Probiotic cocktails accelerate baicalin metabolism in the ileum to modulate intestinal health in broiler chickens

Background Baicalin and probiotic cocktails are promising feed additives with broad application prospects.While probiotic cocktails are known to enhance intestinal health,the potential synergistic impact of combining baicalin with probiotic cocktails on the gut health of broiler chickens remains largely unexplored.Therefore,this study aims to investigate the influence of the combined administration of baicalin and probiotic cocktails on the composition of ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the healthpromoting effects.Results A total of 3201-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 4 groups,each with 8 replicates of 10 chicks per replicate.Over a period of 42 d,the birds were fed a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 37.5 g/t baicalin(BC),1,000 g/t probiotic cocktails(PC),or a combination of both BC(37.5 g/t)and PC(1,000 g/t).The results demonstrated that BC+PC exhibited positive synergistic effects,enhancing intestinal morphology,immune function,and barrier function.This was evidenced by increased VH/CD ratio,sIgA levels,and upregulated expression of occludin and claudin-1(P<0.05).16S rRNA analysis indicated that PC potentiated the effects of BC,particularly in the ileum,where BC+PC significantly increased theα-diversity of the ileal microbiota,altered itsβ-diversity,and increased the relative abundance of Flavonifractor(P<0.05),a flavonoid-metabolizing bacterium.Furthermore,Flavonifractor positively correlated with chicken ileum crypt depth(P<0.05).While BC+PC had a limited effect on cecal microbiota structure,the PC group had a very similar microbial composition to BC+PC,suggesting that the effect of PC at the distal end of the gut overshadowed those of BC.Conclusions We demonstrated the synergistic enhancement of gut health regulation in broiler chickens by combining baicalin and probiotic cocktails.Probiotic cocktails enhanced the effects of baicalin and accelerated its metabolism in the ileum,thereby influencing the ileal microbiota structure.This study elucidates the interaction mechanism between probiotic cocktails and plant extract additives within the host microbiota.These findings provide compelling evidence for the future development of feed additive combinations.

Attenuation of the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Baicalin through Regulating the Let-7i-3p/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Axis

[Objectives]To study the effect and mechanism of baicalin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(HFLS-RA).[Methods]To confirm that baicalin alleviated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA,the expression of NLRP3 before and after baicalin treatment was observed by immunofluorescence.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1 after baicalin treatment for 48 h,and the contents of IL-1 and IL-18 in the supernatents were detected by ELISA.In order to explore the mechanism of baicalin alleviating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,the corresponding relationship between let-7i-3p and PIK3CA was verified by double luciferin and Westen blot analysis.The expression of let-7i-3p and PI3K before and after baicalin intervention was detected by RT-qPCR.let-7i-3p interference was used to verify whether baicalin mitigated the activation of enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome.[Results]Baicalin(50 and 100 mg/L)significantly reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,inhibited the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1,and the secretion of IL-1 and IL-18.let-7i-3p and PIK3CA had a targeted correspondence,and baicalin up-regulated the expression of let-7i-3p and down-regulated the expression of PIK3CA.Baicalin attenuated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome enhanced by let-7i-3p interference.[Conclusions]Baicalin can up-regulate let-7i-3p expression,inhibit PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal transduction,and thus reduce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA.

Effect of Baicalin on TNBS-Induced Colonic Inflammatory Injury in Rats

Objective: The aim is to observe the protective effect of baicalin on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced experimental colitis in mice and explore its mechanism. Methods: The mice were divided into 4 groups: ethanol control group, TNBS model group, baicalin low-dose group and baicalin high-dose group. The model of experimental colitis in mice was induced by TNBS enema. After 2 hours of TNBS enema, baicalin was given by gavage, QD × 7D. The animals were sacrificed on the 8th day to observe the extent of colonic mucosal damage, and the Peroxidase activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents were measured. Results: Compared with the TNBS model group, the body weight, gross injury score and histological changes were significantly improved;MPO enzyme activity and MDA content were significantly decreased in the low and high-dose baicalin groups;and the content of glutathione increased. Conclusion: Baicalin can alleviate TNBS-induced colitis in mice, and the mechanism is related to the antioxidation of baicalin.

