Puerarin modulation of CENPA affects downstream PLK1 and CCNB1 expression to inhibit bladder cancer cell proliferation

Background:The treatment alternatives for bladder cancer(BLCA),the 10th most prevalent cancer in the world,need to be further investigated,and many active substances like Puerarin in herbal medicine were found to be effective in treating BLCA.The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential treating mechanisms of Puerarin on BLCA.Methods:The cell counting kit 8 assay and flow cytometry were performed to confirm Puerarin’s ability to suppress BLCA.The differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)were obtained by Tandem Mass Tags technology and functional enrichment analysis performed by R studio.The most enriched pathways were selected for study and the DEPs were screened out.Protein-protein interaction network maps were created using String and Cytoscape and key proteins,which will be analyzed for survival,expression,and upstream transcription factor prediction,were screened out using the cytoHubba plugin.CHEA3 was used to obtain upstream transcription factor validated by molecular docking and western blotting experiments.Results:Cell counting kit 8 showed that Puerarin inhibited BLCA cells,with 50%inhibitory concentration of 218μmol/L in T24 and 198μmol/L in 5637.Flow cytometry reveals that Puerarin blocks T24 and 5637 cells in G1 phase.1,385 DEPs were obtained and the enrichment analysis revealed that cell cycle and DNA replication were the two main areas in which DEPs were enriched.Cyclin-B-cyclin dependent kinase 1(CDK1),cyclin B1(CCNB1),and polo-like kinase 1(PLK1)were identified as key proteins,and their upstream transcription factor was predicted to be centromere protein A(CENPA).Puerarin’s binding energy to CENPA was determined by molecular docking to be−6.3 kcal/mol,indicating a strong binding interaction.Western blot showed that Puerarin significantly reduced the expression of CENPA.Conclusion:We hypothesize that Puerarin may inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer cells by inhibiting CENPA expression to regulate PLK1 and CCNB1 expression,thereby affecting cell cycle.

Puerarin mediated miR-30b-5p targeting fibroblast activation protein against oral submucous fibrosis

Background:Puerarin(Pue)has been reported to be a natural active ingredient with multiple antifibrotic properties.This work aimed at exploring the function of Pue in oral submucousfibrosis(OSF)treatment.Methods:Human oral mucosafibroblasts(hOMF)were induced with transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1)and intervened with Pue.Expressions offibrosis-related markers were analyzed by Western blot and IF staining.Cell viability was characterized by the CCK-8 assay.Expressions of miR-30 family members were quantified by qRT-PCR.The correlation betweenfibroblast activation protein(FAP)and miR-30 family expression was evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficient.Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay were employed to verify the regulation between FAP and miR-30b-5p.The specific mechanism of Pue on OSF was explored through the promotion or inhibition of miR-30b-5p.Results:After induction by TGF-β1,hOMF showed upregulated Collagen I,Collagen III,and FAP expressions,while miR-30 family expression was downregulated with miR-30b-5p being the most significant.Pue intervention inhibited the excessive proliferation of TGF-β1-induced hOMF,downregulated FAP,collagen type 3(COL3A1),collagen type 1(COL1A1),matrix metalloproteinase 1(MMP1),and matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3)expressions,and restored miR-30 family expression.Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-30b-5p selectively inhibited FAP expression.Mechanistically,miR-30b-5p mimic suppressed the excessive proliferation of TGF-β1-induced hOMF and declinedfibrosis levels.Pue intervention significantly reversed the promotion of TGF-β1-induced OSF by miR-30b-5p inhibition.Conclusion:Pue mediated miR-30b-5p targeting FAP against OSF,which provided a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis research and Pue application in OSF.

