Ultrafine carbon black attenuates the antihypertensive effect of captopril in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) has been associated with increased blood pressure (BP) by affecting renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on a systemic level in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). RAS in SHR is also an important target for the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril. We aimed to determine if ultrafine carbon black (UCB) could affect antihypertensive effect of captopril in SHR. The rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group 1 did not receive intratracheal instillation; group 2 received saline instillation plus captopril administration; groups 3, 4 and 5 received 0.15?mg/kg, 0.45?mg/kg and 1.35?mg/kg UCB per instillation plus captopril administration, respectively; group 6 received 1.35?mg/kg UCB instillation only. Rats in the above groups were intratracheally instilled with saline or UCB once every two days for three times and captopril was administered to group 2–5 after the final UCB treatment, once a day for one week. The BP was measured 24?h after each intratracheal instillation. During captopril administration and 24?h after last captopril administration, we measured BP every two days for four times. Our results showed that UCB at the dose of 1.35?mg/kg induced pulmonary and systemic inflammation in SHR. Captopril reduced BP in rats exposed to 0, 0.15 and 0.45?mg/kg UCB seven and eleven days after the first UCB instillation, and had no effect on BP in rats exposed to 1.35?mg/kg UCB. Captopril also reduced angiotensin II (AngII) in rats exposed to saline. The reduction, however, was attenuated with increasing doses of UCB. We conclude that UCB attenuated the antihypertensive effect of captopril in SHR, and the effect was accompanied by a systemic increase in the concentration of AngII.     

Propargylglycine aggravates liver damage in LPS-treated rats: Possible relation of nitrosative stress with the inhibition of H2S formation

BackgroundHydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a naturally occurring gaseous transmitter, which may play important roles in normal physiology and disease. Here, we investigated the effect of endogenously formed H₂S in the endotoxemic organ injury.MethodsMale Wistar rats were subjected to acute endotoxemia [Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 20 mg kg⁻¹, intraperitoneally (ip)]. A group of animals was injected d,l-propargylglycine (PAG, 50 mg kg⁻¹, ip), an inhibitor of the H₂S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), 60 min before LPS administration. Six hours after the LPS treatment, animals were sacrificed. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) activities and levels of nitrotyrosine and GSH were measured in the liver. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and arginine levels in both liver and plasma were determined using HPLC.ResultsLPS injections caused liver injury, as evidenced by the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase and arginase. After LPS injections, increased arginine content and arginine/ADMA ratio were observed in the liver, together with significant decrements in both DDAH activity and GSH levels. Despite the accumulation of ADMA in the plasma, its level remained unchanged in the liver. PAG pretreatment aggravated the LPS-induced increase in the activities of MPO and serum enzymes. The most profound effect of PAG pretreatment was observed in nitrotyrosine levels in the liver, which were increased significantly as compared with the control and LPS-injected groups.ConclusionThese findings support the view that the suppression of nitrosative stress by endogenous H₂S is one of the mechanisms to protect liver against endotoxemic injury.     

高通量测序和实时荧光定量PCR分析何首乌肝损伤与肠道微生物组的关系

目的采用Illumina高通量测序技术和实时荧光定量PCR（Real-Time PCR,RT-PCR）法研究何首乌（PM）致肝损伤与肠道微生物组间的关系,并验证两种定量方法的一致性。方法雄性SD大鼠随机分为5组：对照组、脂多糖（LPS）组、LPS+对乙酰氨基酚（APAP）组、PM组和LPS+PM组;大鼠尾iv给予4.0 mg/kg LPS建立肝损伤模型,各组相应每天1次ig给予0.625 g/kg APAP和12 g生药/kg PM,记录大鼠体质量;分别于造模后2、14 h、5和8 d,对大鼠粪便中细菌16SrRNA基因的V4高变区进行Illumina高通量测序,根据测序结果得出的差异物种,采用RT-PCR进行验证;取造模后8 d大鼠肝脏组织,HE染色,光学显微镜观察。结果大鼠肝脏病理学检查结果显示,与对照组比较,LPS组大鼠存在肉芽肿,PM组无异常病变;与LPS组比较,LPS+PM大鼠肝细胞出现轻度变性和微小肉芽肿增多,LPS+APAP组可见微小肉芽肿和淋巴细胞浸润。Illumina高通量测序结果提示,与对照组比较,随着PM给药次数增加,单独给予PM的大鼠肠道微生物无显著变化;LPS+PM组表现为肠球菌科和毛螺旋菌科细菌逐渐增加,乳杆菌属细菌减少,且与LPS组有差异;RT-PCR结果显示,与对照组比较,随着PM给药次数的增加,单独给予PM的大鼠肠道微生物无显著变化;LPS+PM组肠球菌科、毛螺旋菌科细菌数显著增加（P<0.05）,乳杆菌属细菌数显著减少（P<0.05）,且与LPS组比较有显著差异。结论 PM肝损伤大鼠存在不同程度的菌群失衡,且Illumina高通量测序和RT-PCR检测结果具有良好的一致性,但Illumina高通量测序技术可获得更多的微生物信息,更具优势。     