Anti-bacterial mechanism of baicalin-tobramycin combination on carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa)is an important cause of nosocomial infections,and contributes to high morbidity and mortality,especially in intensive care units.P.aeruginosa is considered a'critical'category bacterial pathogen by the World Health Organization to encourage an urgent need for research and development of new antibiotics against its infections.AIM To investigate the effectiveness of baicalin combined with tobramycin therapy as a potential treatment method for carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa(CRPA)infections.METHODS Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of drug-resistant genes(including VIM,IMP and OprD2)and biofilmrelated genes(including algD,pslA and lasR)in CRPA that confer resistance to tobramycin,baicalin and tobramycin combined with baicalin(0,1/8,1/4,1/2 and 1MIC).RESULTS There was a correlation between biofilm formation and the expression of biofilmrelated genes.In addition,VIM,IMP,OprD2,algD,pslA and lasR that confer biofilm production under different concentrations in CRPA were significantly correlated.The synergistic effect of baicalin combined with tobramycin was a significant down-regulation of VIM,IMP,algD,pslA and lasR.CONCLUSION Baicalin combined with tobramycin therapy can be an effective treatment method for patients with CRPA infection.

Baicalin:a prominent therapeutic agent against colorectal cancer

The occurrence and development of colorectal cancer involve multiple genes and pathways as a result of accumulated mutations at several sites that control growth and differentiation.Baicalin is a flavonoid extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi with antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities.Here,we discuss its possible clinical development and perspectives for future research.We also summarize the literature on colorectal cancer as well as the anticancer effect of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in the last 20 years.As research progresses,the therapeutic effect of baicalin in combating colorectal cancer has gradually been recognized.Its impact on colorectal cancer and anticancer mechanism,such as blocking the tumor cell cycle,inducing tumor cell apoptosis,preventing and treating tumor metastasis and anti-inflammatory activity,have become new hot topics in the study of antitumor agents in Chinese medicine.The present review surveys and summarizes studies of baicalin in anti-colorectal cancer treatment to enhance the understanding of its tumoricidal mechanism and to provide new therapeutic options for colorectal cancer.

Hippocampus protection from apoptosis by Baicalin in a LiClpilocarpine-induced rat status epilepticus model through autophagy activation

BACKGROUND Autophagy is associated with hippocampal injury following status epilepticus(SE)and is considered a potential therapeutic mechanism.Baicalin,an emerging multitherapeutic drug,has shown neuroprotective effects in patients with nervous system diseases due to its antioxidant properties.AIM To investigate the potential role of autophagy in LiCl-pilocarpine-induced SE.METHODS The drugs were administered 30 min before SE.Nissl staining showed that Baicalin attenuated hippocampal injury and reduced neuronal death in the hippocampus.Western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay confirmed that Baicalin reversed the expression intensity of cleaved caspase-3 and apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 following SE.Furthermore,western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure the expression of autophagy markers(p62/SQSTM1,Beclin 1,and LC3)and apoptotic pathway markers(cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2).RESULTS Baicalin significantly upregulated autophagic activity and downregulated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway markers.Conversely,3-methyladenine,a commonly used autophagy inhibitor,was simultaneously administered to inhibit the Baicalin-induced autophagy,abrogating the protective effect of Baicalin on the mitochondrial apoptotic level.CONCLUSION We illustrated that Baicalin-induced activation of autophagy alleviates apoptotic death and protects the hippocampus of SE rats.

Stability of Baicalin Aqueous Solution by Validated RP-HPLC

Aim In the present study a RP-HPLC method was developed and validated toinvestigate the stability of baicalin aqueous solution. Methods The influences of temperature and pHon the stability of baicalin aqueous solution were investigated by classic homoiothermicacceleration test, and the pH for the most stable solution was determined. Results The time whenbaicalin suffered 10% loss was found to be 18.1 h, and the degradation activation energy of baicalinwas 79.1 kJ·moL^(-1) . The pH at which baicalin is most stable is 4.28. Conclusion The temperatureshould be kept at a lower level and the pH should be adjusted to near that for the most stablesolution in the production of baicalin preparations.

