In vivo effects of Chinese herbal recipe, Danshaohuaxian, on apoptosis and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrotic rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Danshaohuaxian (DSHX), a Chinese herbal recipe, on the apoptosis and cell cycles of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in rat hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Seventy-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, hepatic fibrosis group, non-DSHX-treated group and DSHX-treated group. Except for the normal control group, rat hepatic fibrotic models were induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), drinking alcohol, giving diet of hyperlipid and hypoprotein for 8 wk. When the hepatic fibrotic models were produced, 12 rats of hepatic fibrosis group (15 rats survived, others died during the 8 wk) were sacrificed to collect blood and livers. HSCs were isolated from the other 3 rats to detect the apoptotic index (AI) and cell cycles by flow cytometry. DSHX was then given to the DSHX-treated group (1.0 g/kg, PO, daily) for 8 wk. At the same time, normal control group and non-DSHX-treated group were given normal saline for 8 wk. At end of the experiment, some rats in these three groups were sacrificed to collect blood and livers, the other rats were used for HSC isolation to detect the apoptotic index (AI) and cell cycles. Then the liver index, serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), degree of hepatic fibrosis, urinary excretion of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and expression of collagen types Ⅰ and Ⅲ (COL Ⅰ and Ⅲ) in these four groups were detected respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the indexes of the hepatic fibrosis group and non-DSHX-treated group, the DSHX-treated group revealed a liver index of (0.0267±0.0017 vs 0.0423±0.0044, 0.0295±0.0019, P<0.05), levels of serum HA (200.78±31.71 vs 316.17±78.48, 300.86±72.73, P<0.05) and ALT(93.13±5.79 vs 174.5±6.02, 104.75±6.54, P<0.01), and stage of hepatic fibrosis (1.30 vs 4.25, 2.60, P<0.01) all reduced. The urinary excretion of Hyp increased (541.09±73.39 vs 62.00±6.40, 182.44±30.83, P<0.01), the COL Ⅰ and Ⅲ expression decreased (COL I: 1.07±0.96 vs 4.18±2.26, 3.22±1.44, P<0.01; COL Ⅲ: 1.09±0.58 vs 3.04±0.62, 2.23±0.58, P<0.01), the HSCs apoptotic index of HSCs (7.81±0.47 vs 1.63±0.25, 1.78±0.4, P<0.05) and the ratio of G0-G1 phase cells increased (94.30±1.33 vs 62.27±17.96, 50.53±2.25, P<0.05). The ratios of S-phase cells (3.11±1.27 vs 9.83±1.81, 11.87±1.9, P<0.05) and G2-M phase cells (2.58±0.73 vs 23.26±10.95, 13.60±1.15, P<0.01) declined. CONCLUSION: DSHX capsule shows certain therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis in rats and inhibits abnormal deposition of COL I and III in rat livers by promoting the apoptosis of HSCs and preventing their proliferation.     

Antidiabetic effects of chitooligosaccharides on pancreatic islet cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM： To investigate the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells, release of insulin and 2 h plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS： In vitro, the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells and release of insulin was detected with optical microscopy, colorimetric assay, and radioimmunoassay respectively. In vivo, the general clinical symptoms, 2 h plasma glucose, urine glucose, oral glucose tolerance were examined after sixty days of feeding study to determine the effect of chitooligosaccharides in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS： Chitooligosaccharides could effectively accelerate the proliferation of pancreatic islet cells. Chitooligosaccharides （100 mg/L） had direct and prominent effect on pancreastic β cells and insulin release from islet cells. All concentrations of chitooligosaccharides could improve the general clinical symptoms of diabetic rats, decrease the 2 h plasma glucose and urine glucose, and normalize the disorders of glucose tolerance. CONCLUSION： Chitooligosaccharides possess various biological activities and can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Reversal of hyperglycemia in diabetic rats by portal vein transplantation of islet-like cells generated from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM： To study the capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BM-MSCs） trans-differentiating into islet-like cells and to observe the effect of portal vein transplantation of islet-like cells in the treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.
METHODS： BM-MSCs were isolated from SD rats and induced to differentiate into islet-like cells under defined conditions. Differentiation was evaluated with electron microscopy, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Insulin release after glucose challenge was tested with ELISA. Then allogeneic islet-like cells were transplanted into diabetic rats via portal vein. Blood glucose levels were monitored and islet hormones were detected in the liver and pancreas of the recipient by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS： BM-MSCs were spheroid adherent monolayers with high CD90, CD29 and very low CD45 expression. Typical islet-like cells clusters were formed after induction. Electron microscopy revealed that secretory granules were densely packed within the cytoplasm of the differentiated cells. The spheroid cells expressed islet related genes and hormones. The insulin-positive cells accounted for 19.8% and mean fluorescence intensity increased by 2.6 fold after induction. The cells secreted a small amount of insulin that was increased 1.5 fold after glucose challenge. After transplantation, islet-like cells could locate in the liver expressing islet hormones and lower the glucose levels of diabetic rats during d 6 to d 20.
CONCLUSION： Rat BM-MSCs could be transdifferentiated into islet-like cells in vitro. Portal vein transplantation of islet-like cells could alleviate the hyperglycemia of diabetic rats.     

