Th. 3e cycle--Pharm., chim. thérapeutique, 1981. N°: 28.

During the years 2003¿2005, a comparative ethnobotanical field survey was conducted on remedies used in traditional animal healthcare in eight Mediterranean areas. The study sites were selected within the EU-funded RUBIA project, and were as follows: the upper Kelmend Province of Albania; the Capannori area in Eastern Tuscany and the Bagnocavallo area of Romagna, Italy; Cercle de Ouezanne, Morocco; Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park in the province of Huelva, Spain; the St. Catherine area of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt; Eastern and Western Crete, Greece; the Paphos and Larnaca areas of Cyprus; and the Mitidja area of Algeria. One hundred and thirty-six veterinary preparations and 110 plant taxa were recorded in the survey, with Asteraceae and Lamiaceae being the most quoted botanical families. For certain plant species the survey uncovered veterinary phytotherapeutical indications that were very uncommon, and to our knowledge never recorded before. These include Anabasis articulata (Chenopodiaceae), Cardopatium corymbosum (Asteraceae), Lilium martagon (Liliaceae), Dorycnium rectum (Fabaceae), Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae), Origanum floribundum (Lamiaceae), Tuberaria lignosa (Cistaceae), and Dittrichia graveolens (Asteraceae). These phytotherapeutical indications are briefly discussed in this report, taking into account modern phytopharmacology and phytochemistry. The percentage of overall botanical veterinary taxa recorded in all the study areas was extremely low (8%), however when all taxa belonging to the same botanical genus are considered, this portion increases to 17%. Nevertheless, very few plant uses were found to be part of a presumed "Mediterranean" cultural heritage in veterinary practices, which raises critical questions about the concept of Mediterraneanism in ethnobotany and suggests that further discussion is required. Nearly the half of the recorded veterinary plant uses for mammals uncovered in this survey have also been recorded in the same areas in human folk medicine, suggesting a strong link between human and veterinary medical practices, and perhaps also suggesting the adaptive origins of a few medical practices. Since most of the recorded data concern remedies for treating cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, it would be interesting to test a few of the recorded phytotherapeuticals in the future, to see if they are indeed able to improve animal healthcare in breeding environments, or to raise the quality of dairy and meat products in the absence of classical, industrial, veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that both Radix Rubiae and realgar were capable of inducing cellular apoptosis on HaCaT cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner as shown by morphological inspection, DNA fragmentation, TUNEL assay, cell cycle analysis, annexin V---PI staining and Western blot analysis. HPLC fingerprintings were constructed for quality control of the Radix Rubiae extract using mollugin as the chemical marker. Further phytochemical study found that ethyl acetate fraction of this herb possessed potent growth inhibition on HaCaT cells, with IC50 of 0.9 microg/ml. However, the chemical compounds obtained from commercial sources including mollugin, alizarin, purpurin, and quinizarin failed to induce growth inhibition. Meanwhile, arsenic trioxide, arsenic pentoxide and arsenic iodide, three arsenic salts presented in realgar, had significant anti-proliferative effect on HaCaT cells, with IC50 values of 2.4, 16 and 6.8 microM, respectively; and cellular apoptosis was found to be the underlying mechanism for the observed growth inhibitory activity. Furthermore, Radix Rubiae, realgar and arsenic compounds were also revealed to possess growth inhibition when evaluated in a PHA-activated PBMC model, and all of the substances except arsenic pentoxide significantly attenuated the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-y, TNF-alpha and IL-2 in PBMC, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect. The in vivo mouse tail model experiments demonstrated that arsenic trioxide, arsenic pentoxide and arsenic iodide were able to markedly induce mouse tail keratinocyte differentiation, while such differentiation-modulating effect observed in the fraction of Radix Rubiae was only marginal. / In summary, Radix Rubiae and realgar extracts and three arsenic compounds have been identified and characterized as potential anti-psoriatic agents. The discoveries from the present PhD project not only help put the traditional use of these medicinal substances for psoriasis treatment on a scientific footing, but also open up new opportunities for their development into novel anti-psoriatic therapies. / Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 2-3% of the population worldwide, is characterized histologically by hyperproliferation and aberrant differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Many conventional therapies are offered for psoriasis treatment but there exist problems such as unsatisfactory efficacy, side effects and drug resistance. Many patients therefore turn to alternative and complementary medicines for help. Traditionally, Chinese herbal medicine has been extensively used to treat psoriasis and produced promising clinical results. The present PhD study was conducted to investigate psoriasis-treating Chinese herbal medicines with an aim to identify effective anti-psoriatic agents. Sixty Chinese medicinal materials were selected for the screening project based on their ethnomedical use in psoriasis. The ethanolic extracts of these medicinal substances were evaluated for their anti-proliferative action on cultured HaCaT human keratinocytes using microplate SRB and MTT assays. Among them, the root of Rubia cordifolia L. (Radix Rubiae) and realgar were found to have significant anti-proliferative effects, with IC50 values of 1.4 and 6.6 microg/ml, respectively as measured by MTT assay, while they exerted mild significant cytotoxicity on the human fibroblast Hs-68 cell line. / Tse, Wai Pui. / Advisers: C. T. Che; Z. X. Lin. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-09, Section: B, page: . / Thesis submitted in: October 2008. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 298-340). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Ces travaux portent principalement sur l’étude de trois plantes tinctoriales : la garance, le nerprun et la gaude. Ces végétaux ont fait l’objet de nombreuses cultures en Provence et constituaient la principale matière première en colorants rouges et jaunes pour les teinturiers et les artistes. Une optimisation des conditions d’extraction des colorants de la garance assistée par ultrasons a été effectuée en utilisant un modèle statistique. Ce procédé d’extraction simple, rapide et efficace, a été comparé à deux autres techniques utilisées conventionnellement. Une étude cytohistologique des racines de garance a permis d’examiner les effets apportés par les différents procédés d’extraction. Les cellules traduisent après extraction par ultrasons, de profondes déstructurations fournissant une explication au plus important rendement en colorant extraits en comparaison aux extractions classiques. Une étude fondamentale sur l’identification des colorants extraits à partir des fruits immatures d’espèces appartenant au genre Rhamnus a été effectuée. Une approche chromatographique utilisant la CLHP/UVVisible/ SM a permis d’identifier la partie flavonol. Elle présente principalement des composés glycosylés dont la partie rhamninoside est liée sur le flavonol en position 3 ou 4'. Des flavonols 3-O-acétyl-rhamninoside ont également été caractérisés et sont spécifiques de Rh. saxatilis. Les fruits matures renferment aussi des anthraquinones qui ont été séparées des flavonols et concentrées en utilisant l’Extraction sur Phase Solide (SPE). Après analyse par RMN, des dérivés rhamnoside et arabinoside acétylés de l’émodine, jamais décrits dans la littérature, ont été identifiés dont le 6-O-(3',4' diacétyl)-arabinopyranoside d’émodine et 6-O-(2',3',4'-triacétyl)- arabinopyranoside d’émodine présents seulement dans Rh. alaternus. Les colorants jaunes de la gaude (Reseda luteola) ont été analysés par électrophorèse capillaire. En comparaison avec la CLHP, un gain important de la durée d’analyse a été observé tout en conservant une séparation convenable. L’ensemble de ces résultats expérimentaux a pu être appliqué avec succès à l’étude de colorants extraits à partir d’objets et d’échantillons historiques provenant de collections muséales et comprenant notamment des indiennes du XIXème siècle. Enfin, des essais de teintures ont été réalisés, en collaboration avec la société Les Olivades dans le but de développer une gamme de tissus à base de colorants naturels / This work concerns the study of three tinctorial plants: madder, buckthorn and weld. These plant species produced many cultures in Provence and represented the principal raw material in red and yellow dyes for dyers and artists. An optimisation of extraction conditions for madder dyes, using ultrasounds, was carried out with a statistical model. This easy, fast and effective extraction process was compared with two other conventional techniques. A cytohistological study on madder roots permits to examine effects produced by the different extraction processes. Cells reveal, after ultrasonic extraction, profound structural alterations, explaining the high yield in extracted dyes in comparison with classical methods. A fundamental study on the dyes identification extracted from Rhamnus species green fruits was carried out. A chromatographic approach using HPLC-UV-MS permits to identify the flavonol fraction. It is mainly composed of glycosiled compounds where the rhamninosid part is linked in position 3 or 4’ on the flavonol nucleus. 