氧化苦参碱水凝胶通过激活角化细胞Nrf2/HO-1通路促进创面愈合

背景:慢性创面炎症和氧化应激阻碍了角化细胞的再生,氧化苦参碱具有抗氧化、抗炎等多种生物活性,可能具有促进创面愈合的潜在效应。目的:探讨氧化苦参碱对创面愈合的作用,以及对H_(2)O_(2)诱导人角质形成细胞系HaCaT细胞氧化应激损伤的保护作用。方法:①体内实验:分别制备含0,0.05,0.1,0.2 g/L氧化苦参碱的甲基丙烯酰化透明质酸(HAMA)水凝胶。在75只糖尿病小鼠背中部制作直径12 mm的全层皮肤缺损模型,随机分5组干预,每组15只:模型组创面包扎固定,单纯水凝胶组以HAMA水凝胶覆盖创面,低、中、高剂量氧化苦参碱组分别以含0.05,0.1,0.2 g/L氧化苦参碱的HAMA水凝胶覆盖创面,光固化后包扎固定,14 d内进行相关指标的检测。②体外实验:将人角质形成细胞系HaCaT分5组培养,正常组常规培养,H_(2)O_(2)组及低、中、高浓度氧化苦参碱组均加入H_(2)O_(2)干预4 h,然后分别更换为含0,0.05,0.1,0.2 g/L氧化苦参碱的培养基,培养24 h后进行相关指标的检测。结果与结论:①体内实验:与模型组比较,单纯水凝胶组小鼠创面愈合率无明显变化,低、中、高剂量氧化苦参碱组治疗后7,14 d的创面愈合率升高(P<0.05)。治疗后14 d的创面样本切片病理观察显示,与模型组相比,中、高剂量氧化苦参碱组再生表皮层厚度、显微血管数量与胶原沉积均增加(P<0.05)。术后7 d的创面样本Western blotting检测显示,与模型组相比,中、高剂量氧化苦参碱组肿瘤坏死因子α与白细胞介素6的蛋白表达降低(P<0.05)。②体外实验:CCK-8检测、EdU及Ki67染色显示,与H_(2)O_(2)组相比,中、高浓度氧化苦参碱组细胞增殖能力明显升高(P<0.05)。与H_(2)O_(2)组相比,中、高浓度氧化苦参碱组线粒体膜电位升高(P<0.05)、活性氧含量降低(P<0.05)。Western blotting检测显示,与H_(2)O_(2)组相比,高浓度氧化苦参碱组Nrf2核蛋白、Nrf2总蛋白、HO-1蛋白及超氧化物歧化酶1蛋白的表达增加(P<0.05)。③结果表明:氧化苦参碱能够通过上调Nrf2、HO-1蛋白减轻HaCat细胞的氧化应激损伤,加速创面愈合。

氧化苦参碱对高糖诱导乳鼠原代心肌成纤维细胞转分化的作用及机制

目的探讨氧化苦参碱(OMT)对高糖(HG)诱导乳鼠原代心肌成纤维细胞(CFBs)增殖和转分化的作用及机制。方法Sprague-Dawley(SD)乳鼠20只,取乳鼠心脏的心尖部分分离与培养原代CFBs,取对数生长期CFBs细胞分为空白(Control)组、40 mmol/L甘露醇(Mannitol)组、不同浓度(30、35、40、45及50 mmol/L)HG组及不同浓度(25、50、100、200、400 mg/L)OMT组,采用噻唑蓝比色法(MTT)法检测细胞的增殖情况并确定后续实验OMT的保护浓度;按前述OMT的保护浓度结果,取对数生长期CFBs细胞分为空白(Control)组、40 mmol/L甘露醇(Mannitol)组、40 mmol/L HG(HG)组、40 mmol/L HG+50 mg/L OMT(OMT低剂量)组、40 mmol/L HG+100 mg/L OMT(OMT中剂量)组及40 mmol/LHG+200 mg/L OMT(OMT高剂量)组,采用天狼星红和苏木素-伊红(HE)染色法观察各组细胞的胶原纤维表达及形态变化,采用羟脯氨酸(Hyp)试剂盒检测法和免疫荧光染色法检测各组细胞Hyp及α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达,采用流式细胞术检测各组细胞的周期分布比例,采用Western blot检测CFBs中α-SMA、结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)、Ⅰ型胶原(CollagenⅠ)、Ⅲ型胶原(CollagenⅢ)、血管内皮生长因子A(VEGFA)及缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)蛋白的表达。结果与HG组相比,50、100及200 mg/L OMT组CFBs细胞活力下降(P<0.05);与HG组相比,50、100及200 mg/L OMT组CFBs细胞形态发生变化,细胞数量变少;与HG组相比,50、100及200 mg/L OMT组CFBs内Hyp含量减少,细胞在S期分布比例降低(P<0.05);与Control组相比,HG组CFBs细胞数量增多,α-SMA表达增多;与HG组相比,50、100及200 mg/L OMT组CFBs细胞数量减少,α-SMA表达减少;与HG组相比,50、100及200 mg/L OMT组HIF-1α、VEGFA、α-SMA、CTGF、CollagenⅠ、CollagenⅢ及FN表达下调(P<0.05)。结论OMT可抑制乳鼠CFBs增殖并诱导细胞转分化,其机制可能与调节HIF-1α信号相关。

