Chemerin and apelin are positively correlated with inflammation in obese type 2 diabetic patients

Background  As two novel adipocytokines, chemerin and apelin play a key role in the pathological process of insulin resistance (IR), glucose metabolism and obesity, researchers have found that the levels of chemerin and apelin changed significantly in type 2 diabetic patients with obesity, however, the underlying mechanism involved remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chemerin and apelin play an important role in the pathophysiologic proceeding of diabetes.

Methods  This study enrolled 81 newly diagnosed obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (T2DM group, n=81). All the patients were randomly assigned to DM1 group treated with metformin (n=41) and DM2 group treated with pioglitazone (n=40). After hypoglycemic agents treatment, patients under better blood glucose control were chosen to be given antioxidant treatment. Another 79 subjects without T2DM were recruited as normal control group (NC group), including 40 subjects (NC1 group) with normal body mass index (BMI) and 39 obese subjects (NC2 group). Levels of chemerin, apelin, BMI, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) and 8-isoprotaglandim F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) were examined at baseline and post-treatment. The relationship between chemerin, apelin and BMI, TNF-α, HOMA-IR, 8-iso-PGF2α was analyzed.

Results  The baseline levels of chemerin, apelin, TNF-α, HOMA-IR and 8-iso-PGF2α in T2DM group were significantly higher than normal control group (P <0.001). All indices mentioned above were significantly decreased after treatment (P <0.05). In T2DM patients treated with pioglitazone, indices mentioned above except for HOMA-IR, were decreased significantly compared with patients treated with metformin (P <0.05). After antioxidant treatment using lipoic acid, levels of chemerin, apelin, TNF-α and 8-iso-PGF2α were further significantly decreased (P <0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the levels of chemerin and apelin correlated positively with BMI, TNF-α, HOMA-IR and 8-iso-PGF2α before and after treatment with hypoglycemic agents (P <0.01). The levels of chemerin and apelin also had positive correlation with TNF-α and 8-iso-PGF2α after antioxidant treatment (P <0.05).

Conclusions  The levels of chemerin and apelin in obese T2DM patients are closely related to IR. The increased levels may be a result of compensatory response to IR, and also may be the causative factor of IR. The levels of chemerin and apelin correlate closely with oxidative stress and inflammation. The two adipokines may be inflammatory factors playing important roles in the initiation and development of obese T2DM. Chemerin and apelin are related to the pathophysiology of IR, oxidative stress and inflammation.

     

Evaluation of Adiponectin, Resistin, IL-6, TNF-a in Obese and Non-obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective To evaluate possible clinical effects of adiponectin, resistin, IL-6, and TNF-α in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods Seventy selected PCOS patients were recruited for this study, and were divided into two groups based on their body mass index (BMI): 35 obese (BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 , group A), 35 non-obese (BMI<25kg/m2 , group B). In addition, 35 healthy non-obese women (BMI<25kg/m2 ) were enrolled as the control (group C). Serum levels of FSH, LH, T, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, resistin, IL-6, TNF-α were detected, and compared the differences of them among three groups. Results Blood glucose levels among three groups had no difference (P>0.05). Blood insulin level was significantly greater in group A than in group B or group C (P<0.05), and a significant difference existed between group B and group C (P<0.05). The ratio of glucose/insulin was significantly higher in group A than in group B or group C (P<0.05), and the ratio in group B was significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05). Adiponectin level was significantly lower and resistin level was significantly higher in group A than in group B or group C (P<0.05). IL-6 level in group C was significantly lower than that in group A or group B (P<0.05), and significant difference was found between group A and group B (P<0.05). TNF-α level was a slight high in group B, whereas there was no statistical difference among three groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Disturbances of some metabolic and inflammatory adipokines could involve the pathogenesis of PCOS in both obese and non-obese women. Low-grade chronic inflammation might have negative effects on the development of PCOS in non-obese women.     

