Voltage-Dependent Potassium Current Recording on H9c2 Cardiomyocytes <em>via</em> the Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique

Potassium channels on the myocardial cell membrane play an important role in the regulation of cell electrophysiological activities. Being one of the main ...

Detection of CD40 Protein-Umbelliferone Interaction via Differential Scanning Fluorescence

The investigation of interactions between different molecules is a crucial aspect of understanding disease pathogenesis and screening for drug targets. ...

Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

 Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD), consisting of Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) and Astragali Radix (AR), is a famous prescription with the function of antivasoconstriction. This study intends to probe its mechanisms on the relaxation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA).  Vascular tension of rat MCA was measured using a DMT620 M system. First, the identical series of concentrations of DBD, ASR, and AR were added into resting KCl and U46619 preconstricted MCA. According to the compatibility ratio, their dilatation effects were further investigated on KCl and U46619 preconstricted vessels. Third, four K channel blockers were employed to probe the vasodilator mechanism on KCl-contracted MCA. We finally examined the effects of DBD, ASR, and AR on the vascular tone of U46619-contracted MCA in the presence or absence of Ca.  Data suggested that DBD, ASR, and AR can relax on KCl and U46619 precontracted MCA with no effects on resting vessels. The vasodilator effect of ASR was greater than those of DBD and AR on KCl-contracted MCA. For U46619-contracted MCA, ASR showed a stronger vasodilator effect than DBD and AR at low concentrations, but DBD was stronger than ASR at high concentrations. Amazingly, the vasodilator effect of DBD was stronger than that of AR at all concentrations on two vasoconstrictors which evoked MCA. The vasodilator effect of ASR was superior to that of DBD at a compatibility ratio on KCl-contracted MCA at low concentrations, while being inferior to DBD at high concentrations. However, DBD exceeded AR in vasodilating MCA at all concentrations. For U46619-constricted MCA, DBD, ASR, and AR had almost identical vasodilation. The dilation of DBD and AR on KCl-contracted MCA was independent of K channel blockers. However, ASR may inhibit the K channel opening partially through synergistic interactions with Gli and BaCl. DBD, ASR, and AR may be responsible for inhibiting [Ca], while ASR and AR can also inhibit [Ca].  DBD can relax MCA with no effects on resting vessels. The mechanism may be related to ASR's inhibition of K and K channels. Meanwhile, the inhibition of [Ca] by DBD, ASR, and AR as well as the inhibition of [Ca] by ASR and AR may contribute to dilate MCA.

Anticonstriction Effect of MCA in Rats by Danggui Buxue Decoction.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-specific colorectal disease caused by multifaceted triggers. Although conventional treatments are effective in the management of IBD, high cost and frequent side effects limit their applications and have turned sufferers toward alternative and complementary approaches.  Bge (Danshen) is an herbal medicine that reportedly alleviates the symptoms of IBD. A large body of research, including clinical trials in which Danshen-based products or botanical compounds were used, has unmasked its multiple mechanisms of action, but no review has focused on its efficacy as a treatment for IBD. Here, we discussed triggers of IBD, collected relevant clinical trials and analyzed experimental reports, in which bioactive compounds of Danshen attenuated rodent colitis in the management of intestinal integrity, gut microflora, cell death, immune conditions, cytokines, and free radicals. A network pharmacology approach was applied to describe sophisticated mechanisms in a holistic view. The safety of Danshen was also discussed. This review of evidence will help to better understand the potential benefits of Danshen for IBD treatment and provide insights for the development of innovative applications of Danshen.

 Bge. (Danshen) for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Evidence and Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Developing Supplementary Medical Application.

 Most  species in traditional Chinese medicine have the effect of dispelling wind, dehumidifying, warming the meridian, and relieving pain. Aconitine is the characteristic chemical component with the function of anti-inflammation, analgesic, and heart-strengthening effects. However, improper use will produce cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Currently, the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity caused by aconitine are wheels within wheels without being fully disclosed. The systematic review and meta-analysis were therefore conducted to summarize the available evidence of myocardial toxicity caused by aconitine.  We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG, and VIP information database for relevant preclinical studies. All the data were analyzed by RevMan version 5.3.  Thirty-two studies met the final inclusion criteria, including both  and  study types. After aconitine treatment, the heart rate of animals was obviously abnormal, and the morphology and function of myocardial cells were significantly changed. Aconitine can induce changes in the electrophysiological activity of cardiac myocytes by regulating Na, Ca, and K currents. Meanwhile, the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of aconitine may be related to triggering mitochondrial dysfunction by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and autophagy. It should not be ignored that the overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome also exacerbates aconitine's cardiotoxicity.  The altered ion channels and mitochondrial function, as well as the signaling pathways interacting with NLRP3, may deserve further study for aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity.

An Updated Meta-Analysis Based on the Preclinical Evidence of Mechanism of Aconitine-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

Second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) technology for tumor imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) is an innovative method for tumor diagnosis and treatment. The NIR-II probe can specifically identify tumor cells, and effectively convert light energy into heat energy under the irradiation of NIR laser, thus achieving the integration of non-invasive tumor diagnosis and treatment. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical investigations to corroborate the efficacy and safety of photothermal therapy.

Tumor imaging and photothermal therapy in second near infrared window: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Salidroside (Sal), an active component from Rhodiola crenulata, has been confirmed to exert neuroprotective effects against hypoxia. However, its molecular mechanisms of intensifying mitochondrial function still largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to explore the mechanisms by which Sal heightened mitochondrial function in CoCl-induced HT22 hypoxic injury.

Salidroside intensifies mitochondrial function of CoCl-damaged HT22 cells by stimulating PI3K-AKT-MAPK signaling pathway.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that various traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects against inflammatory diseases mediated through macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming.

Yating Zhang

State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources,
School of Pharmacy,
State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy,
Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy / Academy for Interdiscipline

Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Voltage-Dependent Potassium Current Recording on H9c2 Cardiomyocytes via the Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique

Detection of CD40 Protein-Umbelliferone Interaction via Differential Scanning Fluorescence