Simultaneous Determination of Baicalin, Berberine and Rhein by HPLC in Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine Sanhuang Tablets

Aim To establish a reversed phase liquid chromatographic method forsimultaneous determination of three main medicinal constituents, baicalin, berberine and rhein, inSanhuang tablets. Methods The separation was performed on a Kromasil C_(18) column with TEA-adjusted0.02 mol·L^(-1) H_3PO_4 (pH 6.78)-acetonitrile-methanol (40 : 9 : 7) as mobile phase at aflow-rate of 1.0 mL·min^(-1), with detection at 254 ran. Considering interaction between acidic andalkaline compounds, three standard markers were added respectively and the volume of samplesolution was doubled in recovery experiments. Results Three regression equations revealed excellentlinear relationship between the peak areas and concentrations and the correlation coefficients allsurpassed 0.999 8. The average recovery was 96.1% (RSD = 2.1%) baicalin, 98.5% (RSD = 2.4%) forberberine, and 101.5% (RSD =1.3%) for rhein. Conclusion The method developed can be used to controlthe quality of Sanhuang tablets comprehensively.

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of baicalin after oral administration of different Shuang-Huang-Lian formulations to rats

To investigate pharmacokinetics ofbaicalin after an oral administration of different Shuang-Huang-Lian （SHL） formulations to rats. Different SIlL formulations were orally administered to rats. The concentrations of baicalin in rat plasma were determined by HPLC, the non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters and population pharmacokinetic parameters of baicalin were estimated by WinNonlin and NONMEM. The plasma concentration profiles of baicalin demonstrated double-peak phenomenon except for group microemulsion prescription 2. Population pharmacokinetic model developed includes four covariates, which were the effect of formulation （FORM） on CL/F and V/F, the effect of body weight （BW） on Ka, and the effect of gender （GEND） on V/F. Numbers 1 to 6 denote SHL formulation decoction, oral liquid, colloidal solution, microemulsion prescription 1, microemulsion prescription 2 and granule, respectively. The equations for the parameters are as following： CL/F = （0.432 ＋ 0.529）. e^ηCl L/h if formulation was 2 or 6, otherwise CL/F = 0.432. e^ηCl L/h ; V/F = （11.3- 4.03 - 3.87. GEND）. e^ηv L if formulation was 5, otherwise V/F = （11.3 - 3.87. GEND）. e^ηv L ; Ka = 0.475. [1 - 0.0223. （BW - 195.1）]. e^ηKah^-1. SHL formulations have significant effects on the nharmacokinefic narameters.

Effects of baicalin in CD4 + CD29 + T cell subsets of ulcerative colitis patients

AIM: To evaluate the role of baicalin in ulcerative colitis (UC) with regard to the CD4+CD29+ T helper cell, its surface markers and serum inflammatory cytokines.

Baicalin inhibits PDGF-BB-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through suppressing PDGFRβ-ERK signaling and increase in p27 accumulation and prevents injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia

The increased proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） are key events in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Baicalin, an herb-derived flavonoid compound, has been previously shown to induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in cancer cells through multiple pathways. However, the potential role of baicalin in regulation of VSMC proliferation and prevention of cardiovascular diseases remains unexplored. In this study, we show that pretreatment with baicalin has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMC pro- liferation, accompanied with the reduction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） expression. We also show that baicalin-induced growth inhibition is associated with a decrease in cyclin E-CDK2 activation and increase in p27 level in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, which appears to be at least partly mediated by blockade of PDGF recep- tor [~ （PDGFR~）-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2） signaling. In addition, baicalin was also found to inhibit adhesion molecule expression and cell migration induced by PDGF-BB in VSMCs. Furthermore, using an animal carotid arterial balloon-injury model, we found that baicalin significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia. Taken together, our results reveal a novel function of baicalin in inducing growth arrest of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs and suppressing neointimal hyperplasia after balloon injury, and suggest that the underlying mechanism involves the inhibition of cyclin E-CDK2 activation and the increase in p27 accumulation via blockade of the PDGFR^-ERK1/2 signaling cascade.