Effect of Berberine on Expression of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α in Rats with Fructose-induced Insulin Resistance

The effects of berberine on the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α(HNF-4α) in liver of rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance and the molecular mechanism of berberine preventing insulin resistance were investigated.The experimental animals were divided into two groups of 16 animals each.The control group received a control routine diet containing 60% carbohydrate,and the study group a high-fructose diet containing 60% fructose as the sole source of carbohydrate.At the end of 6 weeks these were each subdivided into two groups.One was administered with berberine [187.5 mg/(kg·d) in 5 g/L carboxymethyl cellulose] by intragastric intubation and the other group was treated with a vehicle(5 g/L carboxymethyl cellulose).The rats were fed on the same dietary regimen for the next 4 weeks.After the experimental period of 10 weeks,plasma glucose,insulin and triglyceride levels were measured.HOMA insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) was assayed.Immunohistochemistry,semiquantitative RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of HNF-4α in liver.Compared with control diet,fructose feeding induced hyperinsulinemia,HOMA-IR and increased triglyceride(all P<0.01).Berberine prevented the rise in plasma insulin(P<0.01),HOMA-IR(P<0.01) and triglyceride(P<0.05) in the fructose-fed rats.No change in plasma glucose was seen among these groups.The mRNA and protein expression of HNF-4α was decreased in the fructose-fed rats,but berberine could promote its expression.It was concluded that berberine could prevent fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats possibly by promoting the expression HNF-4α in liver.     

Effect of Berberine on Expression of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α in Rats with Fructose-induced Insulin Resistance

The effects of berberine on the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α) in liver of rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance and the molecular mechanism of berberine preventing insulin resistance were investigated. The experimental animals were divided into two groups of 16 animals each. The control group received a control routine diet containing 60% carbohydrate, and the study group a high-fructose diet containing 60% fructose as the sole source of carbohydrate. At the end of 6 weeks these were each subdivided into two groups. One was administered with berberine [187.5mg/(kg·d) in 5g/L carboxymethyl cellulosel] by intragastric intubation and the other group was treated with a vehicle (5g/L carboxymethyl cellulose). The rats were fed on the same dietary regimen for the next 4 weeks. After the experimental period of 10 weeks, plasma glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels were measured. HOMA insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was assayed. Immunohistochemistry, semiquantitative RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of HNF-4α in liver. Compared with control diet, fructose feeding induced hyperinsulinemia, HOMA-IR and increased triglyceride (all P<0.01). Berberine prevented the rise in plasma insulin (P<0.01), HOMA-IR (P<0.01) and triglyceride (P<0.05) in the fructose-fed rats. No change in plasma glucose was seen among these groups. The mRNA and protein expression of HNF-4α was decreased in the fructose-fed rats, but berberine could promote its expression. It was concluded that berberine could prevent fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats possibly by promoting the expression HNF-4α in liver.     

TNF-α and IL-8 of the Patients with Allergic Asthma

The levels of serum TNF-α and IL-8 in the patients with allergic asthma during acute attack period and remission period, and the effects of glucocorticoid (GC) on them were investigated. By using ELISA, the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 were detected in the healthy volunteers (group C, n=40), the patients with allergic asthma (n=40) during acute attack period (group A) and remission period (group B) and those taking GC for a week (n=28). The results were compared among them. It was found that the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in group A were higher than in group B and group C. In the patients subject to GC therapy, the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 were decreased as compared with those in group A. In group B, the level of TNF-α was higher than in group C, but there was no significant difference in the level of IL-8 between group B and group C. It was concluded that the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and 11.-8, played important roles in the bronchus allergic inflammation. GC could reduce the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-8 to exert the anti-inflammatory effects.     