Reversed-Phase-HPLC Assay Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, and Sodium Chlorides in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Drug Solution for Infusion

A rapid, straightforward, sensitive, efficient, and cost-effective reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was employed for the simultaneous determination of Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, and Chlorides in a drug solution for infusion. Sorbitol, Sodium lactate, and Chloride are all officially recognized in the USP monograph. Assay methods are provided through various techniques, with titrations being ineffective for trace-level quantification. Alternatively, IC, AAS, and ICP-MS, though highly accurate, are costly and often unavailable to most testing facilities. When considering methods, it’s important to prioritize both quality control requirements and user-friendly techniques. A simple HPLC simultaneous method was developed for the quantification of Chlorides, Sorbitol, and Sodium Lactate with a shorter run time. The separation utilized a Shimpack SCR-102(H) ion exclusion analytical column (7.9 mm × 300 mm, 7 μm), with a flow rate of 0.6 mL per min. The column compartment temperature was maintained at 40°C, and the injection volume was set at 10 μL, with detection at 200 nm. All measurements were conducted in a 0.1% solution of phosphoric acid. The analytical curves demonstrated linearity (r > 0.9999) in the concentration range of 0.79 to 3.8 mg per mL for Sodium Lactate (SL), 0.16 to 0.79 mg per mL for Sodium Chloride (SC), and 1.5 to 7.2 mg per mL for Sorbitol. Validation of the developed method followed the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH Q2B) and USP. The method exhibited precision, robustness, accuracy, and selectivity. In accelerated stability testing over 6 months, no significant variations were observed in organoleptic analysis and pH. Consequently, the developed method is deemed suitable for routine quality control analyses, enabling the simultaneous determination of Sodium Lactate, Sodium Chloride, and Sorbitol in pharmaceutical formulations and infusions.

Interferon-gamma release assays as a tool for differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal tuberculosis

In this editorial,we comment on an article published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.There is a pressing need for reliable tools for diagnosing tuberculosis(TB)of the gastrointestinal tract.Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment,TB remains a global health challenge.Ali et al demon-strated that TB may mimic gastrointestinal conditions,such as gastric outlet obstruction,causing a delay in the diagnosis.Furthermore,the latter complication is frequently observed during infections,including Helicobacter pylori,and rarely is related to TB,as in the presented case.In line with this,we think that laboratory tests based on interferon-gamma release assays can be a helpful tool for diagnosing latent TB paced in the gastrointestinal tract.Innovative strategies and approaches for diagnosing latent/active extra pulmonary TB are crucial for establishing the diagnosis early and enhancing treatment strategies to mitigate the global burden of TB.

Evaluation of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay Testing and Tuberculin Skin Test for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. Method: This study included 581 children and adolescents aged 4 - 19 years who were suspected of having tuberculosis, were latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and had received at least one dose of BCG vaccine between April 17, 2019, and February 24, 2021. The study evaluated the TST results of 106 patients who had a positive Quantiferon test and were suspected of having tuberculosis. Results: The study included 581 patients aged between 4 and 19 years. Of these, 106 patients tested positive for the Quantiferon test, while 19 were indeterminate and 456 were negative. The Quantiferon test positivity rate was 18.24%. Among the 106 QFT-Plus-positive cases, 23 patients also tested positive for TST. The difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The QFT-Plus test is considered an alternative to TST and other microbiological diagnostic methods for early tuberculosis diagnosis, particularly in children and adolescents.

Elispot assay检测牛奶中庆大霉素

为了建立快速检测牛奶中庆大霉素的Elispot assay,采用制备GM免疫抗原获得抗GM多克隆抗体。将检测抗原点阵在PVDF膜上,通过检测抗原和样品中GM竞争结合抗GM多克隆抗体,酶标结合物催化底物显色,根据颜色的有无及深浅判读结果,从而建立了检测牛奶中GM的Elispot assay。该方法的检测阈值为10 ng/mL,检测时间为40 min,可对样品实现半定量检测。该方法制备的试纸条于4℃密封保存90 d仍可用于检测;与多种结构类似物未见交叉反应;其结果与酶联免疫方法一致。

