Down-regulation of Treg cells and up-regulation of TH1/TH2 cytokine ratio were induced by polysaccharide from Radix Glycyrrhizae in H22 hepatocarcinoma bearing mice

Radix Glycyrrhizae polysaccharide (GP) possesses multiple pharmacological activities. However, the effect of GP on CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GP on Treg cells and Th1/Th2 cytokines in H22 hepatocarcinoma tumor-bearing mice. The results demonstrated that GP inhibits tumor progression. In the lymph nodes of the tumor microenvironment and spleen, the proportion of Treg cells was significantly higher in the tumor-bearing mice. GP administration down-regulated the population of Treg cells (P < 0.01) and decreased lymph node Foxp3 and IL-10 mRNA expression (P < 0.01). In addition, GP treatment decreased IL-10 and TGF-β level (P < 0.01) and increased IL-2 and IL-12p70 level in serum (P < 0.01). In conclusion, GP reduced the proportion of Treg cells and Foxp3 lowered expression in Treg cells, and up-regulated Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio in serum in the tumor bearing mice, which might partially cause the inhibition of tumor growth.     

Labdane-type diterpenoids from the rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium inhibit lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

The rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium have been used for the treatment of inflammation, skin diseases, headache, and sharp pain due to rheumatism in traditional medicine. From this plant, two new labdanes, 15-methoxylabda-8(17),11E,13-trien-16,15-olide (1) and 16-methoxylabda-8(17),11E,13-trien-15,16-olide (3), named hedycoronens A and B, as well as four known, labda-8(17),11,13-trien-16,15-olide (2), 16-hydroxylabda-8(17),11,13-trien-15,16-olide (4), coronarin A (5), and corronarin E (6) were isolated. Their chemical structures were elucidated by mass, 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. They were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Among of them, compounds 1-3 were potent inhibitors of LPS-stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-12 p40, with IC(50) ranging from 4.1±0.2 to 9.1±0.3?μM. Compounds 1 and 3 showed moderate inhibitory activity on the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production with IC(50) values of 46.0±1.3 and 12.7±0.3?μM. The remains of compounds showed inactivity. These results warrant further studies concerning the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of labdane-diterpenes from H. coronarium.     

Proximate Determination of Triterpene Glycosides in Glycyrrhizae Radix by Ion Exchange Chromatography and Turbidimetry

A simple method for the proximate determination of triterpene glycosides in glycyrrhiza was developed. Glycyrrhiza extract was directly chromatographed on SP-Sephadex C-25 (H⁺) and QAE-Sephadex A-25 (Cl^?) with distilled water and 0.2 M sodium chloride (pH 13.50) as the eluents, respectively. The eluate was then hydrolyzed with perchloric acid and determined turbidimetrically at 530 nm. With this method, glycyrrhiza samples collected in Taiwan and Singapore were found containing 17.21±0.45% and 7.49±0.35% of triterpene glycosides, calculated as glycyrrhizin, respectively.     

电喷雾串联质谱分析附子炮制中的化学成分变化

利用电喷雾质谱方法(ESI-MS)分析了附子加辅料(甘草)炮制前后水煎液中二萜类生物碱在种类和含量方面的变化,通过加入内标化合物,建立了电喷雾质谱的半定量分析方法。此方法具有快速、准确、灵敏的特点,能够更加全面地反映中药配伍炮制过程中多种化学成分的含量变化,并能根据电喷雾串联质谱的分析结果鉴定配伍后产生的新的化学成分,在共煎液中的次乌头碱、中乌头碱和乌头碱的相对含量分别是单煎液中的5.67%、4.05%和4.88%。通过研究附子与甘草的单煎液、共煎液以及药渣中化学成分的变化,揭示了甘草作为辅料,在炮制过程中对附子减毒作用机理。     

Tissue engineering of heart valves by recellularization of glutaraldehyde-fixed porcine valves using bone marrow-derived cells