高效液相色谱法测定兰紫解毒颗粒中5种主要成分

建立高效液相色谱法同时测定兰紫解毒颗粒中绿原酸、3,5-二-O-咖啡酰奎宁酸、苦参碱、氧化苦参碱和(R,S)-告依春含量的方法。取0.1 g兰紫解毒颗粒样品,用体积分数为75%的甲醇溶液超声提取30 min,取适量样品溶液上机测定;采用ACQUITY UPLCHSS T3 C18柱(150 mm×2.1 mm,1.8μm)作为分析柱,柱温为25℃,以乙腈-0.1%磷酸水溶液作为流动相梯度洗脱,洗脱流量为0.25 mL/min,进样体积为1μL。绿原酸、3,5-二-O-咖啡酰奎宁酸、苦参碱、氧化苦参碱和(R,S)-告依春的质量浓度在0.4076~42.5292μg/mL范围内与色谱峰面积线性关系良好,相关系数为0.9996~0.9998,方法检出限为0.001~0.014μg/mL。样品平均加标回收率为97.85%~100.35%,测定结果的相对标准偏差为1.05%~2.93%(n=6)。该方法简单、高效、准确、稳定,可同时测定兰紫解毒颗粒中5种主要成分的含量。

同位素内标法—超高效液相色谱/串联质谱法测定六堡茶中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱残留量

目的:以广西六堡茶为例,建立超高效液相色谱—质谱/质谱(UPLC-MS/MS)分析方法测定苦参碱和氧化苦参碱残留量。方法:样品经乙腈水溶液(80%乙腈+0.2%氨水)超声提取,流动相为0.1%甲酸—水和0.1%甲酸—甲醇溶液,梯度洗脱,内标法定量。结果:苦参碱和氧化苦参碱在0.1~80.0 ng/mL质量浓度范围内呈线性,相关系数均>0.9996,检出限均为1.0μg/kg,定量限均为3.0μg/kg,满足茶叶中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱残留量的监管判定要求。通过加标验证,回收率均为92.0%~104.7%,相对标准偏差(RSD)均<5.4%。结论:试验方法结合净化管净化(147.7 mg PSA,15.1 mg GCB,887.2 mg硫酸镁),以Kinetex 2.6μm Biphenyl 100色谱柱(100 mm×3.0 mm)分离,解决了苦参碱和氧化苦参碱提取回收率低、前处理复杂的问题,使苦参碱和氧化苦参碱出峰良好,抗干扰性强。