Interleukin-23 mediates the pathogenesis of LPS/GalN-induced liver injury in mice

BackgroundInterleukin-23 (IL-23) is required for T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses and IL-17 production in hepatitis B virus infection. A previous study showed that the IL-23/IL-17 axis aggravates immune injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. However, the role of IL-23 in acute liver injury remains unclear.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the role of the inflammatory cytokine IL-23 in lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine (LPS/GalN)-induced acute liver injury in mice.MethodsSerum IL-23 from patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and healthy individuals who served as healthy controls (HCs) was measured by ELISA. An IL-23p19 neutralizing antibody or an IL-23p40 neutralizing antibody was administered intravenously at the time of challenge with LPS (10 μg/kg) and GalN (400 mg/kg) in C57BL/6 mice. Hepatic pathology and the expression of Th17-related cytokines, including IL-17 and TNF-α; neutrophil chemoattractants, including Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl9, and Cxcl10; and the stabilization factor Csf3 were assessed in liver tissue.ResultsSerum IL-23 was significantly upregulated in ACLF patients compared with CHB patients and HCs (P < 0.05 for both). Serum IL-23 was significantly upregulated in the non-survival group compared with the survival group of ACLF patients, which was consistent with LPS/GalN-induced acute hepatic injury in mice (P < 0.05 for both). Moreover, after treatment, serum IL-23 was downregulated in the survival group of ACLF patients (P < 0.001). Compared with LPS/GalN mice, mice treated with either an IL-23p19 neutralizing antibody or an IL-23p40 neutralizing antibody showed less severe liver tissue histopathology and significant reductions in the expression of Th17-related inflammatory cytokine, including IL-17 and TNF-α; neutrophil chemoattractants, including Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl9, and Cxcl10; and stabilization factors Csf3 within the liver tissue compared with LPS/GalN mice (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionHigh serum IL-23 was associated with mortality in ACLF patients and LPS/GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice. IL-23 neutralizing antibodies attenuated liver injury by reducing the expression of Th17-related inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil chemoattractants and stabilization factors within the liver tissue, which indicated that IL-23 likely functions upstream of Th17-related cytokine and chemokine expression to recruit inflammatory cells into the liver.     

Captopril avoids hypertension,the increase in plasma angiotensin II but increases angiotensin 1–7 and angiotensin II‐induced perfusion pressure in isolated kidney in SHR

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卡托普利和阿司匹林相互作用对培养乳鼠心肌细胞损伤的影响及其机制探讨

目的　观察卡托普利和阿司匹林相互作用对培养乳鼠心肌细胞损伤的影响及其机制。方法　建立培养乳鼠心肌细胞损伤模型 ,分别采用酶联法及Griess试剂法测定培养液中乳酸脱氢酶和一氧化氮活性 ,采用Fura 2负载荧光技术检测胞内游离钙水平。结果　与模型组相比 ,卡托普利和阿司匹林均显著减少培养介质中LDH水平 ,显著增加NO生成 ,但二者联用存在显著的相互作用 ,且表现为拮抗效应。卡托普利显著减少胞内游离钙浓度 ,而阿司匹林单用及合用卡托普利均明显增加胞内游离钙浓度。结论　卡托普利和阿司匹林联用时对培养乳鼠心肌细胞损伤存在显著的相互作用 ,其机制与其减少NO生成及增加胞内游离钙浓度有关     

Mechanisms for the inhibition of vasopressin-stimulated water flow by captopril in the toad bladder

The mechanisms by which captopril inhibits vasopressin-stimulated osmotic water flow in the toad bladder have been investigated in vitro. Captopril has two possible mechanisms for the inhibitory action on the water flow, one is its stimulative effect on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biosynthesis by inhibition of kininase II activity, the other, is a direct effect on water flow independent of PGE2. Captopril inhibited the vasopressin-, cyclic adenosine monophosphate- and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine-stimulated water flow. The inhibition of water flow by bradykinin was enhanced by captopril. These data indicate that captopril increased the amount of bradykinin in toad bladder cells resulting in the production of PGE2 which inhibited the increase in water flow induced by vasopressin. The inhibitory effect of captopril, however, also occurred in the presence of indomethacin, when the production of PGE2 was attenuated. Thus, it was concluded that captopril inhibits the vasopressin-stimulated water flow indirectly by inhibiting the degradation of bradykinin and thereby enhancing the production of PGE2, and directly at a site following the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate by vasopressin.     

