Background:Os Draconis is an important material in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,its market is saturated with counterfeit products,and the limitations of current identification methods pose a serious threa...Background:Os Draconis is an important material in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,its market is saturated with counterfeit products,and the limitations of current identification methods pose a serious threat to clinical effectiveness and drug safety.This study aims to establish a more accurate and comprehensive authentication system for Os Draconis.Methods:A comprehensive approach was employed to analyze authentic Os Draconis,fossilized Os Draconis,counterfeit products,and lab-prepared modern animal bones.The analytical techniques included ^(14)C dating,electron probe microanalysis(EPMA),polarized light microscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).The study focused on examining the microstructural features and micro-area elemental compositions to identify distinguishing characteristics.Results:Physical identification alone was insufficient to reliably distinguish authentic Os Draconis from its counterfeits.XRD analysis revealed that while hydroxyapatite is the main component in all samples,authentic Os Draconis also contains calcium carbonate and quartz,which were absent in counterfeit and lab-prepared samples.FTIR spectra identified the carbonate ion(CO_(3)^(2-))as a characteristic infrared marker for authentic Os Draconis.ICP-MS analysis showed that Ca and P are the major elements,with a notably high content of Lanthanum(La)among rare earth elements in authentic samples.The EPMA results demonstrated that the Ca/P ratio of authentic Os Draconis is distinct,falling between that of fossilized Os Draconis and counterfeit samples.Conclusion:This study successfully identified several precise markers,including the presence of calcium carbonate,the characteristic CO_(3)^(2-)infrared peak,a high La content,and a specific Ca/P ratio,for the accurate and rapid authentication of Os Draconis.Furthermore,the analysis of its natural porous structure,suitable pore size,and surface area suggests that Os Draconis has significant potential as a natural drug carrier.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Draconis Sanguis(DS),a valuable traditional Chinese medicine derived from the resin of the palm tree Daemonorops draco Bl(D.Sanguis,Xue Jie),in the trea...Objective:To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Draconis Sanguis(DS),a valuable traditional Chinese medicine derived from the resin of the palm tree Daemonorops draco Bl(D.Sanguis,Xue Jie),in the treatment of myocardial infarction(MI).Methods:We explored the potential mechanisms of DS in the treatment of MI using network pharmacology,bioinformatic techniques,and transcriptomic analysis,followed by validation through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Results:Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses identified five genes(Fpr1,Glul,Mme,Mmp9,and Pla2g7)as potential targets for MI treatment.Moreover,DS significantly ameliorated cardiac function,inflammatory responses,and MI-induced myocardial fibrosis in vivo.Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses identified Pla2g7 as the most critical target in the DS treatment of MI.Molecular docking revealed that the key active ingredient in DS has a strong affinity for this gene.Furthermore,DS reduced the expression of Pla2g7(P=.0009),NLRP3(P=.003),interleukin-18(P<.001),and interleukin-1b(P=.004)mRNAs in vivo.Conclusions:The results indicate that DS can downregulate the expression of Pla2g7 and reduce the inflammatory response.This demonstrates the potential therapeutic target of DS and the mechanism underlying its cardioprotective effects.展开更多
Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewa...Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.展开更多
[Objectives] To explore the protective effect of Sanguis Draconis flavones (SDF) on rat focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) models established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).[Methods] A total...[Objectives] To explore the protective effect of Sanguis Draconis flavones (SDF) on rat focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) models established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).[Methods] A total of 60 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. They were evenly and randomly divided into sham group, model group, edaravone group (12 mg/kg) and SDF group (360 mg/kg), and administered intragastrically and intraperitoneally. The middle cerebral artery of each rat was blocked by suture-occluded method to establish a CIRI model. After ischemia for 2 h and reperfusion for 48 h, the pathological injury on the ischemic side was observed by HE staining;the neuron and myelin sheath structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy;the expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was preserved by immunohistochemistry;and the transfer of GRK2 was detected by western-blot.[Results] After 48 h of CIRI, the nuclei of the penumbral cortical neurons shrank, the chromatin was unevenly distributed, the nuclear membrane was dissolved and the mitochondria in the cytoplasm were swollen and vacuolated. The myelin layer was disordered. With this change, the distribution of GRK2 subcellular cells in the penumbra of the injured lateral cortex transferred from the cytoplasm to the membrane. SDF can effectively restore neuronal and myelin sheath structural damage and reduce the functional (membrane coupling) expression of GRK2.[Conclusions] GRK2 may be an effective target for SDF to protect the impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) in CIRI.展开更多
