Functional metabolomics analysis of the protective mechanism of total flavonoids of Scutellaria baicalensis on acute myocardial ischemia rats

Background:The study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of total flavonoids of Scutellaria baicalensis(TFSB)on acute myocardial ischemia(AMI)rats by using functional metabonomics.Methods:Rats were divided into the Control,Model,AMI positive control(Propranolol hydrochloride,30 mg/kg),low dose TFSB(50 mg/kg),and high dose TFSB(100 mg/kg)groups.Rats received the corresponding treatment by intragastric administration once daily for 10 consecutive days.Electrocardiogram,myocardial enzyme,triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining,hematoxylin-eosin,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to evaluate the protective effect of TFSB on AMI rats.Then,the UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS method based on serum metabolomics was utilised to search for metabolic biomarkers and metabolic pathways.Subsequently,Western blot and RT-PCR techniques were employed to identify the respective genes and proteins.Results:Pharmacodynamics revealed that TFSB could ameliorate AMI in rats.The results of the metabolomics analysis indicated that the alterations in metabolic profile observed in rats with AMI were partially improved by treatment with TFSB.Moreover,the mRNA expression levels of 5-lipoxygenase(5-LOX)and 15-lipoxygenase(15-LOX)and the protein expression levels of 5-LOX,15-LOX,interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and NF-κB p65 were reduced following treatment with TFSB.Conclusion:The potential treatment of TFSB in AMI may be ascribed to its ability to regulate arachidonic acid metabolism.

Enhanced identification and localization of metabolites in Scutellariae Radix using ion mobility enabled MALDI-Q-TOF/MS imaging

Unraveling the distribution of metabolites in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)provides direct indications for understanding their regulatory and functional basis,which is of paramount significance for better utilization and quality control of medicinal plants[1].Recently,imaging techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy,Raman spectroscopy,and mass spectrometry(MS)were explored to reveal the spatial context of component accumulation and localization[2,3].

The Protective Effects of Flavonoids from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi Stems and Leaves on Oligodendrocyte Damage Induced by Aβ1-42

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of flavonoids from the stem and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSFs) against Aβ1-42-induced oligodendrocytes (OL) damage. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used for the detection of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a characteristic protein of rat oligodendrocytes (OLN-93 cells). To evaluate the potential protective effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells injured by Aβ1-42, an injury model was established by subjecting OLN-93 cells to Aβ1-42 exposed. Cell morphology was examined using an inverted microscope, while cell viability was assessed using the colorimetric method of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured using the pyruvic acid reduction assay. The Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) injection was used as a positive control. Results: A total of >95% of the MAG immunofluorescence-positive cells were identified as oligodendrocytes. Gradually increasing concentrations of SSFs impaired the cells, and the maximum nondetrimental dose for OLN-93 cells was 75 mg/L. This study assessed the effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells damaged by Aβ1-42. The results indicated that SSFs significantly improved OLN-93 cell morphological abnormal changes, increased the OLN-93 cell survival rate, and reduced LDH release. Conclusion: SSFs can alleviate Aβ1-42-induced damage of OL.

Analysis of Patent Application Status of Scutellaria Barbata Industrial Chain Based on Patent Data

Objective To analyze patent application status of Scutellaria Barbata industrial chain and provide some suggestions for its patent application and product development.Methods Patent data were collected through IncoPat patent analysis system.Meanwhile,the patent analysis method combined with text mining method was adopted to analyze the situation and development trend of patent application in China’s Scutellaria Barbata industrial chain by using pie chart,bubble chart,trend chart and other visual charts to display the results.Results and Conclusion The patent application of Scutellaria Barbata in China mainly experienced three stages:Slow development,rapid development,and recession period.The number of patents is large,but the authorization rate is low.Individuals and enterprises are the main applicants for patent applications.Product development is involved in the whole industrial chain,but it basically focuses on its efficacy in downstream drugs,health food and other aspects.Therefore,government should enhance the awareness of patent protection,encourage collaborative innovation in industry-university-research to promote the combination of basic research and market application.Besides,it should provide theoretical support to tackle the problem of short board products,which can promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and contribute to the upgrading of Scutellaria Barbata industrial chain.