参麦注射液对病毒性心肌炎患儿血清TNF-α、IL-6的影响及临床意义

目的 检测参麦注射液对病毒性心肌炎患儿血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)及白细胞介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)的影响,探讨参麦注射液治疗病毒性心肌炎的作用机制.方法 采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测治疗组37例和对照组35病毒性心肌炎患儿急性期和恢复期血清TNF-α,IL-6的浓度,并进行统计学比较分析.结果 治疗前治疗组和对照组病毒性心肌炎患儿急性期TNF-α、IL-6浓度比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),而两组治疗前后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),治疗组恢复期浓度明显低于对照组恢复期浓度,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 参麦注射液能明显降低病毒性心肌炎患儿的血清TNF-α和IL-6浓度,提示参麦注射液可能通过抑制TNF-α和IL-6合成与释放而起治疗作用. Abstract： Objective To investigate the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in serum of children with viral myocarditis(VM)before and after treatment of shenmai injection,to explore the mechanism of shenmai injection in treating viral myocarditis and its clinical significance. Methods The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by ELISA for 37 children with VM in treatment group and 35 children in control group before and after treatment,respectively. Results The difference of serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in two group at the acute stage were not significant(P＞0.05), and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in two group at recovery stage were lower than those at acute stage(P＜0.01), and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were furtherly lower in treatment group than control group (P＜0.01). Conclusions Shenmai injection can significantly decrease the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in children with VM, suggesting shenmai injection may play significant role in the VM pathogenesis by suppressing synthesis and releasing of TNF-α and IL-6.     

Effect of Prepared Rhubarb on Insulin Resistance in Patients With Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Objective: To investigate the effect of prepared rhubarb on insulin resistance in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and its mechanism. Methods: All the 92 patients accepted 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin release test before and after treatment. These patients were divided into two groups (treated group and control group). Prepared rhubarb and nifedipine were given to the treated group, while nifedipine was given to the control group alone. Circulating endothelial cell (CEC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured and glucose area under curve (GAUC), insulin area under curve (IAUC), insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were calculated. And 30 normal pregnant women were selected as the healthy group. Results: CEC, TNF-a, IL-6, GAUC and IAUC of PIH patients were significantly higher than those of the normal healthy group; while ISI of PIH patients was significantly lower than that of the healthy group. ISI was significantly negatively correlat     

Expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in neonatal cord blood mononuclear cells in patients with preeclampsia

The expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in neonatal cord blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) and serum TNF-α were investigated in order to explore the roles of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.The study enrolled 27 patients suffering from preeclampsia (experimental group) and 21 normal pregnancy patients (control group).After MNCs were separated, the expression of TLR4 mRNA and protein was detected by using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting respectively, and the expression of TNF-α by using ELISA.The results showed the TLR4 mRNA level in cord blood MNCs (2-CT:0.07±0.17), TLR4 protein expression level (absorbance ratio:0.81%±0.15%) and TNF-α level (9.5±1.73 pg/mL) were all increased in experimental group as compared with control group with the differences being statistically significant (P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between the expression of TLR4 mRNA and TNF-α in both experimental group and control group (r=0.54 and 0.53, respectively, P<0.05).It was concluded that TLR4 expression in the experimental group of cord blood MNCs was increased and there was a positive correlation between the expression of TLR4 mRNA and TNF-α in both groups.TLR4-mediated release of inflammatory cytokines may be one of the important reasons leading to preeclampsia.     

The effect of spinal cord injury on the expression of TGF-β and TNF-α in rat articular cartilage

Objective: To observe the expression of TGF-β and TNF-α in the spinal cord injured rat model and discuss the significance of the articular cartilage metabolism. Methods: 36 SD female rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: Rats models of spinal cord injury were implemented by Allen method. T10 laminectomy was performed in the control group. Both groups of rats were killed respectively in 1w, 3w and 6w. Hematoxylin-eosin stain was given to each slice in the model group and control group. Immunohistochemical stain was applied by using ABC method in the expression of TGF-β and TNF-α. Those expressed level were performed in image analysis and statistics process. Results: TGF-β and TNF-α were mainly distributed on the surface layer of the articular cartilage, with a weak expression in control group. The expression of TNF-α in the model group was more significant than that in the control group in the 1w, and still remained an evident difference with that in control group until the 6w(P ＜ 0.05). TGF-β expression of the model group had no remarkable difference with the control group in the lw (P ＞ 0.05) and prominently became stronger at 6w(P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion: The expression of TNF-o occurred early in the development of spinal cord injury, and the expression of TGF-β became stronger with the revival of spinal neural function. Both expressions were strengthened in articular cartilage in the 3rd week.     

