Ethyl pyruvate protects against experimental acute-on-chronic liver failure in rats

AIM:To investigate the protective effects of ethyl pyruvate(EP) on acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) in rats.METHODS:An ACLF model was established in rats,and animals were randomly divided into normal,model and EP treatment groups.The rats in EP treatment group received EP(40 mg/kg) at 3 h,6 h,12 h and 24 h after induction of ACLF.Serum endotoxin,high mobility group box-1(HMGB1),alanine transaminase(ALT),tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-),interferon-(IFN-),interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-18 levels,changes of liver histology and HMGB1 expressions in liver tissues were detected at 48 h after induction of ACLF.The effects of EP on the survival of ACLF rats were also observed.RESULTS:Serum levels of endotoxin(0.394 ± 0.066 EU/mL vs 0.086 ± 0.017 EU/mL,P 0.001),HMGB1(35.42 ± 10.86 g/L vs 2.14 ± 0.27 g/L,P 0.001),ALT(8415.87 ± 3567.54 IU/L vs 38.64 ± 8.82 IU/L,P 0.001),TNF-(190.77 ± 12.34 ng/L vs 124.40 ± 4.12 ng/L,P 0.001),IFN-(715.38 ± 86.03 ng/L vs 398.66 ± 32.91 ng/L,P 0.001),IL-10(6.85 ± 0.64 ng/L vs 3.49 ± 0.24 ng/L,P 0.001) and IL-18(85.19 ± 3.49 ng/L vs 55.38 ± 1.25 ng/L,P 0.001) were significantly increased,and liver tissues presented severe pathological injury in the model group compared with the normal group.However,EP administration significantly improved hepatic histopathology and reduced the serum levels of endotoxin(0.155 ± 0.045 EU/mL vs 0.394 ± 0.066 EU/mL,P 0.001) and inflammatory cytokines(11.13 ± 2.58 g/L vs 35.42 ± 10.86 g/L for HMGB1,3512.86 ± 972.67 IU/L vs 8415.87 ± 3567.54 IU/L for ALT,128.55 ± 5.76 ng/L vs 190.77 ± 12.34 ng/L for TNF-,438.16 ± 38.10 ng/L vs 715.38 ± 86.03 ng/L for IFN-,3.55 ± 0.36 ng/L vs 6.85 ± 0.64 ng/L for IL-10,and 60.35 ± 1.63 ng/L vs 85.19 ± 3.49 ng/L for IL-18,respectively,P 0.001),and the levels of HMGB1 in liver tissues regardless of treatment time after induction of ACLF.EP treatment at the four time points prolonged the median survival time of ACLF rats(60 h) to 162 h,120 h,102 h and 78 h,respectively(2 = 41.17,P 0.0001).CONCLUSION:EP administration can protect against ACLF in rats,and is a potential and novel therapeutic agent for severe liver injury.     

Protective effect of glutamine on intestinal injury and bacterial community in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia environment

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of glutamine(Gln)on intestinal injury and the bacterial community in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia environment.METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control,hypobaric hypoxia(HH),and hypobaric hypoxia+Gln(5.0 g/kg BW·d)(HG)groups.On the first 3 d,all rats were placed in a normal environment.After the third day,the HH and HG groups were transferred into a hypobaric chamber at a simulated elevation of 7000m for 5 d.The rats in the HG group were given Gln by gavage daily for 8 d.The rats in the control and HH groups were treated with the same volume of saline.The intestinal morphology,serum levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)and diamino oxidase(DAO)were examined.We also evaluated the expression levels of occludin,toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65)and myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88),and examined the bacterial community in caecal contents.RESULTS:Hypobaric hypoxia induced the enlargement of the heart,liver,lung and kidney,and caused spleen atrophy.Intestinal villi damage was also observed in the HH group.Supplementation with Gln significantly alleviated hypobaric-induced damage to main organs including the intestine,increased serum SOD(1.14±0.03 vs 0.88±0.04,P<0.05)and MDA(8.35±1.60,P<0.01)levels and decreased serum IL-6(1172.13±30.49 vs 1407.05±34.36,P<0.05),TNF-α(77.46±0.78 vs 123.70±3.03,P<0.001),IFN-γ(1355.42±72.80 vs 1830.16±42.07,P<0.01)and DAO(629.30±9.15 vs 524.10±13.34,P<0.001)levels.Moreover,Gln significantly increased occludin(0.72±0.05 vs 0.09±0.01,P<0.001),TLR4(0.15±0.05 vs 0.30±0.09,P<0.05),MyD88(0.32±0.08 vs 0.71±0.06,P<0.01),and NF-κB p65(0.16±0.04 vs 0.44±0.03,P<0.01)expression levels and improved the intestinal bacterial community.CONCLUSION:Gln treatment protects from intestinal injury and regulates the gut flora imbalance in hypoxia environment.These effects may be related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Titanium dioxide induced inflammation in the small intestine