氧化苦参碱减轻糖尿病肾病小鼠肾组织炎症及纤维化反应的机制研究

目的 通过观察氧化苦参碱(OMT)对同源结构域相互作用蛋白激酶2 (HIPK2)、Toll样受体4(TLR4)、NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)、上皮钙黏素(E-cadherin)、纤维连接蛋白(Fibronectin)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)和IL-18表达的影响,初步探讨OMT在糖尿病肾病(DKD)中抗炎抗纤维的可能保护机制。方法 健康6周龄的db/db小鼠适应性喂养2周,随机分为糖尿病组(DM组)和OMT组,每组10只。OMT组给予腹腔注射氧化苦参碱[120 mg/(kg·d)],持续8周,并设同月龄同背景db/m小鼠为正常对照组(NC组)。处死小鼠前收集血液和尿液,检测各项生化指标,HE和Masson染色观察小鼠肾组织病理形态学改变,Western blotting检测、免疫组织化学染色观察各组小鼠肾皮质TLR4、HIPK2、NLRP3、Ecadherin、Fibronectin的表达水平及部位;酶联免疫吸附试验检测各组小鼠血清IL-1β、IL-18水平。采用Pearson法对HIPK2与TLR4、NLRP3蛋白表达进行相关性分析。结果 DM组体重、血糖、24 h尿蛋白量、总胆固醇、甘油三酯水平较NC组均升高(P <0.05),OMT组24 h尿蛋白量、总胆固醇、甘油三酯水平较DM组降低(P <0.05)。病理染色显示,DM组可见肾小球系膜区节段性增生,基底膜无明显增厚,肾小管管腔明显扩张,肾小管上皮细胞空泡样变性,间质区炎症细胞浸润和蓝色胶原纤维沉积;经OMT治疗后,相较于DM组,OMT组肾小球系膜区增生程度减轻,肾小管病变有所改善,间质区炎症细胞浸润减少。DM组TLR4、HIPK2、NLRP3、Fibronectin蛋白相对表达量较NC组升高(P <0.05),E-cadherin蛋白相对表达量较NC组降低(P <0.05);OMT组小鼠TLR4、HIPK2、NLRP3、Fibronectin蛋白相对表达量较DM组降低(P <0.05),E-cadherin蛋白相对表达量较DM组升高(P <0.05)。DM组血清中IL-1β、IL-18相对表达量较NC组升高(P <0.05),OMT组较DM组降低(P <0.05)。Pearson相关相关性分析显示,DM组肾组织中HIPK2蛋白与TLR4、NLRP3蛋白表达均呈正相关(r=0.881和0.774,均P <0.05)。OMT组HIPK2蛋白与TLR4、NLRP3蛋白表达均呈正相关(r=0.814、0.871,均P <0.05)。结论 OMT抑制DM小鼠肾组织的炎症反应和纤维化程度,可能与抑制HIPK2及炎症信号通路的活化有关。

HPLC法同时测定三味拳参口服液中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱的含量

试验旨在建立利用高效液相色谱法(HPLC)同时测定三味拳参口服液中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱的含量。试验对比了3种氨基色谱柱(安捷伦ZORBAX NH_(2)、资生堂CAPCELL PAK NH_(2)、Waters SPHERSORB NH_(2))的检测效果。从分离效果角度考虑,优先使用安捷伦ZORBAX NH_(2),但其运行时间长;从节约时间和流动相等试剂角度考虑,推荐优先使用资生堂CAPCELL PAK NH_(2)色谱柱,次选Waters SPHERSORB NH_(2)色谱柱。三味拳参口服液经无水乙醇提取后,采用氨基色谱柱(4.6 mm×250 mm,5μm)进行分离,柱温35℃,检测波长220 nm。采用二极管阵列检测器进行分析,外标法进行定量测定。结果表明,在30~300 mg/L的范围内,苦参碱和氧化苦参碱线性关系良好(R>0.999 0),平均加样回收率为97.64%,变异系数为1.63%。系统适应性试验和色谱柱耐受性良好,完全能够满足检测的需求。研究表明,试验建立的方法具有操作简便、重复性好、稳定性高、准确性强等优点,可以用于三味拳参口服液中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱含量的准确检测。

山豆根提取物质量标准研究

建立山豆根提取物的质量标准。选取乙醇浓度、料液比、回流提取时间及提取次数为影响因素,采用正交实验法优化山豆根提取物提取工艺,并以HPLC法测定山豆根提取物中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱的含量。优化提取工艺为:乙醇浓度60%、料液比1∶20(g∶mL)、回流时间2 h、提取次数3次。HPLC含量测定结果为:苦参碱及氧化苦参碱在选定范围内线性关系良好,加样回收率RSD不高于2%。提取工艺稳定可行,且建立的HPLC含量测定方法简便、快捷。

4例山豆根引起的不良反应病例分析

山豆根在我国有着悠久的使用历史,其药用价值较高,但同时也存在着一定的毒性效应。本文回顾性分析了2019年9月至2022年10月我院中药房接收的4例成人患者服用山豆根引起不良反应的病例资料,探究山豆根不良反应的特征、发生机制及预防措施,以期为临床合理、安全使用山豆根提供参考。