Nerve protective effect of Baicalin on newborn HIBD rats

Objetive:To investigate the nerve protective effect and mechanism of baicalin on newborn rats with hypoxic ischemic brain damage(HIBD).Methods:A total of 64 SD newborn rats were randomlu divided into control group.model group.nerve growth factor group and baicalin group.with 16 in each group.Left carotid artery ligation method was adopted to establish the HIBD model except fou in control group,which was treatde with intraperitoneal injection of salin e10mL/kg for 3 d.After oxygen recovery on hypoxia ischemia rats.intraperitoneal injectionof salin 10mL/kg was adopted in model group for 3 d.Intraperitoneal injection of nerve growth factor injection50μg/kg per day was adopted in nerve growth factor group for 3 d:intraperitoneal injection of radix scutellariae 16mg/kg per day was adopted in baicalin group for 3 d after modeeling.Four rats of each group were sacrificed at Day 1,2,3,7 for microscopic observation of pathological morphological changes in brain tissus aften HE staining,S-P immunohistochemical method was used for observation of Fas and FasL expression in brain cells.Results:Neat structure of cells was observed in control group;edema cells in disordered arrangement was observed in model group,with some cells necrosis and cavity change;tissue injury in nerve growth factor group and baicalin group was significantly lighter than that in model group;Fas and FasL expression in model group,nerve growth factor group and baicalin group were significantiy higher than that in control group at different time points(P<0.05):Fas and FasL expression in nerve growth factor group and baicalin group were significantly lower than that in model group at different time points(P<0.05):There was no statistical diggerence of Fas,FasL expression at each time point between nerve growth factor group and baicalin group(P>0.05).Conclusions:Baicalin can reduce expression of Fas and FasL in HIBD rats,inhibit apoptosis of nerve cells,thus achieve the protective effect on HIBD rat nerves.

Correlation between anti-fibrotic effect of baicalin and serum cytokines in rat hepatic fibrosis

AIM： To investigate the correlation between the antifibrotic effect of baicalin and serum cytokine production in rat hepatic fibrosis, METHODS： Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups： normal control group, model group, baicalin-treated group, and colchicine-treated group. Except for the normal control group, all rats in the other groups were administered with carbon tetrachloride to induce hepatic fibrosis. At the same time, the last two groups were also treated with baicalin or colchicine. At the end of the 8 wk, all animals were sacrificed. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALl＇）, aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1, tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α, interleukin （IL）-6 and IL-10 were measured. Liver index, hepatic hydroxyproline content and the degree of liver fibrosis were also evaluated. RESULTS： The levels of ALT, AST and liver index in the baicalin-treated group were markedly lower than those in the model group （ALT： 143.88 ± 14.55 U/L vs 193.58± 24.35 U/L; AST： 263.66 ± 44.23 U/L vs 404.37± 68.29 U/L; liver index： 0.033 ± 0.005 vs 0.049± 0.009, P 〈 0.01）. Baicalin therapy also significantly attenuated the degree of hepatic fibrosis, collagen area and collagen area percentage in liver tissue （P 〈 0.01）. Furthermore, the levels of serum TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-6 were strikingly reduced in the baicalin-treated group compared with the model group, while the production of IL-10 was up-regulated： （TGF-β1：260.21 ± 31.01 pg/mL vs 375.49 ± 57.47 pg/mL; TNF-α： 193.40±15.18 pg/mL vs 260.04 ± 37.70 pg/mL; IL-α：339.87 ± 72.95 pg/mL vs 606.47 ± 130.73 pg/mL; IL-10：506.22 ± 112.07 pg/mL vs 316.95 ± 62.74 pg/mL, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Baicalin shows certain therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis, probably by immunoregulating the imbalance between profibrotic and antifibrotic cytokines.