不同产地半枝莲总黄酮含量测定及抗氧化活性比较研究

目的:测定不同产地半枝莲药材中总黄酮含量及评价体外抗氧化活性并讨论相关性。方法:选用12种不同产地的半枝莲,采用50%乙醇,超声提取方式对半枝莲药材中黄酮类成分进行提取,并用紫外分光光度法对提取的黄酮类成分进行含量测定;通过测定半枝莲不同浓度的提取物对2,2′-联氨-双(3-乙基并噻唑啉-6-磺酸)二胺盐(ABTS)自由基和1,1-二苯基-2-苦肼基(DPPH)自由基的清除能力来评价半枝莲的体外抗氧化活性。结果:不同产地半枝莲总黄酮含量相差较大,其中河南驻马店产半枝莲总黄酮含量最高,广西玉林产半枝莲含量最低。不同产地的半枝莲50%乙醇提取物对于ABTS和DPPH自由基都有一定的清除能力,其中河南驻马店产半枝莲抗氧化能力最强,广东揭阳产半枝莲的抗氧化能力最弱。半枝莲对氧化自由基的清除率与提取物浓度存在明显的量效关系,呈正相关性;对氧化自由基的半数清除浓度IC50值与总黄酮含量呈负相关性。结论:采用紫外分光光度法测定半枝莲的总黄酮含量,方法简单,重复性好,稳定性高。半枝莲具有一定的体外抗氧化能力,对ABTS和DPPH自由基均有较好的清除能力。

Influence of Water Stress on the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi

Previous studies have shown that water stress can stimulate biosynthesis of secondary metabolites,and physiological and biochemical characteristics of plant can play a key role in its defense responses to water stress.So the physiological and biochemical characteristics of potted Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi plants were investigated under continuous water stress condition.The results showed that the water content in roots,stems and leaves,together with chlorophyll content of the leaves decreased as the water stress strengthened.Simultaneously,the specific leaf weight increased,and the content of proline and soluble sugar in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi leaves increased significantly.The changing trends of the baicalin content in the roots,stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi were different.It increased continuously in roots,while ascended constantly in the stems and leaves during the early days under the water stress,but decreased sharply under the heavy stress.In conclusion,proline and soluble sugar had a close correlation with the drought resistance of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.Moderate drought is in favor of synthesizing the secondary metabolites.

黄芩提取物磷脂复合物自微乳给药系统的制备与体外释放度评价

目的:基于磷脂复合物(PC)研究黄芩提取物(BA)自微乳给药系统(SMEDDS)的处方设计及制备工艺,并进行体外质量评价。方法:以BA-PC为中间体,通过溶解度实验、绘制伪三元相图和星点设计-效应面法确定BA-PC-SMEDDS的最佳处方;优化制备工艺并对其理化性质、稳定性、体外释放度进行评价。结果:BA-PC-SMEDDS最优处方为油酸乙酯为油相,吐温-80为乳化剂,二乙二醇单乙醚为助乳化剂;油相质量分数14.39%,Km值2.71,为简化处方,将处方修定为油相质量分数14.5%,混合乳化剂Km2.7;平均粒径为(16.83±0.04)nm,多分散系数(PDI)为(0.127±0.002),Zeta电位为(-12.02±0.03)mV,载药量为(16.75±0.09)mg/g;BA-PC-SMEDDS在pH为1.2、5.0、7.4的缓冲盐溶液中具有良好的体外释放效果。结论:BA-PC-SMEDDS粒径小,载药量高,外观良好,性质稳定,提高了难溶性成分黄芩苷的溶解度及体外释放度,具有增加口服生物利用度的潜力。

