Effects of Tongxinluo on activation of platelet in rabbit model of atherosclerosis

AIM: To study the effects of Tongxinluo on the activation of platelets in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups: normal group, model group, the groups treated with high, medium and low doses of Tongxinluo micropowder (0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 g·kg^-1·d^-1), atorvastatin group (2.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1), and aspirin group (12.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1). The rabbits in normal group was fed with common diet for 12 weeks, and the rabbits in model group were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish atherosclerosis model. The rabbits in the rest groups were treated with the corresponding drugs, at the same time to give high-fat diet. Fasting for 12 h after the last treatment, whole blood was collected to perform the blood routine test, and to measure serum and plasma levels of lipids, platelet factor 4 (PF4) and soluble CD62P (sCD62P). Flow cytometry was used to analyze platelet calcium ion concentration. Electron microscopy was used for platelet superfine observations, and light microscopy for observing the pathological changes. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), platelet counts, and mean platelet volume in model group were significantly elevated, and the levels of PF4, sCD62P and calcium were also significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, except aspirin group, the levels of TG, TC and LDL-C in high, medium and low doses of Tongxinluo groups and atorvastatin group were effectively decreased. The platelet counts and mean platelet volume in all treatment groups were markedly decreased, and the serum levels of PF4, sCD62P and Ca²⁺ in platelet (P < 0.05) were reduced. In electron microscopic observation, the shape of platelet was regular and organelles distributed uniform in normal group. However, in model group, the shape of platelet was irregular, pseudopodia forming was obviously observed, and α particles and dense granules decreased, indicating that the platelet was activated. To a different extent, the platelet shape, increase in the number of α particles and dense granules were improved in treatment groups and the damage of the cytoplasm was attenuated. Through histopathological observation, the intimal was smooth and complete in normal group. In the model group, the intimal thickness markedly increased, foam cell aggregated, and plaque was formed. Compared with model group, the intimal thickening and the number of foam cells were significantly decreased, and plaque formation was not obvious in atorvastatin group and high dose of Tongxinluo group. The pathological damages in the other treatment groups were alleviated in different degrees. CONCLUSION: Tongxinluo significantly inhibits the activation of platelets in the process of atherosclerosis, and has important clinical value to delay the atherosclerotic thrombosis.     

Effects of Sini decoction on atherosclerosis and ceramide content of aorta in rabbits

AIM:To observe the effects of Sini decoction on atherosclerosis(AS) and ceramide content of aorta in rabbits. METHODS:28 rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. Control group was fed with a normal diet; High cholesterol group was fed 1% cholesterol and 5% fat diet; Sini decotion+ high cholesterol group was fed 1% cholesterol and 5% fat diet plus Sini decotion (4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1). At the end of study, the plaque area were measured, the atorta ceramide and cell apoptosis were also detected. RESULTS:Sini decotion diminished lipid plaque area on the aortic endothelium, reduced the levels of aorta ceramide and the apoptosis index. CONCLUSION:Sini decoction has an inhibitory effect on AS, the mechanism may be that Sini decotion reduces concentration of ceramide in aorta.     

Effects of sodium ferulate on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in atherosclerosis with hyperlipidemia

AIM:To investigate the effects of sodium ferulate on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in atherosclerosis with hyperlipidemia. METHODS:The rabbit model of atherosclerosis was produced by feeding high lipid forages. RAW264.7 foam cell and HepG2 injured cell models were established by incubation with oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The atherosclerotic plaque area was measured, and serum lipids were detected. The cellular lipid accumulation was examined by oil red O staining. The cellular contents of total cholesterol and cholesterol ester were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The hepatic lipase (HL) mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS:(1) Compared with hyperlipid group, the aorta atherosclerosis plaque area and the serum triglyceride level were significantly decreased in sodium ferulate-treated rabbits, but the serum cholesterol level showed little change. (2) Compared with ox-LDL group, the HL mRNA expression in HepG2 cells was enhanced significantly in sodium ferulate-treated group, but the cellular contents of total cholesterol and cholesterol ester in RAW264.7 foam cells showed little change. CONCLUSION:Sodium ferulate inhibits the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits aorta. This antiatherosclerotic function may reduce serum triglyceride level through enhancing the expression of HL mRNA without influencing serum cholesterol level and foam cell formation.     

