Effect of moxibustion on expressions of HO-1 and MCP-3 protein in colon of rats with Crohn’s disease

Objective

To observe the effect of moxibustion therapy on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP-3) protein expressions in the colonic mucosa of rats with Crohn’s disease (CD), and to explore the intestinal mucosal immune mechanism of moxibustion therapy in treating CD.

Methods

The CD rat model was established using the internationally accepted Morris method. The rats were randomly divided into a model group, a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a mild moxibustion group, a cigarette moxibustion group and a hot compress group, which were compared with the normal group. Except the normal group and the model group, rats in the other groups accepted different moxibustion therapies on bilateral Tianshu (ST 25). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted and the pathological changes of the colon were observed under light microscope; the expressions of HO-1 and MCP-3 protein in rat’s colonic mucosa were determined by immunohisto-chemistry.

Results

Compared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed mucosal defect, villus destruction or loss, submucosal congestion and edema, glandular destruction or disappearance, reduced goblet cells, ulcer formation, significantly increased positive target area and positive target integral optical density of HO-1 and MCP-3 protein expression (all P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, colonic mucosa was significantly improved in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the mild moxibustion group, which mainly showed that the intestinal glands were arranged regularly, ulcer surfaces were covered by the neoformative epitheliums, or intestinal ulcers were replaced by the nascent granulation tissue, and submucosal edema was alleviated, with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. The total areas and the integral optical densities of the positive targets for rat’s colonic mucosa HO-1 and MCP-3 protein expressions were decreased (all P<0.01). Compared with the cigarette moxibustion group and the hot compress group, the total areas and the integral optical densities of the positive targets for rat’s colonic mucosa HO-1 and MCP-3 protein expressions were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the mild moxibustion group.

Conclusion

Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion and mild moxibustion can significantly improve the inflammatory response of colonic mucosa in CD rats. It can down-regulate the expressions of HO-1 and MCP-3 proteins in the colonic mucosa of CD rats, which may be one of the mechanism in intestinal mucosal immunity caused by moxibustion therapy.

     

Effect of moxibustion plus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Duhuo Jisheng</Emphasis> decoction on hs-CRP,IL-1β and TNF-α levels in middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective

To observe the clinical effect of moxibustion combined with Duhuo Jisheng decoction for middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and its impact on serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels.

Methods

A total of 90 eligible KOA patients were randomized into an observation group (n=45) and a control group (n=45). Cases in the observation group received moxibustion plus oral administration Duhuo Jisheng decoction, while cases in the control group received Duhuo Jisheng decoction. Then the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were examined and the clinical effect was evaluated.

Results

Before treatment, the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels showed no between-group statistical differences (all P>0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels all dropped significantly in both groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the treatment group showed more substantial changes than the control group (all P<0.05). The total effective rate was 97.8% in the treatment group, versus 86.7% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Moxibustion plus Duhuo Jisheng decoction has a good clinical effect for middle-aged and elderly KOA patients, and the effect may relate to the decreased hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels.

     

Effect of modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling on the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and INF-α in synovial fluid of knee osteoarthritis patients

Objective

To compare the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method and ordinary acupuncture method in the effects of improving the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to determine the advantage of the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method for KOA.

Methods

One hundred KOA patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by using the random number table, with 50 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method, and the control group was given ordinary acupuncture. The two groups were observed before and after the treatment to determine the changes in the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid, and the clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.

Results

The total effective rate and clinical recovery rate were 97.9% and 52.1% respectively in the treatment group, versus 85.1% and 25.5% in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.01). After the treatment, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid changed significantly in both groups (all P<0.01); there were significant differences in the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid between the two groups (all P<0.01).

Conclusion

The modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling is an effective method for KOA and it can significantly improve the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid.

