Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens via reshaping gut microbiota

Background Ginkgo biloba extract(GBE)is evidenced to be effective in the prevention and alleviation of metabolic disorders,including obesity,diabetes and fatty liver disease.However,the role of GBE in alleviating fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome(FLHS)in laying hens and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.Here,we investigated the effects of GBE on relieving FLHS with an emphasis on the modulatory role of GBE in chicken gut microbiota.Results The results showed that GBE treatment ameliorated biochemical blood indicators in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced FLHS laying hen model by decreasing the levels of TG,TC,ALT and ALP.The lipid accumulation and pathological score of liver were also relieved after GBE treatment.Moreover,GBE treatment enhanced the antioxidant activity of liver and serum by increasing GSH,SOD,T-AOC,GSH-PX and reducing MDA,and downregulated the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis(FAS,LXRα,GPAT1,PPARγand Ch REBP1)and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,TLR4 and NF-κB)in the liver.Microbial profiling analysis revealed that GBE treatment reshaped the HFD-perturbed gut microbiota,particularly elevated the abundance of Megasphaera in the cecum.Meanwhile,targeted metabolomic analysis of SCFAs revealed that GBE treatment significantly promoted the production of total SCFAs,acetate and propionate,which were positively correlated with the GBE-enriched gut microbiota.Finally,we confirmed that the GBE-altered gut microbiota was sufficient to alleviate FLHS by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Conclusions We provided evidence that GBE alleviated FLHS in HFD-induced laying hens through reshaping the composition of gut microbiota.Our findings shed light on mechanism underlying the anti-FLHS efficacy of GBE and lay foundations for future use of GBE as additive to prevent and control FLHS in laying hen industry.

Supplementation of vitamin E or a botanical extract as antioxidants to improve growth performance and health of growing pigs housed under thermoneutral or heat-stressed conditions

Background Heat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs,leading to significant economic losses.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and a botanical extract in feed or drinking water on growth performance,intestinal health,and oxidative and immune status in grow-ing pigs housed under heat stress conditions.Methods Duplicate experiments were conducted,each using 64 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 50.7±3.8 and 43.9±3.6 kg and age of 13-week and 12-week,respectively.Pigs(n=128)were housed individually and assigned within weight blocks and sex to a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 environments(thermo-neutral(21.2℃)or heat-stressed(30.9℃))and 4 supplementation treatments(control diet;control+100 IU/L of D-α-tocopherol in water;control+200 IU/kg of DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate in feed;or control+400 mg/kg of a botanical extract in feed).Results Heat stress for 28 d reduced(P≤0.001)final body weight,average daily gain,and average daily feed intake(-7.4 kg,-26.7%,and-25.4%,respectively)but no effects of supplementation were detected(P>0.05).Serum vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementation in water and in feed(1.64 vs.3.59 and 1.64 vs.3.24),but not for the botanical extract(1.64 vs.1.67 mg/kg)and was greater when supplemented in water vs.feed(P=0.002).Liver vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementations in water(3.9 vs.31.8)and feed(3.9 vs.18.0),but not with the botanical extract(3.9 vs.4.9 mg/kg).Serum malondialdehyde was reduced with heat stress on d 2,but increased on d 28(interaction,P<0.001),and was greater(P<0.05)for antioxidant supplementation compared to control.Cellular proliferation was reduced(P=0.037)in the jejunum under heat stress,but increased in the ileum when vitamin E was supplemented in feed and water under heat stress(interaction,P=0.04).Tumor necrosis factor-αin jejunum and ileum mucosa decreased by heat stress(P<0.05)and was reduced by vitamin E sup-plementations under heat stress(interaction,P<0.001).Conclusions The addition of the antioxidants in feed or in drinking water did not alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on feed intake and growth rate of growing pigs.

Blueberry anthocyanins extract attenuates oxidative stress and angiogenesis on an in vitro high glucose-induced retinopathy model through the miR-33/GLCCI1 axis