Puerarin逆转K562/AO2耐药的分子机制

目的:研究黄酮类化合物puerarin对K562/AO2(人红白血病多药耐药细胞系)细胞耐药逆转作用的分子机制。方法:免疫荧光染色方法检测阿霉素(ADR)和puerarin对K562(人红白血病细胞系)和K562/AO2两种细胞NF-κB活性的影响;免疫细胞化学染色方法检测ADR和puerarin对K562和K562/AO2的survivin表达的影响;流式细胞仪检测ADR和puerarin对K562和K562/AO2的p-gp表达的影响。结果:经ADR处理后的K562细胞和K562/AO2细胞NF-κB的活性明显高于K562细胞空白对照组;经puerarin预处理后再加ADR处理的K562细胞中的NF-κB的活性明显低于只用ADR处理的K562细胞。经puerarin干预后的K562/AO2细胞的NF-κB的活性明显低于未经puerarin干预的K562/AO2细胞;经ADR处理后的K562细胞和K562/AO2细胞的p-gp,survivin表达明显高于K562细胞空白对照组;经puerarin预处理后再加ADR处理的K562细胞中的p-gp,survivin表达明显低于未经pu-erarin预处理的K562细胞;经puerarin干预后的K562/AO2细胞的p-gp,survivin表达明显低于未经puer-arin干预的K562/AO2细胞。p-gp和survivin表达呈正相关。结论:NF-κB的活化使p-gp和survivin表达增多可能是K562细胞多药耐药形成的机制之一。Puerarin能预防和阻止K562细胞耐药形成,并能逆转K562/AO2对ADR的耐药,其机制与抑制NF-κB活性及survivin和p-gp的表达有关。

Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Assay of Porcine Leydig Cell DNA Damage Induced by Zearalenone

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of zearalenone (ZEN) on DNA damage of porcine leydig cells. [Method] Porcine leydig cells cultured in vitro were collected to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of ZEN with tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT assay). Comet assay was carried out to detect the DNA damage of porcine leydig cells exposed to at 0 (negative group), 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 μmol/L of ZEN. [Result] The percentage of cell tail was 16.67%, 34.00%, 40.67%, 52.00% and 64.67% under 0, 1, 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L of ZEN, respectively; the differences between the percentages of cell tail in various experimental groups had extremely significant statistical significance compared with the negative group (P<0.01), showing a significant dose-effect relationship; Tail length in various groups was 57.60±4.78, 57.75±6.25, 78.97±5.83, 100.50±6.94 and 146.83±12.31 μm, respectively; Tail DNA % in various groups was 21.29±2.25%, 22.24±2.43%, 31.21±6.27%, 37.45±4.33% and 60.68±9.83%, respectively; Tail length and Tail DNA % in experimental groups with ZEN concentration above 5 μmol/L showed significant differences (P<0.05) compared with the negative group, which showed an upward trend with the increase of ZEN concentration. [Conclusion] ZEN has genotoxic effect on porcine leydig cells, which can cause DNA damage, with a significant dose-effect relationship.

Antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory properties of a novel flavonoid from Pistacia chinensis Bunge and its molecular docking analysis

Background:Pistacia chinensis Bunge has been traditionally used to manage various conditions,including asthma,pain,inflammation,hepatoprotection,and diabetes.The study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-lipoxygenase(LOX)properties of the isolated compound 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one from Pistacia chinensis.Methods:LOX assay and antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)assay were performed.Molecular docking studies were conducted using a molecular operating environment.Results:The LOX assay revealed significant inhibitory effects at 0.2µM concentration,with an IC50 value of 37.80µM.The antioxidant effect demonstrated dose-dependency across 5 to 100µg/mL concentrations,reaching 93.09%at 100µg/mL,comparable to ascorbic acid’s 95.43%effect.Molecular docking studies highlighted strong interactions with the lipoxygenase enzyme,presenting an excellent docking score of-10.98 kcal/mol.Conclusion:These findings provide valuable insights into Pistacia chinensis’chemical components and biological effects,reinforcing its traditional medicinal applications.