AIM: To investigate the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPTiO₂) and microparticles (MPTiO₂) on the inflammatory response in the small intestine of mice.METHODS: Bl 57/6 male mice received distilled water suspensions containing TiO₂ (100 mg/kg body weight) as NPTiO₂ (66 nm), or MPTiO₂ (260 nm) by gavage for 10 d, once a day; the control group received only distilled water. At the end of the treatment the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were extracted for assessment of cytokines, inflammatory cells and titanium content. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intracellular interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in segments of jejunum and ileum (mucosa and underlying muscular tissue). CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells were evaluated in duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples fixed in 10% formalin by immunohistochemistry. The titanium content was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.RESULTS: We found increased levels of T CD4⁺ cells (cells/mm²) in duodenum: NP 1240 ± 139.4, MP 1070 ± 154.7 vs 458 ± 50.39 (P < 0.01); jejunum: NP 908.4 ± 130.3, MP 813.8 ± 103.8 vs 526.6 ± 61.43 (P < 0.05); and ileum: NP 818.60 ± 123.0, MP 640.1 ± 32.75 vs 466.9 ± 22.4 (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the groups receiving TiO₂ showed a statistically significant increase in the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-4, IL-23, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TGF-β. The cytokine production was more pronounced in the ileum (mean ± SE): IL-12: NP 33.98 ± 11.76, MP 74.11 ± 25.65 vs 19.06 ± 3.92 (P < 0.05); IL-4: NP 17.36 ± 9.96, MP 22.94 ± 7.47 vs 2.19 ± 0.65 (P < 0.05); IL-23: NP 157.20 ± 75.80, MP 134.50 ± 38.31 vs 22.34 ± 5.81 (P < 0.05); TNFα: NP 3.71 ± 1.33, MP 5.44 ± 1.67 vs 0.99 ± 019 (P < 0.05); IFNγ: NP 15.85 ± 9.99, MP 34.08 ± 11.44 vs 2.81 ± 0.69 (P < 0.05); and TGF-β: NP 780.70 ± 318.50, MP 1409.00 ± 502.20 vs 205.50 ± 63.93 (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that TiO₂ particles induce a Th1-mediated inflammatory response in the small bowel in mice.     

Interferon receptor alpha/beta is associated with improved survival after adjuvant therapy in resected pancreatic cancer

Aim. Interferons (IFNs) are known to have antiproliferative and immunoregulatory activities that are modulated through specific cell surface ligands, known as IFN-α, -β, and -γ receptors. The presence of these receptors and their impact on response to adjuvant therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer has not been determined. Patients and methods. Slides were prepared from 46 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was subsequently used to determine the expression of IFN- α/β receptor-chain 2 (IFN-α/βR) and IFN-γ receptor-chain 1 (IFN-γR). The correlation between IFN receptor expression, tumor characteristics, and the overall patient response to adjuvant therapy were determined analytically. Results. The IHC performed for pancreatic adenocarcinoma demonstrated a high IFN-α/βR expression in 4% (2/46) of patients, moderate expression in 20% (9/46) of patients, and faint or no expression in 76% (35/46) of patients. IHC confirmed a high expression of IFN-γR in 52% (24/46) of patients, moderate expression in 35% (16/46) of patients, and faint or no expression in the remaining 13% (6/46) of patients. Thirty-two (69.7%) patients received adjuvant therapy. Clinicopathological survey did not demonstrate any significant correlation between IFN-α/βR and IFN-γR expression with regard to tumor size, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, lymph node metastases, or stage of disease. Use of adjuvant therapy was associated with increased survival in patients with IFN-α/βR-positive tumors compared with patients with IFN-α/βR-negative tumors (24 months versus 14.7 months in log rank test, p=0.012). The expression of IFN-γR, however, had no impact on patient survival (20 months vs 17 months; p=0.656, log rank test). Conclusion. IFN-α/βR is associated with improved survival for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer who received adjuvant therapy.     