氧化苦参碱通过COX-2/PINK1/Parkin信号通路介导的线粒体自噬对MG63骨肉瘤细胞的促凋亡机制

目的基于环氧合酶2(COX-2)/PTEN诱导激酶1(PINK1)/帕金森病蛋白2(Parkin)信号通路介导的线粒体自噬研究氧化苦参碱对人骨肉瘤MG63细胞的促凋亡机制。方法取MG63细胞经2.0、4.0、8.0 mg/mL的氧化苦参碱和6μmol/L的5-氟尿嘧啶(5-FU)作用后,检测细胞凋亡率、凋亡相关蛋白[B细胞淋巴瘤2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)]表达水平、线粒体膜电位降低比例、线粒体自噬水平以及PINK1、Parkin、微管相关蛋白1轻链3Ⅱ(LC3-Ⅱ)蛋白表达水平。采用PINK1小干扰RNA(PINK1 siRNA)干扰PINK1的表达,将细胞分为对照组、PINK1 siRNA组、氧化苦参碱组、PINK1 siRNA+氧化苦参碱组,检测细胞中PINK1、Parkin、LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达水平和线粒体膜电位降低比例以及细胞凋亡率。采用慢病毒感染使COX-2过表达,将细胞分为对照组、氧化苦参碱组、COX-2组、COX-2+氧化苦参碱组,检测细胞中COX-2、PINK1和Parkin蛋白表达水平以及线粒体膜电位降低比例。结果经氧化苦参碱干预后,细胞凋亡率,Bax、PINK1、Parkin、LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达水平,线粒体自噬水平和线粒体膜电位降低比例均显著升高(P<0.05),Bcl-2蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。与氧化苦参碱组比较,PINK1 siRNA+氧化苦参碱组细胞中PINK1、Parkin、LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达水平和细胞凋亡率以及线粒体膜电位降低比例均显著降低(P<0.05)。与氧化苦参碱组比较,COX-2+氧化苦参碱组细胞中COX-2蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05),PINK1、Parkin蛋白表达水平和线粒体膜电位降低比例均显著降低(P<0.05)。结论氧化苦参碱可通过抑制COX-2表达,介导线粒体自噬信号通路PINK1/Parkin的过度活化,从而促进骨肉瘤细胞凋亡。

超高效液相色谱⁃串联质谱检测枸杞中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱残留量的方法

使用超高效液相色谱⁃串联质谱仪,采用同位素内标法定量,建立枸杞中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱的测定方法。样品经1.0%磷酸水溶液超声提取,强阳离子固相萃取柱净化,10 mL 5%氨水甲醇溶液洗脱,采用0.1%甲酸水溶液和甲醇为流动相,梯度洗脱,通过T3色谱柱分离,电喷雾离子源正离子扫描模式、多反应监测模式检测。通过考察不同种类提取溶剂、超声时间、固相萃取条件下目标化合物峰面积,确定最优前处理方式。结果表明:苦参碱和氧化苦参碱在0.5~50.0μg/kg范围内呈现良好线性关系,相关系数(R2)均大于0.999。方法检出限0.05μg/kg,定量限0.2μg/kg。低、中、高3个浓度加标回收试验,苦参碱回收率范围在76.3%~90.7%,相对标准偏差(relative standard deviation,RSD)在2.2%~7.4%,氧化苦参碱回收率范围在79.2%~89.0%,RSD在3.1%~6.6%。该方法适用于枸杞中苦参碱和氧化苦参碱检测。

苦参素通过JAK2/STAT3通路抑制心肌缺血再灌注大鼠炎症反应

目的:探讨苦参素对心肌缺血再灌注(MIR)大鼠炎症反应的影响,并以Janus激酶2(JAK2)/信号转导与转录激活子3(STAT3)通路为切入点探讨其可能的作用机制。方法:将144只大鼠按随机数字表法分为6组:假手术组、模型组、维拉帕米(6 mg/kg)组和苦参素低剂量(25 mg/kg)、中剂量(50 mg/kg)、高剂量(100 mg/kg)组,每组24只。造模前7 d开始每日1次腹腔注射给药。末次给药30 min后,通过阻断左冠状动脉前降支30 min构建MIR大鼠模型。再灌注24 h后,观察心电图ST段变化,通过生物机能系统测定左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室舒张末期压(LVEDP)、左心室内压最大升高速率(+dp/dt_(max))和最大下降速率(-dp/dt_(max));分光光度法检测血浆心肌酶[肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)]活性;通过2,3,5-氯化三苯基四氮唑(TTC)染色、苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察心肌梗死率和心肌组织病变;酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)法检测心肌组织炎性因子[肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)]含量;蛋白质印迹法(Western Blot)检测JAK2/STAT3通路蛋白和高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)表达。结果:苦参素预处理可明显降低MIR大鼠心电图ST段高度、LVEDP、心肌梗死率、血浆CK-MB、LDH活性、心肌组织TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量及磷酸化JAK2(p-JAK2)/JAK2、磷酸化STAT3(p-STAT3)/STAT3表达比值和HMGB1相对表达量,可明显升高LVSP、+dp/dt_(max)、-dp/dt_(max),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。苦参素上述作用具有一定的剂量依赖性,苦参素高剂量组作用最强。除+dp/dt_(max)、-dp/dt_(max)外,苦参素高剂量组对其他指标的作用均优于维拉帕米组(P<0.05)。结论:苦参素可能通过抑制JAK2/STAT3通路活化而减轻MIR大鼠炎症反应,对MIR大鼠心脏功能起保护作用。