Experimental study of therapeutic efficacy of Baicalin in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM： To observe the therapeutic efficacy of Baicalin in rats with severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） and explore its therapeutic mechanisms. METHODS： The SAP rat models were randomly divided into the model control group, Baicalin treatment group, octreotide treatment group and sham operation group. All groups were randomly subdivided into 3 h, 6 h and 12 h groups with 15 rats in each group. The survival, ascites volume and pathological changes of pancreas in all rats were observed at different time points after operation. The plasma amylase content and serum TNF-α, IL-6, malonaldehyde （MDA） and PLA2 contents were also determined. RESULTS： The survival was not obviously different between the treated groups, and was significantly higher in treated groups at 12 h compared to the model control group （P 〈 0.05, 15 vs 10）. The ascites/body weight ratio at 3 h and 6 h was significantly lower in Baicalin treatment group compared to the model control group and octreotide treatment group （P 〈 0.05, 1.00 vs 2.02 and 1.43 and P 〈 0.001, 2.29 （1.21） vs 2.70 （0.80） and 2.08 （2.21）, respectively）. The contents of amylase, TNF-α, IL-6, MDA and PLA2 were significantly lower in the treated groups than in the model control group （P 〈 0.05, 4342 vs 5303, 5058 vs 6272 in amylase, P 〈 0.01, 21.90 vs 36.30, 23.80 vs 39.70, 36 vs 54.35 in MDA and 56.25 vs 76.10 in PIA2, or P 〈 0.001, 65.10 and 47.60 vs 92.15 in TNF-α, 3.03 vs 5.44, 2.88 vs 6.82, 2.83 vs 5.36 in IL-6, respectively）. The pathological scores of pancreas in the treated groups were significantly lower than that in the model control group （P 〈 0.05, 9.00 vs 10.05, 6.00 vs 9.00, 8.00 vs 10.05）, but no marked difference was found between the treated groups. CONCLUSION： The Baicalin injection has significant therapeutic effects on SAP rats, its effects are similar to those of octreotide. The Baicalin injection is also cheap and has a big application range, quite hopefully to be used in clinical treatment of SAP.

Protective effects and mechanisms of Baicalin and octreotide on renal injury of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Baicalin and octreotide on renal injury of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: One hundred and eighty SD rats were randomly assigned to the model group, Baicalin-treated group, octreotide-treated group and sham operation group. The mortality, plasma endotoxin level, contents of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6 and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in serum, expression levels of renal Bax and Bcl-2 protein, apoptotic indexes and pathological changes of kidney were observed at 3, 6 and 12 h after operation. RESULTS: The renal pathological changes were milder in treated group than in model group. The survival at 12 h and renal apoptotic indexes at 6 h were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treated group than in model group [66.67% vs 100%; 0.00 (0.02)% and 0.00 (0.04)% vs 0.00 (0.00)%, respectively]. The serum CREA content was markedly lower in octreotide-treated group than in model group at 3 h and 6 h (P < 0.01, 29.200 ± 5.710 μmol/L vs 38.400 ± 11.344 μmol/L; P < 0.05, 33.533 ± 10.106 μmol/L vs 45.154 ± 17.435 μmol/L, respectively). The expression level of renal Bax protein was not significantly different between model group and treated groups at all time points. The expression level of renal Bcl-2 protein was lower in Baicalin-treated group than in model group at 6 h [P < 0.001, 0.00 (0.00) grade score vs 3.00 (3.00) grade score]. The Bcl-2 expression level was lower in octreotide-treated group than in model group at 6 h and 12 h [P < 0.05, 0.00 (0.00) grade score vs 3.00 (3.00) grade score; 0.00 (0.00) grade score vs 0.00 (1.25) grade score, respectively]. The serum NO contents were lower in treated groups than in model group at 3 h and 12 h [P < 0.05, 57.50 (22.50) and 52.50 (15.00) μmol/L vs 65.00 (7.50) μmol/L; P < 0.01, 57.50 (27.50) and 45.00 (12.50) μmol/L vs 74.10 (26.15) μmol/L, respectively]. The plasma endotoxin content and serum BUN content (at 6 h and 12 h) were lower in treated groups than in model group. The contents of IL-6, ET-1, TNF-α (at 6 h) and PLA2 (at 6 h and 12 h) were lower in treated groups than in model group [P < 0.001, 3.031 (0.870) and 2.646 (1.373) pg/mL vs 5.437 (1.025) pg/mL; 2.882 (1.392) and 3.076 (1.205) pg/mL vs 6.817 (0.810) pg/mL; 2.832 (0.597) and 2.462 (1.353) pg/mL vs 5.356 (0.747) pg/mL; 16.226 (3.174) and 14.855 (5.747) pg/mL vs 25.625 (7.973) pg/mL; 18.625 (5.780) and 15.185 (1.761) pg/mL vs 24.725 (3.759) pg/mL; 65.10 (27.51) and 47.60 (16.50) pg/mL vs 92.15 (23.12) pg/mL; 67.91 ± 20.61 and 66.86 ± 22.10 U/mL, 63.13 ± 26.31 and 53.63 ± 12.28 U/mL vs 101.46 ± 14.67 and 105.33 ± 18.10 U/mL, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Both Baicalin and octreotide can protect the kidney of rats with severe acute pancreatitis. The therapeutic mechanisms of Baicalin and octreotide might be related to their inhibition of inflammatory mediators and induction of apoptosis. Baicalin might be a promising therapeutic tool for severe acute pancreatitis.