3-O-acetyl-rhamninosid derivatives were also characterised and they are specific to Rh. saxatilis species. Ripe fruits contained anthraquinonic compounds that were separated from flavonols and concentrated using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE). After NMR analyse, acetyl rhamnosid and arabinosid derivatives of émodine, never described in the specialised literature, were identified as emodin-6-O-(3',4'-diacetyl)-arabinopyranosid and emodin-6-O-(2',3',4' triacetyl)-arabinopyranosid were only present in Rh. alaternus. Yellow dyes of weld (Reseda luteola) were analysed by capillary electrophoresis. In comparison with HPLC, a reduced run time was observed while preserving a suitable separation. These experimental results were successfully applied to the study of ancient samples belonging from museums and including “indiennes” of the XIXth century. Finally, dying tests were carried out, in collaboration with Les Olivades society, in the aim to develop textiles containing natural dyes

銀屑病是一種免疫相關的慢性炎症性皮膚病，其發病率約占世界人口的1-3%，而現今仍然缺乏有效安全的根治方法。國內外使用中草藥治療銀屑病取得較好的療效，但目前缺少對其進行系統研究和開發。我們研究小組之前對61種常用治療銀屑病中藥進行篩選, 發現中藥茜草根和南蛇藤的乙醇提取物具有強大的抑制表皮細胞增生的作用，本博士研究課題的目的是確定新的安全有效的用于治療銀屑病的中藥化學成分, 並闡明其作用機制。 / 本研究篩選了28種存在于這兩種中藥中的化學單體成分，采用體外培養永生化的人類皮膚良性角質形成細胞株HaCaT, 應用MTT法, 繪制細胞生長曲線，獲得抑制50%細胞生長所需藥物濃度(IC50)。實驗結果發現1-羟基-3-甲基蒽醌（HMA）， 1，4-二氨基-2，3-（2-苯氧基乙氧基）蒽醌 （DBA）和南蛇藤表現了強大的抗表細胞生長作用，其48小時培養後的IC50分別爲17.9，15.8，1.1 μM. 值得一提的是這些化合物對正常人表皮角質細胞HEK和人類成纖維細胞Hs68只有相對輕微細胞毒性。 / 隨後進行的機理研究，通過熒光染色，DNA凝膠電泳，細胞周期檢測，流式細胞計檢測及Western blot 分析結果表明， HMA和南蛇藤素是通過誘導細胞凋亡作用抑制HaCaT細胞生長。其中南蛇藤素通過線粒體凋亡和死亡受體介導的兩種通路誘導細胞凋亡， 其誘導細胞凋亡作用與其抑制核因子-κB在HaCaT細胞中的表達和活化有關。 / 另一方面，DBA 抑制人體表皮角質細胞生長的作用機理在于其對角質細胞終末分化的誘導作用。DBA與HaCaT和HEK細胞共同培養96小時後，能顯著促進細胞角質化外膜形成，同時上調角蛋白K1/10，人體套膜蛋白，轉谷氨酰胺酶-1表達和下調角蛋白K5/14表達。而利用小鼠尾部鱗片表皮模型對HMA的外用制劑進行測試，結果顯示HMA誘導角質細胞終末分化能力較弱。 / 總而言之，本研究課題從兩種中藥中成功發現三個具有較強的抗銀屑病活性的化學單體成分，這些來自中藥的天然産物具有很好的開發成新的銀屑病治療外用制劑的應用前景。 / Psoriasis is an immunologically-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and joints affecting approximately 1-3% of the world’s population. Traditionally, Chinese medicine has been extensively used both inside and outside China for treating psoriasis with promising clinical results. Based on the promising findings in our previous screening project on 61 psoriasis-treating Chinese medicines which showed the root of Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiae Radix) to have potent anti-psoriatic action, the present study aimed to identify active anti-psoriatic chemical constituents derived from Rubiae Radix and another Chinese herb namely Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. / Microplate MTT assay was performed to evaluate the anti-proliferative actions of 28 selected Rubiae Radix-derived anthraquinones and other chemical ingredients on cultured HaCaT keratinocytes. Among them, 1-hydroxy-3-methyl-anthraquinone (HMA) and 1,4-diamino-2,3-bis(2-phenoxyethoxy)anthraquinone (DBA), as well as celastrol, a Celastrus orbiculatus-derived triterpene, were found to possess significant anti-proliferative action on HaCaT cells, with IC₅₀ value of 17.9, 15.8 and 1.1 μM, respectively. All DBA, HMA and celastrol showed only mild to moderate toxic effects on normal human keratinocyte HEK cells and human fibroblast Hs68 cells. / Mechanistically, celastrol and HMA was found to induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in HaCaT cells as characterized by DNA fragmentation, phosphatidyl-serine externalization and activation of caspase 3. Further studies by flow cytometric and western blot analyses demonstrated that the celastrol-induced apoptosis on HaCaT cells was associated with the inhibition of NF-κB pathway and through caspase-related apoptotic pathway as characterized by activation of caspase proteins, regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins and depolarization of mitochondrial potential. / On the other hand, DBA showed an ability to induce terminal differentiation in cultured human keratinocytes and this capability is believed to be responsible for its growth inhibitory effects. DBA significantly accentuated the cornified envelope formation in HEK and HaCaT keratinocytes together with the augmentation of K1/K10, involucrin and transglutaminase 1 protein levels and decrease of expression of K5/K14 protein in DBA-treated cells. However, the subsequent in vivo study using a mouse tail model showed that HMA did not have significant effects on modulating keratinocyte terminal differentiation. / Taken together, our present PhD project successfully identified DBA, HMA and celastrol to have potent anti-psoriatic action on in vitro models, and the experimental findings render these naturally-occurring chemicals to be promising candidates for further development into anti-psoriatic pharmaceutical agents. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Zhou, Linli. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 213-244). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract (English) --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.iii / Publications --- p.v / Acknowledgements --- p.vii / Table of Contents --- p.viii / List of Figures --- p.xvii / List of Tables --- p.xxi / List of Abbreviations --- p.xxii / Chapter Chapter One --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Psoriasis --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Structure of skin --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Epidemiology of psoriasis --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Pathogenesis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Classification --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Nonpustular (plaque type) psoriasis --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- Guttate psoriasis --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.4.3 --- Pustular psoriasis --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.4.4 --- Erythrodermic psoriasis --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.4.5 --- Nail psoriasis --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.4.6 --- Psoriatic arthritis --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Comorbidities --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2 --- Treatment of Psoriasis --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Conventional treatment for psoriasis --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- Topical therapy --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.1.2 --- Phototherapy --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.1.3 --- Systemic therapy --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Targeted immunotherapy --- p.24 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Combination, rotational and sequential therapy --- p.25 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Complementary treatment --- p.26 / Chapter 1.3 --- Traditional Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis --- p.30 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Prescriptions for psoriasis based on pattern differentiation --- p.30 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Clinical and experimental study of TCM for psoriasis --- p.34 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Possible action mechanisms of Chinese herbs for psoriasis --- p.34 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Previous studies on TCM for psoriasis conducted by our research group --- p.35 / Chapter 1.4 --- Aims and Objectives of the Present Study --- p.38 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Phytochemical and Apoptotic Studies of Rubiae Radix-derived Anthraquinones and Other Related Compounds / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2 --- Selection and Screening of Rubiae Radix-derived anthraquinones and Other Related Compounds for Anti-proliferative Action on Cultured HaCaT Human Keratinocytes --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Introduction --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.45 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Procurement of Rubiae Radix-derived anthraquiones and other related compounds --- p.45 / Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- Purification of anthraquinones from Rubiae Radix --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.2.3 --- General cell culture --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.2.4 --- SRB assay --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.2.5 --- MTT assay --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.2.6 --- Assessment of synergistic or antagonistic effects between two active anthraquiones --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.2.