Effect of oxymatrine on the replication cycle of hepatitis B virus in vitro

AIM:To determine the antiviral mechanism or target of oxymatrine against hepatitis B virus(HBV).METHODS:HepG2.2.15 cells were incubated with culture medium containing 500 μg/mL of oxymatrine for 2 and 5 d.The surface antigen of HBV(HBsAg) and e antigen of HBV(HBeAg) in supernatant were determined by ELISA.HBV DNA in supernatant,and intracellular covalently closed circular DNA(cccDNA),relaxed circular DNA(rcDNA) and pregenomic RNA(pgRNA) were quantif ied by specif ic real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) or reverse transcription(RT)-PCR.RESULTS:Treatment with oxymatrine for 2 d and 5 d reduced the production of HBV by the cell line,as indicated by the decline of HBsAg(22.67%,t = 5.439,P = 0.0322 and 22.39%,t = 5.376,P = 0.0329,respectively),HBeAg(55.34%,t = 9.859,P = 0.0101 and 43.97%,t = 14.080,P = 0.0050) and HBV DNA(40.75%,t = 4.570,P = 0.0447 and 75.32%,t = 14.460,P = 0.0047) in the supernatant.Intracellular cccDNA was also markedly reduced by 63.98%(t = 6.152,P = 0.0254) and 80.83%(t = 10.270,P = 0.0093),and intracellular rcDNA by 34.35%(t = 4.776,P = 0.0413) and 39.24%(t = 10.050,P = 0.0097).In contrast,intracellular pgRNA increased by 6.90-fold(t = 8.941,P = 0.0123) and 3.18-fold(t = 7.432,P = 0.0176) after 500 μg/mL of oxymatrine treatment for 2 d and 5 d,respectively.CONCLUSION:Oxymatrine may inhibit the replication of HBV by interfering with the process of packaging pgRNA into the nucleocapsid,or inhibiting the activity of the viral DNA polymerase.

Role of DOR-β-arrestin1-Bcl2 Signal Transduction Pathway and Intervention Effects of Oxymatrine in Ulcerative Colitis

This study was aimed to investigate the role of the delta-opioid receptor （DOR）-β-arrestinl-Bcl-2 signal transduction pathway in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis （UC） and the intervention effects of oxymatrine on UC. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into nor- mal group, model group, oxymatrine-treated group and mesalazine-treated group （n=10 each） at ran- dom. The rat UC model was established by intra-colonic injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in the model group and two treatment groups. The rats in oxymatrine-treated group were subjected to intramuscular injection of oxymatrine [63 mg/（kg·day）] for 15 days, and those in mesalazine-treated group given mesalazine solution [0.5 g/（kg·day）] by gastric lavage for the same days. Animals in normal group and model group were administered 3 mL water by gastric lavage for 15 days. On the 16th day, after fasting for 24 h, the rats were sacrificed for the removal of colon tissues. The expres- sion levels of DOR, β-arrestinl and Bcl-2 were determined in colon tissues by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, respectively. It was found that the expression levels of DOR, [3-arrestinl and Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly increased in the model group as compared with the other groups （P〈0.05）. They were conspicuously decreased in both mesalazine-treated and oxymatrine-treated groups in contrast to the model group （P〈0.05）. No statistically significant difference was noted in these indices between mesalazine- and oxyma- trine-treated groups （P〉0.05）. This study indicated that the DOR-β-arrestinl-Bcl-2 signal transduc- tion pathway may participate in the pathogenesis of UC. Moreover, oxymatrine can attenuate the de- velopment of UC by regulating the DOR-β-arrestin 1-Bcl-2 signal transduction pathway.

Inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on hepatocyte apoptosis via TLR4/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway

AIM To evaluate the effect of oxymatrine(OMT) on hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/D-galactosamine(D-Gal N)-induced acute liver failure(ALF). METHODS LPS/D-Gal N was used to establish a model of ALF in rats. To evaluate the effect of OMT, we assessed apoptosis by transmission electron microscopy, and the pathological changes in the liver by light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin staining. An automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-1β. Western blotting was used to detect protein levels in liver tissues. Streptavidin peroxidase immunohistochemistry was used to observe expression of Toll-like receptor(TLR)4, active caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2. RESULTS All rats in the normal control and OMT-pretreated groups survived. The mortality rate in the model group was 30%. OMT preconditioning down-regulated apoptosis of hepatocytes and ameliorated pathological changes in liver tissue. The levels of AST, ALT, TNF-α and IL-1β in the model group increased significantly, and were significantly reduced by OMT pretreatment. OMT pretreatment down-regulated expression of TLR4 and active caspase-3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and upregulated expression of P-AktSer473(Akt phosphorylated at serine 473) and P-GSK3βSer9(glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylated at serine 9) induced by LPS/D-Gal N. CONCLUSION OMT inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis by suppressing the TLR4/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway, which suggests that OMT is an effective candidate for ameliorating acute liver failure.

Effects of Oxymatrine on the Apoptosis of Human Esophageal Carcinoma Eca109 Cell Line and Its Mechanism

The effects of Oxymatrine （Oxy） on the proliferation and apoptosis of human esophageal carcinoma Ecal09 cell line and the mechanism were investigated. The human esophageal carcinoma Eca 109 celis were cultured in vitro. The Oxy-induced apoptosis of Eca 109 cells was assayed by using flow cytometry. The expressions of p-ERKII2, Cyclin D1, p21^waf/cipl, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blot. Flow cytometry revealed that Oxy could induce the apoptosis of Eca l09 cells. Western blot showed that Oxy of different concentrations suppressed the expressions of p-ERK1/2, Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, but up-regulated the expression of p21waf/cip1 and Bax, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased. It was suggested the Oxy could induce the apoptosis of Eca l09 cells, which might be related to the upregulation of p21waf/cip1 and the downregulation of p-ERK1/2, Cyclin D1 and p21^waf/cip1. The possible pathway may be related to Bcl-2/Bax.

Oxymatrine reduces neuroinflammation in rat brain A signaling pathway

Cerebral neuroinflammation models were established by injecting 10μg lipopolysaccharide into the hippocampus of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 120, 90, or 60 mg/kg oxymatrine daily for three days prior to the lipopolysaccharide injection. Twenty-four hours after model induction, the hippocampus was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, and the cerebral cortex was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot assay. The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the real-time quantitative PCR showed that the secretion and mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-113 and tumor necrosis factor-a were significantly decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of model rats treated with oxymatrine. Western blot assay and real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that toll-like receptor 4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased in the groups receiving different doses of oxymatrine. Additionally, 120 and 90 mg/kg oxymatrine were shown to reduce protein levels of nuclear factor-KB p65 in the nucleus and of phosphorylated IKBa in the cytoplasm of brain cells, as detected by western blot assay. Experimental findings indicate that oxymatrine may inhibit neuroinflammation in rat brain via downregulating the expression of molecules in the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-KB signaling Dathwav.

Synthesis of N-Succinyl-chitosan(Suc-Chi) and Preparation of Oxymatrine(OM)/N-Succinyl-chitosannanoparticles

Oxymatrine （OM）/N-succinyl-chitosan （Suc-Chi, with a degree of substitution being 0. 32） was synthesized via the ring-opening reaction of succinic anhydride with chitosan in dimethyl sulfoxide. OM-loaded Suc-Chi nanoparticles were prepared by an ionotropic gelation process and OM was quantified via the HPLC method： The influences of the initial OM concentration on the nanoparticle characteristics and OM release behavior were evaluated. The nanoparticles were found to have a mean diameter within a range of 267-392 nm, a positive surface charge, and a zeta potential in the range of 19-27 inV. The formulation with an initial OM concentration of 100μg/mL provided the highest loaded capacity（0. 77% ） and the highest extent of the released OM （68% at 24 h）, suggesting the possibility to achieve a therapeutic dose. According to the data obtained, this Suc-Chi-based nanotechnology will open up new and interesting prospects for the development of new anticancer drugs.

