Reconstruction of Postinfarcted Cardiac Functions Through Injection of Tanshinone ⅡA@Reactive Oxygen Species-Sensitive Microspheres Encapsulated in a Thermoreversible Hydrogel

Myocardial damage resulting from acute myocardial infarction often leads to progressive heart failure and sudden death,highlighting the urgent clinical need for effective therapies.Recently,tanshinoneⅡA has been identified as a promising therapeutic agent for myocardial infarction.However,efficient delivery remains a major issue that limits clinical translation.To address this problem,an injectable thermosensitive poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)gel(PLGA-PEG-PLGA)system encapsulating tanshinoneⅡA-loaded reactive oxygen species-sensitive microspheres(Gel-MS/tanshinoneⅡA)has been designed and synthesized in this study.The thermosensitive hydrogel exhibits good mechanical properties after reaching body temperature.Microspheres initially immobilized by the gel exhibit excellent reactive oxygen species-triggered release properties in a high-reactive oxygen species environment after myocardial infarction onset.As a result,encapsulated tanshinoneⅡA is effectively released into the infarcted myocardium,where it exerts local anti-pyroptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.Importantly,the combined advantages of this technique contribute to the mitigation of left ventricular remodeling and the restoration of cardiac function following tanshinoneⅡA.Therefore,this novel,precision-guided intra-tissue therapeutic system allows for customized local release of tanshinoneⅡA,presenting a promising alternative treatment strategy aimed at inducing beneficial ventricular remodeling in the post-infarct heart.

Tanshinone ⅡA improves Alzheimer’s disease via RNA nuclearenriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis

BACKGROUND Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.Tanshinone ⅡA(Tan-ⅡA),a bioactive compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza plants,has shown potential neuroprotective effects;however,the mechanisms underlying such a function remain unclear.AIM To investigate potential Tan-ⅡA neuroprotective effects in AD and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin staining was utilized to analyze structural brain tissue morphology.To assess changes in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation,we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting.Additionally,the effect of Tan-ⅡA on AD cell models was evaluated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.Genetic changes related to the long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1(NEAT1)/microRNA(miRNA,miR)-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis were assessed through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS In vivo,Tan-ⅡA treatment improved neuronal morphology and attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain tissue of AD mice.In vitro experiments showed that Tan-ⅡA dose-dependently ameliorated the amyloid-beta 1-42-induced reduction of neural stem cell viability,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.In this process,the lncRNA NEAT1-a potential therapeutic target-is highly expressed in AD mice and downregulated via Tan-ⅡA treatment.Mechanistically,NEAT1 promotes the transcription and translation of Rab22a via miR-291a-3p,which activates nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signaling,leading to activation of the pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein,which exacerbates AD.Tan-ⅡA intervention effectively blocked this process by inhibiting the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a axis and NF-κB signaling.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that Tan-ⅡA exerts neuroprotective effects in AD by modulating the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a/NF-κB signaling pathway,serving as a foundation for the development of innovative approaches for AD therapy.