Small intestinal submucosa improves islet survival and function during in vitro culture

AIM: To evaluate the recovery and function of isolated rat pancreatic islets during in vitro culture with small intestinal submucosa (SIS). METHODS: Pancreatic islets were isolated from Wistar rats by standard surgical procurement followed by intraductal collagenase distension, mechanical dissociation and Euroficoll purification. Purified islets were cultured in plates coated with multilayer SIS (SIS-treated group) or without multilayer SIS (standard cultured group) for 7 and 14 d in standard islet culture media of RPMI 1640. After isolation and culture, islets from both experimental groups were stained with dithizone and counted. Recovery of islets was determined by the ratio of counts after the culture to the yield of islets immediately following islet isolation. Viability of islets after the culture was assessed by the glucose challenge test with tow (2.7 mmol/L) and high glucose (16.7 mmol/L) solution supplemented with 50 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) solution. Apoptosis of islet cells after the culture was measured by relative quantification of histone-complexed DNA fragments using ELISA. RESULTS: After 7 or 14 d of in vitro tissue culture, the recovery of islets in SIS-treated group was significantly higher than that cultured in plates without SIS coating. The recovery of islets in SIS-treated group was about twice more than that of in the control group. In SIS-treated group, there was no significant difference in the recovery of islets between short- and long-term periods of culture (95.8±1.0% vs 90.8±1.5%, P>0.05). When incubated with high glucose (16.7 mmol/L) solution, insulin secretion in SIS-treated group showed a higher increase than that in control group after 14 d of culture (20.7±1.1 mU/L vs 11.8±1.1 mU/L, P<0,05). When islets were placed in high glucose solution containing IBMX, stimulated insulin secretion was higher in SIS-treated group than in control group. Calculated stimulation index of SIS-treated group was about 23 times of control group. In addition, the stimulation index of SIS-treated group remained constant regardless of short- and long-term periods of culture (9.5±0.2 vs 10.2±1.2, P>0.05). Much less apoptosis of islet cells occurred in SIS-treated group than in control group after the culture. CONCLUSION: Co-culture of isolated rat islets with native sheet-like SIS might build an extracellular matrix for islets and provide possible biotrophic and growth factors that promote the recovery and subsequent function of islets.     

Effect of atorvastatin and pravnstatin on insulin synthesis from islet β cell in rat and its mechanisms