     

Effect of acupuncture－like stimulation on cortical cerebral blood flow in anesthetized rats

The effect of acupuncture-like stimulation of the forepaw on cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) was examined using a laser Doppler flowmeter in anesthetized rats. One or two acupuncture needles were inserted into the skin and underlying muscles at a depth of about 5 mm. One needle was manually twisted to the right and left once a second for 1 min and two needles were used to pass an electrical current. Stimulation of the forepaw produced increases in CBF and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in spinal cord-intact rats After spinal transection at the first to second thoracic level, the blood pressure response to manual or electrical stimulation of the forepaw was suppressed, whereas an increase in CBF still occurred. The increase in CBF induced by forepaw stimulation was abolished by severing the somatic nerves at the brachial plexus. Forepaw stimulation enhanced the activity of the radial, ulnar, and median nerves.An increase in CBF was elicited by excitation of group II (At3) and group 1V (C) somatic afferent fibers. The CBF responese was almost abolished by the i.v. administration of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic blocking agents (atropine 5 mg/kg and mecamylamine 20 mg/kg), and by bilateral lesions in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. Acupuncture-like stimulation of a forepaw increased acctylcholine release in the cerebral cortex. We concluded that the increase in CBF, independent of systemic blood pressure, elicited by acupuncture-like stimulation is a reflex response in which the afferent nerve pathway is composed of somatic groups Ⅱand Ⅳ afferent nerves,and the efferent nerve pathway includes intrinsic cholinergic vasodilators in the nucleus basalis of Meynert.     

Effect of electroacupuncture on urodynamics,PACAP-38 and PAC1R of spinal cord in rats with neurogenic bladder✰

Objective

To investigate the effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the intervention of neurogenic bladder (NB) caused by suprasacral spinal cord injury (SCI).

Effect of electroacupuncture and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on anxiety and depression in patients with crohn’s disease in remission

Objective

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on anxiety and depression in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) in remission.

Methods

Sixty CD cases were randomly allocated into an EA group (n=30) and an herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (n=30) using the random number table by the ratio of 1:1. In addition, 30 healthy subjects were included in a control group. Bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6) and Zhongwan (CV 12) were used in the EA and herbal cakepartitioned moxibustion groups. The treatment was done 3 times a week, for a total of 12 weeks. The efficacy was evaluated using self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores.

Results

Before treatment, the SAS and SDS scores in CD patients were remarkably higher than those in healthy subjects. After EA or herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion treatment, the SAS and SDS scores were significantly decreased in both groups, showing significant intra-group differences (P<0.05); the symptom scores of abdominal pain (severity, frequency and duration), bowel sounds/flatus and general fatigue were significantly decreased, showing significant intra-group differences (P<0.05); however, there were no between-group statistical differences (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Both EA and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can significantly decrease abnormally high SAS and SDS scores in CD patients as well as TCM symptom scores. The two therapies share similar effects in alleviating common symptoms and improving anxiety and depression.

     

针刺对膝骨关节炎大鼠MMP-3、TIMP-1及TGF-β1的影响

目的:研究针刺对膝骨关节炎(KOA)大鼠软骨组织中基质金属蛋白酶-3(MMP-3)、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂-1(TIMP-1)和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)表达的影响,探讨针刺治疗KOA的作用机制。方法:选用SD大鼠30只,随机分成空白组、模型组和治疗组,模型组和治疗组采用木瓜蛋白酶右后膝关节注射的方法制备大鼠KOA模型,针刺治疗2周后测定各组大鼠滑膜MMP-3、TIMP-1及TGF-β1的含量。结果:模型组软骨组织中MMP-3和TIMP-1含量较空白组显著增多(P0.01),治疗组MMP-3和TIMP-1含量较模型组显著降低(P0.05),但仍然略高于空白组;模型组软骨组织中TGF-β1含量较空白组显著降低(P0.01),治疗组TGF-β1含量较模型组增多(P0.05),但仍略低于空白组。结论:针刺能有效平衡KOA模型大鼠中MMP-3和TIMP-1的异常表达,并且对TGF-β1具有一定的上调功能,这可能是针刺治疗KOA有效的机制之一。     

Influence of ShuiZhi XuanBi HuaXianTang on TGF-β1 and LN in Rats with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

目的:探讨水蛭宣痹化纤汤对特发性肺纤维化大鼠转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、层粘连蛋白(LN)的影响.方法:60只大鼠随机分为5 组,除正常对照组,其他4 组采用暴露气管注射博莱霉素法建立特发性肺纤维化大鼠模型,给药21天后,腹主动脉取血22mL离心得到血清,用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测TGF-β1、LN 的含量.结果:水蛭宣痹化纤汤能显著减少大鼠血清中TGF-β1、LN含量.结论:水蛭宣痹化纤汤通过调节TGF-β1、LN 的含量达到抑制纤维化发展的作用,提示该药可用于人类特发性肺纤维化的防治.     