丹参酮Ⅱ-A调控Th17/Treg免疫平衡影响骨关节炎软骨退变大鼠中TLR4相关通路表达的机制研究

目的探讨丹参酮Ⅱ-A(tanshinoneⅡ-A,TSⅡ-A)对骨关节炎(osteoarthritis,OA)软骨退变大鼠中调节性T细胞(regulatory T,Treg)/辅助性T细胞17(Th17)的影响,以及其对Toll样受体4(Tolllike receptor 4,TLR4)信号的调控。方法以关节腔注射木瓜蛋白酶构建大鼠OA模型。造模成功后,分为TSⅡ-A低剂量组(TSⅡ-A-L)、TSⅡ-A高剂量组(TSⅡ-A-H)、阳性对照药物硫酸氨基葡萄糖(glucosamine sulfate,DGS)组进行药物干预;酶联免疫吸附试验检测大鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)水平;脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记试剂盒(TUNEL)检测大鼠软骨组织中的细胞凋亡;流式细胞仪检测脾组织中Treg、Th17的比重,实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(qRT-PCR)检测大鼠膝关节软骨组织中TLR4、髓样分化因子88(myeloid differentiation factor 88,MyD88)、以及核转录因子(nuclear factorκB,NF-κB)、蛋白聚糖(aggrecan)和Ⅱ型胶原(CollagenⅡ)、叉状头/翅膀状螺旋转录因子3(forkhead/winged helix transcription factor 3,Foxp3)、IL-17、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(B cell lymphoma-2,Bcl-2)和Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bcl2-associated X protein,Bax)的mRNA的表达;蛋白质印迹法检测软骨组织中TLR4、MyD88、p-NF-κB、Bcl-2和Bax的表达。结果与Sham组相比,其余各组大鼠脾组织中Treg细胞的比重、膝关节软骨组织中aggrecan和CollagenⅡ以及Foxp3、Bcl-2的表达明显下降,血清中TNF-α和IL-6的含量、软骨组织中的细胞凋亡率、脾组织中Th17细胞的比重、膝关节软骨组织中IL-17、TLR4、MyD88、p-NF-κB和Bax的表达明显升高;与OA组相比,TSⅡ-A-L组、TSⅡ-A-H组、DGS组大鼠脾组织中Treg细胞的比重、膝关节软骨组织中aggrecan和CollagenⅡ以及Foxp3、Bcl-2的表达明显升高,血清中TNF-α和IL-6的含量、软骨组织中的细胞凋亡率、脾组织中Th17细胞的比重、膝关节软骨组织中IL-17、TLR4、MyD88、p-NF-κB和Bax的表达明显下降;与TSⅡ-A-L组相比,TSⅡ-A-H组大鼠脾组织中Treg细胞的比重、膝关节软骨组织中aggrecan和CollagenⅡ以及Foxp3、Bcl-2的表达明显升高,血清中TNF-α和IL-6的含量、软骨组织中的细胞凋亡率、脾组织中Th17细胞的比重、膝关节软骨组织中IL-17、TLR4、MyD88、p-NF-κB和Bax的表达明显下降,差异均具有统计学意义(P均<0.05),TSⅡ-A-H组与DGS组间各指标的差异不具有统计意义(P>0.05)。结论丹参酮Ⅱ-A(TSⅡ-A)能明显抑制OA大鼠关节软骨组织中TLR4、MyD88、p-NF-κB的表达,降低软骨组织中的细胞凋亡率,这可能与改善Treg/Th17免疫失衡有关。

Growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of tanshinone Ⅱ-A on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM: To evaluate the effects of tanshinone II-A on inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells,METHODS: The human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 was used for the study. The cells were treated with tanshinone II-A at different doses and different times.Cell growth and proliferation were measured by MTT assay,cell count and colony-forming assay. Apoptosis induction was detected by microscopy, DNA ladder electrophoresis and flow cytometry.RESULTS: In MTT assay, the inhibitory effect became gradually stronger with the passage of time, 24, 48, 72and 96 h after treatment with tanshinone II-A, and the most significant effect was observed at 72 h. On the other hand, the increase of doses (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 mg/L tanshinone II-A) resulted in enhanced inhibitory effect.The growth and proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells were obviously suppressed in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The results of cell count were similar to that of MTT assay. In colony-forming assay, the colony-forming rates were obviously inhibited by tanshinone II-A. In tanshinone II-A group, the morphology of cellular growth inhibition and characteristics of apoptosis such as chromatin condensation, crescent formation, margination and apoptotic body were observed under light and transmission electron microscopes. DNA ladder of cells was presented in electrophoresis. The apoptosis index (AI) was 16.9% (the control group was 4.6%) in flow cytometry. The cells were arrested in G0/G1 phase, and the expressions of apoptosis-related genes bd-2 and c-myc were down-regulated and fas, bax, p53 up-regulated.CONCLUSION: Tanshinone II-A could inhibit the growth and proliferation of HCC cell effectively in vitro by apoptosis induction,which was associated with up-regulation of fas, p53, bax,expression and down-regulation of bcl-2 and c-myc.