Objective To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin and pravastatin on insulin synthesis from islet β cell in rat and its mechanisms.Methods In the experiment,it was divided into control group,atorvastatin group and pravastatin group.Pancreatic islets were isolated by the collagenase method.Cultured with 100 μmol/L atorvastatin or pravastatin for 24 hours respectively,the alteration of insulin content was measnred by RIA,and the expression of insulin mRNA from rats'islet β cells was accessed by quantitative PCR.The human insulin promoter-luciferase vector was constructed and transfected to MIN6 cells by using Lipofectamine 2000.Cultured with 100 μmol/L atorvastatin or pravastatin for 24 and 48 hours respectively,the activity of lnciferase was measured by the dual-luciferase reporter assay system to evaluate the activity of insulin promoter.Difference between the three groups was determined by one-way analysis of variance.Results Cultured with 100 μmol/L atorvastatin for 24 hours,the insulin content was significantly decreased to 76.3%of the control group(P<0.05),the mRNA expression levels[(0.125 232 ±0.014 827)vs.(0.264 896±0.029 541),P<0.05]and the activity of luciferase[(0.763 616±0.253 780)vs.(1.290 601±0.386 566),P<0.05]were all significantly inhibited compared with the control group,but the inhibitory effects were not shown in the pravastatin group.Conclusion In a higher concentration,atorvastatin may reduce the synthesis of insulin by inhibiting the expression of insulin mRNA of islet β cells.This effect is relative to its inhibition on the activity of insulin promoter,and the degree of inhibition is relative to its lipophilicity.     

碘过量和甲状腺球蛋白免疫诱发NOD小鼠甲状腺炎的病变特征

Objective To observe the pathological characteristics of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess and thyroglobulin (Tg) immunization and to explore the mechanism of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess. Methods NOD mice were used for intaking 0.05% Nal water and(or) Tg immunization. Morphologic change in thyroid and apoptosis were observed. The levels of serum TT4, TSH, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured. Responding to Tg, lymphocytic proliferation of lymph node and spleen, interleukin-4(IL-4)and γ-interferon(IFN-γ) levels in culture medium of splenocytes were detected. Real-time PCR Was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-4, IFN-γ, chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and intercellular adhesion molecular-1(ICAM-1) in thyroid. Results Distended thyroid follicles,colloid accumulation, intense lymphocytic infiltration and disorganization were seen in thyroid of iodine excess group, along with increased apoptosis of thyroid cells(34.66～ 2.78 vs 5.11±0.62 ,P<0.01). The levels of TT4 were lowered while TSH raised ,but no production of thyroid-specific autoantibodies was revealed. Lymph node and spleen cells showed positive respornse under stimulation of Tg. The level of IFN-γ[(1. 272±0.049 vs 1. 139±0. 025)ng/L,P<0. 01] was raised in culture medium of splenocytes but not IL-4. The expression of IFN-γ, CXCLI0 and ICAM-1 mRNA were increased in thyroid. But in Tg group, some lymphocytes were scattered in thyroid, autoantibodies emerged ,and the level of IL-4 was increased in cuhure medium of splenocytes[(18. 508±0. 113 vs 13. 368±0. 016)ng/L, P<0. 01]. ledine excess combined with Tg enhanced these inflammatory reaction. Conclusion Iodine excess induced thyroiditis in NOD mice. The process seems to be Th1 response dominant organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Iodine excess and Tg immunizatiou play a synergistic role in inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.     

碘过量和甲状腺球蛋白免疫诱发NOD小鼠甲状腺炎的病变特征

Objective To observe the pathological characteristics of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess and thyroglobulin (Tg) immunization and to explore the mechanism of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess. Methods NOD mice were used for intaking 0.05% Nal water and(or) Tg immunization. Morphologic change in thyroid and apoptosis were observed. The levels of serum TT4, TSH, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured. Responding to Tg, lymphocytic proliferation of lymph node and spleen, interleukin-4(IL-4)and γ-interferon(IFN-γ) levels in culture medium of splenocytes were detected. Real-time PCR Was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-4, IFN-γ, chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and intercellular adhesion molecular-1(ICAM-1) in thyroid. Results Distended thyroid follicles,colloid accumulation, intense lymphocytic infiltration and disorganization were seen in thyroid of iodine excess group, along with increased apoptosis of thyroid cells(34.66～ 2.78 vs 5.11±0.62 ,P<0.01). The levels of TT4 were lowered while TSH raised ,but no production of thyroid-specific autoantibodies was revealed. Lymph node and spleen cells showed positive respornse under stimulation of Tg. The level of IFN-γ[(1. 272±0.049 vs 1. 139±0. 025)ng/L,P<0. 01] was raised in culture medium of splenocytes but not IL-4. The expression of IFN-γ, CXCLI0 and ICAM-1 mRNA were increased in thyroid. But in Tg group, some lymphocytes were scattered in thyroid, autoantibodies emerged ,and the level of IL-4 was increased in cuhure medium of splenocytes[(18. 508±0. 113 vs 13. 368±0. 016)ng/L, P<0. 01]. ledine excess combined with Tg enhanced these inflammatory reaction. Conclusion Iodine excess induced thyroiditis in NOD mice. The process seems to be Th1 response dominant organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Iodine excess and Tg immunizatiou play a synergistic role in inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.     

