Effects of Different Alkaloids in Coptis chinensis on Inhibiting TGEV Proliferation

[Objectives]To study the effects of different alkaloids in Coptis chinensis on inhibiting the proliferation of Transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV).[Methods]The components and content of the main alkaloids in the extract of C.chinensis were analyzed.The main alkaloids were selected as drugs to inhibit the proliferation of TGEV.The maximum non-toxic concentration of Columbamine,Jatrorrhizine,Epiberberine,Coptisine,Palmatine,and Berberine was screened.The protective rate of each drug on TGEV-infected ST cells was determined,and the transcriptional inhibitory effect of the drug on TGEV N gene was detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR.[Results]The extract of C.chinensis mainly contains 6 alkaloids:Columbamine,Jatrorrhizine,Epiberberine,Coptisine,Palmatine,and Berberine,accounting for 2.03%,8.88%,9.21%,15.07%,14.63%,and 50.18%,respectively.In the range of the safe concentration,Jatrorrhizine,Palmatine,and Coptisine had better protective effects on ST cells infected with TGEV;compared with the Columbamine group,the cell protection rate was significantly different(P<0.05);compared with the Berberine group,the difference was extremely significant(P<0.01).The Coptisine and Palmatine groups had significant inhibitory effects on the transcription of TGEV N gene,and the difference was extremely significant compared with the virus group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Jatrorrhizine and Palmatine in C.chinensis are the main components to inhibit the proliferation of TGEV.

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON RED BLOOD CELL IMMUNE AND T-CELL SUBGROUP IN THE RAT

In the present study, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on immune system was observed in the rat by using micro- whole blood direct immunofluorescence staining assay to detect changes of the peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroup and employing red blood cell (RBC) C 3b receptor- yeast rosette test and red blood cell-IC rosette test to analyze erythrocytic immune function. Results showed that after EA of “Zusanli" (ST 36), CD+ 4, RBC-C 3bRR and RBC-ICR in the peripheral blood of the normal rats increased significantly while CD+ 8 had no any considerable changes and a positive correlation between CD+ 4 and RBC-C 3bRR was found. In immunosuppression model rats, the values of CD+ 4 and RBC-C 3bRR were obviously lower than those of the normal control group while CD+ 8 had no any striking changes; but after EA treatment, there were no evident differences between EA group and normal control group in the above-mentioned indexes. There were also no any significant differences between non-acupoint group and normal control group in those indexes. Results suggest that EA of “Zusanli" (ST 36) can raise T cell immune function and RBC adhesion function in both normal rats and immunosuppression model rats, both of which present a positive correlation.

Pleomorphic hepatocellular carcinoma following consumption of hypericum perforatum in alcoholic cirrhosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops in patients with underlying liver disease, yet HCC with syncytial giant cells (SGCs) is extremely rare. Herein, we report a 55-year-old man with a 6-year history of alcoholic cirrhosis who during his regular checkup presented with marked elevation of alpha-fetoprotein. Clinical examination and imaging analyses revealed a tumor-like lesion in segment 4 of the liver, which was removed by limited wedge resection. Histological analysis by hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated pleomorphic and atypical nodules, with some SGCs, embedded within the boundaries of the neoplastic lesion. The adjacent liver parenchyma showed microvesicular steatosis, pericellular fibrosis, and moderate hemosiderin accumulation (grade 2, as determined by Prussian blue iron stain) in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells but no copper accumulation (as determined by orcein stain). Immunohistochemical analysis showed hepatocyte antigen-positive staining for the neoplastic cells and SGCs. The diagnosis was made for cirrhosis-related HCC with SGCs. The previous reports of pleomorphic HCC have featured osteoclast-like (i.e., mesenchymal type) giant cells, making this case of epithelial type giant cells very rare. The patient&#x02019;s 6-month history of hypericum perforatum/St John&#x02019;s wort self-medication may have prompted the cirrhosis or HCC progression or the unusual SGC manifestation.

Depletion and dysfunction of Vy,2Vo2 T cells in HIV disease： mechanisms, impacts and therapeutic implications

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） disrupts the balance among yT cell subsets, with increasing Vo1＋ cells and substantial depletion of circulating Vo2＋ cells. Depletion is an indirect effect of HIV in CD4-negative Vo2 cells, but is specific for phosphoantigen-responsive subpopulations identified by the Vy2-Jy1.2 （also called Vy9-JyP） T cell receptor rearrangement. The extent of cell loss and recovery is related closely to clinical status, with highest levels of functional V cells present in virus controllers （undetectable viremia in the absence of antiretroviral therapy）. We review the mechanisms and clinical consequences for V cell depletion in HIV disease. We address the question of whether HIV-mediated V cell depletion, despite being an indirect effect of infection, is an important part of the immune evasion strategy for this virus. The important roles for V cells, as effectors and immune regulators, identify key mechanisms affected by HIV and show the strong relationships between V62 cell loss and immunodeficiency disease. This field is moving toward immune therapies based on targeting V cells and we now have clear goals and expectations to Ruide interventional clinical trials.

Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside stimulates osteoblast differentiation through regulating the BMP/WNT signaling pathways

The iso fl avone calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(CG) is a principal constituent of Astragalus membranaceus(AR) and has been reported to inhibit osteoclast development in vitro and bone loss in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic effects of CG and its underlying mechanism in ST2 cells. The results show that exposure of cells to CG in osteogenic differentiation medium increases ALP activity, osteocalcin(Ocal) m RNA expression and the osteoblastic mineralization process. Mechanistically, CG treatment increased the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2), p-Smad 1/5/8, β-catenin and Runx2, all of which are regulators of the BMP- or wingless-type MMTV integration site family(WNT)/β-catenin-signaling pathways. Moreover, the osteogenic effects of CG were inhibited by Noggin and DKK-1 which are classical inhibitors of the BMP and WNT/β-catenin-signaling pathways, respectively. Taken together, the results indicate that CG promotes the osteoblastic differentiation of ST2 cells through regulating the BMP/WNT signaling pathways. On this basis, CG may be a useful lead compound for improving the treatment of bone-decreasing diseases and enhancing bone regeneration.