Altered Erythrocyte Membrane Calcium Binding in Hypertensive Rats and the Effects of Sodium Tanshinone Ⅱ-A Sulphonate on It

The calcium binding of erythrocyte membrane was determined in spontaneous hypertensiverats (SHR)and renovascular hypertensive rats (RVHR two-kidney, one-clip model) and the effect ofsodium tanshinone Ⅱ-A sulfonate(DS-201)on the calcium binding in SHRs was investigated. Ourresults show that the basal calcium binding was reduced in SHRs (P<0.01 vs WKY),while the maximalcalcium binding was not,but both typies calcium bindings had no significant change in RVHRs.Sodiumtanshinone Ⅱ-A sulfonate (125μ mol/L)have no effect on the calcium binding of ecythrocyte membraneof SHR in vitro.These data further support the hypothesis that there is a cell membrane abnormalitypresent in SHRs which may possibly serve as a marker genetics of in hypertension.

LncRNA FOXD3-AS1靶向miR-127-3p对AngⅡ诱导的血管平滑肌细胞的影响

目的探讨长链非编码RNA(LncRNA)叉头盒转录基因D3反义RNA1(FOXD3-AS1)对血管紧张素(Ang)Ⅱ诱导的血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭的影响。方法采用0.001 mol/L的AngⅡ处理人主动脉VSMCs。实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)检测FOXD3-AS1和miR-127-3p的表达水平。CCK-8、流式细胞术、Transwell、Western印迹检测细胞活力、凋亡、迁移、侵袭及磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶(PI3K)和蛋白激酶B(AKT)的磷酸化水平。双荧光素酶报告基因实验和RT-qPCR验证FOXD3-AS1和miR-127-3p的靶向调控关系。结果AngⅡ诱导后VSMCs细胞存活率、迁移和侵袭细胞数、FOXD3-AS1、p-PI3K和p-AKT表达显著升高,凋亡率、miR-127-3p表达显著降低(P<0.05)。抑制FOXD3-AS1表达或过表达miR-127-3p后,AngⅡ处理的VSMCs细胞存活率、迁移和侵袭细胞数、p-PI3K和p-AKT表达显著降低,凋亡率显著升高(P<0.05)。FOXD3-AS1靶向负性调控miR-127-3p表达。抑制FOXD3-AS1能够逆转抑制miR-127-3p对AngⅡ处理的VSMCs细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移、侵袭及p-PI3K和p-AKT表达的影响(P<0.05)。结论抑制FOXD3-AS1能够降低AngⅡ诱导的VSMCs细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭,促进细胞凋亡,其机制可能与上调miR-127-3p和抑制PI3K/AKT信号通路有关。

Changes of c-fos and c-jun mRNA Expression in Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy and Effects of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate

The changes of proto-oncogene c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression in angiotensin Ⅱ （AngⅡ）-induced hypertrophy and effects of sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate （STS） in the primary culture of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were investigated. Twelve neonatal clean grade Wistar rats were selected. The cardiomyocytes were isolated, cultured and divided according to different treatments in the medium. The cardiomyocyte size was determined by phase contrast microscope, and the rate of protein synthesis was measured by [3H]-Leucine incorporation. The c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression in cardiomyocytes was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. It was found after cardiomyocytes were treated with AngⅡ for 30 min, the c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression in cardiomyocytes was increased significantly （P〈0.01）. After treatment with AngⅡ for 24 h, the rate of protein synthesis in AngⅡ group was significantly increased as compared with control group （P〈0.01）. After treatment with AngⅡ for 7 days, the size of cardiomyocytes in AngⅡ group was increased obviously as compared with control group （P〈0.05）. After pretreatment with STS or Valsartan before AngⅡ treatment, both of them could inhibit the above effects of AngⅡ （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. It was suggested that STS could ameliorate AngⅡ-induced cardiomyocyte hy- pertrophy by inhibiting c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression and reducing protein synthesis rate of cardiomyocytes.

Growth-inhibiting and Apoptosis-inducing Effects of Tanshinone ⅡA on Human Gastric Carcinoma Cells

