Effects of L-lysine monohydrochloride on insulin and blood glucose levels in spinal cord injured rats

Background Hyperglycemia in brain and spinal cord could aggravate neurologic impairment. Recent studies showed that L-lysine monohydrochlonde （LMH） could increase the insulin secretion and regulate the blood glucose level. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of LMH on pancreatic islet B cells, the levels of endogenous insulin and blood glucose in spinal cord injured rats.Methods Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely, normal control group, model group, high-dose LMH group （621.5 mg/kg equal to LMH 1/8 LD50）, and low-dose LMH group （310.8 mg/kg equal to LMH 1/16 LD50）. The model of spinal cord injured rat was established by hemi-transection at the lower right thoracic spinal cord. LMH was administered via intraperitoneal injection once spinal cord injury was produced in rats. All rats were sacrificed 48 hours after spinal cord injured. The effects of LMH on pancreatic islet B cells, the content of endogenous insulin, end the level of blood glucose were observed with immunohistochemical method, radioimmunoassay method, end biochemical analyzer, respectively. Results The insulin immunohistochemical intensities of islet B cells were significantly weaker in model group then those in normal control group （P 〈0.01）. The levels of endogenous insulin were significantly lower and the blood glucose levels were significantly higher in model group than those in normal control group （P 〈0.01）. The insulin immunohistochemical intensities of islet B cells were significantly stronger in high-dose LMH group then those in model group （P〈0.05）. In addition, we found that the levels of endogenous insulin were significantly higher and the blood glucose levels were significantly lower in high-dose LMH group then those in model group （P 〈0.05）. There were no significant differences in the insulin immunohistochemical intensities of islet B cells, the levels of endogenous insulin and the blood glucose between low-dose LMH group and model group （P 〉0.05）. Conclusion LMH, but dose-dependent, might participate in the regulation of pancreatic islet B cells, and then reduce the blood glucose levels in the spinal cord injured rats.     

Effect of Compound Laser Acupuncture-Moxibustion on Blood Glucose, Fasting Insulin and Blood Lipids Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion on blood glucose, fasting insulin and blood lipids levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including the normal group, model control group, laser group and sham laser group(n=10 per group). The rats in the normal group were fed with a standard diet. Rats in other groups were fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet for 4 weeks, then intraperitoneally injected with 1% streptozotocin to induce T2 DM model. The laser group was irradiated by 10.6 μm and 650 nm compound laser on bilateral Pishu(BL 20), Shenshu(BL 23) and Sanyinjiao(SP 6) for 5 min, 6 times a week for 5 weeks. The sham laser group received the same treatment as the laser group, but without laser output. The model control group and normal group were not treated. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks of treatment. The serum levels of fasting insulin, total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein(LDL), and high-density lipoprotein(HDL) were analyzed after the last treatment. Results: The blood glucose levels in the model control group increased during the 5 weeks of treatment compared with the normal group(P0.05), while those in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after weekly treatment(P0.01 or P0.05). After 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, the blood glucose levels in the laser group decreased obviously compared with the sham laser group(P0.01 or P0.05). Compared with the normal group, the levels of fasting insulin, TC and LDL in the model control group notably increased(P0.01 or P0.05), while their levels in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after 5 weeks of treatment(P0.05 or P0.01). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in TG or HDL levels among the 4 groups(P0.05). Conclusion: The compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion of 10.6 μm and 650 nm had positive effects on the regulation of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in T2 DM rats, which may be a potential treatment for T2 DM, and also provide an alternative to the traditional acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.     