RVP Fast与Seeplex PneumoBacter ACE Detection assay联合诊断呼吸道感染病原体

目的采用RVP Fast与Seeplex PneumoBacter ACE Detection assay两种方法,联合诊断呼吸道感染病原体。方法收集南京市呼吸道感染患者咽拭子标本67份,提取RNA及DNA,呼吸道病毒群快速检测(Respiratory Virus Panel Fast Array,RVP Fast)技术检测呼吸道病毒,Seeplex PneumoBacter ACE Detection assay检测呼吸道六重病原体。结果 67份标本中,呼吸道病毒阳性仅4例,主要为肠鼻病毒。呼吸道六重病原体检测中,阳性标本为26例,其中肺炎链球菌、流感嗜血杆菌、肺炎衣原体阳性较多。结论 RVP Fast与Seeplex PneumoBacter ACE Detection assay联合使用,有利于明确呼吸道感染病原体。

MassARRAY Assay高通量技术检测胃癌LTA单核苷酸多态性及其临床应用

目的探讨LTA基因单核苷酸多态性与胃癌易感性的相关性。方法选择60例胃癌患者和60例健康人群为研究对象。采用Mass ARRAY Assay高通量技术检测淋巴毒素-α（LTA）基因单核苷酸（SNP）位点rs909253基因多态性,分析其出现频率及与胃癌易感性的相关性。结果胃癌组与正常组在AA基因频率（20.00%vs.21.67%）差异无统计学意义;G等位基因、GA、GG＋GA基因型或变异基因型与胃癌易感风险相关[OR（95%CI）：1.48（1.15~1.99）、1.36（1.05~1.68、1.32（1.22~1.65）]。结论 LTA基因rs909253位点单核苷酸多态性与胃癌易感性相关,G等位基因、GG、GA、GG＋GA基因型或变异基因型可能是胃癌发病的危险因素。

葛根素对急慢性肝损伤的保护作用及机制研究进展

肝损伤是一种常见的临床疾病,可分为急性肝损伤和慢性肝损伤,发病率和死亡率均较高,是我国乃至世界范围内的重大健康问题。葛根是一种药食同源植物,其重要成分为葛根素,具有多种生物学作用,如抗氧化、抗炎、抑制细胞凋亡。近年来关于葛根素在肝脏疾病方面的研究不断增多,其可以通过改善炎症反应、降低氧化应激、减少细胞凋亡等发挥肝脏保护作用。因此,深入了解葛根素在急慢性肝损伤中的保护作用及分子机制有助于探索新的治疗策略。

采用Allergy Lateral Flow Assay检测过敏原特异性IgE抗体的性能评价

目的Allergy Lateral Flow Assay(ALFA)是一种便捷、小巧的过敏原检测新技术,本研究以荧光酶联免疫全定量ImmunoCAP法为“金标准”,旨在探讨ALFA的检验效能及在中国南方地区的应用价值。方法利用ALFA技术与ImmunoCAP技术检测100例过敏性疾病患者血清屋尘螨、粉尘螨、热带无爪螨、猫毛皮屑、狗毛皮屑、蟑螂和艾蒿sIgE水平。结果以ImmunoCAP法为“金标准”,结果显示,ALFA检测粉尘螨的一致性最高(κ=0.56,P<0.05),其次是屋尘螨(κ=0.43,P<0.05);同时,ALFA检测粉尘螨(87.6%)、猫毛皮屑(73.7%)和屋尘螨(87.6%)的总一致率均较高。经受试者工作特征曲线分析显示,ALFA诊断螨类过敏原的曲线下面积均大于0.90(P<0.05)。对于屋尘螨、粉尘螨和猫毛皮屑过敏原,ALFA与ImmunoCAP系统的sIgE检测结果具有强相关性(r I>0.8,P<0.05)。结论ALFA具有良好的诊断效能,可满足临床检测要求,因其无须昂贵的检测仪器和检测费用,可为基层医院临床筛查应用提供新的选择。

Inhibition of Excitatory Amino Acid Efflux Contributes to Protective Effects of Puerarin Against Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

