Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of New Maixian Powder on DSS-induced UC Rats

[Objectives] To study the therapeutic effect and mechanism of New Maixian Powder on ulcerative colitis( UC) rats through observing its regulatory effect on the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase( PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α( e IF-2α)/nuclear transcription factor-kappa B( NF-κB) signaling pathway. [Methods]First,60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,mesalazine group,and New Maixian Powder low,medium and high dose groups,10 rats each group. Then,dextran sulfate sodium( DSS) was used to induce UC rats. The mesalazine group was given 0. 42 g/( kg·d) of mesalazine sustained-release granule suspension,New Maixian Powder low,medium and high dose groups were given 1. 5,3,and 6 g/( kg·d) of New Maixian Powder suspension,respectively,and other groups were given an equal volume of physiological saline,continuous intragastric administration for 14 d. Next,the disease activity index( DAI) of UC rats was evaluated; the expression of NF-κB in serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA); the expression of PERK and e IF-2α protein and m RNA in colon tissue was detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction( RT q-PCR). [Results] Compared with the normal group,the DAI score and serum NF-κB level in the model group were significantly higher( P < 0. 05),and PERK and e IF-2α protein and m RNA levels in the colon tissue were increased( P < 0. 05); compared with the model group,the DAI score decreased and serum NF-κB level declined in the New Maixian Powder group,and the expression of PERK and e IF-2α protein and m RNA in New Maixian Powder medium dose and high dose groups declined( P < 0. 05). [Conclusions]New Maixian Powder has good therapeutic effect on UC rats,and its mechanism may be connected with the inhibition of the activation of PERK/e IF-2α/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Role of the Volatile Components in the Anti-insomnia Effect of Jiao-Tai-Wan in PCPA-induced Insomnia Rats

Background:Jiao-Tai-Wan(JTW)is widely used for insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine.It has been found that berberine in JTW has a potential anti-insomnia effect,but the anti-insomnia effect of volatile oil,which is another major component in JTW,remains unclear.Objective:To comprehensively analyze the anti-insomnia effect of volatile oil through chemical analysis,phar-macological research and network pharmacology methods.Methods:Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis and network pharmacology platform were used to elucidate the material basis,effect and mechanism of JTW in the treatment of insomnia.A rat model of insomnia induced by p-Chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)was used to verify its anti-insomnia effect.The levels of Melatonin(MT)and Melatonin receptor type 1b(MTNR1B)in the brain and serum of rats were detected by ELISA,Western blot and Real-time PCR methods.Results:Eighteen volatile oil ingredients of JTW were identified by GC-MS,containing six new components which were found in JTW for the first time.Cinnamaldehyde,Behenic alcohol,Tetradecanal,and Gleenol can promote sleep by targeting MTNR1B according to the predicted results of network-pharmacology.Compared with the model group,JTW can increase the level of MTNR1B in rats’prefrontal cortex and brain stem,while reducing the level of MT in rats’brain stem.Conclusion:The volatile oil components,such as Cinnamaldehyde,Tetradecanal,and Gleenol,might also be playing a critical role in the anti-insomnia effect of JTW by target MTNR1B.