碘过量和甲状腺球蛋白免疫诱发NOD小鼠甲状腺炎的病变特征

Objective To observe the pathological characteristics of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess and thyroglobulin (Tg) immunization and to explore the mechanism of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess. Methods NOD mice were used for intaking 0.05% Nal water and(or) Tg immunization. Morphologic change in thyroid and apoptosis were observed. The levels of serum TT4, TSH, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured. Responding to Tg, lymphocytic proliferation of lymph node and spleen, interleukin-4(IL-4)and γ-interferon(IFN-γ) levels in culture medium of splenocytes were detected. Real-time PCR Was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-4, IFN-γ, chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and intercellular adhesion molecular-1(ICAM-1) in thyroid. Results Distended thyroid follicles,colloid accumulation, intense lymphocytic infiltration and disorganization were seen in thyroid of iodine excess group, along with increased apoptosis of thyroid cells(34.66～ 2.78 vs 5.11±0.62 ,P<0.01). The levels of TT4 were lowered while TSH raised ,but no production of thyroid-specific autoantibodies was revealed. Lymph node and spleen cells showed positive respornse under stimulation of Tg. The level of IFN-γ[(1. 272±0.049 vs 1. 139±0. 025)ng/L,P<0. 01] was raised in culture medium of splenocytes but not IL-4. The expression of IFN-γ, CXCLI0 and ICAM-1 mRNA were increased in thyroid. But in Tg group, some lymphocytes were scattered in thyroid, autoantibodies emerged ,and the level of IL-4 was increased in cuhure medium of splenocytes[(18. 508±0. 113 vs 13. 368±0. 016)ng/L, P<0. 01]. ledine excess combined with Tg enhanced these inflammatory reaction. Conclusion Iodine excess induced thyroiditis in NOD mice. The process seems to be Th1 response dominant organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Iodine excess and Tg immunizatiou play a synergistic role in inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.     

碘过量和甲状腺球蛋白免疫诱发NOD小鼠甲状腺炎的病变特征

Objective To observe the pathological characteristics of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess and thyroglobulin (Tg) immunization and to explore the mechanism of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess. Methods NOD mice were used for intaking 0.05% Nal water and(or) Tg immunization. Morphologic change in thyroid and apoptosis were observed. The levels of serum TT4, TSH, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured. Responding to Tg, lymphocytic proliferation of lymph node and spleen, interleukin-4(IL-4)and γ-interferon(IFN-γ) levels in culture medium of splenocytes were detected. Real-time PCR Was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-4, IFN-γ, chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and intercellular adhesion molecular-1(ICAM-1) in thyroid. Results Distended thyroid follicles,colloid accumulation, intense lymphocytic infiltration and disorganization were seen in thyroid of iodine excess group, along with increased apoptosis of thyroid cells(34.66～ 2.78 vs 5.11±0.62 ,P<0.01). The levels of TT4 were lowered while TSH raised ,but no production of thyroid-specific autoantibodies was revealed. Lymph node and spleen cells showed positive respornse under stimulation of Tg. The level of IFN-γ[(1. 272±0.049 vs 1. 139±0. 025)ng/L,P<0. 01] was raised in culture medium of splenocytes but not IL-4. The expression of IFN-γ, CXCLI0 and ICAM-1 mRNA were increased in thyroid. But in Tg group, some lymphocytes were scattered in thyroid, autoantibodies emerged ,and the level of IL-4 was increased in cuhure medium of splenocytes[(18. 508±0. 113 vs 13. 368±0. 016)ng/L, P<0. 01]. ledine excess combined with Tg enhanced these inflammatory reaction. Conclusion Iodine excess induced thyroiditis in NOD mice. The process seems to be Th1 response dominant organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Iodine excess and Tg immunizatiou play a synergistic role in inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.     