Effects of tyrphostins and genistein on the circulatory failure and organ dysfunction caused by endotoxin in the rat: a possible role for protein tyrosine kinase

1. Here we compared the effects of various inhibitors of the activity of protein tyrosine kinase on (i) the expression of the activity of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) caused by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) in cultured macrophages, (ii) the induction of iNOS and cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein and activity in rats with endotoxaemia, and (iii) the circulatory failure and organ dysfunction caused by LPS in the anaesthetized rat.
2. Activation of murine cultured macrophages with LPS (1 μg ml⁻¹) resulted, within 24 h, in a significant increase in nitrite (an indicator of the formation of NO) in the cell supernatant. This increase in nitrite was attenuated by the tyrphostins AG126, AG556, AG490 or AG1641 or by genistein in a dose-dependent fashion (IC₅₀: ∼15 μM). In contrast, tyrphostin A1 (an analogue of tyrphostin AG126) or daidzein (an analogue of genistein) had no effect on the rise in nitrite caused by LPS.
3. Administration of LPS (E. coli, 10 mg kg⁻¹, i.v.) caused hypotension and a reduction of the pressor responses elicited by noradrenaline (NA, 1 μg kg⁻¹, i.v.). Pretreatment of rats with the tyrphostins AG126, AG490, AG556, AG1641 or A1 attenuated the circulatory failure caused by LPS. Although genistein attenuated the vascular hyporeactivity to NA, it did not affect the hypotension caused by LPS. Daidzein did not affect the circulatory failure caused by LPS.
4. Endotoxaemia for 360 min resulted in rises in the serum levels of (i) urea and creatinine (indicators of renal failure), (ii) alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin and γ-glutamyl transferase (γGT) (indicators of liver injury/dysfunction), lipase (an indicator of pancreatic injury) as well as lactate (an indicator of tissue hypoxia). None of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors tested had a significant effect on the rise in the serum levels of urea, but the tyrphostins AG126, AG556 or A1 significantly attenuated the rises in the serum levels of creatinine caused by LPS. In addition, all tyrphostins and genistein attenuated the liver injury/failure, the pancreatic injury, the hypoglycaemia and the lactic acidosis caused by LPS. In contrast, daidzein did not reduce the organ injury/dysfunction or the lactic acidosis caused by LPS.
5. Injection of LPS resulted (within 90 min) in a substantial increase in the serum level of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), which was attenuated by pretreatment of LPS-rats with any of the tyrphostins used. Genistein, but not daidzein, also reduced the rise in the serum levels of TNFα caused by LPS. Endotoxaemia for 6 h also resulted in a substantial increase in the expression of iNOS and COX-2 protein and activity in the lung, which was attenuated by pretreatment of LPS-rats with the tyrphostins AG126, AG556 or genistein, but not by daidzein.
6. Thus, tyrphostins (AG126, AG490, AG556, AG1641 or A1) and genistein, but not daidzein (inactive analogue of genistein), prevent the (i) circulatory failure, (ii) the multiple organ dysfunction (liver and pancreatic dysfunction/injury, lactacidosis, hypoglycaemia), as well as (iii) the induction of iNOS and COX-2 protein and activity in rats with endotoxic shock

     

来氟米特对免疫性肝损伤大鼠Kupffer细胞TRAIL表达的影响

目的 观察来氟米特（Lef）对免疫性肝损伤大鼠的保护作用及对Kupffer细胞（KC）中肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体（TRAIL）及其受体表达的影响,探讨Lef防治肝损伤的作用及机制。方法 雄性SD大鼠24只,随机分为正常组、模型组和Lef组,每组8只。模型组及Lef组采用卡介苗（BCG）+脂多糖（LPS）诱导大鼠免疫性肝损伤模型,Lef组再采用lef干预,考察Lef对大鼠免疫性肝损伤的保护作用;体外分离培养KC,观察Lef对KC分泌细胞因子TRAIL及其受体TRAIL-R的影响。结果 Lef可明显改善免疫性肝损伤大鼠肝细胞损伤、肝细胞变性坏死减轻,视野内凋亡小体变少。Lef能显著降低KC分泌的TRAIL、TRAIL-R1、TRAIL-R2表达,与模型组相比明显降低,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 Lef对BCG+LPS诱导的免疫性肝损伤有保护作用,其机制可能与抑制TRAIL信号传导通路有关。     