Effect of warming yang and supplementing kidney moxibustion therapy on the NF-κB signaling pathway of vascular dementia rats

Objective

To observe the effect of warming yang and supplementing kidney moxibustion therapy on the behavioristics and the expression levels of hippocampal IL-1β, TNF-α and NF-κB related genes and proteins of vascular dementia (VD) rats, and to explore the mechanism of warming yang and supplementing kidney moxibustion therapy in inhibiting VD inflammatory response. MethodsSeventy-eight SD rats, except 10 rats as sham operation group (group A), were established into VD models by applying the ischemia reperfusion method in bilateral common carotid arteries. 30 models were successful and were randomly divided into model group (group B), moxibustion group (group C) and western medication group (group D), with 10 rats in each group. After modeling, suspended moxibustion was conducted at “Dàzhuī (大椎GV 14)”, “Mìngmén (命门GV 4)” and “Guānyuán (关元CV 4)” of the rats in group C for 15?min/time. The intervention was performed for once a day, and intervention for 4 consecutive weeks was needed. Intragastric administration with nimodipine (2?mg?kg^?1?d^?1) was carried out in the rats in group D for 4 consecutive weeks. Morris water maze test was adopted for behavioral test in the rats in each group. HE staining was conducted in order to observe the pathological changes. RT-qPCR method and Western blot method were used for detecting the expression levels of hippocampal IL-1β, TNF-α and NF-κB related genes and proteins.

丹参对糖尿病肾病大鼠MMP-2,TIMP-1,TGF-β1和IV-C表达的影响

目的 探讨丹参对MMP-2,TIMP-1,TGF-β1和IV-C在糖尿病大鼠肾脏中表达的调节及其与糖尿病肾脏病变的关系.方法 SD大鼠随机分成正常组、模型组、对照组和观察组,每组10只.用高糖高脂饲料刺激、加小剂量STZ诱导2型糖尿病大鼠模型,于第16周末处死大鼠,免疫组织化学的方法检测各组大鼠肾组织中MMP-2,TIMP-1,TGF-β1和IV-C的表达,RT-PCR法检测各组大鼠MMP-2,TIMP-1mRNA的表达,同时检测血糖、尿蛋白及肾功能等.结果 对照组、观察组与模型组比较,TGF-β1,TIMP-1和IV-C的表达显著减少(P<0.05),MMP-2的表达显著增高(P<0.05),MMP-2,TIMP-1mRNA的表达与组化结果一致.同时,MMP-2及IV-C表达的改变分别与尿蛋白排泄率升高有显著相关性(P<0.05).结论 肾组织中的MMP-2,TIMP-1,TGF-β1和IV-C的表达改变与糖尿病肾脏病变有关,丹参通过影响上述指标的变化对DN的治疗产生作用.     

Effect of moxibustion at Shénquè ( CV 8) on anti-exercise-induced fatigue in exhaustive rats in varying degrees

Objective

To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shénquè (

CV 8) on the anti-exercise-induced fatigue in rats after exhaustive exercise in varying degrees.

Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of PGC-1α and UCP-1in the brown adipose tissue of obese rats

Objective

To explore the effect of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of obese rats in the process of acupuncture treatment for obesity.

Effect of holistic stratification acupotomy on lower limb function,MMP1 and MMP13 in bursal fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis整体分层针刀疗法对KOA患者下肢功能及滑囊液

ObjectiveTo observe the differences in clinical effect on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) between the holistic stratification acupotomy and the joint injection with sodium hyaluronate so as to provide a safe and effective treatment for KOA.MethodsA total of 100 KOA patients were randomly divided into an acupotomy group and a sodium hyaluronate group, 50 patients in each one. In the acupotomy group, the holistic stratification acupotomy was adopted. In the sodium hyaluronate group, sodium hyaluronate injection was applied in the joints. The index of Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) and the expressions of MMP1 and MMP13 in bursal fluid of the patients were compared before and after treatment in the patients between two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical therapeutic effect was observed.ResultsAfter treatment, WOMAC score of each dimension and the concentrations of MMP1 and MMP13 in bursal fluid of the patients of either group were all lower than those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, WOMAC score of each dimension and the concentrations of MMP1 and MMP13 in bursal fluid in the acupotomy group were lower than the sodium hyaluronate group (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate in the acupotomy group was higher than that of the sodium hyaluronate group (P < 0.05).ConclusionBoth the holistic stratification acupotomy and the joint injection with sodium hyaluronate are effective on KOA in this trial. However, the therapeutic effect of holistic stratification acupotomy is remarkable, which is probably related to the improvements in inflammatory response.     