Background:Diabetes retinopathy(DR)is a complication of diabetes that affects patients’vision.Previous studies have found blueberry anthocyanins extract(BAE)can inhibit the progression of DR,but its mechanism is not completely clear.Methods:To study the role of BAE in diabetes retinopathy,we treated human retinal endothelial cells(HRCECs)with 30 mM high glucose to simulate the microenvironment of diabetes retinopathy and used BAE to intervene the in vitro high glucose-induced retinopathy model.HRCEC cell viability and apoptosis rates were examined by Cell Counting Kit 8(CCK-8)assay and flow cytometry assay.The binding sites between miR-33 and glucocorticoid-induced transcript 1(GLCCI1)were assessed by luciferase reporter assay.Retinal neovascularization and oxidative stress contribute to diabetic retinopathy.The tubule formation assay was applied to detect the retinal neovascularization.The oxidative stress in the HRCECs was manifested by the reactive oxygen species(ROS)level,the malondialdehyde(MDA)level,and the superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity.Results:Compared with HRCECs cells cultured under normal conditions,high glucose(HG)can induce oxidative stress in HRCRCs,specifically manifested in the increase of ROS and MDA levels,and the decrease of SOD activity.BAE relieved the tubule formation in n the HRCEC.BAE also relieved the ROS and MDA levels and increased the SOD activity.Luciferase reporter assay revealed that GLCCI1 is a target molecule downstream of miR-33.In HRCEC,BAE significantly inhibited the expression of miR-33 induced by HG.miR-33 mimic inhibited the BAE’s effects on oxidative stress and angiogenesis in an in vitro high glucose-induced retinopathy model.Conclusion:BAE alleviated the oxidative stress and microangiogenesis of HRCEC by regulating the miR-33/GLCCI1 axis.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Orange and Lemon Peel Extract and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of orange and lemon peels, as a reducing agent, and silver nitrate salts as a source of silver ions is a promising field of research due to the versatility of biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles. In this paper, AgNPs were synthetized at different reaction parameters such as the type and concentration of the extracts, metal salt concentration, temperature, speed stirring, and pH. The antibacterial properties of the obtained silver nanoparticles against E. coli, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles, were investigated. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of AgNPs. In addition to green biogenic synthesis, chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles was also carried out. The optimal temperature for extraction was 65˚C, while for the synthesis of AgNPs was 35˚C. The synthesis is carried out in an acidic environment (pH = 4.7 orange and pH = 3.8 lemon), neutral (pH = 7) and alkaline (pH = 10), then for different concentrations of silver nitrate solution (0.5 mM - 1 mM), optimal time duration of the reaction was 60 min and optimal stirring speed rotation was 250 rpm on the magnetic stirrer. The physical properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (conductivity, density and refractive index) were also studied, and the passage of laser light through the obtained solution and distilled water was compared. Positive inhibitory effect on the growth of new Escherichia coli colonies have shown AgNPs synthesized at a basic pH value and at a 0.1 mM AgNO3 using orange or lemon peel extract, while for a 0.5 mM AgNO3 using lemon peel extract.

Acute Toxicity of Jinchuan Formula Plum Wine Extract and Its Protective Effect on Mice with Liver Injury

[Objectives]To investigate the acute toxicity and hepatoprotective effect of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract on mice,determine its safety range,and evaluate its hepatoprotective effect.[Methods]The median lethal dose(LD_(50))was determined by acute toxicity test with the toxic reaction and mortality of mice as indexes.Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal control group,model group(ConA-induced liver injury model),Jinchuan formula plum wine high,medium and low dose groups(1.0,0.5,0.25 g/kg)and silybin group(0.1 g/kg).The levels of ALT,AST,LDH in serum and TG,VLDL in liver were measured.After HE staining,the pathological changes of liver tissue in mice were observed,and the liver protective effect of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract was analyzed and evaluated.[Results]LD_(50)was 11.18 g/kg,and the 95%confidence limit of LD_(50)was 10.31-12.05 g/kg.The high-dose group of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract could significantly reduce the serum ALT and AST activities of ConA-induced liver injury mice(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Jinchuan formula plum wine extract is relatively safe,and also has a protective effect on liver injury.

Garlic extract addition for soil improvement at various temperatures using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) method

Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is an emerging technique to improve the soil and most studies are carried out at room temperature. However, considering some foundations are in high-temperature environments (>40 ℃), the higher urease activity at high temperature results in the solidification inhomogeneity, limiting the application of EICP. The higher urease activity at high temperature hampers the application of EICP because of solidification inhomogeneity. The garlic extract has been used as a type of urease inhibitor in medical science and food engineering. Here, we propose to use it to control urease activity for sand solidification at high temperature. The effects of garlic extract addition on urease activity and precipitation rates for calcium carbonate (CaCO_(3)) were studied. Extra tests were conducted to study the effect of garlic extract addition on the solidification homogeneity. The results showed that the garlic extract addition significantly decreased urease activity. To reduce the rate of CaCO3 precipitation at different temperatures, a suitable concentration of garlic extract was necessary to obtain a suitable urease activity. In the sand solidification test, garlic extract addition resulted in a smaller difference in sonic time values or CaCO_(3) contents at different parts of samples. The improved solidification homogeneity can achieve higher strength. The correlation between sonic time values and CaCO_(3) content was higher than that between CaCO3 content and strength. Appropriate concentrations of garlic extract were obtained at 35 ℃, 40℃, 45 ℃, 50 ℃, and 55 ℃. The proposed garlic extract addition method was significant to improve the homogeneity of solidified soil in practical engineering applications.