黄芩(Scutellaria baicalensis)幼苗对干旱胁迫的生理适应性反应

采用聚乙二醇(PEG-6000)模拟干旱胁迫处理黄芩幼苗,检测幼苗体内丙二醛(MDA)含量,超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)保护酶活性,渗透调节物质脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量。结果表明,随着干旱胁迫时间的延长,不同程度的干旱胁迫黄芩幼苗体内MDA含量均不断升高,并且含量均高于对照组。3种不同程度干旱胁迫,SOD活性呈现先升高后降低的趋势,SOD活性表现为:20%PEG胁迫>10%PEG胁迫>30%PEG胁迫。不同程度的干旱胁迫下POD活性表现出不同的动态变化趋势,20%和30%的PEG胁迫后,POD活性先升高后降低,峰值分别出现在处理后第5天和第7天,分别高于对照19.3%和13.3%。CAT活性表现出相似的变化趋势,即干旱胁迫3d后,CAT活性显著升高,均于处理后第5天达到峰值,分别高于对照33.4%、36.8%和29.4%,随后开始下降。10%和20%PEG胁迫第5天,APX活性均急剧升高,30%PEG胁迫第7天,APX活性显著降低,但是干旱胁迫7d后,3种不同干旱胁迫下的APX活性均高于对照组。3种不同程度PEG胁迫处理均于第7天脯氨酸含量达到峰值可溶性糖含量于胁迫3d后大幅升高,并随着胁迫时间的延长增长速率逐渐减小。30%的PEG处理后可溶性糖含量的峰值的出现早于10%和20%的PEG处理。说明在一定干旱胁迫下,黄芩幼苗通过可溶性糖和脯氨酸等渗透调节物质来增强植物保水能力,通过协调各种保护酶的活性来保持一个相对稳定的状态,达到抗旱的目的。

黄芩、白术对复发性流产孕鼠免疫耐受的调控研究

目的 研究中药黄芩、白术对复发性流产(RSA)模型孕鼠免疫耐受的调节作用及机制。方法 利用CBA/J雌鼠与BALB/C雄鼠的结合创建正常妊娠模型(空白组);CBA/J雌鼠与DBA/2雄鼠的结合创建RSA模型,然后将RSA模型随机划成模型组、白术组、黄芩组。白术组用白术水煎剂灌胃,黄芩组用黄芩水煎剂灌胃,空白组和模型组予0.9%氯化钠注射液灌胃,每日1次。持续服药14 d后,将母鼠处死,统计胚胎存活率;HE染色检测空白组、模型组、白术组、黄芩组的一般形态结构病变;透射电子显微镜(TEM)观察空白组、模型组、白术组、黄芩组的胎盘亚显微结构形态变化;免疫荧光技术观察空白组、模型组、白术组、黄芩组的诱导型一氧化氮合成酶(iNOS)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、CD206、转化生长因子β(TGF-β)的表达。结果 模型组与空白组相比,其胚胎存活率大幅下降(P<0.05);黄芩组、白术组胚胎存活率较模型组大幅升高(P<0.05)。光镜观察,空白组一般形态结构清晰、完整;与空白组比较,模型组出现不同程度坏死、炎性改变;与模型组比较,白术组局部坏死领域缩小、炎性改变减轻;黄芩组接近于正常组织。在TEM下观察可见,空白组胎盘组织亚显微结构正常;模型组胎盘组织亚显微结构明显异常,可见各部分组织细胞不同程度坏死,线粒体肿大,细胞核皱缩等明显病理改变;白术组胎盘组织亚显微结构轻度病变,黄芩组接近正常组织结构形态。免疫荧光结果可见,与空白组比较,模型组iNOS、IL-1β表达明显上调(P<0.05),CD206、TGF-β表达明显下调(P<0.05);与模型组比较,白术组、黄芩组中iNOS、IL-1β分泌明显受到抑制(P<0.05),CD206、TGF-β1分泌明显增多(P<0.05)。结论 黄芩、白术可能通过抑制iNOS、IL-1β表达,促进CD206、TGF-β表达,减轻RSA孕鼠胎盘局部母胎界面异常炎性反应,提升妊娠成功率。