Impact of 1, 25-(OH)2D3 on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Objective To investigate the impact of 1, 25-(OH)2D3 on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in type 2 diabetic rats.
Methods Type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM) model rats were established by intraperitoneally injecting with 30 mg/kg streptozotocin. After 8 weeks, 19 male rats were identified as diabetic with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by ultrasound examination, and randomly assigned into three groups:untreated (DM-LVH, n=7), treated with insulin (DM-LVH+INS, n=6), and treated with 1, 25-(OH)2D3 (DM-LVH+VD, n=6). Healthy male rats were used as the controls group (n=6). The fasting blood glucose and the insulin level were determined weekly. The left ventricular mass index, myocardial collagen content, collagen volume fraction, and 1, 25-(OH)2D3-receptor level were determined by 4 weeks later.
Results In the DM-LVH model group, the insulin level was significantly decreased compared with the non-diabetic control group (P<0.05), whereas the blood glucose, left ventricular mass index, myocardial collagen content, collagen volume fraction, and 1, 25-(OH)2D3-receptor expression were significantly increased (all P<0.05). In the DM-LVH+INS and DM-LVH+VD groups, the insulin levels were significantly increased compared with the DM-LVH model group (P<0.05), whereas the other parameters were significantly decreased (all P<0.05).
Conclusion 1, 25-(OH)2D3 could reverse LVH in diabetic rats and that the mechanism may involve stimulating insulin secretion and reducing blood glucose via direct up-regulation of 1, 25-(OH)2D3-receptor expression.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its pathogenic effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective:To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its pathological effect in the experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver of rats,and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods:The rat NAFLD model was established by giving a fat-enriched diet.The blood samples were obtained form abdominal aorta and the levels of serum ALT,AST and IL-1,changes in the hepatic tissue 6-k-PGF1α TXB2 were measured.The expression level of COX-2 in rats livers were assayed by immunohistochemistry,RT-PCR and Western-blot.Results:Light microscope analysis revealed that hepatocytes were injured in the model group and slightly in the treatment group.The levels of serum TXB2 and IL-1 in the fatty liver rats were increased.Compared with the model group,the IL-1 and TXB2 increased significantly(P < 0.05),on the contrary,compared with the normal group,the hepatic tissue 6-Keto-prostagland decreased significantly in the model group(P < 0.05),the treatment group also increased but P > 0.05.There was no positive expression of COX-2 in hepatic tissue of normal rats.In the model group,there was positive expression of COX-2 antigen and the number of COX positive cells progressively increased at 4,8,12 wks.The intensity of expression of COX-2 had significantly increased(P < 0.05)and the intensity of COX-2 expression in the treated group decreased remarkably compared with the model group(P < 0.05).The expression of COX-2 mRNA and the level of COX-2 protein were significantly stronger in the liver of model rats compared with normal rats,and significantly weaker in treated rats,than in 8W and 12W model rats(P < 0.05).Conclusion:The increase of COX-2 expression in NAFLD is closely associated with the severity of liver inflammation and damage.COX-2 may play an important role in the progression of rat NAFLD,and the expression of COX-2 mRNA is downregulated by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor,which can depress the oxidative stress and control inflammatory response efficiently.     

Effects on the Tumor Specific Growth Factor and Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Rats' Precancerous Lesion of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Direct Moxibustion at Ganshu(BL 18) Acupoint

Objective: To investigate the effect of direct moxibustion at Ganshu(BL18) on the serum concentrations of tumor specific growth factor(TSGF) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) in a rat model with precancerous lesion of primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), so as to explore the mechanism of moxibustion underlying improvement of HCC. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group(n=10), model group(n=20), prevention group 1(n=15) and prevention group 2(n=15). The normal rats were injected with physiological saline as blank control. At the same time, the rats of other three groups were injected with diethylnitrosamine to establish the HCC model. Direct moxibustion with grain-sized moxa was applied to bilateral Ganshu acupoint of the rats in the prevention group 1(1 treatment course, 20 days) and prevention group 2(2 treatment courses, 40 days), 5 doses for each acupoint, 0.5 mg/dose, once every other day. At each time point(before model establishment, the end of 1st course prevention, the end of 2nd course prevention and the end of model establishment), serum levels of TSGF and TNF-α were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the control group, there was a remarkably increase of serum TSGF and TNF-α contents in the model group at the end of the experiment(P0.05). At the end of the 1st course of direct moxibustion, the contents of serum TSGF and TNF-α of rats in the prevention group 1 were significantly increased compared with that of the model group(P0.05). At the end of the 2nd course of direct moxibustion, serum TSGF and TNF-α levels of rats in the model group were higher than the normal group with significantly difference(P0.05), and the levels of TSGF and TNF-α in the prevention group 2 were significantly reduced in comparison with the model group(P0.05). Conclusion: It was possible that direct moxibustion could inhibit precancerous lesion and postpone hepatocarcinogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of two courses were better than one course.     

