Protective Effect of Silibinin on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxemia by Inhibiting Caspase-11-Dependent Cell Pyroptosis.

Objective: To explore the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of silibinin (SIB), one of the active compounds from Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn in endotoxemia.

Methods: Mouse peritoneal macrophage were isolated via intraperitoneally injection of BALB/c mice with thioglycolate medium.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenetic and antiviral activities of dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from the roots of .

has been used both as a traditional medicine and as a functional food for hundreds of years in Asia. However, the active constituents from and their pharmacologic properties still need to be further explored. In this study, one new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponin (1), along with fourteen known analogs (2-15) were isolated and identified from the roots of .

Bufadienolides from the Eggs of the Toad and Their Antimelanoma Activities.

Toads produce potent toxins, named bufadienolides, to defend against their predators. Pharmacological research has revealed that bufadienolides are potential anticancer drugs. In this research, we reported nine bufadienolides from the eggs of the toad , including two new compounds ( and ).

1β-OH-arenobufagin induces mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma through the suppression of mTOR signaling pathway.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Chansu, dried secretions from Bufonidae, has long been used for cancer treatment as a traditional Chinese medicine. In searching for effective anti-hepatoma agents from Chansu, our preliminary drug screening found that a bufadienolide, namely 1β-hydroxyl-arenobufagin (1β-OH-ABF), displays anti-hepatoma activities. However, the anti-hepatoma effects and molecular mechanisms of 1β-OH-ABF have not been defined.

[Clinical observation of therapeutic effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome].

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: ECMO were initiated in 6 patients with ARDS, not responding to conventional mechanical ventilation. Oxygenation status, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level, and fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO(2)] were compared before and after treatment with ECMO, while the adverse effects of ECMO were recorded.