To explore the effects of Tanshinone Ⅱ A on the proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression of p53 and bcl-2 in human gastric carcinoma MKN-45 cells. Cell count and MTT assay were used to study the proliferation-inhibiting effect of Tanshinone Ⅱ A on MKN-45 cells. The effect of Tanshinone Ⅱ A on the cell cycle and apoptosis of MKN-45 cells were examined by propidium iodide （PI） staining and flow cytometry. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to further verify the ex- pression of p53 and bcl-2 gene after exposure to Tanshinone Ⅱ A in MKN-45 cells. The results showed that Tanshinone Ⅱ A significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of MKN-45 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner （P〈0.05）. Tanshinone Ⅱ A arrested MKN-45 cells in G2/M phase which led to an obvious accumulation of G2/M phase cells while decreased number of Go/G1 phase cells. This resulted in apoptosis of MKN-45 cells and the apoptosis rate was as high as 43.91% after treatment with 2.0 lag/mL Tanshinone Ⅱ A for 96 h. It was also found that Tanshinone Ⅱ A up-regulated expression of p53 gene and down-regulated expression of bcl-2 gene. The cytostatic and antiproliferative effect of Tanshinone Ⅱ A makes it a promising anticancer agent for the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

The Effect of TanshinoneⅡ A upon the TGF-beta1/Smads Signaling Pathway in Hypertrophic Myocardium of Hypertensive Rats

To investigate the molecular mechanism by which Tanshinone Ⅱ A （TSN Ⅱ A） prevents left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH）, we examined the expression of AT1R, TGF-β1 and Smads gene in the hypertrophic myocardium of hypertensive rats with abdominal aorta constriction. LVH model was established by creating abdominal aorta constriction. Four weeks later, animals were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 animals in each. One group was used as model control, the other three groups were treated with TSN ⅡA （20 mg/kg）, TSN ⅡA （10 mg/kg） and valsartan （10 mg/kg）, respectively. Another 8 SD rats were subjected to sham surgery and served as blank control. After 8- week treatment, the caudal artery pressure of the animals was measured. The tissues of left ventricle were taken for the measurement of the left ventricular mass index （LVMI） and pathological sectioning and HE-staining were used for determining the myocardial fiber dimension （MFD）. The mRNA expression of AT1R, protein expression of TGF-betal and activity of Smad-2, 4, 7 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Our results showed that （1） the blood pressure of rats treated with TSN Ⅱ A, either at high or low dose, was significantly higher than those in the control and valsartan-treated group （P〈0.01, P〈0.05）; （2） LVMI and MFD in TSN Ⅱ A and valsartan-treated rats were higher than those in the control group （P〈0.05） but significantly lower than those in the model control （P〈0.01）; （3） the high doses of TSN Ⅱ A and valsartan significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of AT 1R and protein expression of TGF-beta l and Smad-3 in the hypertrophic myocardium （P〈0.01）, and TGF-betal in valsartan-treated animals was more significantly lower than that in rats treated with TSN Ⅱ A; （4） the two doses of TSN Ⅱ A and valsartan significantly up-regulated the protein expression of Smad-7 in the hypertrophic myocardium （P〈0.01）, and Smad-7 in the animals treated with high-dose TSN Ⅱ A was significantly higher than that in rats treated with valsartan. It is concluded that inhibition of myocardial hypertrophy induced by TSN ⅡA independent of blood pressure. The underlying mechanism might be the down-regulated expression of AT1R mRNA and Smad-3, increased production of Smad-7, and blocking effect of TSN Ⅱ A on TGF betal/Smads signal pathway in local myocardium.

Synthesis of tanshinoneⅡA analogues and their inhibitory activities against Cdc25 phosphatases

Two series of tanshinone ⅡA derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activities as Cdc25 phosphatase inhibitors. Most of them demonstrated potent Cdc25 inhibitory activity and powerful cytotoxicity against A549 tumor cell line, producing IC50 values in very low micromolar range. At last, the preliminary SAR was discussed.

Preparation and characterisation of solid dispersions of tanshinone ⅡA, cryptotanshinone and total tanshinones