To investigate whether the protective effects of puerarine （Pur） against cerebral ischemia is associated with depressing the extracellular levels of amino acid transmitters in brain of rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） for 60 min followed by 24 h reperfusion. Put （50, 100 mg/kg, i.p.） was administered at the onset of MCAO. The infarct rate and edema rate were detected on TTC （2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride）-stained coronal sections. The extracellular levels of amino acid transmitters were monitored in striatum of rats with ischemic/reperfusion injury using in vivo microdialysis technique. Furthermore, the protective effects of Pur against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity were detected. Glutamate-induced apoptotic and necrotic cells in hippocampus were estimated by flow cytometric analysis of Annexin-V and PI labeling cells. Results Pur （100 mg/kg） significantly decreased infarct size by 31.6% （P〈0.05）, reduced edema volume （P〈0.05）, and improved neurological functions （P〈0.05） following MCAO. In these rats, the ischemia-induced extracellular levels of aspartate （Asp）, glutamate （Glu）, γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA）, and taurine （Tau） were significantly reduced in striatum of vehicle-treated animals by 54.7%, 56.7%, 75.8%, and 68.1% （P〈0.01 and P〈0.05）. Pur reduced the peak values of Glu and Asp more obviously than those of GABA and Tau, and the rate of Glu/GABA during MCAO markedly decreased in Pur-treated MCAO rats, compared with the vehicle-treated MCAO rats. Meanwhile, apoptosis and necrosis induced by Glu in cultured hippocampal neurons were significantly reduced after Pur treatment. Conclusion Acute treatment with Put at the onset of occlusion significantly depresses ischemia-induced efflux of amino acids, especially, excitotoxicity in the striatum, a mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect on cellular survival.

Puerarin enhances superoxide dismutase activity and inhibits RAGE and VEGF expression in retinas of STZ-induced early diabetic rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of puerarin on the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD), and expressions of advanced glycation end-product(AGE) receptor(RAGE) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in retinas of streptozotocin(STZ)-induced early diabetic rats. Methods:Diabetic rat models were established by inducing diabetes via intra-peritoneal injection of STZ.Rats were randomly divided into normal(control),diabetic(DM),and DM+ puerarin groups.After intra-gastric administration of puerarin(500 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks),levels of SOD and malondialdehyde(MDA) were determined in serum and retina.mRNA and protein expression levels of RAGE and VEGF in retinas were determined by real-lime polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)(mRNA) and Western blot analysis(protein levels).Results:There was significantly lower SOD activity and significantly higher MDA in serum and retinas of the DM group compared with the two other groups(P【0.05).After treatment with puerarin,SOD activity increased and MDA content decreased in this group(P【0.05).mRNA and protein expression levels of RACE and VECF in the DM group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P【0.05),and decreased after puerarin treatment(P【0.05).Conclusions:Puerarin is able to enhance SOD activity,and inhibit RAGE and VEGF expressions in retinas of STZ-induced early diabetic ruts.

Mechanism of combined use of vitamin D and puerarin in anti-hepatic fibrosis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway

AIM To reveal the protective mechanism of the combined use of vitamin D and puerarin in the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).METHODS Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group(C group), a CCl4 group(CCl4 group), a vitamin D group(V group), a puerarin group(P group), and a combined group of vitamin D and puerarin(V + P group), each of which contained ten rats. In this way, we built a rat model of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis with intervention by vitamin D, puerarin, or a combination of the two. After eight weeks, the mice were sacrificed to collect serum and liver specimens. Blood was collected to detect the hyaluronic acid(HA). We also measured hydroxyproline(Hyp) and prepared paraffin sections of liver. After Sirius red staining, the liver specimens were observed under a microscope. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were adopted to detect the mRNA and the proteinlevels of Collagen I, Collagen III, Wnt1, and β-catenin in the liver tissues, respectively.RESULTS Hepatic fibrosis was observed in the CCl4 group. In comparison, hepatic fibrosis was attenuated in the V, P, and V + P groups: the HA level in blood and the Hyp level in liver were reduced, and the mRNA levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, Wnt, and β-catenin in liver were also decreased, as well as the protein levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin. Among these groups, the V + P group demonstrated the greatest amelioration of hepatic fibrosis.CONCLUSION The combined application of vitamin D and puerarin is capable of alleviating CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis of rats. As to the mechanism, it is probably because the combined use is able to silence the Wnt1/β-catenin pathway, suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells, and reduce the secretion of collagen fibers, therefore improving the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of ferulic acidpuerarin-astragaloside in combination with neuroprotective in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of the active ingredients combined therapy on inflammatory factors interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β)and neuropeptide Y(NPY)based on pharmacodynamics in rats.Methods:The animal model was built by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).The method for evaluating the concentrations of the FA-Pr-AI components in rat plasma was established by using HPLC and the expression levels of IL-1βand NPY were determined by ELISA.A new mathematics method of the trend of percentage rate of change(PRC)was used to assess the correlation between pharmacokinetics(PK)and pharmacodynamics(PD).Results:FA-Pr-Al in combination reduced neurological deficits,decreased infarct volume and inhibited the expression levels of IL-1βand NPY(all P<0.05)compared with the model group.FA,Pr and Al all displayed two compartment open models in rats.Clockwise hysteresis loops were obtained by time-concentration-effect curves.IL-1βand NPY level changes in the plasma followed an opposite trend to the plasma concentration tendency after C_(max)was reached.Astragaloside's PRC value was significantly higher than those of FA and puerarin between 120 to 180 min.Conclusions:The pharmacokinetics of FA-PrAl in combination were closely related its pharmacodynamics in treating ischemia/reperfusion injury,and the components of FA-Pr-Al may have a synergistic pharmacological effect.Astragaloside may play a more pronounced role in regulating IL-1βand NPY levels compared with puerarin or FA.

A Novel Conformation Investigation on Newly Synthesized Compound of Diethyl Puerarin-7-yl Phosphate

A novel compound, diethyl puerarin-7-yl phosphate, was synthesized through a simplified Atheron-Todd reaction for the first time. The structure of this compound was elucidated by IR, ESI-MS and NMR. Two conformations of the compound were testified by 2D NMR （HSQC and HMBC） and dynamic NMR. Furthermore, we carried out the conformational analysis using chemical calculation by the Gaussian 03. Finally, we obtained two preferred conformations and energy values.

Compound of icariin,astragalus,and puerarin mitigates iron overload in the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer＇s disease mice

Increasing evidence indicates that disruption of normal iron homeostasis may contribute to pathological development of Alzheimer＇s disease.Icariin,astragalus,and puerarin have been shown to suppress iron overload in the cerebral cortex and improve spatial learning and memory disorders in Alzheimer＇s disease mice,although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In the present study,APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice were administered icariin,astragalus,and puerarin（120,80,and 80 mg/kg,respectively,once a day,for 3 months）.Iron levels were detected by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.Interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were measured in the cerebral cortex by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content were determined by colorimetry.Our results demonstrate that after treatment,iron levels and malondialdehyde content are decreased,while glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities are increased.Further,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were reduced.These results confirm that compounds of icariin,astragalus,and puerarin may alleviate iron overload by reducing oxidative stress and the inflammatory response.

Restrictive Effect of Puerarin on Myocardial Infarct Area in Dogs and Its Possible Mechanism

Summary: To evaluate the protective effect of puerarin on ischemic myocardium in dogs with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to reveal its possible mechanism, 10 dogs were randomly divided into puerarin group (group G) and control group (group C). AMI model was established in all dogs. Puerarin or saline was administered over a period of 21 days. Coronary angiography was performed before and after ligation of coronary artery. Eight hemorheological parameters were examined before and 22 days after the operation. The infarct area and vessel density of myocardium were assessed. The infarct area in group G was smaller than that in group C. Angiography 2 h and 22 d after ligation of coronary artery revealed significant augmentation of collateral vessels in group G as compared with control group. The platelet aggregation and the blood viscosity were in- creased during AMI when compared with control phase, and the increased indexes during AMI would be inhibited when puerarin were given. Capillaries and distribution vessel density in is- chemic zone on day 22 showed statistically significant augmentation in group G as compared with control group. Puerarin might improve the opening and formation of coronary collateral circula- tion, and might inhibit the increase of platelet aggregation and the blood viscosity during AMI, and thereby improve microcirculation and restrict myocardial infarct area.