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Results --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Anti-proliferative effects of 35 Rubiae Radix fractions on HaCaT cells by SRB assay --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Anti-proliferative effects of the 27 anthraquinones and related compounds on HaCaT cells by SRB assay --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- Confirmation of the anti-proliferative action of 8 active pure compounds using MTT assay --- p.61 / Chapter 2.2.3.4 --- Cytotoxic effects of 1-hydroxy-3-methyl-anthraquinone and1,4-diamino-2,3-bis(2-phenoxyethoxy)anthraquinone on the growth of HEK and Hs68 cells --- p.64 / Chapter 2.2.3.5 --- Drug interactions between different active anthraquinones --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Discussion --- p.69 / Chapter 2.3 --- Investigations of the Apoptotic Effects of DBA and HMA on HaCaT cells --- p.71 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Introduction --- p.71 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.76 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.76 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- General cell culture methods --- p.76 / Chapter 2.3.2.3 --- Cell cycle analysis with PI staining --- p.76 / Chapter 2.3.2.4 --- Hoechst fluorescence staining for morphological evaluation --- p.77 / Chapter 2.3.2.5 --- DNA fragmentation assay --- p.77 / Chapter 2.3.2.6 --- Detection of apoptosis by flow cytometry --- p.78 / Chapter 2.3.2.7 --- Prepare cytosol fraction of HaCaT cells --- p.79 / Chapter 2.3.2.8 --- Western blot analysis --- p.79 / Chapter 2.3.2.9 --- Statistical analysis --- p.80 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Results --- p.76 / Chapter 2.3.3.1 --- Action of DBA and HMA on cell cycle progression --- p.80 / Chapter 2.3.3.2 --- Alteration of cellular morphology --- p.84 / Chapter 2.3.3.3 --- Detection of DNA fragmentation --- p.86 / Chapter 2.3.3.4 --- Quantitative analysis of apoptotic cells by annexin V-PI staining --- p.88 / Chapter 2.3.3.5 --- Activation of procaspase-3 and release of cytochrome c protein --- p.91 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Discussion --- p.94 / Chapter 2.4 --- General Discussion --- p.97 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Effects of Rubiae Radix and Its-derived Anthraquinones on Keratinocyte Terminal Differentiation / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.100 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.105 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.105 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- General cell culture --- p.105 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Cornified envelope (CE) formation assay --- p.106 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Western blot analysis --- p.107 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.107 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.108 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- EA fraction of Rubiae Radix, DBA and HMA stimulates CE formation --- p.108 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- EA fraction of Rubiae Radix, DBA and HMA regulated TG1 expression and involucrin production in cultured human keratinocytes --- p.112 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Regulation of cytokeratins by EA fraction of Rubiae Radix, DBA and HMA --- p.118 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.128 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Anti-psoriatic Action of Celastrol from Celastrus orbiculatus / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.136 / Chapter 4.2 --- Anti-proliferative Action of Celastrol on Cultured Human Keratinocytes and Other Cell Types --- p.138 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Introduction --- p.138 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Materials and methods / Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.138 / Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- General cell culture --- p.139 / Chapter 4.2.2.3 --- MTT assay --- p.139 / Chapter 4.2.2.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.139 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Results --- p.142 / Chapter 4.2.3.1 --- Anti-proliferative effect of celastrol on cultured cells --- p.142 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Discussion --- p.145 / Chapter 4.3 --- Induction of Apoptosis by Celastrol on Human Keratinocytes --- p.146 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Introduction --- p.146 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.146 / Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.146 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- General cell culture --- p.147 / Chapter 4.3.2.3 --- Cell cycle analysis with PI staining --- p.147 / Chapter 4.3.2.4 --- Detection of apoptosis by flow cytometry --- p.147 / Chapter 4.3.2.5 --- Measurement of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) --- p.148 / Chapter 4.3.2.6 --- Western blot analysis --- p.148 / Chapter 4.3.2.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.148 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Results --- p.149 / Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Induction of sub-G1 phase by celastrol on HaCaT cells --- p.149 / Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Quantitative analysis of apoptotic cells by Annexin V-PI staining --- p.151 / Chapter 4.3.3.3 --- Alteration of ΔΨm --- p.153 / Chapter 4.3.3.4 --- Activation of caspase family protein --- p.155 / Chapter 4.3.3.5 --- Celastrol regulates the Bcl-2 family members --- p.159 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Discussion --- p.161 / Chapter 4.4 --- Inhibition of NF-κB Transcription Factor Activation by Celastrol --- p.164 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Introduction --- p.164 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.165 / Chapter 4.4.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.165 / Chapter 4.4.2.2 --- General cell cultrue --- p.165 / Chapter 4.4.2.3 --- Western blot analysis --- p.165 / Chapter 4.4.2.4 --- Detect nuclear p65 by ELISA assay --- p.166 / Chapter 4.4.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.166 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Results --- p.167 / Chapter 4.4.3.1 --- Celastrol inhibited the NF-κB activation --- p.167 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Discussion --- p.170 / Chapter 4.5 --- Induction of Terminal Differentiation by Celastrol --- p.173 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Introduction --- p.173 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.174 / Chapter 4.5.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.174 / Chapter 4.5.2.2 --- General cell culture --- p.174 / Chapter 4.5.2.3 --- CE formation assay --- p.174 / Chapter 4.5.2.4 --- Western blot analysis --- p.174 / Chapter 4.5.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.174 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Results --- p.175 / Chapter 4.5.3.1 --- Regulation of CE formation by celastrol --- p.175 / Chapter 4.5.3.2 --- Modulation of terminal differentiation markers by celastrol --- p.178 / Chapter 4.5.4 --- Discussion --- p.181 / Chapter 4.6 --- General Discussion --- p.183 / Chapter Chapter Five --- In vivo Anti-psoriatic Effects of Topical Preparation of 1-hydroxy-3-methyl-anthraquinone / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.187 / Chapter 5.2 --- Material and Methods --- p.191 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.191 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Formulation of topical preparation containing HMA --- p.191 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Mouse tail model --- p.192 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Histopathological evaluation --- p.193 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.194 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.195 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Body weight profile --- p.195 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Histological resutls --- p.197 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.201 / Chapter Chapter Six --- General Conclusions and Future Perspectives / Chapter 6.1 --- General Conclusions --- p.205 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future Perspectives --- p.210 / References / References by alphabetical order --- p.213