Total tanshinones are lipophilic active constituents extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.Tanshinone ⅡA and cryptotanshinone are the major components in total tanshinones.However, the bioavailability of both compounds is low due to poor water solubility. To enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of tanshinone ⅡA, cryptotanshinone and total tanshinones,three common used hydrophilic carriers including PEG 6000, poloxamer 188 and PVP K30 were used to prepare the solid dispersions at different ratios, respectively. The solid dispersions were characterised by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR). The results of powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the microcrystal state of total tanshinones in solid dispersions and no chemical interaction between total tanshinones and carriers was observed in FTIR spectra. The solubility and dissolution rate of tanshinone ⅡA and cryptotanshinone were significantly increased in all solid dispersions. Regarding tanshinone ⅡA, the solubility and dissolution rate of in solid dispersions prepared with poloxamer 188 were significantly higher than that with PEG 6000 and PVP K30. The higher solubility and dissolution rate of cryptotanshinone were obtained in solid dispersion of PVP K30 than that of PEG 6000 solid dispersions but no significant difference from poloxamer 188 solid dispersions. The results indicate that the superior carrier for preparation of tanshinone ⅡA and total tanshinones solid dispersions is poloxamer 188, and that for cryptotanshinone is PVP K30.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate on Microcirculatory Disturbance of Small Intestine in Rats with Sepsis

To explore the protective effect of sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate（STS） on microcirculatory disturbance of small intestine in rats with sepsis,and the possible mechanism,a rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture（CLP）.Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups：sham operated group（S）,sepsis group（CLP） and STS treatment group（STS）.STS（1 mg/kg） was slowly injected through the right external jugular vein after CLP.The histopathologic changes in the intestinal tissue and changes of mesenteric microcirculation were observed.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） in the intestinal tissue were determined by using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay（ELISA）.The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1（ICAM-1） in the intestinal tissue was detected by using immunohistochemisty and Western blot,that of nuclear factor κB（NF-κB） and tissue factor（TF） by using Western blot,and the levels of NF-κB mRNA expression by using RT-PCR respectively.The microcirculatory disturbance of the intestine was aggravated after CLP.The injury of the intestinal tissues was obviously aggravated in CLP group as compared with S group.The expression levels of NF-κB p65,ICAM-1,TF and TNF-α were upregulaed after CLP（P0.01）.STS post-treatment could ameliorate the microcirculatory disturbance,attenuate the injury of the intestinal tissues induced by CLP,and decrease the levels of NF-κB,ICAM-1,TF and TNF-α（P0.01）.It is suggested that STS can ameliorate the microcirculatory disturbance of the small intestine in rats with sepsis,and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of inflammatory responses and amelioration of coagulation abnormality.

Effects of Tanshinone ⅡA on Transforming Growth Factor β1-Smads Signal Pathway in Renal Interstitial Fibroblasts of Rats

The effects of tanshinone ⅡA （TSN） on transforming growth factor β1 （TGFβ1） signal transduction in renal interstitial fibroblasts of rats were studied in order to investigate its mechanism in prevention of renal interstitial fibrosis. Rat renal fibroblasts of the line NRK/49F were cultured in vitro, stimulated with 5 ng/mL TGFβ1 and pretreated with 10-6, 10-5, 10-4 mol/L TSN respectively. The mRNA levels of fibronectin （FN） were examined by RT-PCR. The protein expression of FN and Smads was detected by Western blot. TGFβ1 induced the expression of FN mRNA and Smads in a time-dependent manner in a certain range. Compared with pre-stimulation, the FN mRNA and protein levels were increased by 1.1 times and 1.5 times respectively （P〈0.01, P〈0.01）, and the protein expression of phosphorylated Smad2/3 （p-Smad2/3） increased by 7 times at the end of TGFβ1 stimulation （P〈0.01）. TSN pretreatment may down-regulate the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression in a dose-dependent manner. 10-6 mol/L TSN pretreatment had no effect on the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression （both P〉0.05）. After pretreatment with 10-5 and 10-4 mol/L TSN, the FN mRNA levels were decreased by 28.1% and 43.8% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, the FN protein levels were decreased by 40% and 44% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.05）, and the p-Smad2/3 protein expression were decreased by 40% and 65% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The inhibitory effect of TSN on renal interstitial fibrosis may be related to its blocking effect on TGFβ1-Smads signal pathway in renal intersti- tial fibroblasts.