Effects of renal denervation on inflammatory factors in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis

AIM: To evaluate the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis. METHODS: New Zealand male rabbits were divided into control group, RDN+ high-fat diet (HFD) group (RDN group), sham+HFD group (sham group) and HFD group. The rabbits in later 3 groups were fed with 2% cholesterol for 8 weeks to establish an early atherosclerosis model. The blood samples were collected to test the levels of lipids, norepinephrine (NE), TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6. The protein expression of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. The levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Ang II 1 type receptor (AT1R) were evaluated by Western blot. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: After 1 d of RDN procedure, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.01). After 8 weeks, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group and HFD group (P<0.05), and triglyceride (TG) was lower in RDN group than that in HFD group (P<0.05). The protein expression of Ang II was decreased in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.01). The protein expression of NF-κB was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.05). The plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1α were reduced in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was reduced in RDN group compared with sham group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: RDN inhibits sympathetic activity, decreases the plasma level of TG, and alleviates inflammatory reactions in the rabbits with atherosclerosis.     

Effects of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase on process of atherosclerosis

AIM：To explore the dynamic changes of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase during the process of atherosclerosis, and to analyze their influence on the formation of atherosclerosis. METHODS：SD rats (n=60) were randomly divided into control group and atherosclerosis group (30 rats in each group). Atherosclerosis model was induced by feeding high-fat diet and vitamin D3. The values of blood biochemical were analyzed enzymatically using bioMérieux kit. The concentration of serum nitric oxideing was detected by a colorimetric method. The success of atherosclerosis modeling was determined by pathological examination. The protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in atherosclerotic plaque was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS：The atherosclerosis model was successfully established in 90 d. The concentration of serum nitric oxide gradually decreased in atherosclerosis group, and a significant difference among groups was observed. Atherosclerosis index was positively correlated with calcium ion, and negatively correlated with nitric oxide. The protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the atherosclerotic plaque after 90 d was found. CONCLUSION:The protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the plaque area of aorta increases and the concentration of serum nitric oxide decreases with the process of atherosclerosis. The anti-atherosclerosis role of nitric oxide is gradually decreased.     

Effects of Chaihu-Shugan decoction on ROCK/JNK signaling pathway and atherosclerosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIM To observe the effect of Chaihu-Shugan decoction (CHSGD) on atherosclerosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and its possible mechanism. METHODS The male SHR (n=50) were randomly divided into model group (gavage of normal saline), compound kendir leaves (CKL) group (gavage of 0.5 g/kg CKL), and low-, medium- and high-dose CHSGD (CHSGD-L, CHSGD-M and CHSGD-H) groups (gavage of 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg CHSGD, respectively), and another 10 male Wistar rats of the same origin were selected as normal control （NC) group (gavage of normal saline). The blood pressure was measured by intelligent noninvasive sphygmomanometer. The levels of blood lipids were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression of oxidative stress-related indexes, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were detected by colorimetry. HE staining was used to detect the degree of atherosclerosis, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway-related proteins, RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK. RESULTS After 4 weeks of treatment, compared with NC group, the blood pressure, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and MDA, and the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK in aortic tissues of the rats in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, NO and SOD were significantly decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the diameter of aortas in the rats was thickened, a large number of foam cells were formed under the endothelium, and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells was observed. Compared with model group, the blood pressure, the serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and MDA, and the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK in aortic tissues of the rats in CKL, CHSGD-L, CHSGD-M and CHSGD-H groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of NO and SOD were significantly increased (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the structure of each layer of rat aortas gradually returned to normal, the vascular cells were in good order, and the inflammatory cell infiltration was slight. Compared with CKL group, the blood pressure, the serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and MDA, and the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK in aortic tissues of the rats in CHSGD-L and CHSGD-M groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of NO and SOD were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No significant difference of the above indexes between CHSGD-H group and CKL group was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Chaihu-Shugan decoction may attenuate the oxidative stress response via inhibition of ROCK/JNK signaling pathway, thus alleviating the symptoms of atherosclerosis in SHR.     

Effects of emodin on activity of sphingomylinase and content of ceramide in rabbit aorta of experimental atherosclerosis

