[Effect of lime water processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum on toxic component lectin protein]

The present study investigated the effect of immersion in the excipient lime water on the toxic component lectin protein and explained the scientific connotation of lime water detoxication during the processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum. Western blot was used to investigate the effects of immersion in lime water with different pH(pH 10, 11, and 12.4), saturated sodium hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate solution on the content of lectin protein. The protein compositions of the supernatant and the precipitate after immersing lectin protein in lime water of different pH were determined by the SDS-PAGE method combined with the silver staining technique. The MALDI-TOF-MS/MS technique was used to detect the molecular weight distribution of peptide fragments in the supernatant and precipitate after immersing lectin protein in lime water of different pH, and circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to detect the ratio changes in the secondary structure of lectin protein during the immersion. The results showed that immersion in lime water at pH>12 and saturated sodium hydroxide solution could significantly reduce the content of lectin protein, while immersion in lime water at pH<12 and sodium bicarbonate solution had no significant effect on lectin protein content. The corresponding lectin protein bands and molecular ion peaks were not detected at the 12 kDa position in the supernatant and precipitate after immersing the lectin protein in lime water at pH>12, which was attributed to the fact that lime water immersion at pH>12 could significantly change the ratio of the secondary structure of lectin protein, resulting in irreversible denaturation, while lime water immersion at pH<12 did not change the ratio of the secondary structure of lectin protein. Therefore, pH>12 was the key condition for the detoxication of lime water during the processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum. Lime water immersion at pH>12 could cause irreversible denaturation of lectin protein, resulting in a significant decrease in the inflammatory toxicity of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum, which played a key role in detoxification.

[Preparation of monoclonal antibodies against Pinellia ternata lectin protein and establishment of double-antibody sandwich ELISA]

To determine the content of endogenous toxic substance Pinellia ternata lectin(PTL) protein in Pinelliae Rhizoma and the related processed products, this study prepared specific monoclonal antibodies against PTL by hybridoma cell technology, and established a quantitative double-antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for PTL antigen. The detection conditions were 2.5 μg·mL~(-1) working concentration of the captured antibody and 1∶450 of the dilution multiple of detected antibody. The coating condition was staying overnight at 4 ℃. The blocking time and incubation times of antigen and detected antibody were all 90 minutes. The incubation time of horseradish peroxidase conjugated streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase(SA-HRP) was 15 minutes. The quantitative limit of the method for PTL antigen was 0.375 ng·mL~(-1). The linear range was 75.000-4 800.000 pg·mL~(-1), and R~2=0.997 1. The recovery rate was 90.0%-110.0%, and the variation coefficients of intra-test and inter-test precision were 2.0%-3.0% and 2.0%-8.5%.The content of PTL in three batches of Pinelliae Rhizoma and the related processed products was determined by the method, and the average content of PTL in Pinelliae Rhizoma was 35.42 mg·g~(-1). The average content of PTL in Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine, Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum, and Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Zingibere Et Alumine were 1.15 mg·g~(-1), 16.53 μg·g~(-1), and 122.63 ng·g~(-1), respectively, indicating that the content of PTL decreased significantly after processing. The quantitative double-antibody sandwich ELISA for PTL antigen established in this paper had good linearity, sensitive response, and high accuracy, which provided a simple and effective monitoring method for the detection of PTL content in the processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma.

[Irritant toxicity and lectin content of different processed products of Pinelliae Rhizoma]

The present study aims to investigate the correlation between irritant toxicity variation and lectin content variation during the processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma products and to explore the feasibility of Western blot as a method for the detection of lectin. We processed Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine, Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum, and Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatumcum Zingibere et Alumine to different degrees and then analyzed their irritant toxicity via Draize rabbit eye test. Western blot was employed to determine the lectin content in Pinelliae Rhizoma products processed with different methods. The correlation between toxicity variation and lectin content variation was then analyzed. Different decoction pieces of Pinelliae Rhizoma were collected for the determination of lectin content. The three processed products of Pinelliae Rhizoma showed gradually decreased toxicity and lectin content as the processing continued. The decreasing trend of lectin content was consistent with that of irritant toxicity during processing, which indicated that the change in lectin content could reflect the trend of irritant toxicity. No band of lectin appeared in the Western blot of processed products of Pinelliae Rhizoma, which suggested that western blotting can be used for the detection of toxic lectin in the processed products of Pinelliae Rhizoma. Lectin should not be detected in the Pinelliae Rhizoma products processed according to the methods in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

[Anti-ascites effect of total saponins of Phytolaccae Radix on mice with ascites and mechanism]