Palmatine attenuates d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced fulminant hepatic failure in mice

Palmatine is an isoquinoline alkaloid from Coptis chinensis, an herbal medicine used to treat various inflammatory diseases such as gastritis, edema and dermatitis. The present study examined the cytoprotective properties of palmatine on d(+)-galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fulminant hepatic failure. Mice were intraperitoneally given GalN (700 mg/kg)/LPS (10 μg/kg). Palmatine (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was administered 1 h before GalN/LPS. GalN/LPS increased the mortality and serum aminotransferase activities. These increases were attenuated by palmatine. GalN/LPS increased hepatic lipid peroxidation and decreased the contents of reduced glutathione. Palmatine did not affect the lipid peroxidation and glutathione content. GalN/LPS increased the circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10. Palmatine prevented the increase of serum TNF-α and augmented that of serum IL-10. GalN/LPS treatment also increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression in liver tissue. Palmatine decreased the TNF-α mRNA expression and increased the IL-10 mRNA expression. Palmatine attenuated the apoptosis of hepatocytes, as evidenced by the TUNEL method and capase-3 analysis. Our data suggest that palmatine alleviates GalN/LPS-induced liver injury by modulating the cytokine response and inhibiting apoptosis.     

Amiodarone exposure during modest inflammation induces idiosyncrasy-like liver injury in rats: role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Amiodarone [2-butyl-3-(3',5'-diiodo-4'α-diethylaminoethoxybenzoyl)-benzofuran] (AMD), a class III antiarrhythmic drug, is known to cause idiosyncratic hepatotoxic reactions in human patients. One hypothesis for the etiology of idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions is that a concurrent inflammatory stress results in decreased threshold for drug toxicity. To explore this hypothesis in an animal model, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with nonhepatotoxic doses of AMD or its vehicle and with saline vehicle or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce low-level inflammation. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities as well as increased total bile acid concentrations in serum and midzonal hepatocellular necrosis were observed only in AMD/LPS-cotreated rats. The time interval between AMD and LPS administration was critical: AMD injected 16 h before LPS led to liver injury, whereas AMD injected 2-12 h before LPS failed to cause this response. The increase in ALT activity in AMD/LPS cotreatment showed a clear dose-response relationship with AMD as well as LPS. The metabolism and hepatic accumulation of AMD were not affected by LPS coexposure. Serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) was significantly increased by LPS and was slightly prolonged by AMD. In Hepac1c7 cells, addition of TNF potentiated the cytotoxicity of both AMD and its primary metabolite, mono-N-desethylamiodarone. In vivo inhibition of TNF signaling by etanercept attenuated the AMD/LPS-induced liver injury in rats. In summary, AMD treatment during modest inflammation induced severe hepatotoxicity in rats, and TNF contributed to the induction of liver injury in this animal model of idiosyncratic AMD-induced liver injury.     

Hepatoprotective effects of syringin on fulminant hepatic failure induced by D‐galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide in mice

The prognosis for fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) still remains extremely poor with a high mortality and, therefore, better treatments are urgently needed. Syringin, a main active substance isolated from Eleutherococcus senticosus, has been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of syringin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN)‐induced FHF in mice. Mice were administered syringin (10, 30 and 100 mg kg^–1, respectively) intraperitoneally (i.p) 30 min before LPS/D‐GalN then mortality and liver injury were evaluated subsequently. We found that syringin dose‐dependently attenuated LPS/D‐GalN‐induced FHF, as indicated by reduced mortality, inhibited aminotransferase and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an increased glutathione (GSH) concentration and alleviated pathological liver injury. In addition, syringin inhibited LPS/D‐GalN‐induced hepatic caspase‐3 activation and hepatocellular apoptosis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression, as well as hepatic tissues tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) production and NF‐κB activation in a dose‐dependent manner. These experimental data indicate that syringin might alleviate the FHF induced by LPS/D‐GalN through inhibiting NF‐κB activation to reduce TNF‐α production. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Captopril attenuates hypertension and renal injury induced by the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor sorafenib

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Metabolism of captopril-L-cysteine,a captopril metabolite,in rats and dogs

1. The metabolism of [¹⁴C]captopril-L-cysteine was studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats and pure-bred beagles after a single i.v. dose (4?mg/kg).