Dietary supplementation of Macleaya cordata extract and Bacillus in combination improve laying performance by regulating reproductive hormones,intestinal microbiota and barrier function of laying hens

Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.

Composition and antioxidant activity of Paeonia lactiflora petal flavonoid extract and underlying mechanisms of the protective effect on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative damage in BRL3A cells

Flavonoids have attracted considerable attention due to their health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the flavonoid profiles and antioxidant activity of Paeonia lactiflora petal flavonoid extract(PPF). The UHPLC-ESI-Q-Exactive HF MS/MS method was established for characterization, and 21 predominant flavonoid compounds were tentatively identified in PPF. Among them, isoscutellarein-7-(6’-acetylallosyl-(1->2)-glucoside) and scutellarin methylester were discovered in PPF for the first time. Pretreatment with PPF significantly reduced H2O2-induced cell damage, ROS accumulation, and malondialdehyde content and increased the activity of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in buffalo rat liver 3A(BRL3A) cells. Moreover, the expression of nuclear Factor E2-related factor(Nrf2) was upregulated by PPF, whose expression trend was consistent with that of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO1). These findings suggested that herbaceous peony flavonoids can be used as a natural bioactive agent to prevent oxidative stress.

Tectona grandis (Teak Tree) Young Leaf Extract as a Histological Stain

Stains are applied to impart contrast to the tissue and identify particular features of interest. However, the use of synthetic dyes as staining reagents has been associated with significant human health challenges and pollution of the ecosystem. These developments have necessitated a shift towards using natural dyes that are eco-friendlier and readily available. We investigated the staining reaction patterns of teak tree leaves (Tectona grandis) dye extracts and explored their suitability as a cytoplasmic stain in micromorphological assessments. Dye extracts were prepared using acetone, methanol, and ethanol as solvents from air-dried (under shade) teak tree young leaves. The dye extracts were applied as a counterstain and evaluated against eosin in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) bovine tissue sections at varying concentrations and different staining times. Teak tree leaves (Tectona grandis) dye extracts produced relatively varying staining intensities of reddish-brown cytoplasmic coloration when used on bovine tissue at different concentrations and staining times comparable to eosin and with blue-purple hematoxylin nuclear stain. The present study showed that Tectona grandis leaf dye extracts provide an excellent cytoplasmic staining pattern and can be used as an alternative counterstain in routine H&E staining techniques.

Protective Effect of Mulberry Extract against Pb-induced Learning and Memory Deficits in Mice

Lead （Pb） is ubiquitous in the environment, and low-level Pb exposure can cause neurotoxicity and irreversible damage to children＇s cognition, learning and memory ability. Nutritional intervention is an effective method to prevent Pb poisoning. Mul- berry is rich in anthocyanins, possessing protective effects for nerves. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of mulberry extract （ME） against Pb-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. The results showed that the learning and memory abilities of mice, assessed using the Morris test, improved significantly after treatment with ME at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. The level of Pb in the brains of mice in the three ME intervention groups decreased significantly, while NO production and anti-oxidant enzymes were significantly restored. It is suggested that ME inhibits Pb-induced neurotoxicity by reversing Pb-induced alterations in the aspect of neurotoxic effects and improving learning and memory.

Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Armillariella Mellea Powders Oral(银杏蜜环口服溶液) attenuates inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in post stroke depression

OBJECTIVE The Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Armillariella Mellea Powders Oral(Yinxingmihuan Koufu Rongye,YXMH),a representative drug for"Treating both Brain and Heart",showed considerable clinical effects in isch⁃emic cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases.Recently,it is reported that YXMH has the potential for treating myocardial and cerebral ischemia related mental disorders,such as post stroke depression(PSD)and chronic heart disease(CHD)associated anxiety disorder.However,its mechanism has not been clearly elucidated.Meanwhile,increasing evidence revealed that there are close functional links between depression and habenular nucleus.The present study investigates the underlying mechanism of YXMH on attenuating the inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in in a rat model of PSD.METHODS Rats were randomly devided into sham group,model group,Ginaton group(18 mg·kg^-1),Armillariella Mellea group(600 mg·kg-1),Fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg^-1),YXMH high-dose group(618 mg·kg^-1)and YXMH low-dose group(309 mg·kg^-1).The PSD model was induced by transarterial microembolization combined with sleep deprivation(2-Chloro-D-phenylalanine,PCPA,IH,200 mg·kg^-1,for 3 times,before the behavior test)in SD male rats.Then rats were treated with corresponding medicaments through gavage once a day until 3 weeks later,followed by body mass measurement,neurological deficit score evaluation,gripping strength and thermal withdrawl latency measurement,as well as depression related behavioral indicators,the open field test(OFT)and sucrose preference test.The pathological morphological changes of habenular nucleus was observed by HE staining,the expression of IBA-1 was measured and analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining,and alterations of proteins and genes related to the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis were analyzed using Western blotting(CX3CL1,CX3CR1)and real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)(CX3CL1,CX3CR1).RESULTS Compared with the sham group,rats in the model group manifested as decreased body mass,deficient neurological behavior and gripping strength,reduced loco⁃motor activity and sugar water consumption,as well as elevated thermal withdrawl latency(P<0.05,P<0.01).Mean⁃while,the pathological morphology of the habenular nucleus on the ischemic hemisphere showed significant neuronal degeneration,microglial proliferation,inflammatory cells and glia cells infiltration,together with up-regualted expression of IBA-1,CX3CL1,CX3CR1 protein and CX3CL1,CX3CR1 mRNA.YXMH attenuated inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through improving pathological morphology,inhibiting IBA-1 activation,down-regulating the expres⁃sion of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 proteins and genes,and thus improved the behavior performance of ischemic injury and depression.CONCLUSION YXMH ameliorates neurological deficit and depressive behavior in rat model of PSD induced by transarterial microembolization combined with sleep deprivation,and the mechanism is probably related to attenu⁃ating inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Alleviates Arsenic-induced Oxidative Reproductive Toxicity in Male Mice

Objective To determine the ability of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract （GSPE） in alleviating arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity. Methods Sixty male Kunming mice received the following treatments by gavage： normal saline solution （control）; arsenic trioxide （ATO; 4 mg/kg）; GSPE （400 mg/kg）; ATO＋GSPE （100 mg/kg）; ATO＋GSPE （200 mg/kg） and ATO＋GSPE （400 mg/kg）. Thereafter, the mice were sacrificed and weighed, and the testis was examined for pathological changes. Nuclear factor （erythroid-derived 2）-like 2 （Nrf2）, heme oxygenase 1 （HO1）, glutathione S-transferase （GST）, NAD（P）H dehydrogenase, and quinone 1 [NQO1） expression in the testis was detected by real-time PCR. Superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione （GSH）, total antioxidative capability （T-AOC）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （8-OHdG）, and reproductive indexes were analyzed. Results ATO-treated mice showed a significantly decreased sperm count and testis somatic index and activity levels of SOD, GSH, and T-AOC than control group. Compared to the ATO-treated group, ATO ＋GSPE group showed recovery of the measured parameters. Mice treated with ATO＋high-dose GSPE showed the highest level of mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO, NO.O1, and GST. Conclusion GSPE alleviates oxidative stress damage in mouse testis by activating Nrf2 signaling, thus counteracting arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity.

Panax ginseng extract attenuates neuronal injury and cognitive deficits in rats with vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

Panax ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant.Panax ginseng extract has numerous biological activities,including antitumor,anti-inflammatory and antistress activities.Panax ginseng extract also has a cognition-enhancing effect in rats with alcohol-induced memory impairment.In this study,we partially occluded the bilateral carotid arteries in the rat to induce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion,a wellknown model of vascular dementia.The rats were then intragastrically administered 50 or 100 mg/kg Panax ginseng extract.Morris water maze and balance beam tests were used to evaluate memory deficits and motor function,respectively.Protein quantity was used to evaluate cholinergic neurons.Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells.Western blot assay was used to evaluate protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,Bcl-2 and Bax.Treatment with Panax ginseng extract for 8 weeks significantly improved behavioral function and increased neuronal density and VEGF and b FGF protein expression in the hippocampal CA3 area.Furthermore,Panax ginseng extract reduced the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cells,and it decreased apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax protein expression.The effect of Panax ginseng extract was dose-dependent and similar to that of nimodipine,a commonly used drug for the treatment of vascular dementia.These findings suggest that Panax ginseng extract is neuroprotective against vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion,and therefore might have therapeutic potential for preventing and treating the disease.