Synergistic effect of a novel oxymatrine-baicalin combination against hepatitis B virus replication, a smooth muscle actin expression and typeⅠcollagen synthesis in vitro

AIM： To study the effect of oxymatrine-baicalin combination （OB） against HBV replication in 2.2.15 cells and α smooth muscle actin （ α SMA） expression, type I, collagen synthesis in HSC-T6 cells. METHODS： The 2.2.15 cells and HSC-T6 cells were cultured and treated respectively. HBsAg and HBeAg in the culture supernatants were detected by ELISA and HBV DNA levels were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Total RNA was extracted from HSC-T6 cells and reverse transcribed into cDNA. The cDNAs were amplified by PCR and the quantities were expressed in proportion to β actin. The total cellular proteins extracted from HSC-T6 cells were separated by electrophoresis. Resolved proteins were electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose membrane. Protein bands were revealed and the quantities were corrected by β actin. RESULTS： In the 2.2.15 cell culture system, the inhibitory rate against secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in the OB group was significantly stronger than that in the oxymatrine group （HBsAg, P = 0.043; HBeAg, P = 0.026; respectively）; HBV DNA level in the OB group was significantly lower than that in the oxymatrine group （P = 0.041）. In HSC-T6 cells the mRNA and protein expression levels of α SMA in the OB group were significantly lower as compared with those in the oxymatrine group （mRNA, P = 0.013; protein, P = 0.042; respectively）; The mRNA and protein expression levels of type I collagen in the OB group were significantly lower as compared with those in the oxymatrine group （mRNA, P 〈 0.01; protein, P 〈 0.01; respectively）.CONCLUSION： OB combination has a better effect against HBV replication in 2.2.15 cells and is more effective against α SMA expression and type I collagen synthesis in HSC-T6 cells than oxymatrine in vitro.

Baicalin and deferoxamine alleviate iron accumulation in different brain regions of Parkinson's disease rats

Previous studies found that iron accumulates in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease patients However, it is still unclear whether other brain regions have iron accumulation as well. In this experiment, rats with rotenone-induced Parkinson＇s disease were treated by gastric perfusion of baicalin or intraperitoneal injection of deferoxamine. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that iron accumulated not only in the substantia nigra pars compacta, but also significantly in the striatum globus pallidus, the dentate gyrus granular layer of the hippocampus, the dentate-interpositus and the facial nucleus of the cerebellum. Both baicalin and deferoxamine, which are iron chelating agents, significantly inhibited iron deposition in these brain areas, and substantially reduced the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. These chelators also reduced iron content in the substantia nigra. In addition to the substantia nigra, iron deposition was observed in other brain regions as well. Both baicalin and deferoxamine significantly inhibited iron accumulation in different brain regions, and had a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons.