Effect of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α on hepatitis B virus following lamivudine treatment

AIM: To evaluate anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) following lamivudine treatment of HepG2.2.15 cells.METHODS: HepG2.2.15 cells were treated with 2 μmol/L lamivudine for 16 d (lamivudine group), cultured for 10 d, followed by 5 ng/mL TNF-α and 1000 U/mL IFN-γ for 6 d (cytokine group), or treated with 2 μmol/L lamivudine for 10 d followed by 5 ng/mL TNF-α and 1000 U/mL IFN-γ for 6 d (sequential group), or cultured without additions for 16 d (control group). Intracellular DNA was extracted from 3 × 10⁵ HepG2.2.15 cells from each group. The extracted DNA was further purified with mung bean nuclease to remove HBV relaxed circular DNA that may have remained. Both HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and HBV DNA were examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The titers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability was measured with the cell counting kit-8 assay.RESULTS: Compared to lamivudine alone (22.63% ± 0.12%), both sequential (51.50% ± 0.17%, P = 0.034) and cytokine treatment (49.66% ± 0.06%, P = 0.041) showed a stronger inhibition of HBV cccDNA; the difference between the sequential and cytokine groups was not statistically significant (51.50% ± 0.17% vs 49.66% ± 0.06%, P = 0.88). The sequential group showed less inhibition of HBV DNA replication than the lamivudine group (67.47% ± 0.02% vs 82.48% ± 0.05%, P = 0.014); the difference between the sequential and cytokine groups was not statistically significant (67.47% ± 0.02% vs 57.45% ± 0.07%, P = 0.071). The levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were significantly decreased in the sequential treatment group compared to the other groups [HBsAg: 3.48 ± 0.04 (control), 3.09 ± 0.08 (lamivudine), 2.55 ± 0.13 (cytokine), 2.32 ± 0.08 (sequential), P = 0.042 for each between-group comparison; HBeAg: 3.48 ± 0.01 (control), 3.08 ± 0.08 (lamivudine), 2.57 ± 0.15 (cytokine), 2.34 ± 0.12 (sequential), P = 0.048 for each between-group comparison]. Cell viability in the cytokine group was reduced to 58.03% ± 8.03% compared with control cells (58.03% ± 8.03% vs 100%, P = 0.000). Lamivudine pretreatment significantly reduced IFN-γ + TNF-α-mediated toxicity of HepG2.2.15 cells [85.82% ± 5.43% (sequential) vs 58.03% ± 8.03% (cytokine), P = 0.002].CONCLUSION: Sequential treatment overcame the lower ability of lamivudine alone to inhibit cccDNA and precluded the aggressive cytotoxicity involving IFN-γ and TNF-α by decreasing the viral load.     

TLR9 Polymorphisms Are Associated with Altered IFN-�� Levels in Children with Cerebral Malaria

Toll-like receptor (TLR) polymorphisms have been associated with disease severity in malaria infection, but mechanisms for this association have not been characterized. The TLR2, 4, and 9 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequencies and serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were assessed in Ugandan children with cerebral malaria (CM, N = 65) and uncomplicated malaria (UM, N = 52). The TLR9 C allele at −1237 and G allele at 1174 were strongly linked, and among children with CM, those with the C allele at −1237 or the G allele at 1174 had higher levels of IFN-γ than those without these alleles (P = 0.03 and 0.008, respectively). The TLR9 SNPs were not associated with altered IFN-γ levels in children with UM or altered TNF-α levels in either group. We present the first human data that TLR SNPs are associated with altered cytokine production in parasitic infection.     

