. Because of an essential role in cancer growth and metastasis, angiogenesis is considered to be a promising target for cancer treatment. Currently used antiangiogenic agents are either synthetic compounds or monoclonal antibodies. However, there are some limitations of their use including toxicity and high price, making the search for new antiangiogenic compounds very attractive. Nowadays it is well known that several natural compounds may modulate basic steps in angiogenesis. A lot of studies, also from our lab, showed that phytochemicals, including polyphenols, are potent modulators of angiogenesis. This review paper is focused on the antiangiogenic effect of flavonoids and chalcones and discusses possible underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Superior Stability of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in Xuebijing Injection and the Associated Mechanism

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is the main bioactive ingredient of XBJ injection. At first, the stability of HSYA in solution and in a Xuebijing injection was investigated, then the mechanisms of the increased stability of HSYA in the XBJ injection were investigated to provide useful information on clinical safety. HSYA stability was investigated as a function of pH and temperature in aqueous solution and an XBJ injection, following the guidelines from the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Products were identified by UPLC-MS/MS. HSYA reaction followed first-order kinetics under all conditions. The half-life of HSYA in XBJ was almost 40 times longer than in aqueous solution. The activation energies of HSYA reaction in aqueous solution and XBJ were calculated to be 78.53 and 92.90 kJ∙mol-1 by using Arrhenius equation. The results indicated that HSYA was more stable in XBJ than in aqueous solution. Two products were identified and the mechanism was intra-molecular nucleophilic substitution. The excellent stability of HSYA in XBJ injection partly due to the micelles formed in the injection. The study may provide clues for compatibility in TCM prescription and also provide useful information for further preparation technology research of HSYA and assessment of clinical safety of XBJ.

Efficacy of Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng formula on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor, kinase insert domain-containing receptor and basic fibroblast growth factor in mouse models of H(22) hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng formula (CHBF) on microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression in serum and tumor tissue of mice receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of H(22) hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Sixty Kunming mice were injected subcutaneously with H(22) hepatoma carcinoma cell suspensions into the right anterior armpit. Seven days later, all transplanted tumor were formed and the mice were intraperitoneally injected 200 mg/kg Cytoxan (CTX) to establish the models of tumor-bearing mouse chemotherapy, then they were randomly divided into model group, continuing CTX chemotherapy group (CTX group), and three CHBF (117, 58.5 and 29.25 g/kg) groups. After ten days of treatments, histology was observed, contents of VEGF, KDR and bFGF in serum and tumor tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), VEGF and bFGF protein expression and MVD tagged by CD34 were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

MVD in CHBF (117, 58.5 g/kg) and CTX groups was significantly lower than that in model group (P < 0.01); expressions of VEGF, KDR and bFGF in serum and tumor tissue in CHBF (117 g/kg) group were less than those in model group (P < 0.05; P < 0.01); the expressions of MVD, VEGF and bFGF in tumor tissue of CHBF (117 g/kg) group were also less than those in CTX group (P < 0.05; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

CHBF can effectively reduce the expression of VEGF, KDR and bFGF in serum and tumor tissue, and decrease MVD and delay tumor progression.

Safflower polysaccharide induces NSCLC cell apoptosis by inhibition of the Akt pathway

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Safflower polysaccharide (SPS) has been used for the improvement of immunomodulatory activities and treatment of cancers. However, studies on the effect of SPS on the progression of lung cancer have rarely been reported. To study the antitumor effect of SPS on human lung cancer and its potential mechanism, non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (NSCLC), A549 and YTMLC-90 were treated with SPS at various concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 2.56 mg/ml and BALB/c nude tumor-bearing mice were injected intraperitoneally with SPS at concentrations ranging from 15 to 135 mg/kg. Results showed that SPS suppressed the proliferation of A549 and YTMLC-90 cells and induced apoptosis by increasing mRNA levels of bax and caspase-3, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. SPS induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase by decreasing the expression of cdc25B and cyclin B1. Moreover, SPS decreased the expression of Akt, p-Akt and PI3K. In mice, SPS injection enhanced immunomodulatory activities by increasing levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in tumor-bearing mice. Our findings suggest that SPS suppresses tumor growth by enhancing immunomodulatory activities and blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway. This study provides new insight into the anticancer mechanism of SPS.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Carthamus tinctorius L

Carthamus tinctorius L. is a multifunctional cash crop. Its flowers and seeds are extensively used in traditional herbal medicine in China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries, for treating various ailments such as gynecological, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases as well as blood stasis and osteoporosis. More than 100 compounds have been isolated and identified from C. tinctorius. Flavonoids and alkaloids, especially the quinochalcone c-glycoside hydroxysafflor yellow A, N-(p-Coumaroyl)serotonin, and N-feruloylserotonin, are responsible for most of the pharmacological activities of C. tinctorius. In this paper, comprehensive and up-to-date information on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. tinctorius is presented. This information will be helpful for further explorations of the therapeutic potential of C. tinctorius and may provide future research opportunities.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibits angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma via blocking ERK/MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway in H22 tumor-bearing mice