[Objectives] This study aimed to study the effects of Sanguis Draconis flavones( SDF) on the immune regulation of mouse spleen lymphocytes. [Methods]A total of 60 BALB/c male mice were evenly and randomly divided into...[Objectives] This study aimed to study the effects of Sanguis Draconis flavones( SDF) on the immune regulation of mouse spleen lymphocytes. [Methods]A total of 60 BALB/c male mice were evenly and randomly divided into normal control group,model group,positive group,and high,middle and low-dose SDF groups. The mice in the model group were injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide to establish mouse immunosuppressive model. The mice in the other groups were intragastrically administered at the respective doses,and the body weight was weighed once a week during the administration period. After 30 d of administration,the thymus and spleen indexes,the spleen lymphocyte proliferation ability,the NK cell activity,and the IL-2,IL-4 and INF-γ contents in the culture supernatant were measured. [Results]SDF could significantly increase the thymus and spleen indexes and improve the spleen lymphocyte proliferation ability and NK cell activity of the mice,as well as increasing the IL-2 and INF-γ contents and reducing the IL-4 content in spleen lymphocyte suspension culture. [Conclusions] SDF have good immunoregulatory effect.展开更多
All available mid-eclipse times of the eclipsing binary Z Draconis are analyzed, and three sets of cyclic variations with periods of 20.1, 29.96 and 59.88 yr are found. The low-amplitude variations with a period of 20...All available mid-eclipse times of the eclipsing binary Z Draconis are analyzed, and three sets of cyclic variations with periods of 20.1, 29.96 and 59.88 yr are found. The low-amplitude variations with a period of 20.1 yr may be attributed to the unavoidable slight imperfection in the double-Keplerian model, which gives periods of 29.96 and 59.88 yr. Interestingly, the Z Draconis system is close to a 2：1 mean- motion resonance, or a 6：3：2 mean-motion resonance if the 20.1 yr period really exists. We also find that the best solutions tend to give the minimum eccentricities. Based on Kepler＇s third law, the outermost companion has a minimum mass of - 0.77 Mo, whereas the middle companion is an M dwarf star with a mass of - 0.40 MG, suggesting that Z Draconis is a general N-body system.展开更多
We present new charge-coupled device （CCD） photometry for the triple star EF Draconis, obtained in 2009 and 2011. Using the updated Wilson-Devinney program, the photometric solutions were deduced from two sets of li...We present new charge-coupled device （CCD） photometry for the triple star EF Draconis, obtained in 2009 and 2011. Using the updated Wilson-Devinney program, the photometric solutions were deduced from two sets of light curves. The results indicate that EF Dra is an A-type W UMa binary with a contact degree of f = 46.7%（ ± 0.6%） and a third light of l 3 ■1.5%. Through analyzing the O C curve, it is found that the orbital period shows a long-time increase with a lighttime orbit. The period, semi-amplitude and eccentricity of the third body are P mod = 17.20（ ± 0.18） yr, A = 0.0039 d （ ± 0.0002 d ） and e = 0.49（ ± 0.02） respectively. This kind of tertiary companion may extract angular momentum from the central system. The orbital period of EF Dra secularly increases at a rate of dP/dt = ＋3.72（ ± 0.07） × 10 7 d yr 1 , which may be interpreted by mass transfer from the less massive to the more massive component. As period increases, the separation between components may increase, which will cause the contact degree to decrease. With mass transferring, the spin angular momentum will increase, while the orbital angular momentum will decrease. Only if the contact configuration would merge at J spin 〉1/3 J orb could this kind of deep-contact binary with period increasing, such as EF Dra, evolve into a rapidly-rotating single star.展开更多
Background:Resina Draconis is a traditional Chinese medicine mainly used to treat pain.However,the pharmacological mechanisms and chemical composition of Resina Draconis are not clear yet.Methods:In this study,based o...Background:Resina Draconis is a traditional Chinese medicine mainly used to treat pain.However,the pharmacological mechanisms and chemical composition of Resina Draconis are not clear yet.Methods:In this study,based on the 21 main active components of Resina Draconis previously analyzed by our group,the potential action targets of the active components were predicted and screened out by using the databases such as Swiss Target Prediction and Pharmapper.The genes corresponding to the related targets were retrieved by UniProt and GeneCards,and then the"component-target"network model was established using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed by using STRING database for analysis.The STRING database was used for enrichment analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways to explore the underlying action mechanisms.Result:A total of 21 main analgesic active components of Resina Draconis and 77 intersecting targets of Resina Draconis and pain were screened out.PPI network analysis indicated that such targets as albumin(ALB),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase 1(AKT1)and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)might be the core targets of analgesia.Through gene ontology enrichment analysis,a total of 169 gene ontology entries were obtained(P<0.01),including 111 biological processes,31 molecular functions and 27 cellular components.Through enrichment analysis of KEGG pathways,a total of 112(P<0.01)signaling pathways were screened.Conclusion:Dracaenogenins A,Resveratrol and 7,4′-dihydroxyflavone in Resina Draconis may be the main material basis for analgesia,which can interact with multiple targets such as AlB,AKT1,TNF,and EGFR,and exerts analgesic effect through signaling pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,and Rap1 signaling pathway.展开更多