I_κB kinase-beta inhibitor attenuates hepatic fibrosis in mice

AIM: To investigate the anti-fibrosis effect of IκB kinase-beta inhibitor (IKK2 inhibitor IMD0354) in liver fibrosis. METHODS: Twenty male C57BL6 mice were divided into four groups. Five high-fat fed mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and five high-fat fed mice were without LPS injection to build models of liver injury, and the intervention group (five mice) was injected intraperitoneally with IKK2 inhibitor (IMD 30 mg/kg for 14 d), while the remaining five mice rec...     

Intravenous infusion of mesenteric lymph from severe intraperitoneal infection rats causes lung injury in healthy rats

AIM:To investigate whether mesenteric lymph from rats with severe intraperitoneal infection(SII)induces lung injury in healthy rats.METHODS:Twenty adult male specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were divided into two groups.Animals in the SII group received intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli(E.coli)at a dose of 0.3 mL/100 g.Control rats underwent the same procedure,but were injected with normal saline rather than E.coli.We ligated and drained the mesenteric lymphatic vessels and collected the mesenteric lymph.Mesenteric lymph collected from SII or control rats was infused intravenously into male healthy rats at a rate of 1 mL/h for 4 h.At the end of the infusion,all rats were sacrificed.Lungs were removed and examined histologically,and wet-to-dry weight(W/D)ratio and myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were determined.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was performed to determine the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-6.We performed Western blot to investigate the activation of Toll-like receptor(TLR)-4,and nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65.RESULTS:Compared with the control infusion group,there were obvious pathological changes in the SII group.The W/D ratio was significantly increased in the SII compared to control infusion group(5.86±0.06vs 5.37±0.06,P<0.01).MPO activity significantly increased in the SII infusion rats with a mean level of0.86±0.02 U/g compared to 0.18±0.05 U/g in the control group(P<0.01).The concentrations of TNF-αand IL-6 were significantly increased in the SII infusion group.The concentration of TNF-αwas significantly increased in the SII infusion rats compared to control infusion rats(2104.46±245.91 vs 1475.13±137.82pg/mL,P<0.01).The concentration of IL-6 was significantly increased in the SII infusion rats with a mean level of 50.56±2.85 pg/mL compared to 43.29±2.02 pg/mL(P<0.01).The expression levels of TLR-4(7496.68±376.43 vs 4589.02±233.16,P<0.01)and NF-κB(8722.19±323.96 vs 6498.91±338.76,P<0.01)were significantly increased in the SII infusion group compared to the control infusion group.The infusion of SII lymph,but not control lymph,caused lung injury.CONCLUSION:The results indicate that SII lymph is sufficient to induce acute lung injury.     

Study of human B7 homolog 1 expression in patients with hepatitis B virus infection

AIM: To further investigate the role of human B7 homolog 1 (B7-H1) in the mechanism of persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. METHODS: Peripheral and intra-hepatic B7-H1 expression were compared by flow cytometry and immunochemical staining between two 2 distinct groups, one being chronic HBV tolerance patients (CHB-T) and the other being acute hepatitis B patients (AHB). B7-H1 mRNA expression level was also compared by real time polymerase chain reaction between CHB-T and AHB patients. The location of intra-hepatic B7-H1 and CD40 expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence. The levels of B7-H1 and CD40 expression on cultured myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) with or without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) treatment were analyzed dynamically by flow cytometry. Intracellular interferon-γ (IFN-γ) staining and the stimulatory capacity of mDC of cultured mDC with or without HBsAg treatment were also compared by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Peripheral B7-H1 expression on mDCs was increased significantly in AHB compared to CHB-T patients (P 0.05). In the liver tissues from CHB-T patients, B7-H1 positive cells were almost absent despite a persistently elevated serum HBsAg load. In contrast, there were indeed increased B7-H1-positive cells in situ in the liver tissue from AHB. In vitro analysis showed the parallel upregulation of B7-H1 and CD40 on CD11c+ mDCs after the onset of stimulation. Addition of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) significantly decreased CD40 expression (P 0.05 at 16 h, 20 h and 24 h time points). B7-H1 expression was also inhibited by rHBsAg, and the inhibition rate of CD40 was greater than that of B7-H1. This preferential inhibition of CD40 expression on mDCs by rHBsAg resulted in the dysfunction of mDCs and T cells in the mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR) system. With rHBsAg pretreatment, in a carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) labeled MLR system at a ratio of 1:5 responder cell-stimulator cell (R/S), the CFSE dim percentage of T cells decreased from 85.1% to 25.4% and decreased from 30.3% to 12.0% at 1:10 R/S. IFN-γ production by CD8+ T cells, in the MLR system, was reduced significantly by HBsAg pretreatment. At ratios of 1:5 R/S, the percentage of IFN-γ and CD8 dual positive T cells decreased from 55.2% ± 5.3% to 15.1% ±3.1% (P 0.001), and decreased from 35.0% ± 5.1% to 7.3% ± 2.7% at ratios of 1:10 R/S (P 0.001). CONCLUSION: B7-H1 is not a signature of immune dysfunction, but an inflammation marker. HBsAg regulate immune response by tipping the balance between B7-H1 and CD40.     