To increase the biocompatibility and durability of glutaraldehyde (GA)-fixed valves, a biological coating with viable endothelial cells (ECs) has been proposed. However, stable EC layers have not been formed successfully on GA-fixed valves due to their inability to repopulate. In this study, to improve cellular adhesion and proliferation, the GA-fixed prostheses were detoxified by treatment with citric acid to remove free aldehyde groups. Canine bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) were differentiated into EC-like cells and myofibroblast-like cells in vitro. Detoxified prostheses were seeded and recellularized with differentiated bone marrow- derived cells (BMCs) for seven days. Untreated GA-fixed prostheses were used as controls. Cell attachment, proliferation, metabolic activity, and viability were investigated and cell-seeded leaflets were histologically analyzed. On detoxified GA-fixed prostheses, BMC seeding resulted in uninhibited cell proliferation after seven days. In contrast, on untreated GA-fixed prostheses, cell attachment was poor and no viable cells were observed. Positive staining for smooth muscle a-actin, CD31, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen was observed on the luminal side of the detoxified valve leaflets, indicating differentiation and proliferation of the seeded BMCs. These results demonstrate that the treatment of GA-fixed valves with citric acid established a surface more suitable for cellular attachment and proliferation. Engineering heart valves by seeding detoxified GA-fixed biological valve prostheses with BMCs may increase biocompatibility and durability of the prostheses. This method could be utilized as a new approach for the restoration of heart valve structure and function in the treatment of end-stage heart valve disease.     

The comparative pharmacokinetics of four bioactive ingredients after administration of Ramulus Cinnamomi–Radix Glycyrrhizae herb pair extract,Ramulus Cinnamomi extract and Radix Glycyrrhizae extract

Ramulus Cinnamomi (RC)–Radix Glycyrrhizae (RG) is a classic herb pair, which is commonly used as a fixed form to treat cardiovascular disease in the clinic. Our work aimed to compare the pharmacokinetic difference of cinnamic acid, liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin and glycyrrhetinic acid in rats after oral administration of the RC–RG herb pair extracts [Guizhigancao Decoction (GGD) and Lingguizhugan Decoction (LGZGD)] and the single RC or RG extract. A HPLC‐MS method was developed and validated to study comparative pharmacokinetics. The pharmacokinetic parameters (C_max, AUC, MRT) of four compounds between the RC–RG herb pair group and the single herb (RC or RG) group showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Compared with the single herb (RC or RG) group, higher peak concentration, slower elimination and larger exposure could be observed after giving the RC–RG herb‐pair extracts. The pharmacokinetic differences might indicate the relativity of remedy in the RC–RG herb pair and provide scientific information for rational administration of the drug in the clinic. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimized hydrolysis and analysis of Radix Asparagi polysaccharide monosaccharide composition by capillary zone electrophoresis

Using orthogonal design, optimized conditions for the hydrolysis of the polysaccharide from Radix Asparagi were determined, as well as its monosaccharide composition. Optimized hydrolysis conditions were a temperature of 100°C in 1.5 M sulfuric acid solution for 5 h. The resulting monosaccharides were derivatized with 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone, then separated by capillary zone electrophoresis in 40 mM sodium tetraborate buffer (pH 10.1), and detected by ultraviolet absorption at 245 nm. Results indicate that the polysaccharide from Radix Asparagi is composed of xylose, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, galactose, glucuronic acid, and galacturonic acid, which differs from published findings. Moreover, xylose, glucuronic acid, and galacturonic acid have not been previously reported in Radix Asparagi polysaccharide. This method is simple, fast, and yields a highly efficient separation. As well, these findings can be applied to quality control of Radix Asparagi and for in‐depth study of the biological activity of Radix Asparagi polysaccharide.     

Deciphering chemical interactions between Glycyrrhizae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma by liquid chromatography with transformed multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry

In this study, we propose an integrated strategy for the efficient identification and quantification of herbal constituents using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. First, liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was employed for the chemical profiling of herbs, where a targeted following nontargeted approach was developed to detect trace constituents by using structural correlations and extracted ion chromatograms. Next, ion pairs and parameters of MS² of quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry were selected to design multiple reaction monitoring transitions for the identified compounds on liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The relative concentration of each constituent was then calculated using a semiquantitative calibration curve. The proposed strategy was applied in a study of chemical interactions between Glycyrrhizae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma. A total of 140 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized from the herbs, 132 of which were relatively quantified. The visualized quantitative results clearly showed codecoction produced significant constituent concentration variations especially for those with a low polarity. The case study also indicated that the present methodology could provide a reliable, accurate, and labor‐saving solution for chemical studies of herbal medicines.     