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204610)+1 种基金the Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:Os Draconis is an important material in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,its market is saturated with counterfeit products,and the limitations of current identification methods pose a serious threat to clinical effectiveness and drug safety.This study aims to establish a more accurate and comprehensive authentication system for Os Draconis.Methods:A comprehensive approach was employed to analyze authentic Os Draconis,fossilized Os Draconis,counterfeit products,and lab-prepared modern animal bones.The analytical techniques included ^(14)C dating,electron probe microanalysis(EPMA),polarized light microscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).The study focused on examining the microstructural features and micro-area elemental compositions to identify distinguishing characteristics.Results:Physical identification alone was insufficient to reliably distinguish authentic Os Draconis from its counterfeits.XRD analysis revealed that while hydroxyapatite is the main component in all samples,authentic Os Draconis also contains calcium carbonate and quartz,which were absent in counterfeit and lab-prepared samples.FTIR spectra identified the carbonate ion(CO_(3)^(2-))as a characteristic infrared marker for authentic Os Draconis.ICP-MS analysis showed that Ca and P are the major elements,with a notably high content of Lanthanum(La)among rare earth elements in authentic samples.The EPMA results demonstrated that the Ca/P ratio of authentic Os Draconis is distinct,falling between that of fossilized Os Draconis and counterfeit samples.Conclusion:This study successfully identified several precise markers,including the presence of calcium carbonate,the characteristic CO_(3)^(2-)infrared peak,a high La content,and a specific Ca/P ratio,for the accurate and rapid authentication of Os Draconis.Furthermore,the analysis of its natural porous structure,suitable pore size,and surface area suggests that Os Draconis has significant potential as a natural drug carrier.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82222075).
文摘Objective:To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Draconis Sanguis(DS),a valuable traditional Chinese medicine derived from the resin of the palm tree Daemonorops draco Bl(D.Sanguis,Xue Jie),in the treatment of myocardial infarction(MI).Methods:We explored the potential mechanisms of DS in the treatment of MI using network pharmacology,bioinformatic techniques,and transcriptomic analysis,followed by validation through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Results:Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses identified five genes(Fpr1,Glul,Mme,Mmp9,and Pla2g7)as potential targets for MI treatment.Moreover,DS significantly ameliorated cardiac function,inflammatory responses,and MI-induced myocardial fibrosis in vivo.Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses identified Pla2g7 as the most critical target in the DS treatment of MI.Molecular docking revealed that the key active ingredient in DS has a strong affinity for this gene.Furthermore,DS reduced the expression of Pla2g7(P=.0009),NLRP3(P=.003),interleukin-18(P<.001),and interleukin-1b(P=.004)mRNAs in vivo.Conclusions:The results indicate that DS can downregulate the expression of Pla2g7 and reduce the inflammatory response.This demonstrates the potential therapeutic target of DS and the mechanism underlying its cardioprotective effects.
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204610)+1 种基金the Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.
基金Supported by Foundation of Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences(YKY2018006)
文摘[Objectives] To explore the protective effect of Sanguis Draconis flavones (SDF) on rat focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) models established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).[Methods] A total of 60 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. They were evenly and randomly divided into sham group, model group, edaravone group (12 mg/kg) and SDF group (360 mg/kg), and administered intragastrically and intraperitoneally. The middle cerebral artery of each rat was blocked by suture-occluded method to establish a CIRI model. After ischemia for 2 h and reperfusion for 48 h, the pathological injury on the ischemic side was observed by HE staining;the neuron and myelin sheath structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy;the expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was preserved by immunohistochemistry;and the transfer of GRK2 was detected by western-blot.[Results] After 48 h of CIRI, the nuclei of the penumbral cortical neurons shrank, the chromatin was unevenly distributed, the nuclear membrane was dissolved and the mitochondria in the cytoplasm were swollen and vacuolated. The myelin layer was disordered. With this change, the distribution of GRK2 subcellular cells in the penumbra of the injured lateral cortex transferred from the cytoplasm to the membrane. SDF can effectively restore neuronal and myelin sheath structural damage and reduce the functional (membrane coupling) expression of GRK2.[Conclusions] GRK2 may be an effective target for SDF to protect the impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) in CIRI.