Interleukin-17 plays a critical role in the acute rejection of intestinal transplantation

AIM:To investigate the role of interleukin(IL)-17 in small bowel allograft rejection.METHODS:We detected the expression of helper T cell 17(Th17)cells in biopsy specimens from 3 cases of living small bowel transplantation in our department through immunofluorescence stain.We then established a rat heterotopic small bowel transplantation model.The rats were sacrificed on the 1st,2nd,3rd,5th, and 7th d after small bowel transplantation.The degrees of transplantation rejection in rat intestine graft were examined through hematoxylin eosin(HE)stain, and the expression of Th17 cells in rat intestine graft were detected through immunofluorescence stain. In addition,the recipient rats undergoing intestinal transplantation were administrated with mouse-anti-rat IL-17 monoclonal antibody(mAb),and the survival of rats was analyzed.The recipient rats which received mouse-anti-rat IL-17 mAb treatment were sacrificed on the 1st,2nd,3rd,5th,and 7th d after small bowel transplantation.The degrees of transplantation rejection and the expression of Th17 cells in rat intestine graft were detected through HE and immunofluorescence stain. The expression of IL-17,IL-1β,tumor necroses factor receptor-α(TNF-α),IL-6,and IL-8 in the intestine graft or serum were also detected. RESULTS:The expressions of Th17 cells ran parallel with the degree of acute rejection in human intestine grafts.The intestine graft rejection of rats was aggravated with prolonged duration after intestinal transplantation,and the expressions of Th17 cells were also correlated with the degree of acute rejection in rat intestine grafts.Administration of mouse-anti-rat IL-17 mAb prolonged the survival of rats after small bowel transplantation(P<0.001).Furthermore,we found that the administration of mouse-anti-rat IL-17 mAb significantly decreased the intensity of CD4+IL-17+Th17 cells in intestine grafts on the 2nd,3rd,5th,and the 7th d (97.22±4.05vs 12.45±2.02 on the 7th d,P<0.0001), and suppressed the severity of acute rejection.The expression of IL-17 in     

Caspase-1 inhibition alleviates acute renal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM:To assess the effect of inhibition of caspase-1 on acute renal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:healthy controls(HC,n=6),SAP rats treated with saline(SAP-S,n=18),or SAP rats treated with a caspase-1/interleukin(IL)-1β-converting-enzyme(ICE)inhibitor(SAP-I-ICE,n=18).SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 5%sodium taurocholate into the bile-pancreatic duct.HC rats were subjected to identical treatment and surgical procedures without sodium taurocholate.Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of isotonic saline(SAP-S)or the inhibitor(SAP-ICE-I)at 2 and 12 h after induction of acute pancreatitis.Surviving rats were sacrificed at different time points after SAP induction;all samples were obtained and stored for subsequent analyses.The levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and creatinine(Cr)were measured using automatic methods,and serum IL-1βconcentrations were measured by an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Intrarenal expression of IL-1β,IL-18 and caspase-1 mRNAs was detected by RT-PCR.IL-1βprotein expression and the pathologic changes in kidney tissues were observed by microscopy after immunohistochemical or hematoxylin and eosin staining,respectively.RESULTS:The serum levels of BUN and Cr in the SAP-S group were 12.48±2.30 mmol/L and 82.83±13.89μmol/L at 6 h,23.53±2.58 mmol/L and 123.67±17.67μmol/L at 12 h,and 23.60±3.33 mmol/L and125.33±21.09μmol/L at 18 h,respectively.All were significantly increased compared to HC rats(P<0.01for all).Levels in SAP-ICE-I rats were significantly decreased compared to SAP-S rats both at 12 and 18 h(P<0.01 for all).Serum IL-1βlevels in the SAP-S group were 276.77±44.92 pg/mL at 6 h,308.99±34.95pg/mL at 12 h,and 311.60±46.51 pg/mL at 18 h;all significantly higher than those in the HC and SAP-ICE-I groups(P<0.01 for all).Intrarenal expression of IL-1βmRNA was weak in HC rats,but increased significantly in SAP-S rats(P<0.01).ICE inhibition significantly decreased the expression of IL-1βand IL-18 mRNAs(P<0.05 for all vs SAP-S),whereas caspase-1 mRNA expression was not significantly different.Weak IL-1βimmunostaining was observed in HC animals,and marked staining was found in the SAP-S group mainly in renal tubular epithelial cells.IL-1βimmunostaining was significantly descended in SAP-ICE-I rats compared to SAP-S rats(P<0.05).Caspase-1 inhibition had no effect on the severity of kidney tissue destruction.CONCLUSION:The expression of caspase-1-activated cytokines IL-1βand IL-18 plays a pivotal role in acute renal injury in rats with experimental SAP.Caspase-1inhibition improves renal function effectively.     

