The structure of the APS iron complex had been proposed to be a polynuclear ferrihydrite core che screening library lated firmly by an encircling framework of APS chains, forming a core molecule, which is surrounded by a removable outer protective sheath of colloidal APS. The molecular formula of APIC was proposed to be 12, with MW 270000 Da. Recent pharmacological studies demon strated that APS had radio protective effects in irra diated mice through modulation of proliferating response of hematopoietic stem cells. In gastrointest inal system, APS was known to be protective against ethanol or indomethacin induced mucosal damage. It was also reported that Angelica sinensis crude extract increased the proliferation of gastric epithelial cells through modulation of several proliferation related genes, including EGF, ODC, and c Myc.

In cancer cells, APS has been reported to possess anti tumor effects. Although several studies have demonstrated the gen eral hematopoietic activity of APS, no study has been performed to specifically determine its thrombopoietic effects. In addition, the mechanism of action of APSs effect has not been investigated. Here, we tested if APS can promote thrombopoiesis. Firstly, we confirmed that APS can promote the recovery of various hematopoietic lineages in a mouse model. Secondly, we found that APS can promote the proliferation of megakaryocytic progenitor cells and bone marrow stromal cells in vitro, which might directly lead to the platelet production. Thirdly, APS can also inhibit the apoptosis of megakar yocytic cells in vitro.

In separate studies, our lab has found that Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/AKT is likely to be involved in the APSs effects. As a result, a PI3 kinase inhibitor was used to treat the cells with or with out APS. We found that APS reversed the effects of Ly294002, a PI3 kinase inhibitor. In summary, the cur rent study has demonstrated the promoting effect of APS on thrombopoiesis and this effect might involve the PI3K/AKT pathways. The work from this study laid the foundation for the development of possible APS based therapeutic strategies. Methods Plant Materials and Chemical Reagents The roots of Angelica sinensis Diels, used in our experiments were pur chased from Minxian County, Gansu Province, China. These samples are currently deposited in the Molecular Chinese Medicine Laboratory, University of Hong Kong as voucher mcm 011.

The standard RAS materials used for quality control was purchased from National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biologi cal Products, China. Anthrone and glucose were purchased from Guoyao Enterprise group, Tianjing Damao Chemicals Company. Sulfuric acid was purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Quantitative Analysis Dacomitinib of Plant Materials The experimental and standard RAS materials were dried at 60 C, ground and powdered by an electric mill and sieved through a mesh.