碘过量和甲状腺球蛋白免疫诱发NOD小鼠甲状腺炎的病变特征

Objective To observe the pathological characteristics of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess and thyroglobulin (Tg) immunization and to explore the mechanism of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess. Methods NOD mice were used for intaking 0.05% Nal water and(or) Tg immunization. Morphologic change in thyroid and apoptosis were observed. The levels of serum TT4, TSH, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured. Responding to Tg, lymphocytic proliferation of lymph node and spleen, interleukin-4(IL-4)and γ-interferon(IFN-γ) levels in culture medium of splenocytes were detected. Real-time PCR Was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-4, IFN-γ, chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and intercellular adhesion molecular-1(ICAM-1) in thyroid. Results Distended thyroid follicles,colloid accumulation, intense lymphocytic infiltration and disorganization were seen in thyroid of iodine excess group, along with increased apoptosis of thyroid cells(34.66～ 2.78 vs 5.11±0.62 ,P<0.01). The levels of TT4 were lowered while TSH raised ,but no production of thyroid-specific autoantibodies was revealed. Lymph node and spleen cells showed positive respornse under stimulation of Tg. The level of IFN-γ[(1. 272±0.049 vs 1. 139±0. 025)ng/L,P<0. 01] was raised in culture medium of splenocytes but not IL-4. The expression of IFN-γ, CXCLI0 and ICAM-1 mRNA were increased in thyroid. But in Tg group, some lymphocytes were scattered in thyroid, autoantibodies emerged ,and the level of IL-4 was increased in cuhure medium of splenocytes[(18. 508±0. 113 vs 13. 368±0. 016)ng/L, P<0. 01]. ledine excess combined with Tg enhanced these inflammatory reaction. Conclusion Iodine excess induced thyroiditis in NOD mice. The process seems to be Th1 response dominant organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Iodine excess and Tg immunizatiou play a synergistic role in inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.     

碘过量和甲状腺球蛋白免疫诱发NOD小鼠甲状腺炎的病变特征

Objective To observe the pathological characteristics of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess and thyroglobulin (Tg) immunization and to explore the mechanism of thyroiditis induced by iodine excess. Methods NOD mice were used for intaking 0.05% Nal water and(or) Tg immunization. Morphologic change in thyroid and apoptosis were observed. The levels of serum TT4, TSH, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured. Responding to Tg, lymphocytic proliferation of lymph node and spleen, interleukin-4(IL-4)and γ-interferon(IFN-γ) levels in culture medium of splenocytes were detected. Real-time PCR Was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-4, IFN-γ, chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and intercellular adhesion molecular-1(ICAM-1) in thyroid. Results Distended thyroid follicles,colloid accumulation, intense lymphocytic infiltration and disorganization were seen in thyroid of iodine excess group, along with increased apoptosis of thyroid cells(34.66～ 2.78 vs 5.11±0.62 ,P<0.01). The levels of TT4 were lowered while TSH raised ,but no production of thyroid-specific autoantibodies was revealed. Lymph node and spleen cells showed positive respornse under stimulation of Tg. The level of IFN-γ[(1. 272±0.049 vs 1. 139±0. 025)ng/L,P<0. 01] was raised in culture medium of splenocytes but not IL-4. The expression of IFN-γ, CXCLI0 and ICAM-1 mRNA were increased in thyroid. But in Tg group, some lymphocytes were scattered in thyroid, autoantibodies emerged ,and the level of IL-4 was increased in cuhure medium of splenocytes[(18. 508±0. 113 vs 13. 368±0. 016)ng/L, P<0. 01]. ledine excess combined with Tg enhanced these inflammatory reaction. Conclusion Iodine excess induced thyroiditis in NOD mice. The process seems to be Th1 response dominant organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Iodine excess and Tg immunizatiou play a synergistic role in inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.