Protective role of hydrogen-rich water on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats

AIM: To investigate the role of the hydrogen-rich water(HRW) in the prevention of aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. METHODS: Forty male rats were allocated into four groups: normal control group, HRW group, aspirin group, and HRW plus aspirin group. The protective efficacy was tested by determining the gastric mucosal damage score. Malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), myeloperoxidase(MPO), interleukin(IL)-06 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in gastric tissues were evaluated. The serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were also detected. Histopathology of gastric tissues and localization of Cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2) were detected using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: Pretreatment with HRW obviously reduced aspirin-induced gastric damage scores(4.04 ± 0.492 vs 2.10 ± 0.437, P < 0.05). The oxidative stress levels of MDA and MPO in the gastric tissues increased significantly in the aspirin-treated group compared with the HRW group(2.43 ± 0.145 vs 1.79 ± 0.116 nmol/mg prot, P < 0.05 and 2.53 ± 0.238 vs 1.40 ± 0.208 U/g tissue, P < 0.05, respectively). HRW could obviously elevated the SOD levels in the gastric tissues(37.94 ± 8.44 vs 59.55 ± 9.02 nmol/mg prot, P < 0.05). Pretreatment with HRW significantly reduced IL-06 and TNF-α in the gastric tissues(46.65 ± 5.50 vs 32.15 ± 4.83 pg/mg, P < 0.05 and 1305.08 ± 101.23 vs 855.96 ± 93.22 pg/mg, P < 0.05), and IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum(505.38 ± 32.97 vs 343.37 ± 25.09 pg/mL, P < 0.05 and 264.53 ± 28.63 vs 114.96 ± 21.79 pg/mL, P < 0.05) compared to treatment with aspirin alone. HRW could significantly decrease the COX-2 expression in the gastric tissues(staining score: 8.4 ± 2.1 vs 2.9 ± 1.5, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HRW pretreatment alleviated the aspirin-induced gastric lesions by inhibiting the oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction and reducing the COX-2 in the gastric tissues.     