Antifungal activities of matrine and oxymatrine and their synergetic effects with chlorthalonil

The EC50 values of matrine and oxymatrine against five forest pathogenic fungi （Fusarium oxysporum, Valsa pini, Cladosporium oxysporum, Sphaeropsis sapinea, Marssonina brunnea） were examined by bioassay methods. The results demonstrated that matrine and oxymatrine had strong inhibitory activities to the conidium germination of the tested fungi. The ECso values of matrine for inhibiting the conidium germination of Marssonina brunnea, Cladosporium oxysporum, Sphaeropsis sapinea were 123μg·mL^-1, 272 μg·mL^-1, 1133 μg·mL^-1, respectively, and the EC50 values of oxymatrine for inhibiting the conidium germination of Fusarium oxysporum, Sphaeropsis sapinea were 532μg·mL^-1, 601μg·mL^-1, respectively. The hyphal growth of the fungi was also significantly inhibited by matrine and oxymatrine. The ECs0 values of matrine inhibiting the conidium germination of Sphaeropsis sapinea, Valsa pini, Fusarium oxysporum were 428μg·mL^-1, 535 μg·mL^-1, 592 μg·mL^-1, respectively. The EC50 values of oxymatrine inhibiting the conidium germination of Valsa pini, Fusarium oxysporum were 323, 618μg·mL^-1, respectively. In the synergetic tests the ECs0 values of the mixtures of thiophanate methyl （or chlorthalonil） and matrine （or oxymatrine） were lower than 34 μg·mL^-1 while their co-toxicity coefficients were significantly higher than 1130 It indicated that the mixture of the alkaloids and the chemical had potential practical utilization in controlling certain forest fungal diseases.

Oxymatrine Improves TNBS-induced Colitis in Rats by Inhibiting the Expression of NF-κB p65

Inflammatory bowel disease is thought to be regulated by the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines secreted by T cells, and NF-κB p65 also plays a predominant role in the intestinal inflammation. We evaluated the potency of oxymatrine, one of active components of Sophora Root, in inhibiting the immune responses and inflammation in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid （TNBS）-induced colitis. The inflammation was markedly ameliorated in the oxymatrine-treated rats. The level of IL-2 was increased and that of IL-10 was decreased in colon tissue in the rat model, which was reversed by the treatment of oxymatrine. Moreover, the elevated expression of NF-κB p65 in colon tissue in the model was also improved by oxymatrine treatment. Our results suggest that oxymatrine might be beneficial for the abnormal immune responses and inflammation by regulating the unbalance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and inhibiting the expression of NF-κB p65 in colon tissue.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus by oxymatrine in vivo

AIM To investigate the anti-HBV effect ofoxymatrine (oxy) in vivo.METHODS HBV transgenic mice were producedby micro-injection of a 4.2kb fragmentcontaining the complete HBV genomes.Expression level of HBsAg and HBcAg in thetransgenic mice liver was determined byimmunohistochemical assay.RESULTS Four groups (6 mice in each group)were injected intraperitoneally with oxy at thedosage of 100,200, and 300 mg/kg or with salineonce a day for 30 days. Both HBsAg and HBcAgwere positive in livers of all the six mice in thecontrol group (injected with saline), and werepositive in livers of two mice in 100 mg/kg groupand 300mg/kg group. In 200mg/kg group,HBsAg and HBcAg were negative in livers of allthe six mice. Based on the results, 200 mg/kg isthe ideal dosage to explore the effect of oxy atdifferent time points. According to the oxytreatment time, mice were divided into fourgroups: 10 d, 20 d, 30 d and 60 d (4 mice in eachgroup). Each mouse underwent liver biopsy twoweeks before the treatment of oxy. Down-regulation of HBsAg and HBcAg appeared aftertreatment of oxymatrine for 10 d and 20 d, Dane-like particles disappeared after the treatment ofoxy for 20d under electron microscopy,however, the expression level of HBsAg andHBcAg returned to normal 60 d later after oxytreatment.CONCLUSION oxymatrine can reduce thecontents of HBsAg and HBcAg in transgenic miceliver, longer treatment time and larger dosagedo not yield better effects.