銀屑病是一種慢性炎症性皮膚病，其發病率約佔全球1-3%的人口。銀屑病的病理特徵包括角質細胞增殖和分化異常，同時伴隨炎症反應，白細胞聚集於真皮和表皮以及血管擴張。證據顯示角質細胞能參與及延續免疫反應，以達致維持或促進該病的作用。研究亦建議角質細胞減少凋亡是引致銀屑病的一個特定現象；因此，長期以來誘導角質細胞凋亡就被用作為治療銀屑病的一種有效策略。 / 根據銀屑病的嚴重程度，治療方法可分為三級：外用藥物主要用於比較輕微的病患，而光療適合中等程度的病患；對於嚴重病例則可使用系統性治療或生物製劑。基於大約75%的銀屑病患者屬於輕微至中度病患，外用藥物是目前應用最為廣泛的治療方法。在中國銀屑病治療的歷史中曾經使用過中草藥，研究亦表明，其治療機制可能通過抑制角質細胞增殖和誘導角質細胞凋亡。比較研究也指出，傳統中藥比西藥的副作用相對較少，及具有較長的舒緩期和較低的復發率。 / 我們先前的研究發現，茜草根提取物能夠抑制一個和銀屑病相關的HaCaT角質細胞增殖。本研究證實，茜草根的乙酸乙酯提取物（EA）能誘導HaCaT細胞凋亡，其抑制角質細胞增殖的作用比茜草根的乙醇提取物（EE）更為有效，並可和一個流行於歐洲國家的重要外用銀屑病治療藥地蒽酚相比。另外，透過不同的檢測，包括形態學觀察，細胞凋亡雙染（磷脂結合蛋白V-碘化丙啶）分析，細胞週期分析，去氧核醣核酸斷裂測試，原位末端轉移酶標記技術，免疫熒光染色以及西方墨點法，我們發現一種在茜草中的化合物，1,4-二羥基-2-萘甲酸（DHNA）能通過死亡受體介導，線粒體介導或不依賴胱天蛋白酶的途徑導致HaCaT細胞凋亡。同時，在其中一種銀屑病動物模型，小鼠鼠尾鱗片表皮上的初步研究顯示DHNA亦可誘導角質細胞分化。此外，在細胞水平（存活率，釋放白细胞介素-1α）和動物上（Draize動物皮膚刺激性試驗）的實驗結果表明DHNA比地蒽酚的刺激性較小。 / 總括而言，本研究透過人類皮膚細胞和動物實驗說明EA和DHNA的細胞凋亡機制，以及DHNA對皮膚的潛在刺激性。這些結果顯示EA和DHNA有潛能發展成為安全及能有效治療銀屑病的替代藥物。EA和DHNA可在一個連續療程中結合使用，其中EA藥效媲美地蒽酚，應能迅速清除銀屑病皮損；而DHNA比地蒽酚的刺激性小，則比較適合應用在這個連續療程中後來的維護保養階段 / Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects approximately 1-3% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by epidermal hyperplasia or abnormal differentiation, infiltration of leucocytes into the dermis and epidermis, dilation of blood vessels in dermis and inflammation. Evidence indicates keratinocytes contributed to the disease, and keratinocytes also participate in maintaining the chronically perpetuating immune response that sustains psoriasis. Decrease in keratinocytes apoptosis is suggested to be a specific pathogenic phenomenon, and induction of keratinocytes apoptosis have long been considered as an effective anti-psoriatic strategy. / Treatment of psoriasis is based on disease severity. Topical agents are predominantly for mild conditions; phototherapy for moderate conditions and systemic treatment or biological agents for severe cases. Topical treatment remains the most widely used method as an estimated 75% of psoriatic patients have mild to moderate disease. Chinese herbs have been used for the treatment of psoriasis in China, and studies showed their mechanism on treating psoriasis may through inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Comparison studies also show that traditional Chinese medicine has relatively fewer side effects than western therapeutic agents, with a longer remission time and lower recurrence rate. / The extract of the root of Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma) was previously found to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation using a psoriasis-relevant HaCaT cells model. In this study, the ethyl acetate extract of the root of Rubia cordifolia L. (EA) was confirmed to induce apoptosis on HaCaT cell, and the antiproliferative effect of EA is more potent than the ethanol extract of the herb (EE) and is comparable to dithranol, an important and popular topical treatment for psoriasis among Europe countries. Besides, we identified one of the components in Rubia cordifolia L., 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA), could induce HaCaT keratinocyte apoptosis through the death receptor and mitochondria mediated pathway as well as in a caspase independent manner using various assays such as morphological examination, annexin V-PI staining, cell cycle analysis, DNA fragmentation, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. Moreover, DHNA was found to induce keratinocyte differentiation in a preliminary study using the in vivo mouse tail model of psoriasis. Furthermore, results from in vitro (cell viability, IL-1α release) and in vivo (Draize animal skin irritation test) experiments suggested DHNA have less irritation problems than dithranol. / In summary, this study describes the apoptotic mechanism of EA and DHNA, as well as the irritation potential of DHNA using different human skin cells and animal model. These results suggest EA and DHNA have the potential to develop as safe and effective therapeutic alternative for the treatment of psoriasis. EA and DHNA can be used together in a sequential therapy, in which EA is effective in rapid clearing of psoriatic lesions as its potency is comparable to dithranol; whereas DHNA is better suited for the later maintenance therapy for its milder irritation effect compared with dithranol. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Mok, Chong Fai. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 164-183). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract (English version) --- p.iv / Abstract (Chinese version) --- p.vi / List of Publication and Presentation --- p.viii / Acknowledgements --- p.ix / Table of Contents --- p.x / List of Tables --- p.xvi / List of Figures --- p.xvii / List of Abbreviations --- p.xx / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1. --- Psoriasis --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1. --- Histological features --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2. --- Role of keratinocytes in psoriasis --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3. --- Decrease in skin cell apoptosis --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2. --- Treatment of psoriasis --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.1. --- Conventional treatment --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.1.1. --- Mild disease --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.1.1.1. --- Corticosteroids --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.1.1.2. --- Vitamin D₃ analogs --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.1.1.3. --- Tazarotene --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.1.1.4. --- Anthralin --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.1.1.5. --- Coal tar --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.1.2. --- Moderate disease --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.1.2.1. --- Phototherapy --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.1.3. --- Severe disease --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.1.3.1. --- Retinoids --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.1.3.2. --- Methotrexate --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.1.3.3. --- Cyclosporine --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.1.3.4. --- Fumaric acid --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.1.3.5. --- Biological agents --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.2. --- Alternative treatment --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.2.1. --- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3. --- Aims and objectives of the present study --- p.19 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Apoptotic Action of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of the Root of Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma) on HaCaT Human Keratinocytes --- p.21 / Chapter 2.1. --- Introduction --- p.21 / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Rubia cordifolia L. --- p.21 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Apoptosis --- p.22 / Chapter 2.1.3. --- Study objectives --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Sources of medicinal materials --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Preparation of extracts --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.3. --- Reagents --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.4. --- Cell culture --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.5. --- Proliferation assay --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.6. --- Fluorescent staining for morphological evaluation --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.7. --- Annexin V/propidium iodide staining --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.8. --- JC-1 staining --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.9. --- Statistical analysis --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3. --- Results --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.1. --- EA inhibits proliferation of human epidermal HaCaT keratinocytes --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.2. --- Alteration of cellular morphology --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.3. --- EA increases phosphatidylserine externalization in HaCaT cells --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3.4. --- EA decreases MMP --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4. --- Discussion --- p.47 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Identification of Pure Compound for Possible Apoptotic Action on HaCaT Human Keratinocytes and Detailed Mechanistic Study --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1. --- Introduction --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1.1. --- Anthraquinone --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1.2. --- Study objectives --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2.1. --- Reagents --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2.2. --- Cell culture --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2.3. --- Proliferation assay --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2.4. --- Fluorescent staining for morphological evaluation --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.5. --- Annexin V/propidium iodide staining --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.6. --- JC-1 staining --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.7. --- Cell cycle analysis --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.8. --- Detection of DNA fragmentation --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.9. --- Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase-Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.10. --- Western blot analysis --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.11. --- Immunofluorescence staining --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.12. --- Statistical analysis --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3. --- Results --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.1. --- DHNA inhibits proliferation of human epidermal HaCaT Keratinocytes --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- Alteration of cellular morphology --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3.3. --- DHNA increases phosphatidylserine externalization in HaCaT cells --- p.72 / Chapter 3.3.4. --- DHNA decreases MMP --- p.76 / Chapter 3.3.5. --- DHNA causes G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in HaCaT cells --- p.78 / Chapter 3.3.6. --- DHNA increases DNA fragmentation --- p.81 / Chapter 3.3.7. --- DHNA increases TUNEL positive cells in HaCaT cells --- p.83 / Chapter 3.3.8. --- Western blot analysis --- p.85 / Chapter 3.3.9. --- DHNA induced Fas aggregation in HaCaT cells --- p.88 / Chapter 3.3.10. --- Caspase inhibition assay --- p.90 / Chapter 3.3.11. --- DHNA induced caspase independent apoptosis in HaCaT cells --- p.93 / Chapter 3.3.12. --- Effects of DHNA on MAPK in HaCaT cells --- p.96 / Chapter 3.3.13. --- MAPK inhibition assay --- p.100 / Chapter 3.4. --- Discussion --- p.104 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Anti-Psoriatic Effects of Topical 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid Formulation on in vivo Mouse Tail Experiments --- p.111 / Chapter 4.1. --- Introduction --- p.111 / Chapter 4.1.1. --- Keratinocytes differentiation process --- p.111 / Chapter 4.1.2. --- Animal model for psoriasis --- p.114 / Chapter 4.1.3. --- Study objectives --- p.119 / Chapter 4.2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.122 / Chapter 4.2.1. --- Reagents --- p.122 / Chapter 4.2.2. --- Formulation and preparation of topical drug --- p.122 / Chapter 4.2.3. --- Mice for in vivo experiments --- p.123 / Chapter 4.2.4. --- Treatment with topical preparations --- p.124 / Chapter 4.2.5. --- Statistical analysis --- p.125 / Chapter 4.3. --- Results --- p.126 / Chapter 4.3.1. --- Tail skin appearance after topical treatment --- p.126 / Chapter 4.3.2. --- Histological examination and findings --- p.128 / Chapter 4.4. --- Discussion --- p.132 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- Prediction of Skin Irritation Potential of 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid by in vitro and in vivo Experiments --- p.135 / Chapter 5.1. --- Introduction --- p.135 / Chapter 5.1.1. --- Skin irritation --- p.135 / Chapter 5.1.2. --- Viability test and IL-1α release --- p.136 / Chapter 5.1.3. --- Animal irritation test --- p.139 / Chapter 5.1.4. --- Study objectives --- p.139 / Chapter 5.2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.141 / Chapter 5.2.1. --- Reagents --- p.141 / Chapter 5.2.2. --- Cell culture --- p.141 / Chapter 5.2.3. --- Viability test --- p.141 / Chapter 5.2.4. --- IL-1α release assay --- p.142 / Chapter 5.2.5. --- Animal irritation test --- p.142 / Chapter 5.2.6. --- Statistical analysis --- p.143 / Chapter 5.3. --- Results --- p.144 / Chapter 5.3.1. --- Viability test --- p.144 / Chapter 5.3.2. --- IL-1α release assay --- p.144 / Chapter 5.3.3. --- Animal irritation test --- p.147 / Chapter 5.4. --- Discussion --- p.152 / Chapter Chapter 6: --- General Discussion and Conclusions --- p.155 / References --- p.164

鉤藤是眾多用於治療神經性退行性疾病的傳統中藥複方的組成成份之一。文獻研究發現鉤藤提取物能夠顯著抑制β澱粉樣蛋白纖維的形成和拆卸預製β澱粉樣蛋白纖維。然而鉤藤作用於老年性癡呆模型的實驗研究還未見報道。本課題的研究目的是探討鉤藤提取物對認知功能的改善作用，從而篩選出鉤藤抗老年性癡呆的有效化學成份及探討鉤藤抗老年性癡呆有效化學成份的神經保護作用及其作用機理。 / 首先我們探討了70%乙醇鉤藤提取物對D-半乳糖引起小鼠認知功能障礙的改善作用。水迷宮試驗結果顯示鉤藤提取物(200 和400毫克/千克)能顯著改善D-半乳糖處理小鼠的空間學習和記憶能力。此外，鉤藤提取物(200 和400毫克/千克)還顯著提高D-半乳糖處理小鼠腦組織中乙醯膽鹼和還原型穀胱甘肽的含量，以及超氧化物歧化酶和過氧化氫酶的活性，同時也能降低D-半乳糖處理小鼠腦組織中乙醯膽鹼酯酶的活性和丙二醛的含量。以上研究結果表明鉤藤提取物能改善D-半乳糖處理小鼠認知功能障礙的作用可能是通過抑制腦組織中乙醯膽鹼酯酶的活性和提高腦組織的氧化能力而達成的。 / 其次，我們選用β澱粉樣蛋白引致PC12細胞神經毒性的體外細胞模型來跟蹤篩選出鉤藤提取物中抗老年性癡呆的有效活性成分。結果顯示從鉤藤提取物中分離出六個生物鹼，分別為柯諾辛堿，柯諾辛堿B，去氫鉤藤堿，異鉤藤堿，異去氫鉤藤堿和鉤藤堿。在這六個生物鹼中，只有鉤藤堿和異鉤藤堿具有顯著降低β澱粉樣蛋白導致PC12細胞的死亡，而異鉤藤堿是鉤藤提取物中對β澱粉樣蛋白所致的PC12細胞損傷有最強的保護作用。 / 在明確異鉤藤堿是鉤藤提取物中抗老年性癡呆的主要有效成分的研究基礎上，我們應用β澱粉樣蛋白所致PC12細胞的神經毒性的體外實驗模型來探討異鉤藤堿的神經保護作用及其作用機理。實驗結果顯示異鉤藤堿對β澱粉樣蛋白引起PC12細胞的神經毒性的保護作用呈良好的量效關係。異鉤藤堿對β澱粉樣蛋白引起PC12細胞的神經毒性的保護作用是通過抑制細胞內鈣離子的超載，氧化應激，tau蛋白的過度磷酸化和線粒體細胞凋亡。 此外，異鉤藤堿還顯著抑制3β糖原合成酶激酶的活性，同時啟動磷酸化磷脂醯肌醇3-激酶底物Akt，提示異鉤藤堿對β澱粉樣蛋白所致的PC12細胞的神經毒性的保護作用與PI3K/Akt/GSK3信號通路相關密切相關。 / 最後，我們進一步探討了異鉤藤堿對β澱粉樣蛋白致大鼠認知功能障礙的改善作用及其作用機理。研究結果表明異鉤藤堿(20和40毫克/千克/天)能顯著改善β澱粉樣蛋白所致的大鼠認知功能障礙（用水迷宮試驗來評價）及明顯增加海馬CA1區錐體細胞數目。同時，異鉤藤堿能顯著抑制β澱粉樣蛋白導致大鼠海馬的氧化應激，神經元凋亡以及tau蛋白過度磷酸化。此外，異鉤藤堿能顯著抑制3β糖原合成酶激酶的活性，啟動磷酸化磷脂醯肌醇3-激酶底物Akt，提示異鉤藤堿改善β澱粉樣蛋白導致大鼠認知功能障礙的作用機理與PI3K/Akt/GSK3信號通路相關。 / 綜上所述，鉤藤和異鉤藤堿具有顯著的抗老年癡呆的作用。異鉤藤堿的神經保護作用與其抑制β澱粉樣蛋白導致PC12細胞和大鼠海馬的氧化應激，神經元凋亡以及tau蛋白的過度磷酸化有關。異鉤藤堿神經保護的作用機理與PI3K/Akt/GSK3信號通路密切相關。以上研究結果提示異鉤藤堿具有很好的進一步開發成新的抗老年性癡呆製劑的應用前景。 / The stem with hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis) is a component herb of many traditional formulae for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that the extract of U. rhynchophylla inhibited beta-amyloid (Aβ) fibril formation and disassemble preformed Aβ fibrils. However, scientific evidence concerning the efficacy of U. rhynchophylla in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) experimental models is lacking. The present study aimed at investigating the cognition-improving effect of U. rhynchophylla, identifying the active anti-AD chemical constituents and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of neuroprotective action. / Firstly, we investigated whether 70% aqueous ethanol extract of U. rhynchophylla (EUR) could protect against D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Mice were given a subcutaneous injection of D-gal (50 mg/kg) and orally administered EUR (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks. The results showed that EUR (200 or 400 mg/kg) significantly improved spatial learning and memory function in D-gal-treated mice as assessed by the Morris water maze test. In addition, EUR (200 or 400 mg/kg) significantly increased the levels of acetylcholine and glutathione, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, while it decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase and the level of malondialdehyde in the brains of D-gal-treated mice. These results indicate that EUR was able to ameliorate cognitive deficits induced by D-gal in mice, and the observed pharmacological action may be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and the enhancement of the antioxidant status of the brain tissues. / Secondly, we tried to identify the active ingredients of U. rhynchophylla by a bioassay-guided fractionation approach using beta-amyloid (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, a well established cellular model of AD. As a result of this work, six alkaloids, namely corynoxine, corynoxine B, corynoxeine, isorhynchophylline, isocorynoxeine and rhynchophylline were isolated from the extract of U. rhynchophylla. Among them, only rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline could significantly decrease Aβ-induced cell death in PC12 cells. Moreover, isorhynchophylline (IRN) was found to be the most active ingredient responsible for the protective action of U. rhynchophylla against Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced cell death. / Thirdly, the neuroprotective effects and its action mechanism of IRN against Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, an in vitro experimental model of AD, were examined. The results showed that treatment with IRN dose-dependently protected PC12 cells against Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effect of IRN may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting the intracellular calcium overloading, oxidative stress, tau protein hyperphosphorylation and mitochondrial cellular apoptosis induced by