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a flavonoid derived and isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Carthamus tinctorius L., possesses anti-tumor activity. However, its effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been investigated. The proliferation and metastasis of HCC are dependent on angiogenesis, which also strongly links with several signal transduction pathways associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. This study aimed to explore the effect of HSYA on vasculogenesis and to determine its molecular mechanism by investigating the expression of ERK/MAPK (p-c-Raf, c-Raf, p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2) and NF-κB (p65, IκB and p-IκB) signaling pathway in H22 tumor-bearing mice. The results showed that HSYA could considerably suppress tumor growth by inhibiting secretion of angiogenesis factors (vascular endothelial growth factor A, basic fibroblast growth factor) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor1. At the moleculcould block ERK1/2 phosphorylation and then restrain the activation of NF-κB and its nuclear translocation by down-regulating the expression of p65 in the nucleus, up-regulating p65 level in the cytoplasm, inhibiting IκB phosphorylation and cytoplasmic degradation of IκB-α. Finally, we demonstrate that HSYA could suppress mRNA expression levels of cell proliferation-related genes (cyclinD1, c-myc, c-Fos) compared with negative control group. And best of all, HSYA could improve spleen/thymus indexes, which was evaluated as the marker of protective effect on the immune system. Our findings support HSYA as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of HCC.

Matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection and ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometer method for the determination of the main compounds from Carthamus tinctorius L. (Hong-hua)

A simple and low-cost method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction, HPLC separation, diode array detection and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS have been developed for the determination of Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), Kaempferol and other main compounds in Carthamus tinctorius. The experimental parameters that may affect the MSPD method, including dispersing sorbent, ratio of dispersing sorbent to sample, elution solvent, and volume of the elution solvent were examined and optimized. The optimized conditions were determined to be that silica gel was used as dispersing sorbent, the ratio of silica gel to sample mass was selected to be 3:1, and 10 mL of methanol: water (1:3, v:v) was used as elution solvent. The highest extraction yields of the two compounds were obtained under the optimized conditions. The method showed good linearity (r(2)≥0.999 2) and precision (RSD≤3.4%) for HSYA and Kaempferol, with the limits of detection of 35.2 and 14.5 ng mL(-1), respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 92.62-101.7% with RSD values ranging from 1.5 to 3.5%. At the meanwhile, there were 21 compounds in the extraction by MSPD method were identified by TOF-MS method to improve the quality control for safflower. Comparing to ultrasonic and soxhlet methods, the proposed MSPD procedure was more convenient and less time-consuming with reduced requirements on sample and solvent amounts. The proposed procedure was applied to analyze four real samples that were collected from different localities.

Effects of Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng granule formula (CHBGF) on life time, pathology, peripheral blood cells of tumor chemotherapy model mouse with H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng Granule Formula (CHBGF) is a traditional Chinese empirical formula that can help the tumor patients who have received chemotherapy antagonize the toxin and side-effects so as to improve and prolong the life. This study is to evaluate the effects of CHBGF on improving life quality in terms of survival time, pathology of tumor tissue and ameliorating peripheral blood cells in mouse chemotherapy model with subcutaneous transplanted tumor or ascitic tumor of H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells at an overall level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

71 mice among the 92 Kunming mice were injected subcutaneously into the right anterior armpit with H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells, after 7 days, which had formed tumors and were used peritoneal injection of Cytoxan (CTX) (200mg/kg) to establish the mouse chemotherapy model with transplanted tumor, and then which were commensurately divided into 8 groups by random digits table. 21 mice were injected into peritoneal cavity to use CTX and the same method to establish the model. The groups for evaluating the effects on the survival time were the model, CHBGF and positive control group respectively with 7 mice in each group. The groups for evaluating the effects on anti-cancer were the model group, three treatment groups and positive control group with 10 mice in each group. The survival-time-observing groups were given intragastric administration of normal saline, CHBGF (64g/kg) once a day, and peritoneal injection of 5-Fluorouracil (25mg/kg) once every other day respectively. The survival time of each group was observed. The five anti-cancer-observing groups were given intragastric administration of normal saline, CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg and 16g/kg) once a day, and peritoneal injection of 5-Fluorouracil (25mg/kg) once every other day respectively. After treatment for 21 days, the transplanted tumors were peeled off. Blood was collected through pricking eyeball and analyzed by hematology analyzer. And postchemotherapy transplanted tumor inhibition ratios were calculated. Pathological changes of tumor tissues and blood smears were observed with light microscope.

RESULTS

The life prolonging rate of CHBGF (64g/kg) group with transplanted tumor is 20.14%, and their survival time was longer than that of the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05). Life prolonging rate of CHBGF (64g/kg) group with ascitic tumor is 64.15%, the survival time was longer than that of the model group (P<0.01) and the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05). The growth of the transplanted tumor in model group was faster than that in CHBGF (64g/kg) group and 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05). The tumor average weight of the positive drug and the CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg) groups was lighter than that of the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The inhibition ratios of CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg and 16g/kg) groups are 31.15%, 21.31%, and 13.11% respectively. Under light microscope, in the positive drug and three CHBGF groups the pathological deteriorated severity of tumor tissue observed was milder than that in the model group, the distribution of WBC in CHBGF groups was more obvious than that of the model and 5-Fluorouracil groups. The WBC and PLT decrease in CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg and 16g/kg) groups is less than the model and the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the number of RBC and HGB just in the CHBGF (64g/kg) group was more than that of the model group or the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng Granule Formula can prolong the survival time of the mice chemotherapy model of both subcutaneous transplanted tumor and ascitic tumor of H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells, has some determinate inhibitory effects on the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumor chemo-treated, and has the therapeutic effect on antagonizing decrease of WBC and PLT caused by chemotherapy.