Effects of Yixin Jiangya Capsules on Insulin Resistance and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Cases of Primary Hypertension with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Objectives: To observe the effects of Yixin Jiangya Capsules (益心降压胶囊 capsules for nourishing the heart and lowering blood pressure) on insulin resistance (IR) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients with primary hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: Totally 93 cases were randomly divided into a control group of 31 cases taking Enalapril and a treatment group of 62 cases taking Enalapril and Yixin Jiangya Capsules. Results: Fasting serum insulin (FSI) and TNF-α obviously increased and insulin sensitive index (ISI) significantly decreased in both groups before treatment as compared to those of a healthy group. After treatment, FSI, TNF-α and fasting blood glucose (FBG) obviously decreased and ISI remarkably increased in the treatment group, while ISI significantly increased and TNF-α obviously decreased in the control group. The curative effect in the treatment group was remarkably superior to that in the control group. FSI was positively related to TNF-α before treatment in both groups. Conclusion: FSI and TNF-α obviously increase and ISI significantly decreases in patients with primary hypertension with LVH. FSI and TNF-α influencing each other are involved in the generation and development of hypertension. Yixin Jiangya Capsules can improve IR and decrease TNF-α.     

Effect of Liangxue Huoxue Xiaoyin Tang on Serum Levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ and IL-6 in Psoriasis of Blood-Heat Type

To explore the effect of Liangxue Huoxue Xiaoyin Tang (LHXT 凉血活血消银汤 Decoction of Removing Heat from the Blood and Promoting Blood Flow to Eliminate Psoriasis) on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in psoriasis of blood-heat type. Blood samples from both the treatment group (N=33) and control group (N=30) were taken before and after treatment, and the serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 were determined by radio-immunoassay and ELISA. The total effective rate achieved in the treatment group was 90.91%. The remarkably high serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 in patients before treatment (P＜0.01) were obviously decreased after one course of treatment (P＜0.05) and were close to those of healthy subjects after two course of treatment (P＞0.05). The data demonstrate that LHXT has the actions of reducing serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 in psoriasis of blood-heat type, and may exert a pharmacological effect targeting at the cytokines.     

Effect of Wumeiwan on Cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Expression of NF-κBp65 in Rats with Ulcerative Colitis

The effects of Wumeiwan （WMW） on TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and NF-κBp65 in rats with ulcerative colitis （UC） were investigated, the curative effectiveness of WMW vs salicylazosulfapyridine （SASP） was compared, and the action mechanism was analyzed. Fifty-Six Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into four groups （n=14 in each group, with equal ratio of male and female）： normal control group, model group, SASP group, and WMW group. Except normal control group, the rat UC models in the remaining three groups were established using the method of 2.4-dinitrochlorobenzene （DNCB） immunization and acetic acid local enema. The rats in model group, SASP group, and WMW group were treated with distilled water, SASP, and WMW respectively. The changes in the symptoms and signs were observed, and levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-10 and the expression of NF-κBp65 in the colonic tissues were statistically analyzed. The results showed that the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly increased （P〈0.01）, while those of IL-10 significantly reduced （P〈0.01） after establishment of rat UC models as compared with normal control group. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were obviously lower, but the level of IL-10 was obviously higher in WMW and SASP groups than those in model group （P〈0.05）. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were lower, while the level oflL-10 was higher in WMW group than in SASP group. NF-κBp65 was expressed negatively or weakly in normal colonic tissues. The positive expression rate of NF-κBp65 in WMW group and SASP group was obviously lower than in model group （P〈0.01）, and there was significant difference between WMW group and SASP group （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that rat UC model was established successfully. WMW could up-regulate the expression of IL-10, down-regulate the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and inhibit the NF-κBp65 activity to adjust immune function, indicating WMW had better curative effects on UC in rats.     