基金Supported by Foundation of Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences(YKY2018006)
文摘[Objectives] This study aimed to study the effects of Sanguis Draconis flavones( SDF) on the immune regulation of mouse spleen lymphocytes. [Methods]A total of 60 BALB/c male mice were evenly and randomly divided into normal control group,model group,positive group,and high,middle and low-dose SDF groups. The mice in the model group were injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide to establish mouse immunosuppressive model. The mice in the other groups were intragastrically administered at the respective doses,and the body weight was weighed once a week during the administration period. After 30 d of administration,the thymus and spleen indexes,the spleen lymphocyte proliferation ability,the NK cell activity,and the IL-2,IL-4 and INF-γ contents in the culture supernatant were measured. [Results]SDF could significantly increase the thymus and spleen indexes and improve the spleen lymphocyte proliferation ability and NK cell activity of the mice,as well as increasing the IL-2 and INF-γ contents and reducing the IL-4 content in spleen lymphocyte suspension culture. [Conclusions] SDF have good immunoregulatory effect.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, No. U1231121)the research fund of Ankara University (BAP) (No. 13B4240006)
文摘All available mid-eclipse times of the eclipsing binary Z Draconis are analyzed, and three sets of cyclic variations with periods of 20.1, 29.96 and 59.88 yr are found. The low-amplitude variations with a period of 20.1 yr may be attributed to the unavoidable slight imperfection in the double-Keplerian model, which gives periods of 29.96 and 59.88 yr. Interestingly, the Z Draconis system is close to a 2：1 mean- motion resonance, or a 6：3：2 mean-motion resonance if the 20.1 yr period really exists. We also find that the best solutions tend to give the minimum eccentricities. Based on Kepler＇s third law, the outermost companion has a minimum mass of - 0.77 Mo, whereas the middle companion is an M dwarf star with a mass of - 0.40 MG, suggesting that Z Draconis is a general N-body system.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.10778707 and 11133007)Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No.1208085MA04)the Open Research Program (No.OP 201110) of the Key Laboratory for the Structure and Evolution of Celestial Objects of CAS
文摘We present new charge-coupled device （CCD） photometry for the triple star EF Draconis, obtained in 2009 and 2011. Using the updated Wilson-Devinney program, the photometric solutions were deduced from two sets of light curves. The results indicate that EF Dra is an A-type W UMa binary with a contact degree of f = 46.7%（ ± 0.6%） and a third light of l 3 ■1.5%. Through analyzing the O C curve, it is found that the orbital period shows a long-time increase with a lighttime orbit. The period, semi-amplitude and eccentricity of the third body are P mod = 17.20（ ± 0.18） yr, A = 0.0039 d （ ± 0.0002 d ） and e = 0.49（ ± 0.02） respectively. This kind of tertiary companion may extract angular momentum from the central system. The orbital period of EF Dra secularly increases at a rate of dP/dt = ＋3.72（ ± 0.07） × 10 7 d yr 1 , which may be interpreted by mass transfer from the less massive to the more massive component. As period increases, the separation between components may increase, which will cause the contact degree to decrease. With mass transferring, the spin angular momentum will increase, while the orbital angular momentum will decrease. Only if the contact configuration would merge at J spin 〉1/3 J orb could this kind of deep-contact binary with period increasing, such as EF Dra, evolve into a rapidly-rotating single star.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82074137)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2020A1515011515)Guangdong Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(No.S202210573050).
文摘Background:Resina Draconis is a traditional Chinese medicine mainly used to treat pain.However,the pharmacological mechanisms and chemical composition of Resina Draconis are not clear yet.Methods:In this study,based on the 21 main active components of Resina Draconis previously analyzed by our group,the potential action targets of the active components were predicted and screened out by using the databases such as Swiss Target Prediction and Pharmapper.The genes corresponding to the related targets were retrieved by UniProt and GeneCards,and then the"component-target"network model was established using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed by using STRING database for analysis.The STRING database was used for enrichment analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways to explore the underlying action mechanisms.Result:A total of 21 main analgesic active components of Resina Draconis and 77 intersecting targets of Resina Draconis and pain were screened out.PPI network analysis indicated that such targets as albumin(ALB),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase 1(AKT1)and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)might be the core targets of analgesia.Through gene ontology enrichment analysis,a total of 169 gene ontology entries were obtained(P<0.01),including 111 biological processes,31 molecular functions and 27 cellular components.Through enrichment analysis of KEGG pathways,a total of 112(P<0.01)signaling pathways were screened.Conclusion:Dracaenogenins A,Resveratrol and 7,4′-dihydroxyflavone in Resina Draconis may be the main material basis for analgesia,which can interact with multiple targets such as AlB,AKT1,TNF,and EGFR,and exerts analgesic effect through signaling pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,and Rap1 signaling pathway.