Regulatory effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expressions of IL-17, IL-23 and their mRNAs in the colon of rats with Crohn’s disease

Objective

To observe the regulatory effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on Crohn's disease (CD) rat’s colon inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-23 and their mRNAs, and to investigate the action mechanism of moxibustion in treating CD.

Methods

Forty SPF grade Sprague-Dauley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and a Western medicine group, with 10 rats in each group. Except the normal group, rats in the other three groups were used to make CD model by giving an enema in colon with Trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS). When the models were successful made, rats in the model group had no therapeutic intervention; rats in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were subjected to herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion treatment at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) plus Qihai (CV 6); and rats in the Western medicine group were given oral Mesalazine. After treatment, the histopathological changes and inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-23 and their mRNAs expressions were observed in descending colon by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods.

Results

Colon tissues of TNBS enema rat models showed cracks-like ulcers accompanied by mucous layer inflammation, granulomas, and inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-23 and their mRNAs expressions were all higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01); after intervention, colon tissue cracks-like ulcers and inflammation degree reduced, inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-23 and their mRNAs expressions were all significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the Western medicine group.

Conclusion

Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion may improve colon tissue ulcers and relieve intestinal inflammation by down-regulation of IL-17, IL-23 and their mRNAs expressions in CD model rats’ colonic mucosa.

     

Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Bushen Huayu Recipe(补肾化瘀方)on Endometrial Fibrosis in Rats with Uterine Adhesion Based on TGF-β1/Smad Pathway

目的:观察补肾化瘀方对宫腔粘连(IUA)大鼠子宫内膜纤维化的改善作用,探究其作用机制.方法:采取机械+感染双重损伤法建立IUA大鼠模型,将造模大鼠随机分为模型组、补肾化瘀方组、补肾化瘀方+SRI-011381组、SRI-011381组,每组15只.另取15只大鼠作为假手术组.药物治疗21d后,观察大鼠子宫形态,HE染色观察子宫组织病理变化,计数子宫内膜腺体数量,Masson染色观察纤维化情况,ELISA试剂盒检测血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的水平,qRT-PCR检测子宫组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1) mRNA、Smad3 mRNA、Smad4 mRNA和Smad7 mRNA表达水平,Western blotting法测定TGF-β1、Smad3、Smad4、Smad7、p-Smad3、p-Smad4、p-Smad7水平.结果:与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠子宫组织增粗,腺体数量减少,纤维化面积增加,血清炎症因子水平升高,TGF-β1 mRNA、Smad3 mRNA、Smad4 mRNA表达及Smad3、Smad4磷酸化增加,Smad7 mRNA表达及磷酸化减少,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).与模型组比较,补肾化瘀方组大鼠子宫腺体数量增加,纤维化面积减少,血清炎症因子水平降低,TGF-β1 mRNA、Smad3 mRNA、Smad4 mRNA表达及Smad3、Smad4磷酸化减少,Smad7 mRNA表达及磷酸化增加,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).SRI-011381可抑制补肾化瘀方的作用,促进纤维化,进一步激活TGF-β1/Smad通路(P＜0.05).结论:补肾化瘀方对IUA大鼠子宫内膜纤维化有改善作用,其机制可能与调节TGF-β1/Smad通路有关.     

Effect of Zhuyeshigao granule on tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins serum protein levels in rats with radiation esophagitis

Objective

To investigate the effects of Zhuyeshigao granule (ZSG) on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 in rats with radiation esophagitis.

Methods

Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (10 rats in each group): control (without radiation), saline-treated, and low, medium, and high-dose ISG-treated groups. Rats were given normal saline (10 mL/kg) or 1.15, 2.3, or 4.6 g/kg ZSG by intragastric administration once a day for 7 days. A rat model of radiation esophagitis was established by local irradiation of Co60 (490.25 cGy/min, totaling 30 Gy). The administration of ZSG was continued for another 7 days and on the 7th day post-irradiation, inferior vena cava blood was collected. The serum was separated, and TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 protein levels were determined.