Effect of Lianshu preparation on lipopolysaccharide-induced diarrhea in rats

AIM： To investigate the effect of Lianshu preparation on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced diarrhea in rats. METHODS： A diarrhea model was established in Sprague Dawley rats via injection of 1 mL of 30 mg/kg LPS. A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into normal group, LPS group, LPS ＋ Lianshu group, LPS ＋ berberine group （n = 10 in each group）. Their intestinal mucosal barrier and frequency of diarrhea were observed. Levels of glucose, serum Na^＋, K^＋, Cl and hematocrit, plasma nitrogen monoxide （NO）, diamine oxidase （DAO）, and D （-）-lactate were measured. The number of IgA＋ plasma cells in small intestine was detected and SIgA levels in the intestinal fluid were measured. The antipyretic activity of Lianshu preparation in rats was evaluated using Brewer＇s yeast-induced pyrexia （10 mL/kg of 20% aqueous suspension）. Acetaminophen （250 mg/kg, intragastric administration, bid） was comparison. Temperature used as a standard drug for was recorded 1 h before and 6 h after Brewer＇s yeast injection. Finally, small intestina transmission in mice treated with Lianshu was detected after intraperitoneal injection of methyl prostigmin （2 mg/kg）. Atropine （10 g/kg） was used as a control. The ink content in intestine was determined and the total length of intestine was measured. RESULTS： The frequency of diarrhea was higher in LPS group than in LPS ＋ Lianshu group and LPS ＋ berberine group （36.70± 5.23 vs 28.50 ±4.06 and 32.70±9.30 respectively, P 〈 0.01）, and lower in LP5 ＋ Lianshu group than in LPS ＋ berberine group （P = 0.03）. The levels of Na＋, glucose, Cl, K^＋ were significantly lower in LPS ＋ Lianshu group than in LPS ＋ berberine group （140.35±3.19 mmol/L vs 131.99±4.86 mmol/L, 8.49 ±1.84 mmol/L vs 6.54±2.30 mmol/L, 106.29± 4.41 mmol/L vs 102.5±1.39 mmol/L, 5.08±0.66 mmol/L vs 4.32 ± 0.62 mmol/L respectively, P 〈 0.05）. The level of hematocrit was lower in LPS ＋ Lianshu group than in LPS ＋ berberine group （0.50% ±0.07% vs 0.59%± 0.10% respectively, P 〈 0.05）. The plasma levels of NO, DAO and D （-）-lactate were higher in LPS group than in normal group （79.74 ± 7.39μmol/L vs 24.94 ± 3.38μmol/L, 2.48 ±0.42μ/mL vs 0.82 ±0.33 p/mL, 5.63± 0.85μg/mL vs 2.01 ±0.32 μg/mL respectively, P 〈 0.01）, and lower in LPS ＋ Lianshu group than in LP5 ＋ berberine group （48.59±4.70μmol/L vs 51.56 ±8.38 μmol/L, 1.43± 0.53μmol/mL vs 1.81 ±0.42 μmol/mL, 4.00± 0.54 μg/mL vs 4.88 ± 0.77 pg/mL respectively, P 〈 0.05）. The morphology of the intestinal mucosa showed destroyed villi in LPS group and atrophied intestinal mucosa in other groups. The pathological intestinal mucosal changes were less in LPS ＋ Lianshu group than in LPS group. The number of IgA＋ plasma cells and amount of SIgA were higher in LPS ＋ Lianshu group than in LPS group （1.16±0.19/μm^2 vs 1.09±0.28/μm^2, P = 0.026; 0.59 ±0.12 mg/L vs 0.15± 0.19 mg/L respectively, P = 0.000）. Lianshu had counteractive effects on yeast-induced pyrexia and enterokinesia in rats. CONCLUSION： Lianshu preparation has therapeutic effects on LPS-induced diarrhea and enterokinesia in rats.     

阿苯达唑联合IFN-α抗小鼠细粒棘球蚴病的实验研究

目的 在BALB/c小鼠体内评价阿苯达唑(ABZ)联合干扰素(interferon, IFN)-α对于CE的治疗效果。方法 Balb/c小鼠原头蚴腹腔继发感染5个月后,小鼠被随机分配到4组:ABZ组、IFN-α组、ABZ+IFN-α组和未经处理对照组。不同处理组分别给药2个月。在治疗的第0、7、14、28、36、48、60 d从小鼠尾静脉采血检测血清中抗体水平变化。治疗结束后处死小鼠,检测相关指标评价治疗效果。结果 与对照组(P<0.01)或ABZ组(P<0.05)相比,ABZ+IFN-α组包囊的数量、大小及重量都显著减少。对不同处理组的包囊进行透射电镜观察(TEM)发现,ABZ+IFN-α组的包囊的超微结构发生了明显的改变。ELISA实验结果表明,ABZ+IFN-α组的血清与脾细胞分泌的白细胞介素(interleukin, IL)-10显著下降(P<0.01);血清中IgE、IgG抗体及其亚型浓度与对照组相比显著降低(P<0.01)。结论 本研究证实ABZ联合IFN-α可能成是一种有效的CE治疗方案。