Enhancement by Glycyrrhizae Radix of hepatic metabolism of hypaconitine,a major bioactive and toxic component of Aconiti Laterlis Radix,evaluated by HPLC‐TQ‐MS/MS analysis

Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR) is often prescribed together with Aconiti Laterlis Radix (ALR) (a so‐called compatible drug pair) in traditional Chinese medicinal practice to reduce toxicity of ALR. However, the mechanisms involved remain to be addressed. In this study, the metabolic interactions between GR–ALR drug pair were investigated for the first time. First, an HPLC‐TQ‐MS/MS method was developed to analyze hypaconitine, a major bioactive and toxic component of ALR, in rat liver S9. Then the in vitro metabolic rates of hypaconitine by different rat liver S9 were compared using the established method. The experiments were designed in four groups: pure hypaconitine (group I) and ALR extract (group II) incubated with liver S9 of normal rats, and pure hypaconitine (group III) and ALR extract (group IV) incubated with liver S9 of GR‐pretreated rats. When incubated for more than 4 h, the metabolic rates of hypaconitine in group III were significantly higher than those in group I, and when incubated for more than 2 h, the metabolic rates of hypaconitine in group IV were significantly higher than those in group II, suggesting that GR can enhance metabolic rate of hypaconitine, the mechanism of which might be related to hepatic metabolizing enzyme induction by GR. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup combined with accelerated solvent extraction for the determination of carbamate pesticide residues in Radix Glycyrrhizae samples by UPLC-MS-MS

Dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) cleanup combined with accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) is described here as a new approach for the extraction of carbamate pesticides in Radix Glycyrrhizae samples prior to UPLC-MS-MS. In the DSPE-ASE method, 15 carbamate pesticides were extracted from Radix Glycyrrhizae samples with acetonitrile by the ASE method at 60 °C with a 5 min heating time and two static cycles. Cleanup of a 1 mL aliquot of the extract by the DSPE method used 20 mg PSA (primary secondary amine), 50 mg Al(2)O(3)-N, and 20 mg GCB (graphitized carbon black) (as cleanup sorbents) under the determined optimum conditions. The linearity of the method was in the range of 10 to 200 ng/mL with correlation coefficients (r(2)) of more than 0.996. The limits of detection were approximately 0.2 to 5.0 μg/kg. The method was successfully used for the analysis of target pesticides in Radix Glycyrrhizae samples. The recoveries of the carbamate pesticides at the spiking levels of 50, 100, and 200 μg/kg ranged from 79.7% to 99.3% with relative standard deviations lower than 10%. This multi-residue analytical method allows for a rapid, efficient, sensitive and reliable determination of target pesticides in Radix Glycyrrhizae and other medicinal herbs.     

Improving vaccines by targeting antigens to dendritic cells

A new approach to enhancing the effectiveness of vaccines is to deliver antigens selectively to dendritic cells (DC) in situ, via monoclonal antibodies specific for particular DC surface molecules. This can markedly enhance CTL responses and, via helper T cells, also enhance antibody responses. DC activation agents or adjuvants must also be administered for effective CTL responses, but in some cases good antibody responses can be obtained without adjuvants. Here we review the role of different DC subsets and different DC target molecules in obtaining enhanced immune responses.     