AIM: To study the changes of the sphingomylinase activity and ceramide content in rabbit aorta of experimental atherosclerosis and investigate the effects of emodin on them. METHODS: The qualified rabbits were fed with food containing 1% cholesterol and 5% lard for 10 weeks to establish the animal models. The concentration of cholesterol (TC) was assayed by a enzyme method. Trace-fast-test method was used to test the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and motified- BAMuGuoFu methods was employed to assay the content of myocardial malondialdehyde (MDA). Radiolabeled -enzyme-tracing was used to detect the activity of the sphingomyelinase,and thin-layered scanning was conducted to analyze the content of the ceramide in aorta. RESULTS: The ceramide content in aorta and the sphingomyelinase activity were markedly increased in the rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis. The increase was positively correlated with the content of TC and MDA and negatively correlated with the activity of SOD in blood. Compared to the model animals, emodin at concentration of 5 mg·kg^-1, 10 mg·kg^-1 and 20 mg·kg^-1 respectively reduced the area of plague on endothelium in rabbit's aortic artery and elevated the activity of SOD (P<0.05). The activity of sphingomylinase and the content of ceramide were decreased at the same time (P<0.05). 10 mg·kg^-1 emodin proved to be more effective than 5 mg·kg^-1 and 20 mg·kg^-1 emodin (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that atherosclerosis is related to ceramide signal transduction initiated by factors such as oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemia. The emodin prevents the development of atherosclerosis probably by interfering with the above pathway.     

植物提取物对瓜类枯萎病菌的抑菌活性

以黄瓜枯萎病菌、西瓜枯萎病菌和甜瓜枯萎病菌为供试病原菌,对27种植物的乙醇提取物进行了离体抑菌活性筛选,并采用盆栽活体试验测定了狼毒大戟、藿香、肉桂、黄檗等提取物对黄瓜枯萎病菌的生物活性。离体抑菌活性测定结果表明：27种供试植物提取物对3种病原菌的菌丝生长均具有一定的抑制作用,其中狼毒大戟、白屈菜、藿香、肉桂、黄檗、龙葵等提取物对3种病原菌的抑制率均可达70%以上。盆栽活体试验结果表明：狼毒大戟提取物对黄瓜幼苗抗枯萎病菌的预防效果和治疗效果均较好,分别达70.54%和57.89%|肉桂提取物对黄瓜幼苗抗枯萎病菌的预防效果、诱导抗病效果、治疗效果均可达50%以上|藿香提取物的诱导抗病效果最高达75.60%,而预防效果和治疗效果不明显|黄檗提取物的预防效果可高达83.33%,诱导抗病效果亦达55.55%,但治疗效果不明显。     

辣椒白粉病防治药剂筛选试验

2009年,引进50％醚菌酯干悬浮剂、25％乙嘧酚悬浮剂和世高3种新型药剂,对辣椒白粉病进行田间药效防治试验。试验结果表明,参试的几种药剂对防治辣椒白粉病都有明显效果,但以乙嘧酚500倍液和600倍液田间防效的持效性最长,药后10天防效还在80％以上,其他几种药剂和剂量的田间防效为70．77％～77．57％。     

ceRNA mechanism of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common cardiovascular disease and a major cause of coronary heart di-sease, cerebral infarction and peripheral vascular disease. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a class of circularly closed non-co-ding RNAs that play an important role in the formation of AS. Physiological and pathological significances of the processes such as lipid metabolism, endothelial cell damage, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, monocyte pha-gocytosis and foam-like cell formation, and inflammatory responses are involved in the development of AS. Most circRNA adjust mRNA expression by regulating microRNAs (miRNAs). circRNA provides new ideas and targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AS.     

几种杀虫剂对甜椒甜菜夜蛾的防效试验

甜椒(Capsicum frutescens L.)系茄科辣椒属,一年生或多年生草本植物.其营养丰富,含有人体所需的多种维生素、糖类、类胡萝卜素、有机酸,并可供药用,因而深受广大群众的喜爱.甜椒品种市场销售价格较高,并且每年的价格较为稳定,因此种植面积每年都在不断增加.特别是在海南反季节蔬菜种植中,甜椒是主栽品种之一.     

Effect of testosterone on atherosclerosis in rabbits

AIM: To investigate the action of testoster one on atherosclerosis in a rabbit model. METHODS: 37 male cholesterol-fed rabbits were divided into five groups: castration group: castrated rabbits without exogenous testosterone admin istration; testosterone Ⅰ group: castrated rabbits with exogenous testosterone 0.25 mg·kg-1·d-1; testosterone Ⅱ group: castrated rabbits with e xogenous testosterone 2.5 mg·kg-1·d-1; testosterone Ⅲ group: cas trated rabbits with exogenous testosterone 12.5 mg·kg-1·d-1. The sham operation group was also set. Three months later, the levels of testosteron e, blood lipids (including TG, HDL-C, LDL-C), PAI activity, nitric oxide (NO) co ntent, endothelin (ET), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) in blood were detected. RESULTS: It showed that testosterone in castration group was the lowest. There was no significant difference of TG or LDL-C between castration g roup and the other four groups. HDL-C in castration group was lower than that in other four groups. NO content of castration group was lower than that in others , but PAI activity, ET and AngⅡ concentration were higher than that in other gr oups. CONCLUSION:Testosterone is a protective factor against atherosc lerosis in male rabbits.     