Inhibitory Effect of TanshinoneⅡA on TGF-β1-induced Cardiac Fibrosis

This study examined the effect of tanshinoneⅡA (TSNⅡA) on the cardiac fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and the possible mechanisms. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from cardiac tissues of neonatal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by the trypsin digestion and differential adhesion method. The cells were treated with 5 ng/mL TGF-β1 alone or pretreated with TSNⅡA at different concentrations (10–5 mol/L, 10–4 mol/L). Immunocytochemistry was used for cell identification, RT-PCR for detection of the mRNA expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen type Ⅰ (COLⅠ), Western blotting for detection of the protein expression of Smad7 and Smad3, and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining for detection of the protein expression of phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3), CTGF and COLⅠ. The results showed that TGF-β1 induced the expression of CTGF, COLⅠ, p-Smad3 and Smad7 in a time-dependent manner. The mRNA expression of CTGF and COLⅠ was significantly increased 24 h after TGF-β1 stimulation (P<0.01 for all). The protein expression of p-Smad3 and Smad7 reached a peak 1 h after TGF-β1 stimulation, much higher than the baseline level (P<0.01 for all). Pretreatment with high concentration of TSNⅡA resulted in a decrease in the expression of p-Smad3, CTGF and COLⅠ (P<0.01). The protein expression of Smad7 was substantially upregulated after pretreatment with two concentrations of TSNⅡA as compared with that at 2h post TGF-β1 stimulation (P<0.05 for low concentration of TSNⅡA; P<0.01 for high concentration of TSNⅡA). It was concluded that TSNⅡA may exert an inhibitory effect on cardiac fibrosis by upregulating the expression of Smad7, suppressing the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 and partially blocking the TGF-β1-Smads signaling pathway.

Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis Induction in Human Hepatoma Cells by Tanshinone Ⅱ_A

In order to .study the effect of tanshinone ⅡA on growth and apoptosis in human hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 in vitro, the human hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 was treated with tanshinone ⅡA at various concentrations for 72 h. Growth suppression was evaluated by MTT assay; apoptosis-relat-ed alterations in morphology and biochemistry were ascertained under cytochemical staining (Hoechst 33258), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis. Apoptotic rate was quantified by flow cytometry (FCM). The results showed that Tanshinone ⅡA could inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value being 6. 28μg/ml. After treatment with 1-10μg/ml tanshinone ⅡA for 72 h, BEL-7402 cells apoptosis with nuclear chro-matin condensation and fragmentation as well as cell shrinkage and the formation of apoptotic bodies were observed. DNA ladder could be demonstrated on DNA electrophoresis. FCM analysis showed hypodiploid peaks on histogram, and the apoptotic rates at μg/ml concentration for 12 h> 24 h, 36 h, 48 h and 72 h were (2. 32±0. 16)%, (3. 01±0. 35) %, (3. 87±0. 43)%, (6. 73±0. 58)% and (20. 85 ± 1. 74) % respectively, which were all significantly higher than those in the control group (1. 07±0. 13) %. It is concluded that Tanshinone ⅡA could induce human hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 apoptosis, which may be related to the mechanism of growth inhibition.

Tanshinone ⅡA： an overview of its biological activity and the molecular mechanism

Danshen, the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） for treatment of various diseases. Tanshinone IIA （TSA） is one of the main active components of Danshen, which has multiple bioactivities. This article reviews the research progress of TSA in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, anti-inflammatory and immune, anti-tumor, liver protection, neuroprotection. It provides more ideas for the clinical application of TSA and the development of drug resistance.

Tanshinone Ⅱ A, the major lipophilic component of Danshen, promotes neuronal differentiation through MAPK42/44 mediated pathways

Danshen has been used in stroke treatment for thousands of years in China. However, the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. Neuron loss is the cardinal feature of stroke. Stimulating endogenous neurogene- sis, especially neuronal differentiation, might potentially provide therapeutic effects to these diseases. To interpret Danshen＇ s disease-modifying effects, the effects of tanshinone 11 A （T 11 A）, the major lipophilic component of Danshen, on neuronal differentiation in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells and the rat embryonic cortical neural stem cells （NSCs） were observed. PC12 cells and NSCs were incubated with T II A for 7 days. To detect the neu- ronal differentiation, GAP-43 expression was detected by western blots assay and β-tubulin HI expression was de- tected by immunocytochemical staining. Results showed that T Ⅱ A dose-dependently promoted neuronal differentia- tion. T Ⅱ A activated mitogen-activated protein kinase 42/44 （MAPK42/44） and its downstream transcription fac- tor, cAMP response element-binding protein （CREB）. In addition , T Ⅱ A up-regulated the expressions of brain de- rived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） and nerve growth factor （NGF）. The MEK inhibitor and the antagonist to the re- ceptors of NGF and BDNF could partially attenuate the differentiation effects, indicating that MAPK42/44 mediated BDNF and NGF signals were involved in T Ⅱ A＇ s differentiation effects. Caveolin-1 （ CAV-1 ）, the major functional protein of membrane caveolae, plays critical roles in the endocytosis of exogenous materials. CAV1, which was ac-tivated by T Ⅱ A, might help T Ⅱ A transport across cell membrane to initiate its differentiation effects. It was prov- en by the evidences that suppressing the function of caveolin inhibited the differentiation effects of T Ⅱ A. There- fore, it was concluded that T Ⅱ A promoted neuronal differentiation partially through MAPK42/44 mediated B DNF and NEF signals in a caveolae-dependent manner.