Protective effects of lupeol and mango extract against androgen induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Aim： To investigate antioxidant potential of lupeol/mango pulp extract （MPE） in testosterone induced oxidative stress in prostate of male Swiss albino mice. Methods： Oral treatment of lupeol （1 mg/animal） and MPE （1 mL [20% w/v]/ animal） was given separately to animals along with subcutaneous injection of testosterone （5 mg/kg body weight） consecutively for 15 days. At the end of the study period, the prostate was dissected out for the determination of reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes status （catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase）. Results： In testosterone treated animals, increased ROS resulted in depletion of antioxidant enzymes and increase in lipid peroxidation in mouse prostate. However, lupeol/MPE treatment resulted in a decrease in ROS levels with restoration in the levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion： The results of the present study demonstrate that lupeol/MPE are effective in combating oxidative stress-induced cellular injury of mouse prostate. Mango and its constituents, therefore, deserve study as a potential chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar; 10： 313-318）

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Ameliorates Streptozotocin-induced Cognitive and Synaptic Plasticity Deficits by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Preserving AKT and ERK Activities

Progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment are the main clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Currently,there is no effective drug available for the treatment of AD.Previous studies have demonstrated that the cognitive impairment of AD is associated with oxidative stress and the inhibition of AKT and ERK phosphorylation.Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE)has been shown to have strong antioxidant effect and can protect the nervous system from oxidative stress damage.This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of GSPE on the cognitive and synaptic impairments of AD using a sporadic AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular(ICV)injection of streptozotocin(STZ)(ICV-STZ).Rats were treated with GSPE(50,100,or 200 mg/kg every day)by intragastrical(ig.)administration for continuous 7 weeks,and ICV-STZ(3 mg/kg)was performed on the first day and third day of week 5.Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the Morris water maze(MWM)test at week 8.After behavioral test,hippocampal long-term potentiation(LTP)was recorded,and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutases(SOD),glutathione(GSH)and the protein expression of AKT and ERK were measured in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats.Our study revealed that ICV-STZ significantly impaired the working learning ability and hippocampal LTP of rats,significantly increased the levels of MDA,and decreased the activity of SOD and GSH in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.In contrast,GSPE treatment prevented the impairment of cognitive function and hippocampal LTP induced by ICV-STZ,decreased the level of MDA,and increased the level of SOD and GSH.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that GSPE treatment could prevent the loss of AKT and ERK activities in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex induced by ICV-STZ.Our findings demonstrate that GSPE treatment could ameliorate the impairment of cognitive ability and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a rat model of sporadic AD by inhibiting oxidative stress and preserving AKT and ERK activities.Therefore,GSPE may be an effective agent for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with sporadic AD.

A method to extract algae toxin of microcystin-LR

A simple and low-cost method to obtain cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR(MC-LR) was developed. A new strain of Microcystis aeruginosa, named DC-1, producing microcystin-LR but not microcystin-RR, was separated from the field blooming algae samples of Dianchi Lake, in southwest of China. Following three times' freeze and thaw treatment, the cultivated DC-1 cells were extracted with 40% methanol in water. The extract was centrifuged and the supernatant applied to a Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance(HLB) SPE cartridge. Eluted impurities with a certain gradient from 30% to 50% methanol in water, MC-LR was finally eluted from the HLB cartridge with 60% methanol in water, and samples containing 3.85% to 14.8% of MC-LR were obtained. These MC-LR samples may be used in adsorption and biodegradation experiments instead of using expensive standard reagents.