Expression and Significance of Toll-like Receptor 2, 4 of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Acute Abdomen Patients Associated with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

The changes of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, 4 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the acute abdomen patients associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and their potential significance were explored. A clinical study was performed on 103 acute abdomen patients in whom 65 were associated with SIRS. Forty healthy individuals served as normal controls. The mRNA expression of TLR2, 4 was detected by RT-PCR, and the expression of TNF-αand EL-6 by ELISA. The level of plasma endotoxin, hospital stay and mortality were measured. It was found that the endotoxin level was increased to varying degrees in all the acute abdomen patients, and the endotoxin level was and hospital stay longer in SIRS group than in non-SIRS group (P<0.01). TLR2 mRNA, TLR4 mRNA, IL-6 and TNF-αcould be detected with low value in normal controls, but they were up-regulated markedly on the 1st day after admission. Then TLR4 mRNA, IL-6 and TNF-αwere decreased gradually, but TLR2 mRNA maintained at a high level till the 5th day. These indexes above in SIRS group were higher than those in non-SIRS group (P<0.01). The results of correlation analysis revealed the expression of TLR2, 4 mRNA was positively correlated with the levels of TNF-αand IL-6, and the hospital stay. The results of Logistic regression demonstrated that over-expression of TLR2, 4 mRNA might result in higher risk of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). It was concluded that in the acute abdomen patients associated with SIRS, the expression of TLR2, 4 in PBMCs was increased markedly, suggesting that TLR might play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute abdomen associated with SIRS.     

Intervention Effect of Jianxin Decoction（健心汤） on Serum Cytokine Level of Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Objective: To investigate the intervention effect of Jianxin Decoction (健心汤, JXD) on the cytokine level in serum of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: Sixty-six patients with CHF were randomly divided into the control group (n=33) and the trial group (n=33). The control group received conventional treatment, and the trial group was treated with conventional therapy plus JXD for 4weeks. Before and after treatment, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitrogen monoxide (NO) in serum and cardiac function were determined. Results: After treatment, the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and NO were significantly lower than those before treatment (P＜0.05, or P＜0. 01) in the two groups,and the lowering degree of the indices in the trial group was more significantly reduced than that in the control group (P＜0. 05). And cardiac functions in both groups were improved significantly (P ＜ 0.05, or P ＜0.01). Conclusion: JXD could prevent and reverse ventricular remodeling so as to ameliorate cardiac function through regulating the levels of cytokines.     

Inflammatory responses of the rat lungs in cold-dryness syndrome in the northwest of China

OBJECTIVE:To examine changes in body weight and the lung inflammation factors interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-8(IL-8),IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in a rat model of cold-dryness syndrome in Northwest(Xinjiang) China to provide a reference for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) with local peculiarities.METHODS:The rat COPD model was established by intratracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase(PPE) in combination with cigarette smoking(CS).The rat model of cold-dryness syndrome of COPD in the northwest of China was set up by intratracheal instillation of PPE in combination with CS and environmental cold-dryness stress.The level of IL-1β,IL-8,IL-10 and TNF-α in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The data were analyzed using the software SPSS 11.5.RESULTS:1) Body weight was less in the two model groups than that of control group(P<0.01),PPE plus CS cold-dryness group was less than that of PPE plus CS group(P<0.01).2) IL-1β in BALF significantly increased in PPE plus CS and cold-dryness group than that of control group(P<0.01).3) IL-8 and TNF-α in BALF significantly increased in PPE plus CS and cold-dryness group and PPE plus CS group than that of control group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Body weight in COPD model rats was reduced compared with controls.Cold-dryness may aggravate such a condition Lung inflammation in the model was mainly manifested by an increase in IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-α levels,with no change in IL-10 levels.Cold-dryness may aggravate lung inflammation of COPD.     