Four PKC-related proteases involved in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a multiple-pathogeny disease that consists of many complicated processes, including oxidative stress, endothelium dysfunction, abnormal cell proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix disorder. The pivotal proteases for these courses are NAD(P)H oxidase, eNOS, MAPKs and MMPs, respectively. As an upstream kinase, protein kinase C (PKC) may involve in the development of atherosclerosis through affecting these enzymes.     

呋虫胺和哌虫啶对哈密瓜烟粉虱的防治效果

为筛选出防治烟粉虱的新型杀虫剂,以烟粉虱为防治对象,以倍内威为对照,测定新型杀虫剂呋虫胺和哌虫啶对烟粉虱的田间防治效果,以筛选适宜的药剂及其有效浓度。结果表明:3种杀虫剂中,呋虫胺1 500倍液对烟粉虱防治效果最好,具有速效、持效期长、防效稳定等特点;其次是倍内威1 000倍液,整个防治过程中其对烟粉虱的相对防效都在80%以上,效果较好;哌虫啶1 000倍液、1 500倍液、2 000倍液防治烟粉虱效果较差。在防治药剂选择上,可以采取倍内威和呋虫胺交替使用,防止倍内威加速抗药性的产生;哌虫啶不建议生产上作为防治烟粉虱的药剂。     

Effects of butylphthalide on atherosclerosis lesion and VCAM-1 expression in aortic wall of ApoE-/- mice

AIM: To observe the protective effects of butylphthalide on atherosclerosis lesion and vascular cell adhesion molecular-1 (VCAM-1) expression in the aortic wall of ApoE^-/- mice, and to explore the possible mechanism underlying these beneficial effects.METHODS: Male ApoE^-/- mice at 6 weeks of age (n=90) were randomly divided into 3 groups. Thirty ApoE^-/- mice fed with high-fat diet and treated with saline simultaneously were defined as model group. Thirty ApoE^-/- mice fed with high-fat diet and treated with butylphthalide (100 and 200 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) were defined as treatment groups. Thirty wild-type C57BL/6J mice treated with saline were defined as control group. Fifteen mice in each group were sacrificed both at the ages of 18 and 30 weeks. The body weight, food intake and water intake were monitored weekly through the experiment. The lipid profiles were determined both at 18 and 30 weeks of age. Aortic roots were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for pathological examination. Serum ox-LDL, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 were examined by ELISA. The expression of VCAM-1 at mRNA and protein levels was determinate by real-time PCR and Western blot in the thoracic aortas. RESULTS: Compared with control group, at 18 and 30 weeks of age, the body weight, serum lipid profiles and inflammatory factors were increased, while the atherosclerotic plaques were raised. The mRNA and protein levels of VCAM-1 were up-regulated. However, serum lipid levels in butylphthalide treatment groups (both at doses of 100 and 200 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) were decreased significantly. Serum ox-LDL, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 were also decreased by butylphthalide treatment. Furthermore, atherosclerotic plaque areas in the aortic roots were reduced by butylphthalide treatment. In addition, the expression of VCAM-1 at mRNA and protein levels in the thoracic aortas was down-regulated by butylphthalide treatment.CONCLUSION: Butylphthalide delays the occurrence of high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis and down-regulates the expression of VCAM-1 in the ApoE^-/- mice, which may be due to its alleviative effects on hyperlipidemia and inflammation.     

9种菊科植物提取物对蔬菜3种害虫拒食活性的研究

测定了金腰箭等 9种菊科植物提取物对菜粉蝶、小菜蛾和斜纹夜蛾的拒食活性。结果表明 ,这些菊科植物对菜粉蝶幼虫、小菜蛾幼虫和斜纹夜蛾幼虫都有不同程度的拒食作用。其中金腰箭、铺地菊、胜红蓟对菜粉蝶幼虫的拒食效果好 ,1%的提取物拒食率 2 4h(小时 )与 4 8h(小时 )达 80 %以上 ;金腰箭、铺地菊对小菜蛾也有较强的拒食效果 ,1%的提取物拒食率 2 4h(小时 )与 4 8h(小时 )达 6 0 %～ 80 % ;而对斜纹夜蛾的拒食效果均较差 ,2 %的提取物最高的拒食率也仅为 6 0 %左右。