2. During the first 24?h, concn. of total radioactivity in blood were similar in both species.

3. Captopril was found in small amounts in the blood of both species. In rats, captopril, bound covalently but reversibly to plasma proteins (CP-PR), was the major component in blood (70%), whereas captopril-L-cysteine was a minor component (23%) of the total radioactivity. In dog blood, CP-PR constituted a smaller fraction (45%) of the total radioactivity than in the rat and captopril-L-cysteine was the major component (53%).

4. In 72?h, 89–91% of the dose was excreted in the urine of rats and dogs. Captopril-L-cysteine accounted for 7% (rat) and 68% (dog) of the radioactivity in urine; captopril accounted for 75% (rat) and 7% (dog). Other metabolites were present in the urine of both species.

5. The greater net conversion of captopril-L-cysteine to CP-PR and to captopril in rats helps explain why captopril-L-cysteine is excreted in urine as a major metabolite of captopril in dogs but only a minor one in rats.     

Deer antler based active ingredients have protective effects on LPS/d-GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice through MAPK and NF-κB signalling pathways

ContextDeer antler based active ingredients are known to have certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its potential hepatoprotective effect remains unclear.ObjectiveThis article reports the hepatoprotective effect of protein components in deer antler bases (R1) on lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine (LPS/d-GalN)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice, and explores its possible mechanism.Materials and methodsThe four separated and purified protein components of deer antler bases were screened and verified by the RAW264.7 cell inflammation model. In the in vivo experiment of LPS/d-GalN-induced ALI in mice, ALT, AST, SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA were detected. The liver histopathology was analysed, the COX-2 and iNOS proteins were analysed by immunohistochemistry, and 4-HNE was analysed by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, the effects on the MAPK pathway and NF-κB/IκB-α pathway in liver proteins were explored.ResultsWith isolated RA protein fraction pre-treated RAW264.7 cells, NO production decreased by 35.3% compared with the model group. The experimental results of ALI in mice induced by LPS/d-GalN show that R1 protein components can protect mice from ALI through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects and reduce liver pathological damage in mice. The results also indicate that the R1 protein component may protect the liver by inhibiting the activation of the MAPK pathway and the NF-κB/IκB-α pathway induced by LPS/d-GalN.ConclusionsThe separated and purified R1 protein component of deer antler base has a good protective effect on LPS/d-GalN-induced liver injury, and may become a potential material for protecting against liver injury.     

Enhanced hematopoietic protection from radiation by the combination of genistein and captopril

The hematopoietic system is sensitive to radiation injury, and mortality can occur due to blood cell deficiency and stem cell loss. Genistein and the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril are two agents shown to protect the hematopoietic system from radiation injury. In this study we examined the combination of genistein with captopril for reduction of radiation-induced mortality from hematopoietic damage and the mechanisms of radiation protection. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 8.25 Gy ⁶⁰Co total body irradiation (TBI) to evaluate the effects of genistein and captopril alone and in combination on survival, blood cell recovery, hematopoietic progenitor cell recovery, DNA damage, and erythropoietin production. 8.25 Gy TBI resulted in 0% survival after 30 days in untreated mice. A single subcutaneous injection of genistein administered 24 h before TBI resulted in 72% survival. Administration of captopril in the drinking water, from 1 h through 30 days postirradiation, increased survival to 55%. Genistein plus captopril increased survival to 95%. Enhanced survival was reflected in a reduction of radiation-induced anemia, improved recovery of nucleated bone marrow cells, splenocytes and circulating red blood cells. The drug combination enhanced early recovery of marrow progenitors: erythroid (CFU-E and BFU-E), and myeloid (CFU-GEMM, CFU-GM and CFU-M). Genistein alone and genistein plus captopril protected hematopoietic progenitor cells from radiation-induced micronuclei, while captopril had no effect. Captopril alone and genistein plus captopril, but not genistein alone, suppressed radiation-induced erythropoietin production. These data suggest that genistein and captopril protect the hematopoietic system from radiation injury via independent mechanisms.     