The Therapeutic Effects of Rehmannia Oral Liquid for the Syndrome of Heat Accumulation with Yin Consumption in Esophagus Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy——A Report of 60 Cases

Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Rehmannia Oral Liquid on the syndrome of heat accumulation with Yin consumption in intermediate or late esophagus cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: The IFN-α, TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-β1 levels in sera were determined by the method of ABC-WLISA before and after the treatment with Rehmannia Oral Liquid. At the same time, the observation was carried out on the patient's general condition, symptoms and signs, barium meal or CT examinations, and biopsy. Another 30 cases of esophagus cancer were treated singly with radiotherapy as the control group. Results: Rehmannia Oral Liquid could obviously improve the patient's general condition, and the symptoms and signs after radiotherapy. Based on the X-ray examination and biopsy, the short-term local control rate of the treatment group and the control group was 70.0% and 40.0% respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.05). Before the treatment, the level of serum IFN-α of both cancer groups was lower and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-β1 were higher than that of normal group. After treatment, the level of IFN-α in both treatment group and control group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the treatment group improved more obviously than the control group (P<0.05). The level of TNF-α of both groups decreased significantly (P<0.01) after treatment, and the level of IL-1β decreased in treatment group and increased in control group without the significant difference as compared with that before treatment. The level of TGF-β1 was significantly increased in control group (P<0.05) and decreased in treatment group (P>0.05) after treatment. The difference between groups was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Rehmannia Oral Liquid can obviously reduce the radiotherapy reaction, improve the quality of life, and raise the therapeutic effects. The action mechanism of the Liquid may lie in balancing the cytokine network and regulating the disordered signal transmission.     

Circulating Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris of Different Chinese Medicine Syndromes

Objective:To investigate whether the serum levels of inflammation-related cytokines might be different between the healthy individuals and the psoriatic patients diagnosed of three varied Chinese medicine(CM) syndromes[blood-stasis syndrome(BSS),blood-dryness syndrome(BDS) and wind-heat syndrome(WHS)].Methods:A total of 62 psoriatic patients were recruited and assigned to 3 groups according to their CM syndromes,including 27 patients of BSS,21 of BDS and 14 of WHS.Another 20 sex- and agematched healthy subjects were enrolled into the control group.Serum concentrations of multiple cytokines,including monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(MIP-1α),soluble CD4 O ligand(SCD40L),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),epidermal growth factor(EGF),interleukin-8(IL-8),interleukin-17(IL-17),interferon γ inducible protein-10(IP-10) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),were measured by a multiplexed flow cytometric assay.Results:The circulating levels of MIP-1α,TNF-α,IL-8,and IP-10 were significantly increased in the psoriatic patients compared with the healthy controls(P0.01).Male and female patients tended to have higher serum levels of MCP-1 and IP-10,respectively(P0.05).Interestingly,compared with the control group,6 out of the 9 cytokines(MCP-1,MIP-1α,TNF-α,EGF,IL-8 and IP-10) were substantially increased in the BSS group(P0.05 or P0.01),whereas only MIP-1α and IL-8 levels were elevated in the BDS group(P0.05 or P0.01) concurrent with lowered concentrations of SCD40 L and IL-17(P0.05).In the WHS group,MIP-1α was the only cytokine whose level was evidently increased(P0.01),in contrast to IL-17 which was decreased as compared with the control(P0.05).The psoriatic patients overall owned higher levels of MIP-1α and IL-8 in the circulation which were comparable among the 3 groups of CM syndromes(P0.01).In contrast,TNF-α level of the BSS group was the highest among the three(P0.01),followed by the BDS and the WHS groups.Conclusions:The expression profiles of cytokines in the circulation might not be necessarily identical for psoriatic patients with different CM syndromes.Accordingly,the serum concentrations of certain cytokines could potentially be used as the ancillary indices for the clinical classification of psoriatic CM syndromes.     