Aβ₂₅₋₃₅. Moreover, IRN also inhibited the activity of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, an important kinase responsible for tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the development of AD; and activated the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) substrate Akt, suggesting that the neuroprotective action of IRN is associated with inhibition of GSK-3β activity and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. / Finally, the ameliorating effect on cognitive deficits of IRN and its underlying mechanism of action in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats were investigated. The results showed that oral administration of IRN with two different doses (20 or 40 mg/kg) for 21 days significantly ameliorated cognitive impairments and suppressed the oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats. In addition, IRN also inhibited the activity of GSK-3β, and activated phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) substrate Akt, suggesting that the amelioration of cognitive deficits by IRN is associated with inhibition of GSK-3β activity and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. / Taken together, these results confirmed the anti-AD effects of U. rhynchophylla and IRN. The neuroprotective action of IRN may be mediated via inhibition of oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis and hyperphosphorylation tau protein induced by Aβ₂₅₋₃₅ in vitro and in vivo. The neuroprotective action of IRN is associated with the inhibition of GSK-3β activity and the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These experimental findings render IRN a promising candidate worthy of further development into anti-AD pharmaceutical agents. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Xian, Yanfang. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 242-278). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Abstract (English) --- p.I / 摘要 --- p.IV / Publications --- p.VII / Acknowledgements --- p.IX / Table of Contents --- p.X / List of Figures --- p.XXI / List of Tables --- p.XXVI / List of Abbreviation --- p.XXVII / Chapter Chapter One --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Alzheimer’s Disease --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Symptoms --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Epidemiology --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Pathology --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Risk factors --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2 --- Pathogenesis of AD --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Neurotransmitter dysfunction --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- Cholinergic system dysfunction --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.1.2 --- Glutamatergic system dysfunction --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Hippocampus atrophy --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- “Amyloid Cascade hypothesis --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Increased oxidative stress --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Increased neuronal apoptosis --- p.23 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- Mitochondrial dysfunction --- p.27 / Chapter 1.2.7 --- Calcium dysregulation --- p.31 / Chapter 1.2.8 --- Increased tau protein hyperphosphorylation --- p.34 / Chapter 1.2.9 --- GSK3 hypothesis of AD --- p.37 / Chapter 1.3 --- Animal Models of AD --- p.41 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Non-transgenic animal models of AD --- p.42 / Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- Spontaneous models --- p.42 / Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- Scopolamine-induced rodent models --- p.43 / Chapter 1.3.1.3 --- Aluminum-induced rodent models --- p.44 / Chapter 1.3.1.4 --- D-galactose-induced rodent models --- p.45 / Chapter 1.3.1.5 --- Aβ infusion rodent models --- p.46 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Transgenic animal models of AD --- p.48 / Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Transgenic rodent models for AD --- p.49 / Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- AD models in D. rerio --- p.53 / Chapter 1.3.2.3 --- AD models in D. melanogaster --- p.54 / Chapter 1.3.2.4 --- AD models in C. elegans --- p.54 / Chapter 1.4 --- Treatments for AD --- p.55 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Current symptomatic treatments --- p.56 / Chapter 1.4.1.1 --- AChEIs --- p.56 / Chapter 1.4.1.2 --- NMDA antagonist --- p.57 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Disease-modifying approaches --- p.61 / Chapter 1.4.2.1 --- Amyloid-directed therapies --- p.61 / Chapter 1.4.2.2 --- Tau-directed therapies --- p.61 / Chapter 1.4.2.3 --- Anti-oxidant agents --- p.62 / Chapter 1.4.2.4 --- NSAIDs --- p.63 / Chapter 1.4.2.5 --- Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) --- p.64 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Herbal medicines --- p.67 / Chapter 1.5 --- Uncaria rhynchophylla --- p.69 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Chemical constituents --- p.69 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Alkaloids --- p.72 / Chapter 1.6 --- Pharmacological Activities of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Its Alkaloids --- p.75 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Effects on cardiovascular system --- p.75 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Effects on central nervous system --- p.77 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Antioxidant activities --- p.79 / Chapter 1.6.4 --- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects --- p.80 / Chapter 1.6.5 --- Effects on platelet aggregation and thrombosis --- p.81 / Chapter 1.6.6 --- Other pharmacological effects --- p.81 / Chapter 1.7 --- Hypothesis and Objectives of the Present Study --- p.83 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Uncaria rhynchophylla Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits Induced by D-galactose in Mice / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.86 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.88 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Drugs and chemical reagents --- p.88 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Plant materials and extraction --- p.89 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Animals --- p.90 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Experimental design and drugs treatment --- p.90 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Morris water maze test --- p.91 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Preparation of brain tissue samples --- p.92 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Measurement of intracellular ROS level --- p.92 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Assay of MDA level --- p.92 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- Assay of GSH level --- p.93 / Chapter 2.2.10 --- Measurement of SOD activity --- p.93 / Chapter 2.2.11 --- Measurement of CAT activity --- p.94 / Chapter 2.2.12 --- Assay of Ach level --- p.94 / Chapter 2.2.13 --- Measurement of AChE activity --- p.95 / Chapter 2.2.14 --- Statistical analysis --- p.95 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.95 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Quality determination of EUR --- p.95 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Effects of EUR on Morris water maze in D-gal-treated mice --- p.97 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Effects of EUR on the level of intracellular ROS in the brains of D-gal-treated mice --- p.101 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Effects of EUR on the levels of GSH and MDA in the brains of D-gal-treated mice --- p.103 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Effects of EUR on the activities of SOD and CAT in the brains of D-gal-treated mice --- p.105 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Effects of EUR on the level of ACh and the activity of AChE in the brains of D-gal-treated mice --- p.107 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.109 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Neuroprotective Compounds from Uncaria rhynchophylla Against Beta-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.113 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.114 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Drugs and chemical reagents --- p.114 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Preparation of aggregated Aβ₂₅₋₃₅ --- p.115 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Extraction, fractionation, isolation and identification processes --- p.115 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Cell culture and drug treatment --- p.119 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Cell viability assay --- p.119 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.120 