丹参酮Ⅱ-A磺酸钠对纤维化人肾间质成纤维细胞体外增殖及cyclin E蛋白表达的影响

目的研究丹参酮Ⅱ-A磺酸钠(sodium tanshinoneⅡ-A sulfonate,DS-201)对人肾间质纤维化来源的成纤维细胞(human renal interstitial fibroblasts,hRIFs)体外增殖及细胞周期素E(cyclin E)基因表达的影响,探讨该药治疗肾间质纤维化的作用机制。方法体外培养并鉴定hRIFs;用四甲基偶氮唑(MTT)法检测对照组与不同DS-201浓度组hRIFs的增殖活性;用免疫细胞化学S-P法和图像分析技术检测对照组与不同DS-201浓度组hRIFs cyclin E基因的表达。结果随药物浓度的升高和作用时间的延长,抑制率逐渐升高,抑制作用逐渐增强,呈剂量依赖性和时间依赖性。用药组阳性细胞的平均光密度值在第3、5、7、9天显著低于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.01),第1天用药各组与对照组之间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论①DS-201对hRIFs体外增殖有显著抑制作用,可能是其治疗肾间质纤维化的机制之一。②DS-201抑制hRIFs体外增殖可能是通过抑制细胞中cyclin E基因的表达,阻滞细胞通过G1/S关卡,延长细胞周期实现的。

丹参酮Ⅱ-A对细胞因子IL-6和IL-10的影响

目的:RAW 264.7细胞中,炎症发生时相关的细胞炎症因子白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和白细胞介素-10(IL-10)起重要作用。丹参酮Ⅱ-A是传统中药丹参的一种重要的药理成分,它具有一定的抑制炎症的作用。但是,从传统中药丹参提取液中的丹参酮对炎症过程的影响研究较少。该文着重介绍了丹参酮Ⅱ-A在转录水平上对IL-6和IL-10的调节作用。方法:以RAW264.7细胞系作为药物刺激靶细胞,使用不同浓度的丹参酮Ⅱ-A对其进行刺激,分别刺激24h、48h后,半定量RT-PCR检测IL-6和IL-10 mRNA表达量的变化。结果:丹参酮Ⅱ-A可以诱导IL-10的释放,同时也减少IL-6的生成,说明它对炎症因子有一定的调控作用。结论:在炎症发生后,丹参酮Ⅱ-A可有效的调节炎症因子的mRNA表达量,进而减少或消除炎症。

丹参酮Ⅱ-A在RAW264.7细胞系中的抗炎症作用机制

目的:丹参酮Ⅱ-A是丹参的一种重要成分。研究丹参酮Ⅱ-A的抗炎症机制。方法:以小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞系RAW264.7作为药物刺激靶细胞,使用不同浓度的分析纯丹参酮Ⅱ-A对RAW264.7细胞系进行刺激,在细胞被刺激24、48h后,使用MTT比色法和半定量RT-PCR法对刺激后的细胞进行检测。结果:通过MTT比色法检测,发现丹参酮Ⅱ-A抑制炎症细胞的增殖,初步计算出丹参酮Ⅱ-A的半抑制浓度(IC50)为43.2μmol/L;在半定量RT-PCR实验中发现,在发生炎症后,丹参酮Ⅱ-A通过抑制磷脂酶A2来减轻炎症。结论:在炎症发生后,丹参酮Ⅱ-A通过抑制磷脂酶A2来达到其抗炎症的作用。