Detoxification mechanisms of a combination of Semen Strychni and Radix Glycyrrhizae: A comparative analyses of differences in toxicokinetics and tissue distribution after oral administration of Semen Strychni-Radix Glycyrrhizae decoction

To evaluate the detoxification effect of a combination of Radix Glycyrrhizae (GU) and Semen Strychni (SN) from toxicokinetics and drug tissue distribution perspectives, decoctions of processed SN and codecoction of SN and GU (SGN) were prepared, and an HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed to monitor the severe exposure level in 1-month toxicokinetics and tissue distribution experiments to detect brucine and strychnine in rats. The toxicokinetic characteristics and tissue distribution before and after the addition of GU were analyzed. The method was successfully applied to evaluate the toxicokinetics and tissue distribution before and after the combination of SN and GU. The results show that GU decreased the blood concentration of toxic components in SN, and a double peak was observed in the drug time curve. The results of tissue distribution show that a combination of GU and SN significantly decreased the accumulation of toxic substances in metabolic organs and accelerated the clearance of toxic substances in the brain. These results provide a reference for the toxicity reduction mechanism of GU combined with SN.     

Mesenchymal stem cells reciprocally regulate the M1/M2 balance in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely studied for their applications in stem cell-based regeneration. During myocardial infarction (MI), infiltrated macrophages have pivotal roles in inflammation, angiogenesis and cardiac remodeling. We hypothesized that MSCs may modulate the immunologic environment to accelerate regeneration. This study was designed to assess the functional relationship between the macrophage phenotype and MSCs. MSCs isolated from bone marrow and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) underwent differentiation induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor. To determine the macrophage phenotype, classical M1 markers and alternative M2 markers were analyzed with or without co-culturing with MSCs in a transwell system. For animal studies, MI was induced by the ligation of the rat coronary artery. MSCs were injected within the infarct myocardium, and we analyzed the phenotype of the infiltrated macrophages by immunostaining. In the MSC-injected myocardium, the macrophages adjacent to the MSCs showed strong expression of arginase-1 (Arg1), an M2 marker. In BMDMs co-cultured with MSCs, the M1 markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were significantly reduced. In contrast, the M2 markers such as IL-10, IL-4, CD206 and Arg1 were markedly increased by co-culturing with MSCs. Specifically, the ratio of iNOS to Arg1 in BMDMs was notably downregulated by co-culturing with MSCs. These results suggest that the preferential shift of the macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2 may be related to the immune-modulating characteristics of MSCs that contribute to cardiac repair.     

Synthesis of dendritic bisphosphonates as bone targeting ligands

A dendritic bisphosphonate carrying three bisphosphonate (BP) units in close proximity was designed as a ligand to conjugate large therapeutic molecules for their bone selective delivery. The Bu₃P-catalyzed conjugate addition of nitromethane to vinylidene bisphosphonate was effective to construct a quaternary carbon center carrying BP units. Owing to multivalent interactions, the dendritic bisphosphonate showed considerable affinity for the bone mineral hydroxyapatite even in the presence of a competitor, demonstrating potential as a bone targeting ligand.     

多层面验证共培养微环境诱导法诱导骨髓间充质干细胞心肌样分化

为了多层面探讨共培养微环境诱导法定向诱导骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)心肌样分化的可行性,取第3代MSCs与原代心肌细胞(CMs)进行共培养。在显微镜下观察诱导1周后的MSCs形态学变化,用免疫荧光和实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)分别检测诱导的MSCs中心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)、α-肌动蛋白(α-actin)、Nkx-2.5和GATA-4的基因表达变化情况。采用超高效液相色谱-串联质谱(UPLC-MS/MS)分别检测诱导组和对照组的代谢产物。诱导1周后的MSCs形态呈心肌样改变,cTnI、α-actin、Nkx-2.5和GATA-4的基因表达均明显升高,正交偏最小二乘法判别分析(OPLS-DA)模型显示诱导的MSCs代谢物向CMs转变趋势明显。通过多元和单元统计分析筛选差异变量,根据一级质谱和二级质谱比对结果,最终确定12种差异代谢物。与未经诱导的MSCs相比,经诱导的MSCs与CMs中变化趋势相同的差异代谢物有7种,变化趋势不同的差异代谢物有5种。实验结果表明,无论从形态、基因、蛋白质还是代谢层面看,MSCs通过与CMs间接接触共培养后均发生了心肌样改变,但是与CMs仍存在差异。