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.120 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Isolation and structural determination of the isolated compounds --- p.120 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effects of different fractions and isolated compounds on Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced cells death in PC12 cells --- p.122 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.126 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Neuroprotective Effects of Isorhynchophylline Against Beta-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells and Its Possible Mechanisms / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.130 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.131 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Drugs and chemical reagents --- p.131 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Cell culture and drugs treatment --- p.134 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Cell viability assay --- p.134 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay --- p.135 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Measurement of intracellular ROS production --- p.135 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) assay --- p.136 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Measurement of SOD activity --- p.137 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Measurement of CAT activity --- p.137 / Chapter 4.2.9 --- Measurement of intracellular calcium concentration --- p.138 / Chapter 4.2.10 --- Measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential --- p.139 / Chapter 4.2.11 --- Quantification of DNA fragmentation --- p.139 / Chapter 4.2.12 --- Cytochrome c assay --- p.140 / Chapter 4.2.13 --- Western blotting analysis --- p.140 / Chapter 4.2.14 --- Real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis --- p.141 / Chapter 4.2.15 --- Statistical analysis --- p.142 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.143 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Effects of IRN on Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells --- p.143 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Effects of IRN on the level of intracellular ROS in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.145 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Effects of IRN on the levels of GSH and MDA in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.147 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Effects of IRN on the activities of SOD and CAT in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.149 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Effects of IRN on intracellular calcium level in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 Cells --- p.151 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Effects of IRN on MMP in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.153 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Effects of IRN on DNA fragmentation in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.155 / Chapter 4.3.8 --- Effects of IRN on the release of cytochrome c in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.157 / Chapter 4.3.9 --- Effects of IRN on the protein and mRNA levels of the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.159 / Chapter 4.3.10 --- Effects of IRN on the protein and mRNA levels of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.162 / Chapter 4.3.11 --- Effects of IRN on the protein of pro-caspase-8 and mRNA levels of the full length of caspase-8 in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 cells --- p.165 / Chapter 4.3.12 --- Effects of IRN on tau protein hyperphosphorylation in Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated PC12 Cells --- p.168 / Chapter 4.3.13 --- Effects of IRN on Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced activation of GSK-3β in PC12 cells --- p.170 / Chapter 4.3.14 --- Effects of IRN on Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced inactivation of PI3K/Akt pathway --- p.173 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.177 / Chapter Chapter Five --- Isorhynchophylline Treatment Improves Cognitive Deficits Induced by Beta-Amyloid in Rats: Involvement of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.186 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.187 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Drugs and chemical reagents --- p.187 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Animals --- p.188 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Aβ₂₅₋₃₅ injections --- p.188 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Experimental design and drugs treatment --- p.189 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Morris water maze test --- p.190 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Nissl’s staining for neurons --- p.193 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Preparation of brain tissue samples --- p.193 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Measurement of intracellular ROS level --- p.194 / Chapter 5.2.9 --- Assay of MDA level --- p.194 / Chapter 5.2.10 --- Assay of GSH level --- p.195 / Chapter 5.2.11 --- Measurement of SOD activity --- p.195 / Chapter 5.2.12 --- Measurement of CAT activity --- p.195 / Chapter 5.2.13 --- Cytochrome c assay --- p.196 / Chapter 5.2.14 --- Western blotting analysis --- p.196 / Chapter 5.2.15 --- RT-PCR analysis --- p.197 / Chapter 5.2.16 --- Statistical analysis --- p.198 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.199 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- IRN treatment rescued behavioral impairment in the Morris water maze test --- p.199 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Effects of IRN on the number of pyramidal neuronal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.203 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Effects of IRN on the intracellular ROS level in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.205 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Effects of IRN on the levels of GSH and MDA in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.207 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Effects of IRN on the activities of SOD and CAT in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.209 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Effects of IRN on cytochrome c in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.211 / Chapter 5.3.7 --- Effects of IRN on the protein and mRNA level of the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.213 / Chapter 5.3.8 --- Effects of IRN on the protein and mRNA levels of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.216 / Chapter 5.3.9 --- Effects of IRN on the protein and mRNA levels of caspase-8 in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.219 / Chapter 5.3.10 --- Effects of IRN on the tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.222 / Chapter 5.3.11 --- Effects of IRN on the activation of GSK-3β in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.224 / Chapter 5.3.12 --- Effects of IRN on the PI3K/Akt pathway in the hippocampus of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-treated rats --- p.226 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.228 / Chapter Chapter Six --- General Discussion and Future Perspectives / Chapter 6.1 --- General Discussion and Conclusions --- p.237 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future Perspectives --- p.243 / References by Alphabetical Order --- p.246

[EN] The main objective pursued in this thesis is that of conducting an enquiry on Catalogue d¿oiseaux, observed through the eyes of the performer, using its second and fourth books as the focus of this study when addressing its aesthetic and pianistic approach. The need to gain a closer view of the piece from a performer's perspective arises from the paradox between the importance of this composition in Olivier Messiaen's catalogue of compositions and the real meaning the piano score has among pianists of today. Due to the evolution of the author's composition language, which is expressed in greater conceptual complexity, Catalogue d¿oiseaux generates a series of performance-related questions, distancing it from other "traditional" pianistic productions. This factor often leads to apriorism and axioms that generate excessively polarised views on the performance of the piece. In order to resolve this clash between antagonistic approaches, a methodology has been applied which is based on tracing the "notion of a piece" by studying the timing of the composition, conducting a formal analysis and considering the ornitophonical transcriptions. This theoretical framing acts as a vehicle to uncover the performative nature of Catalogue, where analysing the transcripts, understanding the importance of the time element and assimilating the writing of