Telmisartan protects against insulin resistance by attenuating inflammatory response in rats

This study investigated the effects of telmisartan on insulin resistance in high-fat diet-treated rats and the possible mechanism.A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats enrolled in the study were divided into 4 groups at random:ND group(n=10) and HD group(n=10),in which the rats were given a normal chow diet or a high-fat diet for 20 weeks following a one-week adaptation;ND+telmisartan(n=10) group and HD+telmisartan group(n=10),in which the rats were initially administered in the same way as the ND or HD group,and then they were orally gavaged with telmisartan(5 mg/kg daily) additionally for 5 weeks.Related inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA.Monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1),phosphorylated JNK and IκB-α expressions in both adipose and liver were detected by Western blotting.CRP and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor 1(AT1) mRNA expressions in both adipose and liver were determined by RT-PCR.The results showed that telmisartan administration in vivo reversed insulin resistance as evidenced by a decrease in plasma fasting glucose levels,plasma fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance(HOMA-IR).Furthermore,telmisartan administration significantly reduced serum CRP,TNF-α and IL-1β levels,and elevated serum IL-10 levels.It was also found to hamper the high-fat diet-induced increase in CRP mRNA,AT1 mRNA and MCP-1,and decrease in IκB-α in both adipose and liver.It was concluded that telmisartan administration in vivo may improve insulin resistance through attenuated inflammatory response pathways.     

Serum metrix metalloproteinase-9 combined with homocysteine, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, HbA11c and lipid profile in the incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular diseases

Objective: To evaluate the changes of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (mmp-9) in patients of incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular disease and to analyze the factors associated with homocysteine(hcy), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), HbA1c and lipid profile in those patients in order to know whether this marker or other factors are more important to induce diabetic macrovascular disease. Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) subjects with incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular disease were selected for participation and divided into 2 groups. The patients in group 1(n= 38) used insulin, and patients in group 2 (n = 34) were treated with an oral antidiabetic drug. Then serum mmp-9, hcy, IL-6 and TNF-αin these patients were measured, and compared to the healthy subjects as control (n= 16). The results were analyzed by SPSS13. Results: Serum mmp-9 and hcy of the patients having incipient diabetic nephropathy with macrovascular disease were higher than that of patients without macrovascular disease (P<0. 01). For insulin-injected patients, whether they accompanied with macrovascular diseases or not, the serum levels of mmp-9, hcy, IL-6 and TNF-αwere all lower, but no significant statistics compared with non-insulin used patients or the healthy subjects. The serum level of mmp-9 was more correlated with the serum hcy in antidiabetic drug used patients. (P<0. 000) Conclusion: The serum level of mmp-9 plays an important role of pathogenesis in the macrovascular disease in the incipient diabetic patients, and the serum level of hcy also can reflect the severely degree of macrovascular disease in these patients, insulin can reduce these markers.     

Effects of tetramethylpyrazine on cardiac function and mortality rate in septic rats

Objective:To study the effects of tetramethylpyrazine(TMP)on cardiac function and mortality rate in septic rats.Methods:Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into a sham-operation group (sham group,n=10),normal saline group(NS group,n=20),and TMP group(n=20).The rats in the NS and TMP groups underwent cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)to induce sepsis.Rats in the NS group were injected with NS(10 mL/kg)immediately after CLP and 6 h after CLP.Rats in the TMP group were injected with TMP (10 mg/kg)at the same time points.Twenty-four hours after modeling,the mortality rates were observed in each group.Cardiac function and serum concentration of tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)were also tested. The correlation between TNF-αand the ejection fraction(EF)was observed.Left ventricle specimens were reserved for histomorphologic study.Results:Compared with the sham group,the NS and TMP groups had decreased EF values and increased mortality rates and serum TNF-αlevels(P<0.05).The TMP group had a comparatively lower mortality rate and TNF-αlevel and a higher EF value compared with the NS group(P<0.05). Histomorphology indicated that myocardial inflammation in the TMP group was mild compared with that in the NS group.There was a negative correlation between TNF-αlevel and EF value(r=-0.583,P=0.000).Conclusion: TMP could reduce the mortality rate of septic rats and had certain protective effects on cardiac function.