“白花蛇舌草-半枝莲”治疗原发性肝癌的机制研究:基于网络药理学、分子对接及体外实验验证

目的通过网络药理学及分子对接探究“白花蛇舌草-半枝莲”的有效成分及其作用于原发性肝癌的主要生物过程及信号通路。方法通过TCMSP、Uniport、Genecards、String数据库以及Cytoscape软件得出最终核心基因;通过ClueGo对药物-疾病共有基因做GO、KEGG富集分析;通过Pubcham、RCSB、Autoduck把药物有效成分与最终核心基因进行分子对接,得出结合能最高药物有效成分;再通过CCK-8、细胞凋亡、Western blotting实验研究此药物有效成分对HepG2的作用。结果筛选得出最终核心基因为TP53、ESR1。GO分析显示主要生物过程为BP-regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway,negative regulation of cell population proliferation;CC-membrane raft;MF-protein kinase activity等。KEGG分析显示主要信号通路为Apoptosis,Proteoglycans in cancer,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Hepatitis B等。分子对接结果显示,药物有效成分与最终核心基因均可以在自然条件下进行对接,其中ESR1与ursolic acid结合能最高(-4.98 kcal/mol)。CCK-8、细胞凋亡、Western blotting实验显示ursolic acid对HepG2有明显抑制作用。结论“白花蛇舌草-半枝莲”通过多种有效成分与原发性肝癌紧密结合,继而对原发性肝癌起到治疗作用。

Quantitative Analysis of Flavonoids in Scutellariae Radix of Different Sources and Seasonal Variation by HPLC

The seasonal and source variations of flavonoid contents in Scutellariae Radix were investigated by using the materials collected at the same place in Liaoning Province, China, during three years, 1990～1992, and in seven other provinces in China. Four principal flavonoids in the plant roots, i.e., baicalin, baicalein, wogonin 7 O glucuronide and wogonin were analyzed by using a reversed phase chromatographic system with a chemically bonded ODS silica gel column and phosphate buffer methanol (68:32 and 1:1) as mobile phase. The contents of the four compounds combined in the herb collected at Chengde, Hebei Province are the highest. The results show that the best time for harvesting the roots in Liaoning Province is the end of August.

Studies on the Constituents of Aerial Parts of Scutellaria planipes

首次从木根黄芩地上部分分离出１３个化合物。经理化常数和光谱分析分别鉴定为异甘草甙元（ｉｓｏｌｉｑｕｉｒｉｔｉｇｅｎｉｎ），蓟黄素（ｃｉｒｓｉｍａｒｉｔｉｎ），汉黄芩素（ｗｏｇｏｎｉｎ），芹菜素（ａｐｉｇｅｎｉｎ），粘毛黄芩素Ⅲ（ｖｉｓｃｉｄｕｌｉｎⅢ），紫丁香甙（ｓｙｒｉｎｇｉｎ），白杨素６ＣβＤ葡萄糖８ＣαＬ阿拉伯糖甙（６ＣβＤｇｌｕｃｏｓｙｌ８ＣαＬａｒａｂｉｎｏｓｙｌｃｈｒｙｓｉｎ），白杨素６ＣαＬ阿拉伯糖８ＣβＤ葡萄糖甙（６ＣαＬａｒａｂｉｎｏｓｙｌ８ＣβＤｇｌｕｃｏｓｙｌｃｈｒｙｓｉｎ），黄芩甙（ｂａｉｃａｌｉｎ），汉黄芩甙（ｗｏｇｏｎｉｎ７ＯβＤｇｌｕｃｕｒｏｎｉｄｅ），白杨素７ＯβＤ葡萄糖醛酸甙（ｃｈｒｙｓｉｎ７ＯβＤｇｌｕｃｕｒｏｎｉｄｅ）和两个苯乙醇甙（ａｃｔｅｏｓｉｄｅ和ｍａｒｔｙｎｏｓｉｄｅ）。其中异甘草甙元，蓟黄素和紫丁香甙均为首次从黄芩属植物中分离得到。

A New Flavone C glycoside from Scutellaria baicalensis

A new flavone C glycoside, chrysin 8 C β D glucoside (1) and a known phenethyl alcohol glycoside, acteoside (2), were isolated for the first time from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis (Labiatae).