This study investigated the anti-ascites effect of the total saponins of Phytolaccae Radix(PRTS) and the mechanism.H22 cell suspension was used(ip) to induce ascites in ICR male mice, and the model mice were randomized into model group, positive drug group(furosemide, 6 mg·kg~(-1)), total extract of Phytolaccae Radix(PRTE) group, and PRTS(1.29 g·kg~(-1)).Another 10 male mice were selected as the blank group.Mice in the blank group and model group were given(ig) normal saline containing 0.5% CMC-Na, and those in the positive drug group, PRTE group, and PRTS group received(ig) corresponding doses of drugs, once a day, for 8 consecutive days.The ascites volume, urine volume, and fecal water content in mice with ascites, serum levels of antidiure-tic hormone(ADH), renin in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS), angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ), and aldosterone(ALD), expression of aquaporin(AQP)1-AQP4 in kidney, expression of AQP1, AQP3 in colon, and expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3 K/Akt) pathway-related proteins were detected to explore the anti-ascites mechanism of PRTS.The results showed that the PRTS can increase the urine volume and fecal water content and decrease the ascites volume of ascites mice.Moreover, PRTS significantly reduced the expression of AQP1-AQP4 in kidney and AQP1, AQP3 in colon, serum levels of renin, AngⅡ, ALD, and ADH, and the expression of p-PI3 K and p-Akt in the kidney of ascites mice.PRTS exerts anti-ascites effect by promoting urination and defecation.The mechanism is that it inhibits the activities of RAAS and ADH and suppresses the phosphorylation of PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby restricting the expression of AQPs in the kidney and colon.

Network pharmacology-based elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-migraine effect of Asari Radix et Rhizoma

Purpose: To determine the molecular mechanism involved in the anti-migraine effect of Asari Radix et Rhizoma (ARR) using network pharmacology. Methods: The compounds present in ARR were identified through information retrieval from literature and public databases, and were screened based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity. Target genes related to the selected compounds and migraine were identified or predicted from public databases. Hub genes in ARR against migraine were identified through analysis of interactions in overlapping genes between compounds and migraine target genes, based on STRING database. Gene enrichment analysis of overlapping genes was performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. Results: A total of 138 compounds were selected as potential bioactive compounds in ARR. Target genes related to the selected compounds (611 genes) and migraine (278 genes) were obtained, including 71 overlapping genes. The hub genes in the anti-migraine effect of ARR were BDNF, IL6, COMT, APP and TNF. Gene enrichment analysis showed the top 10 biological processes or pathways involved in the mechanism of anti-migraine action of ARR. The tissue source of the overlapping genes was not limited to the brain. The results from gene enrichment analysis revealed that the effect of ARR on migraine was holistic, which is characteristic of traditional Chinese medicines. Conclusion: Network pharmacology has been used to decipher the molecular mechanism involved in the action of ARR against migraine. The results provide a scientific basis for the clinical effect of ARR on migraine.

Efficacy and safety of guselkumab for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: A metaanalysis of randomized clinical trials

Purpose: To conduct a systematic analysis on data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different doses of guselkumab, and provide high-quality evidence for its use in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO). Methods: Related studies were searched using online search engines including MEDLINE, PubMed, and central registry of Cochrane controlled trials from January 2001 to October 2017. Only randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials involving guselkumab- and placebo-treated PsO subjects were included. Results: Five eligible double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trials involving patients with moderate-to-severe PsO subjects treated with guselkumab were included. Compared with the placebo groups, the proportion of patients with improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 (RR= 12.14; 95% CI= 9.11-16.16; p < 0.001); PASI 90 (RR= 23.26; 95% CI =14.57-37.13; p < 0.001), and PASI 100 (RR = 37.66; 95% CI = 15.81-89.69; p < 0.001) were significantly higher than those in guselkumab-treated groups. Furthermore, the guselkumab-treated groups showed significant decreases in Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) score (RR = 10.46; 95% CI = 7.96-13.83; p < 0.001) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score (SMD = -1.3; 95% CL = -1.4 to -1.19; p < 0.001), when compared with the placebo groups. However, there were no significant differences in adverse events (AEs) (RR = 1.01; 95% CL = 0.93-1.11; p > 0.05); severe adverse events (SAEs) (RR = 1.32; 95% CI =0.69-2.54; p > 0.05) and study discontinuations (RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.42-1.48; p > 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusion: This meta-analysis summarizes available evidence for the use of guselkumab in psoriasis. The results suggest that guselkumab is superior to placebo in moderate-to-severe psoriasis, and is welltolerated, effective, and safe in improving the severity of disease and quality of life. Keywords: Guselkumab, Effectiveness, Safety, Plaque psoriasis, Meta-analysis, Quality of life

Effects of Ro 31-8220 on smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by fibrinogen degradation products

AIM

To study the mitogenic activity of fibrin fibrinogen degradation products (FFDP) and the effect of a new selectively potent protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (Ro).

METHODS

Rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) proliferation in culture was measured by crystal violet staining assay.

RESULTS

FFDP stimulated the proliferation of SMC during the experimental period of 72 h, Ro 0.01-1 mumol.L-1 inhibited FFDP-induced cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Ro exerted inhibitory effect on cell proliferation induced by FFDP.