the two books are tools to relieve a more open musical creation, an aspect confirmed in the study as regards the traditional performance of the work. All of that shows a composition that breaks free from simplistic postulates, offering the pianist a universe of performing possibilities that go beyond any old debate regarding the performance of this extraordinary score of piano literature. The study concludes with a sound recording of the two books and the inclusion of the two pieces in a recital for the Young Performers Cycle of Seville's Maestranza Theatre. Furthermore, part of the research material has been used to write two articles for Melómano Magazine, which are included as annexes, and in some conferences-concerts about the pianism of Olivier Messiaen at different Spanish conservatoires and universities in 2017 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Olivier Messiaen¿s death. / [ES] El propósito fundamental que se ha perseguido en esta tesis es el de realizar una indagación, observada desde el prisma del intérprete, de Catalogue d¿oiseaux, utilizando su segundo y cuarto cuaderno como objeto de estudio a la hora de abordar su enfoque estético y pianístico. La necesidad de aproximarse a la obra desde una óptica interpretativa surge de la paradoja existente entre la importancia que esta composición ocupa en el catálogo compositivo de Olivier Messiaen y el peso real que la partitura posee entre los pianistas actuales. Debido a la evolución del lenguaje compositivo del autor, que se plasma en una mayor complejidad conceptual, Catalogue d¿oiseaux genera una serie de interrogantes de orden interpretativo que la alejan del resto de la producción pianística "tradicional". Este factor se traduce, frecuentemente, en apriorismo y axiomas que generan visiones excesivamente polarizadas sobre la ejecución de la obra. Para solventar este atrincheramiento entre planteamientos antagónicos, se ha empleado una metodología basada en trazar una "idea de obra" a través del estudio de la ubicación temporal de la composición, el análisis formal y la apreciación de las transcripciones ornitofónicas. Este encuadre de índole teórico actúa de vehículo para desgranar la naturaleza interpretativa de Catalogue, donde acercarse a las transcripciones, entender la importancia del elemento temporal y asimilar la escritura de estos dos cuadernos sirven de herramientas para revelar una creación musical mucho más abierta, aspecto que se corrobora con el estudio la tradición interpretativa de la obra. Todo ello muestra una composición que escapa de postulados simplistas, ofreciendo al pianista un universo de posibilidades interpretativas que supera cualquier viejo debate en torno a la ejecución de esta partitura colosal de la literatura pianística. El estudio llevado a cabo cristaliza con la grabación sonora de ambos cuadernos, así como la inclusión de ambas piezas dentro de un recital para el ciclo de "Jóvenes Intérpretes" del Teatro de la Maestranza de Sevilla. Del mismo modo, parte del material de investigación ha servido para la confección de dos artículos para la revista Melómano que se incluyen como anexos, así como la impartición de una serie de conferencias-conciertos alrededor del pianismo de Olivier Messiaen en diversos conservatorios y universidades españolas el próximo año 2017 con motivo del 25º aniversario de la muerte de Olivier Messiaen. / [CAT] El propòsit fonamental que s'ha perseguit en aquesta tesi és el de realitzar una indagació, observada des del prisma de l'intèrpret, de Catalogue d¿oiseaux, utilitzant el seu segon i quart quadern com a objecte d'estudi a l'hora d'abordar el seu enfocament estètic i pianístic. La necessitat d'aproximar-se a l'obra des d'una òptica interpretativa sorgeix de la paradoxa existent entre la importància que aquesta composició ocupa en el catàleg compositiu d'Olivier Messiaen i el pes real que la partitura posseeix entre els pianistes actuals. A causa de l'evolució del llenguatge compositiu de l'autor, que es plasma en una major complexitat conceptual, Catalogue d¿oiseaux genera una sèrie d'interrogants d'ordre interpretatiu que l'allunyen de la resta de la producció pianística "tradicional". Aquest factor es tradueix, freqüentment, en apriorisme i axiomes que generen visions excessivament polaritzades sobre l'execució de l'obra. Per a solucionar aquest atrinxerament entre plantejaments antagònics, s'ha emprat una metodologia basada a traçar una "idea d'obra" a través de l'estudi de la ubicació temporal de la composició, l'anàlisi formal i l'apreciació de les transcripcions ornitofòniques. Aquest enquadrament d'índole teòric actua de vehicle per a desgranar la naturalesa interpretativa de Catalogue, on acostar-se a les transcripcions, entendre la importància de l'element temporal i assimilar l'escriptura d'aquests dos quaderns serveixen d'eines per a revelar una creació musical molt més oberta, aspecte que es corrobora amb l'estudi la tradició interpretativa de l'obra. Tot açò mostra una composició que escapa de postulats simplistes, oferint al pianista un univers de possibilitats interpretatives que supera qualsevol vell debat entorn de l'execució d'aquesta partitura colossal de la literatura pianística. L'estudi dut a terme cristal·litza amb l'enregistrament sonor de tots dos quaderns, així com la inclusió d'ambdues peces dins d'un recital per al cicle de "Joves Intèrprets" del Teatre de la Maestranza de Sevilla. De la mateixa manera, part del material de recerca ha servit per a la confecció de dos articles per a la revista Melómano que s'inclouen com a annexos, així com la impartició d'una sèrie de confèrencies-concerts al voltant del pianisme d'Olivier Messiaen en diversos conservatoris i universitats espanyoles el pròxim any 2017 en motiu del 25è aniversari de la mort d'Olivier Messiaen. / Benítez Suárez, G. (2016). Catalogue d'oiseaux, O. Messiaen: un estudio de su universo interpretativo a través de II. Le Loriot y IV. Le Traquet Stapazin [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/68509 / TESIS

Ces travaux portent principalement sur l'étude de trois plantes tinctoriales : la garance, le nerprun et la gaude. Ces végétaux ont fait l'objet de nombreuses cultures en Provence et constituaient la principale matière première en colorants rouges et jaunes pour les teinturiers et les artistes. Une optimisation des conditions d'extraction des colorants de la garance assistée par ultrasons a été effectuée en utilisant un modèle statistique. Ce procédé d'extraction simple, rapide et efficace, a été comparé à deux autres techniques utilisées conventionnellement. Une étude cytohistologique des racines de garance a permis d'examiner les effets apportés par les différents procédés d'extraction. Les cellules traduisent après extraction par ultrasons, de profondes déstructurations fournissant une explication au plus important rendement en colorant extraits en comparaison aux extractions classiques. Une étude fondamentale sur l'identification des colorants extraits à partir des fruits immatures d'espèces appartenant au genre Rhamnus a été effectuée. Une approche chromatographique utilisant la CLHP/UVVisible/ SM a permis d'identifier la partie flavonol. Elle présente principalement des composés glycosylés dont la partie rhamninoside est liée sur le flavonol en position 3 ou 4'. Des flavonols 3-O-acétyl-rhamninoside ont également été caractérisés et sont spécifiques de Rh. saxatilis. Les fruits matures renferment aussi des anthraquinones qui ont été séparées des flavonols et concentrées en utilisant l'Extraction sur Phase Solide (SPE). Après analyse par RMN, des dérivés rhamnoside et arabinoside acétylés de l'émodine, jamais décrits dans la littérature, ont été identifiés dont le 6-O-(3',4' diacétyl)-arabinopyranoside d'émodine et 6-O-(2',3',4'-triacétyl)- arabinopyranoside d'émodine présents seulement dans Rh. alaternus. Les colorants jaunes de la gaude (Reseda luteola) ont été analysés par électrophorèse capillaire. En comparaison avec la CLHP, un gain important de la durée d'analyse a été observé tout en conservant une séparation convenable. L'ensemble de ces résultats expérimentaux a pu être appliqué avec succès à l'étude de colorants extraits à partir d'objets et d'échantillons historiques provenant de collections muséales et comprenant notamment des indiennes du XIXème siècle. Enfin, des essais de teintures ont été réalisés, en collaboration avec la société Les Olivades dans le but de développer une gamme de tissus à base de colorants naturels

My thesis deals with dye plants and possibilities of their use. The first part contains classification of dye plants and history of their use. In the next part, there is a summary of dye plants and colors we can get from them. Methodology of coloring is also introduced. At the end, there are botanic parameters, environment needs and cultivation methods of eight selected dye plants. The thesis include database of dye plants in electronic form.