茵陈-黄芩调控家禽热应激的潜在作用机制

基于网络药理学和分子对接方法探究茵黄口服液成分茵陈-黄芩调控家禽热应激的潜在机制。本研究通过数据库检索茵陈-黄芩的化学成分、作用靶点及热应激的靶点,构建活性成分-靶点网络并筛选核心成分。利用活性成分与疾病的交集靶点进行蛋白相互作用网络的构建(PPI)并筛选核心靶点,进行GO功能注释和KEGG通路富集分析,对核心成分和部分核心靶点进行分子对接验证。结果获得133种活性成分、166个交集靶点、6个核心成分、16个核心靶点。GO功能注释结果涉及277个条目,其中生物学过程128个,细胞组分31个,分子功能47个。KEGG通路富集分析显示,与热应激相关的信号通路有39条,前20个条目中包含细胞凋亡和自噬条目。核心靶点中与细胞凋亡或自噬相关的蛋白有半胱氨酸-天冬氨酸蛋白酶3(CASP3)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(BCL2)、缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、B-淋巴细胞瘤因子2样蛋白1(BCL2L1)。将核心成分中的5-羟基-2-(2-羟基-5-甲氧基苯基)-6,7,8-三甲氧基色烯-4-酮、苏荠宁黄酮、柳穿鱼黄素、黄芩素、5,7,2'-三羟基-6-甲氧基黄酮、5,7,3',6'-四羟基-6,8,2'-三甲氧基黄酮与核心靶点中的凋亡或自噬相关蛋白进行对接,核心成分与CASP3、BCL2、HIF-1α分子对接结果除了1对组合外,均表现出良好的对接效果。以上结果提示茵陈-黄芩调节热应激的分子机制可能是核心成分通过CASP3、BCL2、HIF-1α、BCL2L1等核心靶点调控细胞凋亡和自噬。

黄芩(Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi)的胚胎学研究

本文运用常规石蜡制片方法,对黄苓(Scutellaria baicalensisGeorgi)的胚胎学进行了较为系统的研究。其主要结果如下:1,雄蕊—4,2强。前对花药较长,是四个小孢子囊;后对花药较短,具两个小孢子囊。幼嫩花药横切可见,表皮下具一个或多个孢原。花药壁由四层细胞组成,由外向内为表皮、药室内壁、中层、绒毡层,其发育方式为双子叶型。绒毡层细胞部分来源于初生壁细胞,部分来源于药隔的基本组织。绒毡层细胞最初为单核,后分裂为双核。分泌型绒毡层。小孢子母细胞是由次生造孢细胞分裂后发育而来的。其减数分裂中的胞质分裂为同时型,四分体的排列主要为四面体型,也有交叉型。成熟花粉粒为2—细胞型。2,子房二心皮、四室、每室一个胚珠,中轴胎座,单珠被,薄珠心,倒生型胚珠。孢原细胞一个,孢原细胞直接发育形成大胞子母细胞,后者经减数分裂形成的线形排列的四个大孢子中,有功能的大胞子的数目及其位置不确定。胚囊发育为蓼型。助细胞具钩状器结构。极核在受精前融合为次生核。反助细胞在受精前开始退化。3,胚发育属柳叶菜型。其发育历经原胚期、心形胚期、鱼雷胚期至成熟胚期。胚柄在球胚早期达到最高度发育,鱼雷胚晚期开始退化。胚柄很长,球胚早期,胚柄已将胚经狭窄的胚囊中部推入到宽大的合点区。胚乳发育为细胞型。

Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid prevents cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid has protective effects against ischemia and attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, rats were given scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid intragastrically at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day for 7 days before focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury models were established using the suture method. We then determined the protective effects of scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavon- oid pretreatment on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Results showed that neurological deficit scores increased, infarct volumes enlarged, apoptosis increased and Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression were upregulated at 24 hours after reperfusion. Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at any dose lowered the neurological deficit scores, reduced the infarct volume, prevented apoptosis in hippocampal cells, attenuated neuronal and blood-brain barrier damage and upregulated Bcl-2 protein expression but inhibited Bax protein expression. Doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg were the most efficacious. Our findings indicate that pretreatment with scutel- laria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at 100 and 200 mg/kg can improve the neurological func- tions and have preventive and protective roles after focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Ethanol extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis protect against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury in mice

Objective: To investigated the protective potential of ethanol extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis(S. baicalensis) against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced liver injury. Methods: Dried roots of S. baicalensis were extracted with ethanol and concentrated to yield a dry residue. Mice were administered 200 mg/kg of the ethanol extracts orally once daily for one week. Animals were subsequently administered a single dose of LPS(5 mg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneal injection). Both protein and m RNA levels of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 in liver tissues were evaluated by ELISA assay and quantitative PCR. C yclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-κB protein levels in liver tissues were analyzed by western blotting. Results: Liver injury induced by LPS signifi cantly increased necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-κB in liver tissues. Treatment with ethanol extracts of S. baicalensis prevented all of these observed changes associated with LPS-induced injury in liver mice.Conclusions: Our study showed that S. baicalensis is potentially protective against LPS-induced liver injury in mice.

