Many epidemiological studies indicate that consumption of dietary polyphenolic compounds is beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Xanthones are a class of polyphenolic compounds that commonly occur in plants and have been shown to have extensive biological and pharmacological activities. Recently, the pharmacological properties of xanthones in the cardiovascular system have attracted great interest. Xanthones and xanthone derivatives have been shown to have beneficial effects on some cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension and thrombosis. The protective effects of xanthones in the cardiovascular system may be due to their antioxidant, antiinflammatory, platelet aggregation inhibitory, antithrombotic and/or vasorelaxant activities. In particular, the antagonism of endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitors by xanthones may represent the basis for improved endothelial function and for reduction of events associated with atherosclerosis.

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Abstract. Protein-coding genes and small non-coding microRNAs involved in the guidance of differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts have been extensively investigated in previous studies. However, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which account for a large proportion of the genomic sequences in numerous species, have not yet been reported. In the present study, the lncRNA expression profile was analyzed using the Arraystar lncRNA array in C3H10T1/2 MSCs undergoing early osteoblast differentiation and 116 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between BMP-2 treated and untreated groups. Among these lncRNAs, 59 were upregulated and 57 were downregulated in BMP-2 treated groups. In addition, 24 cooperatively differentially expressed lncRNAs and nearby mRNA pairs were found. For example, mouselincRNA0231 and its nearby gene, EGFR, were downregulated, while lncRNA NR_027652 and its nearby gene, DLK1, were upregulated. These observations may be part of the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in the control of osteoblast differentiaton. In conclusion, results of the present study indicate that lncRNA expression profiles are significantly altered in C3H10T1/2 undergoing early osteoblast differentiation and these results may provide insight into the mechanisms responsible for osteoblast differentiation.

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Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a predominant neurotransmitter from capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves, which are widely distributed in the gastrointestinal system. These sensory nerves are reported to be involved in the protection of gastric mucosa against damage by various stimuli, and CGRP is a potential mediator in this process. In addition to increase in gastric mucosal blood flow, the beneficial effects of CGRP on gastric mucosa include inhibition of gastric acid secretion, prevention of cellular apoptosis and oxidative injury. The synthesis and release of CGRP is regulated by the capsaicin receptor which is known as transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1) and the agonists of TRPV1 have the potential for gastric mucosal protection. So far, multiple TRPV1 agonists, including capsaicin, capsiate, anandamide and rutaecarpine are reported to exert beneficial effects on gastric mucosal injury induced by various stimuli. Therefore, the TRPV1/CGRP pathway represents a novel target for therapeutic intervention in human gastric mucosal injury.