Baicalin alleviates adriamycin-induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and proteinuria by inhibiting the Notch1-Snail axis mediated podocyte EMT.

Podocyte injury is an early event and core in the development of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) that induces poor prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a response of podocyte to injury leads to podocyte depletion and proteinuria. The abnormally reactivated NOTCH pathway may be involved in podocyte EMT.

Oroxylin A Reduces Vasoconstriction in Rat Aortic Rings through Promoting NO Production and NOS Protein Expression via Estrogen Receptor Signal Pathway.

Oroxylin A, a flavonoid, is naturally produced in many medicinal plants. Our previous study identified it as a phytoestrogen. Based on this, the present study investigated its vasoconstriction reducing effects and whether the action was mediated by the estrogen receptor (ER) signal pathway.

Formononetin attenuates atherosclerosis via regulating interaction between KLF4 and SRA in apoE mice.

: Atherosclerosis is an underlying cause of coronary heart disease. Foam cell, a hallmark of atherosclerosis, is prominently derived from monocyte-differentiated macrophage, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through unlimitedly phagocytizing oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Therefore, the inhibition of monocyte adhesion to endothelium and uptake of oxLDL might be a breakthrough point for retarding atherosclerosis.

Formononetin ameliorates cholestasis by regulating hepatic SIRT1 and PPARα.

Cholestasis, which is characterized by bile acid (BA) overload within the hepatocytes, is a major contributor to liver injury. The dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis, such as excessive bile acid synthesis and defected secretion, leads to intracellular retention of hydrophobic bile acid which undermines the physiological function of hepatocytes. Cholestasis can further develop into hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, and eventually life-threating liver failure.

Vasodilatory Effect of Wogonin on the Rat Aorta and Its Mechanism Study.

Wogonin, a natural flavonoid, is one of the bioactive compounds of the medicinal herb Eucommia ulmoides OLIV. widely used in southeastern Asia for treating hypertension. However, the molecular mechanisms for the therapeutic benefits remain largely unclear.

[Vasodilator effect of oroxylin A on thoracic aorta isolated from rats].

Objective: To investigate the vasodilator effect and the endothelium-dependent mechanism of oroxylin A in thoracic aorta isolated from rats.

Methods: Thoracic aorta was isolated from Wistar rats. After pretreatment with norepinephrine or KCl, the effects of oroxylin A at different concentrations were detected on isolated vascular rings prepared from rats' thoracic aorta.