Chrysanthemum extract alleviates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress via AMPK pathway in rats

OBJECTIVE Acetaminophen(APAP),also known as paracetamol,is a commonly used antipyretic,anal⁃gesic and anti-inflammatory drug.However,during the use of APAP for more than half a century,people have not only used APAP to fight diseases but have also suffered the adverse effects brought about by APAP for more than half a cen⁃tury.The most serious adverse reaction to APAP is hepatotoxicity caused by overdose or long-term use.In Chinese tra⁃ditional medicine,chrysanthemums have the functions of dispelling wind,dissipating heat,clearing the liver and improv⁃ing eyesight.Although the chrysanthemum variety named Bianliang ziyu from Kaifeng is not a medicinal variety,it has good value for medicine and food.The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Bianliang Ziyu extract(BZE)on APAP-damaged rats and the potential molecular mechanism.METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats(200-220 g)were intragastrically administered BZE(110,220 and 440 mg·kg^-1)for 8 d.On the ninth day,APAP(800 mg·kg^-1)was administered intragastrically to the rats 0.5 h after BZE administration to induced drug-induced liver injury.The serum and liver samples were collected after 24 h.The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartic aminotransferase(AST),reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH)in serum and liver tissue of rats were detected by kit method.HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver of rat.The effects of BZE on the expression of the oxidative stress related proteins and the mitochondrial biosyn⁃thesis related proteins were detected by Western blot.RESULTS The results showed that BZE significantly reduced the levels of ALT,AST,MDA and ROS and increased the levels of GSH and SOD caused by APAP.Moreover,BZE increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β),promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2).BZE also upregulated the expression of mitochondrial biosynthesis related proteins such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPAR-γ),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1α(PGC-1α),mitochondrial transcription factor(TFAM)and nuclear respira⁃tory factor 1(NRF1).CONCLUSION BZE alleviates APAP-induced liver injury in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress via GSK3β-Nrf2 signaling and the mitochondrial biosynthesis pathway mediated by AMPK.

New Naturally Occurring Product Extract as Corrosion Inhibitor for 316 Stainless Steel in 5% HCl

Medipolymorphol, a new sterol isolated from the whole plant of Medicago polymorpha Roxb was used as corrosion inhibitor for 316 stainless steel in 5% HCI at room temperature. Electrochemical techniques have been found to be reliable in evaluating corrosion characteristics of the system. Several techniques have been used including Tafel, linear polarization, potentiodynamic polarization, and open circuit potential (OCP) studies. The additives simultaneously deaccelerated the anodic process, intensified the cathodic process and provided a stable passive state, giving good inhibition efficiencies to stainless steel electrodes. In addition, adsorption isotherm have been fitted for the inhibitor under investigation.

Antitrypanosomal potentials of the extract and fractions of Abrus precatorius seeds

Objective:To evaluate the in vivo trypanocidal activity of the methanol extract and fractions of Abrus precatorius seeds in mice.Methods:Parasiteamia was induced unto mice by intraperitoneal injection of 1.25×105 Trypanosoma in normal saline.Five days when a high level of parasiteamia was established treatment commenced until ten days.The mice were treated with 10,20 and 40 mg/kg bt.of the extract and 5 and 10 mg/kg bt.of the fraction（F2）,respectively for 5 days.Diminazene acelurate at the dose of 3.5 mg/kg bt.for two days was used as the reference drug.The level of parasitaemia and packed cell volume（PCV） of the animals estimated. Results:At doses of 10,20 and 40 mg/kg the crude extract showed a sharp reduction in the level of parasitaemia in mice compared with the untreated group.The mice treated with F,at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg showed a sharp reduction in the level of parasitamia to zero in day 9,and a gradual recovery from the 12th day of treatment.This effect is comparable to that of the mice treated with 7 mg/kg of standard drug diminazene aceturate.The PCV of the treated showed a gradual decrease with time,but not as much as the untreated group.Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides,alkaloids,carbohydrates,tannins and proteins in the Abrus precatorius powder while F2 was rich in alkaloids.Conclusions:This study shows that both the extract and the fractions of Abrus precatorius seeds exhibited a promising trypanocidal property.Alkaloids may be responsible for the observed activity.

Activity of Ginkgo biloba Extract and Quercetin on Thrombomodulin Expression and Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator Secretion by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Objective In order to investigate the pharmacological properties of Ginkgo biloba extract （GBE） on improving blood circulation, the regulating action of GBE and quercetin （a main flavonoid ingredient in GBE） on thrombomodulin （TM） expression and tissue-type plasminogen activator （t-PA） secretion was studied. Methods Using flow cytometer and gel image system respectively, we evaluated the TM expression and the t-PA secretion by human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） in vitro. Results The increase of TM expression on HUVECs surface was induced by GBE rather than quercetin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Both GBE and quercetin increased the t-PA release significantly. Conclusion The effect of GBE on improving blood circulation may be partly attributed to its promoting TM expression and t-PA secretion by endothelial ceils, and quercetin participated in the effect of GBE on t-PA secretion. However, the action of GBE on increasing TM expression needs further study.