Study on protecting effects of Baicalin and Octreotide on hepatic injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Baicalin and Octreotide on hepatic injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The SAP rat models were prepared and randomly assigned to the model control group, Baicalin treated group, and Octreotide treated group while other healthy rats were assigned to the sham-operated group. Rat mortality, levels of ALT, AST, liver and pancreas pathological changes in all groups were observed at 3, 6 and 12 h after operation. Tissue microarray (TMA) sections of hepatic tissue were prepared to observe expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2 protein and Caspase-3, and changes of apoptotic indexes.RESULTS: Rat survival at 12 h, expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 protein and apoptotic indexes of liver were all significantly higher in treated groups than in model control group. While the liver and pancreas pathological scores, contents of ALT, AST, and expression levels of Bcl-2 protein were all lower in treated groups than in the model control group. CONCLUSION: Both Baicalin and Octreotide can protect rats with SAP by decreasing the contents of ALT, AST and expression levels of Bcl-2 protein, and improving the expression levels of Bax protein, Caspase-3 protein, and inducing apoptosis.

Baicalin influences the dendritic morphology of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats

Chronic stress models, established in adult Sprague-Dawley rats through a 14-day subcutaneous injection of 40 mg/kg corticosterone, once per day, were given a daily oral feeding of 50 mg/kg baicalin. The study was an attempt to observe the effect of baicalin on neurogenesis in chronically stressed rats. Results showed that subcutaneous injection of corticosterone significantly decreased the total number of doublecortin-positive neurons in the hippocampus. The reduced cell number caused by corticosterone was mainly due to the decrease of class II doublecortin-positive neurons, but the class I doublecortin-positive neurons were unaffected. Baicalin treatment increased the number of both class I and class II doublecortin-positive neurons. In addition, doublecortin-positive neurons showed less complexity in dendritic morphology after corticosterone injection, and this change was totally reversed by baicalin treatment. These findings suggest that baicalin exhibits a beneficial effect on adult neurogenesis.

Baicalin and geniposide inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by increasing Wntl and inhibiting dickkopf-related protein-1 expression

Background Our previous study showed that the combined Chinese herbs containing scutellaria baicalensis georgi and gardenia jasminoids ellis inhibited atherosclerosis. In this study, we sought to determine if baicalin and geniposide could inhibit atherosclerosis through Wntl and dickkopf-related protein-1 （DKK1）. Methods The wild-type and ApoE-/- mice were treated with baicalin, geniposide, and baicalin plus geniposide daily by gavage for 12 weeks. Blood lipid levels were measured with an automatic biochemistry analyzer. Aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas were analyzed with Image-ProPlus software. The mRNA and protein expression of DKK1, Wntt and nuclear factor-r,B （NF-κB） were measured with RT-PCR and Westem Blot. Serum levels of interleukin-12 （IL-12） were quantified with ELISA. Results The baicalin or geniposide monotherapy as well as combination therapy inhibited the development of atherosclerotic lesions, increased Wntl and decreased DKKI expression and elevated the ratio of Wntl/DKK1 compared with high-lipid diet group. However, only baicalin or geniposide monotherapy decreased NF-κB expression. Moreover, baicalin and geniposide monoor combination therapy lowered IL-12 levels. Geniposide reduced both serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels, while baicalin either alone or in combination with geniposide did not affect serum lipid levels. In human, umbilical vein endothelial ceils stimulated by oxidized low density lipoprotein, baicalin and geniposide also increased Wntl and decreased DKK1 expression and elevated the ratio of Wntl/DKK1. Condusions Baicalin and geniposide exert inflammation-regulatory effects and may prevent atherosclerotic lesions through enhancing Wntl and inhibit- ing DKK1 expression.