[Effects of calcium inhibitor on hydrogen peroxide-induced damage and calcium influx in bovine aortic endothelial cells in culture]

Hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-induced cell damage and Ca2+ influx into bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were investigated. Our data suggested that H2O2 could dose- and time-dependently induce damage in cultured BAEC assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay and increase malondialdehyde (MDA) production, which reflects the level of lipid peroxidation. Exposure of BAEC to H2O2 (100 mumol.L-1) caused significant increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) within 6 min, suggesting that the increase of [Ca2+]i might implicate in H2O2-induced cell damage. The calcium inhibitor nifedipine was found to dose-dependently decrease the increase of [Ca2+]i caused by H2O2 and protect BAEC against H2O2-induced damage reflected by significant decrease of MDA production and increase of MTT value. These results indicate that overload of calcium might be responsible to some extent causing oxidative damage to cells.

Protection of ebselen against anoxic damage of cultured neurons of cerebral cortex

AIM

To study the protective effect of ebselen on anoxic damage of brain cells.

METHODS

On d 10 after plating of the cortical neurons from 1-d-old rat, cultures were placed under 95% N2 + 5% CO2 for 2-6 h. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in supernatant, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of neurons were determined.

RESULTS

Under anoxia, efflux of LDH and TBARS from cultured neurons increased while GSH-Px activity decreased. Ebselen reduced the efflux of LDH and TBARS in a dose-related manner and increased the total GSH-Px activity.

CONCLUSION

Ebselen can protect neurons from anoxic damage.

[Protection of ebselen on oxygen free radical-induced lipid peroxidation damage of cultured rat cortical neuron and cortical mitochondria]

Ebselen (2-phenyl-1, 2-benzisoselenanzol-3 (2H) one, C13 H9NOSe) is a seleno-organic anti-oxidant compound. In this study, the effect of ebselen on lipid peroxidation damage induced by O2.- and .OH in vitro, of cultured rat cortical neuron and cortical mitochondria was studied. When neuron was exposed to hypoxanthine/xathine oxidase system and vitamin C/CuSO4 system, obvious damage was detected: lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) was released and TBARS content increased. Ebselen (10, 25, 50 mumol.L-1) reduced LDH efflux induced by O2.- and .OH in a dose-dependent manner. As for the TBARS content, from 5 mumol.L-1 to 50 mumol.L-1, ebselen negated its increase, also dose-dependently. Furthermore, ebselen lowered TBARS content of cortical mitochondria treated with O2.- and .OH in a dose-related manner. But ebselen showed no activity of scavenging O2.- and .OH. This suggests that ebselen has direct anti-oxidant activity on neuron and its activity is not achieved by scavenging oxygen free radical.

Assay of ditiocarb sodium and its methyl ester in mouse plasma by column-switching HPLC

AIM

To establish a column-switching high pressure liquid chromatograpy (CSHPLC) with direct injection for determination of ditiocarb sodium (DTC) and its methyl ester (DTC-Me) in mouse plasma.

METHODS

After automated online pretreating column enrichment and clear-up, DTC-Me was flushed and chromatographed on an ordinary reversed-phase analytical column, and monitored by UV at lambda absorption = 276 nm. DTC was methylated before determination.

RESULTS

No potential interfering peaks were identified. The calibration curves of both analytes were linear within the range of 0.1-150 mg.L-1. The correlation coefficients of DTC and DTC-Me were 0.9998 and 0.9995, respectively. The detection limit was 25 micrograms.L-1 and the coefficient of variation in the assay was within 7% for both compounds. The average recoveries were in the range of 95.28 -100.06%. A typical application was presented for mouse after i.v. DTC 50 mg.kg-1.

CONCLUSION

The rapid CSHPLC method with direct injection can be used for the study of pharmacokinetics of DTC and DTC-Me.

[Effects of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate on ischemia-reperfusion-induced brain injury in Mongolian gerbil]

Brain injury in Mongolian gerbil (Merisones unguiculatus) was induced by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 5 or 30 min. Oxygen free radicals in brain tissue were measured by electron spin resonance (ESR) technique, malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by fluorescence spectrometry, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured by nitrite kit. Oxygen free radicals and MDA were not significantly increased, but activities of T-SOD and Mn-SOD were decreased after 60 min of cerebral ischemia. The free radicals were increased at 5-min reperfusion, and then reduced to the level of ischemia group after 30-min reperfusion. MDA was increased remarkably after reperfusion of 30 min, whereas the activity of SOD continued to decrease. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC), i.v. 5-100 mg.kg-1 15 min before occlusion, decreased the production of MDA and increased the activities of T-SOD and Mn-SOD. The formation of oxygen free radicals was depressed by i.v. DTC 50 mg.kg-1. The result suggested that the protective effects of DTC on ischemia-reperfusion-induced brain injury might be induced by scavenging the oxygen free radicals, increasing the Mn-SOD activity and decreasing the production of MDA.