Effect of Kaiyu Qingwei Granule (开郁清胃颗粒) on Insulin Receptor in Liver and Skeletal Muscular Cell Membrane in Diabetes Mellitus Rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of Kaiyu Qingwei granule (KYQWG, on the insulin binding capacity of liver and skeletal muscular cell membrane and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Rats in four experimental groups were investigated: the control group, the model group, the KYQWG group and the Metformin group. The insulin binding rate (IBR) of liver and skeletal muscular cell membrane was detected by receptor-ligand ra-diometric method and changes of serum levels of glucose, insulin and IGF-1 were observed before and after 4 weeks of medication. Results: The KYQWG group had a lower blood glucose level and ffiR of liver and muscular cell membrane, as compared with those in the model group (P<0. 01 or P<0.05), and a higher level of IGF-1 than that in the model group(P<0.01), but had no obvious changes in the serum level of insulin. Conclusion: KYQWG may increase the serum level of IGF-1 in diabetic rats, thus to decrease the insulin resistance a     

Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Vasomotor Symptoms in Rats with Acute Cerebral Infarction Based on Phosphatidylinositol System

Objective:To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA)on vasomotor symptoms in rats with acute cerebral infarction,by observing the changes in the expression of factors related to the phosphatidylinositol(PI)system.Methods:Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table:the control group(n=6),the model group(n=18)and the EA group(n=18).The EA group was given EA treatment at Shuigou(GV 26)instantly after modeling with middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)method,while the model and control groups were not given any treatment.The degrees of neurological deficiency were evaluated using neurological severity scores(NSS)and the brain blood flow was evaluated by a laser scanning confocal microscope.Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of G-protein subtype(Gq)and calmodulin(CaM).Competition for protein binding was conducted to detect the expression level of inositol triphosphate(IP3).Thin layer quantitative analysis was conducted to detect the expression level of diacylglycerol(DAG).The expression level of intracellular concentration of free calcium ion([Ca²⁺]i)was detected by flow cytometry.Results:The NSS of the model group was significantly higher than the control group at 3 and 6 h after MCAO(P<0.01),while the EA group was significantly lower than the model group at 6 h(P<0.01).The cerebral blood flow in the model group was significantly lower than the control group at 1,3 and 6 h after MCAO(P<0.01),while for the EA group it was remarkably higher than the model group at the same time points(P<0.01).The expressions of Gq,CaM,IP3,DAG and[Ca²⁺]i in the model group were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and those in the EA group were significantly lower than the model group at the same time points(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:EA treatment at GV 26 can effectively decrease the over-expression of related factors of PI system in rats with acute cerebral infarction,improve cerebral autonomy movement,and alleviate cerebral vascular spasm.     

Structural Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Rats with Allergic Bronchial Asthma Treated with Recuperating Lung Decoction

ObjectiveTo investigate whether recuperating lung decoction (RLD) can modulate the composition of gut microbiota in rats during asthma treatment. MethodsFifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly and equally into control group, model group, dexamethasone (DEX) group, RLD medium-dose group, and RLD high-dose group. The asthma model was established in all groups, except for the control group. The rats in the DEX and RLD groups were treated orally with DEX and RLD, respectively. The rats in the control and model groups were treated orally with 0.9% saline. The intestinal bacterial communities were compared among groups using 16S rRNA gene amplification and 454 pyrosequencing. ResultsThe microbial flora differed between the control and model groups, but the flora in the RLD groups was similar to that in the control group. No significant differences were observed between the RLD high-dose and medium-dose groups. RLD treatment resulted in an increase in the level beneficial bacteria in the gut, such asLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumspp. ConclusionOral administration of RLD increased the number of intestinal lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus andBifidobacterium, in asthma model rats.     