Continentalic acid exhibited nephroprotective activity against the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury through inhibition of the oxidative stress and inflammation

The present study investigated the effect of the continentalic acid (CNT) isolated from the Aralia Continentalis against the LPS and E. coli-induced nephrotoxicity. The LPS and E. coli administration markedly altered the behavioral parameters including spontaneous pain, tail suspension and survival rate. However, the treatment with CNT dose dependently improved the behavioral parameters. The CNT treatment significantly improved the renal functions test (RFTs) and hematological parameters following LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, the LPS and E. coli administration markedly compromised the anti-oxidant enzymes and enhanced the oxidative stress markers. However, the CNT treatment markedly enhanced the anti-oxidants enzymes such as GSH, GST, Catalase and SOD, while attenuated the oxidative stress markers such as MDA and POD. The MPO enzyme is widely used marker for the neutrophilic infiltration, the LPS and E. coli administration markedly increased the MPO activity. However, the CNT treatment markedly attenuated the MPO activity in both LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, the CNT treatment markedly attenuated the NO production compared to the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury group. Additionally, the CNT treatment improved the histological parameters markedly (H and E, PAS and Masson’s trichome staining) and protect the kidney from the inflammatory insult of the LPS and E. coli evidently. The comet assay revealed marked DNA damage, however, the CNT treatment markedly prevented the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney damage. The CNT treatment markedly enhanced the expression of Nrf2, while attenuated the iNOS expression in both models of kidney injury.     

Fraxinol attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury by equilibrating ACE-Ang II-AT1R and ACE2-Ang (1-7)-Mas and inhibiting NLRP3

ContextAcute lung injury (ALI) is a serious heterogenous pulmonary disorder. Fraxinol was selected for this study since it is a simple coumarin compound, not previously investigated in ALI.ObjectivesThis study investigates the ALI therapeutic effect and mechanisms of fraxinol.Materials and methodsMale BALB/c mice were treated with fraxinol (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) following intranasal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 μg in 50 μL). The mice in control group were intratracheally injected with 50 μL phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Raw264.7 cells were treated with fraxinol by 100 ng/mL LPS for 6 h, then treated by different concentrations of fraxinol (5, 10, and 25 μM) for 48 h. Cells in control group were treated with PBS.ResultsFraxinol with doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg significantly attenuated LPS-induced lung injury in mice (lung injury score, 10.4, 31.2, 50.3%). Fraxinol attenuated the apoptosis and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) activation induced by LPS (apoptosis, 18.3, 30.2, 55.6%; NLRP3, 30.0, 47.7, 63.6%). The anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation effects of fraxinol were also confirmed in Raw264.7 cells (apoptosis, 38.8, 55.3, 68.9%; NLRP3, 20.6, 55.7, 73.9%).Discussion and conclusionThe anti-ALI effects of fraxinol maybe by equilibrating ACE-Ang II-AT1R and ACE2-Ang (1-7)-Mas axis and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. Our research provides a candidate drug in the treatment of ALI.     

Berberine attenuates septic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signalling in rats

ContextBerberine (Ber) can increase the survival rate of septic mice and inhibit inflammation, but whether it has a protective effect on septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) is unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate whether Ber ameliorates SCM in a rat model and its potential mechanism.Materials and methodsMale SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (Con, n = 6) (DD H₂O, 2 mL/100 g, ig, qd × 3 d, then saline, 10 mg/kg, ip); sepsis [LPS (lipopolysaccharide), n = 18] (LPS 10 mg/kg instead of saline, ip); and berberine intervention (Ber, n = 18) (Ber, 50 mg/kg instead of DD H₂O, ig, qd × 3 d, LPS instead of saline, ip). Hemodynamics, HE staining, ELISA and western blot were performed at 6, 24, and 48 h after intraperitoneal injection of LPS to evaluate the effect of berberine in septic rats.ResultBerberine could recover myocardial injury by partially increased ± dp/dt max (1151, 445 mmHg/s) and LVEDP levels (1.49 mmHg) with LPS-induced rats, as well as an ameliorated increase of cTnT (217.53 pg/mL) in the Ber group compared with that in the LPS group (at 24 h). In addition, HE staining results showed that berberine attenuated the myocardial cell swelling induced by LPS. In contrast to the LPS group, the up-regulation of TLR4, p65 TNF-α, and IL-1β were attenuated in the Ber group.Discussion and conclusionsBerberine showed a protective effect on septic cardiomyopathy rats possibly through inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway. Whether it improves SCM through other mechanisms is our ongoing research.