Objective: To investigate the effects of a Chinese herb Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) extract on hypoxia-induced proliferation and the underlying mechanisms involved.
Methods: This prospective study was carried out at the Central Laboratory of Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China from March 2008 to April 2010. The C. sinensis was extracted from the Chinese herb C. sinensis using aqueous alcohol extraction techniques. Forty healthy adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. The proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Cell cycles were analyzed using FACSort flow cytometric analysis. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), c-jun, and c-fos in rat PASMCs was determined by immunohistochemistry.
Results: We found an increased proliferation of PASMCs and increased expression of transcription factors, c-jun and c-fos in PASMCs cultured under hypoxic conditions. The C. sinensis extract significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, C. sinensis extract also significantly inhibited the expression of PCNA, c-jun, and c-fos in these PASMCs.
Conclusion: Our results indicated that C. sinensis extract inhibits hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat PASMCs, probably by suppressing the expression of PCNA, c-fos, c-jun, and decreasing the percentage of cells in synthesis phase, second gap phase, and mitotic phase in cell cycle (S+G2/M) phase. Our results therefore, provided novel evidence that C. sinensis extract may be used as a therapeutic reagent in the treatment of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|
Molecules
January 2025
National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Lichuan black tea (LBT) is a well-known congou black tea in China, but there is relatively little research on its processing technology. Echa No. 10 is the main tea tree variety for producing LBT.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
January 2025
The Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Tropical Forestry Research, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou 510520, China.
In recent years, some new "Qi-Nan" clones of with the characteristics of easy induction and high-quality agarwood have been obtained, through the cultivation and propagation of grafted seedlings. These clones are used for the intensive production of high-quality agarwood. The speed of resin formation and yield are crucial for the development of the agarwood industry.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy.
Navelina oranges () are rich in phytonutrients and bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids like hesperidin. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of hesperidin (HE) and a polyphenol mixture from Navelina oranges (OE) in human hepatocytes (Hepa-RG) and hepatic stellate cells (LX-2), in order to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. In Hepa-RG cells, HE treatment increased expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R), which was associated with down-regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) but had minimal impact on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntibiotics (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt.
Background: Thermophilic species are among the main culprits behind bacterial gastroenteritis globally and have grown progressively resistant to clinically important antimicrobials. Many studies have been carried out to explore innovative and alternative strategies to control antibiotic-resistant campylobacters in animal reservoirs and human hosts; however, limited studies have been performed to develop efficient control schemes against biofilms.
Methods: This study investigated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of some herbal extracts against multidrug-resistant (MDR) species recovered from different sources using phenotypic and molecular techniques.
J Cosmet Dermatol
January 2025
Cosmetic Research Center, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Background: Excessive lipogenesis of the skin triggers some dermatological concerns, such as enlarged pores, acne, and blackheads. Although topical drug treatments can offer temporary relief, their prolonged usage may lead to side effects of dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Consequently, the development of safer and efficacious ingredients in cosmetics for managing sebum overproduction represents a significant yet challenging endeavor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!