Results

Inflammatory response factors were found in the serum of each group. However, levels in ZSG-treated groups were significantly lower than in the saline-treated group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

ZSG may prevent the development of radiation esophagitis, perhaps by inhibiting the generation and release of the inflammatory response factors TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8.     

Effects of long-snake moxibustion on the HPA axis and liver 11β-HSD1 expression in rats with kidney yang deficiency: 长蛇灸对肾阳虚大鼠HPA轴及肝脏11β-HSD1的影响

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of long-snake moxibustion on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and hepatic 11β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) expression in rats with kidney yang deficiency to provide a basis for later in-depth exploration of the action mechanism of long-snake moxibustion on such rats.MethodsFifteen SPF-grade, male, SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, and a long-snake moxibustion treatment group, with five rats in each group. Hydrocortisone powder (30 mg/kg) was administered by gavage at a volume of 10 mL/kg to prepare the rat model of kidney yang deficiency. After successful modeling, the rats in the long-snake moxibustion treatment group underwent long-snake moxibustion treatment every other day (along the governor vessel from Dazhui (GV14) to Shenshu(BL23), for a period of 14 days. The remaining two groups were secured in the same way as the long-snake moxibustion treatment group, although they did not receive any treatment. The body weight, rectal temperature, and spontaneous activity count of the rats, as well as serum levels of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and corticosterone (CORT) were detected by ELISA before modeling, after modeling, and after treatment. The amount of 11β-HSD1 protein in rat liver was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.ResultsCompared with the rats in the blank control group, those in the model group exhibited a significant decrease in the trend of body weight growth and in rectal temperature (P <0.05), as well as a slight yet non-significant decrease in spontaneous activity count (P >0.05); compared with the rats in the model group, the rats in the treatment group exhibited a significant increase in rectal temperature (P <0.05) and in spontaneous activity count (P <0.05). Moreover, after 14 days of treatment, compared with the rats in the blank, the rats in the model group exhibited a significant decrease in serum CORT content (P <0.05) and in the expression of 11β-HSD1 in the liver (P <0.05), as well as a slight yet non-significant decrease in serum CRH content (P >0.05); compared with the rats in the model group, the rats in the treatment group exhibited a significant increase in serum CRH content (P <0.05) and in the expression of 11β-HSD1 in the liver (P <0.05), as well as a slight yet non-significant increase in serum CORT content (P >0.05).ConclusionLong-snake moxibustion can increase the rectal temperature and spontaneous activity count of rats with kidney yang deficiency, improve the function of the HPA axis, and increase the expression of 11β-HSD1 in the liver.     

Effect of Tangnaikang on TGF-β1-induced transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells

Objective

To explore the function of Tangnaikang (TNK) in the prevention and treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis through transdifferentiation of the human renal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 induced by transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁).

Methods

HK-2 cells cultured in dulbecco's modified eagle medium/F12 (1:1) with 10% fetal calf serum were divided into six groups: blank control group, TGF-β₁ group (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL), serum control group (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 10% serum), treatment group 1 (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 5% TNK serum), treatment group 2 (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 10% TNK serum), and treatment group 3 (TGF-β₁ 10 ng/mL + 20% TNK serum). Cell proliferation was detected by 4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin were observed by immunohistochemical assay. The contents of collagen I (Col I), collagen III (Col III), and fibronectin (FN) in the culture medium supernatant were detected by ELISA.

Results

E-cadherin was expressed and α-SMA was not expressed in normal HK-2 cells. In HK-2 cells cultured with TGF-β₁ α-SMA expression significantly increased, HK-2 cells significantly proliferated, and secretion of Col I, Col III, and FN significantly increased compared with the blank control group (all P<0.05). In the HK-2 cells cultured with TGF-β₁ and TNK serum, the expression of α-SMA significantly decreased, the expression of E-cadherin significantly increased, and the cell proliferation and the secretion of Col I, Col III and FN were significantly inhibited compared with the TGF-β₁ group (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

TNK can inhibit cell proliferation and reduce secretion of Col I, Col III, and FN. This indicates that TNK can inhibit transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cells induced by TGF-β₁, with the effect of preventing and treating renal interstitial fibrosis.