Mechanisms underlying attenuation of apoptosis of cortical neurons in the hypoxic brain by flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, an antioxidant, markedly improve memory impairments and neuronal injuries. In the present study, primary cortical neurons of rats were exposed to potassium cyanide to establish a model of in vitro neural cell apoptosis. Inhibition of apoptosis by flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baical- ensis Georgi at concentrations of 18.98, 37.36, and 75.92 gg/mL was detected using this model. These flavonoids dramatically increased cell survival, inhibited cell apoptosis and excessive pro- duction of malondialdehyde, and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and Na＋-K＊-ATPase in primary cortical neurons exposed to potassium cyanide. The flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi were originally found to have a polyhydric structure and to protect against cerebral hypoxia in in vitro and in vivo models, including hypoxia induced by potassium cyanide or cerebral ischemia. The present study suggests that flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi exert neuroprotective effects via modulation of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and Na＋-K＋-ATPase disorders induced by potassium cyanide.

Scutellaria barbata attenuates diabetic retinopathy by preventing retinal inflammation and the decreased expression of tight junction protein

AIM： To observe the attenuation of ethanol extract of Herba Scutellaria barbata （SE） against diabetic retinopathy （DR） and its engaged mechanism. METHODS： C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin （STZ, 55 mg/kg） for 5 consecutive days to induce diabetes, The diabetic mice were orally given with SE （100, 200 mg/kg） for lmo at lmo after STZ injection. Blood-retinal barrier （BRB） breakdown was detected by using Evans blue permeation assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, Western blot and immunofiuorescence staining were used to detect mRNA and protein expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum contents of tumor necrosis factor-e （TNF-a） and interleukin （IL）-II. RESULTS： SE （100, 200 mg/kg） reversed the breakdown of BRB in STZ-induced diabetic mice. The decreased expression of retinal claudin-1 and claudin-19, which are both tight junction （T J） proteins, was reversed by SE. SE decreased the increased serum contents and retinal mRNA expression of TNF-a and IL-113. SE also decreased the increased retinal expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）. SE reduced the increased phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B （NFKB） p65 and its subsequent nuclear translocation in retinas from STZ- induced diabetic mice. Results of Western blot and retinal immunofluorescence staining of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （Ibal） demonstrated that SE abrogated the activation of microglia cells in STZ-induced diabetic mice. CONCLUSION： SE attenuates the development of DR by inhibiting retinal inflammation and restoring the decreased expression of TJ proteins including claudin-1 and claudin-19.

Huangqin flavonoid extraction for spinal cord injury in a rat model

Flavonoids from Huangqin（dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi） have anti-inflammatory effects, and are considered useful for treatment of spinal cord injury. To verify this hypothesis, the T9-10 spinal cord segments of rats were damaged using Allen＇s method to establish a rat spinal cord injury model. Before model establishment, Huangqin flavonoid extraction（12.5 g/kg） was administered intragastrically for 1 week until 28 days after model establishment. Methylprednisolone（30 mg/kg） was injected into the tail vein at 30 minutes after model establishment as a positive control. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale scores were used to assess hind limb motor function. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in the injured spinal cord. Immunofluorescence and western blot assays were performed to measure immunoreactivity and expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuronal marker neurofilament protein, microglial marker CD11 b and astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein in the injured spinal cord. Huangqin flavonoid extraction markedly reduced spinal cord hematoma, inflammatory cell infiltration and cavities and scars, and increased the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale scores; these effects were identical to those of methylprednisolone. Huangqin flavonoid extraction also increased immunoreactivity and expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurofilament protein, and reduced immunoreactivity and expression levels of CD11 b and glial fibrillary acidic protein, in the injured spinal cord. Overall, these data suggest that Huangqin flavonoid extraction can promote recovery of spinal cord injury by inducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurofilament protein expression, reducing microglia activation and regulating reactive astrocytes.