Effects of Kaixin Jieyu Decoction (开心解郁汤) on Behavior and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Expression in Cerebral Hippocampus of A Rat Vascular Depression Model

Objective:To explore the effects and anti-depression mechanisms of Kaixin Jieyu Decoction(开心解郁汤,KJD).Methods:The rat vascular depression(VD) model was established by ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries(LBCCA) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS).Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham,VD model,VD + high-dose KJD[15.4 g/(kg·d) of crude drug],VD + medium-dose KJD[7.7 g/(kg·d) of crude drug],and VD + fluoxetine[2.4 mg/(kg·d)]groups(r=8 in each group),and the treatments lasted for 21 days.Changes of behavior and hippocampus pathology were observed.The level of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)protein and mRNA in hippocampus was detected respectively by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results:Compared with the sham group,rats in model group showed a variety of behavioral obstacles,including a significant reduction in sucrose consumption percentage,horizontal and vertical activity scores in open-field tests(P0.05 or P0.01),pathological damage like neuronal degeneration,necrosis,and a significant decrease of GFAP protein and mRNA in hippocampus(P0.01);compared with the model group,rats in the high-dose KJD group,medium-dose KJD group and fluoxetine group obtained notable higher behavioral scores,and pathological injury lessened in hippocampus with a increased expression of GFAP protein and mRNA(P0.05 or P0.01);compared with the medium-dose KJD group and fluoxetine group,GFAP mRNA in highdose KJD group expressed higer(P0.05).Conclusion:LBCCA combined with CUMS may cause depression-like behavioral changes resulting in the VD model of rats whose depression state can be ameliorated by KJD,and the mechanism of cerebral protection is related possibly with promoting expression of GFAP in hippocampus.     

Effect of ARB on Expression of CD68 and MCP-1 in Adipose Tissue of Rats on Long-term High Fat Diet

In adipose tissue of rats on long-term high fat diet, the inflammatory changes the roles of angiotensin receptor blocker （ARB） in pimelitis and insulin resistance （IR） were observed. LR rat model was established by feeding high calorie and high fat diet. The change in insulin sensitivity was detected by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique 8 weeks after intervention by valsartan. The expression levels of CD68 and MCP-1 mRNA and proteins in adipose tissue were examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. The parameters of blood glucose, insulin and blood lipid were analyzed. The results showed that in high fat diet group intra-abdominal obesity developed the content of visceral fat and the number of inflammatory cells in local adipose tissue were significantly increased （P〈0.01）, the levels of serum triglyceride, free fatty acids and fasting serum insulin were markedly increased, the insulin sensitivity was significantly lowered （P〈0.01）, and the expression of CD68 and MCP-1 was significantly increased as compared with control group （P〈0.01）. In ARB interventional group, the content of visceral fat, the number of inflammatory cells and the ex- pression of CD68 and MCP-1 in local adipose tissue were significantly reduced （all P〈0.01）, but the insulin sensitivity was significantly enhanced （P〈0.01） as compared with high fat diet group. There were pimelitis and IR in rats with obesity induced by long-term high calorie and high fat diet. The ARB can significantly inhibit the infiltration of macrophages and the expression of MCP-1 in adipose tissue, thereby attenuating the inflammation and improving LR in rats.     

Effects of Lianhua Qingwen on Pulmonary Oxidative Lesions Induced by Fine Particulates (PM2.5) in Rats

Objective To investigate the antagonistic effects of different doses of Lianhua Qingwen on pulmonary injury induced by fine particulates PM2.5 in rats.
Methods Fine particulates suspended in the environment were collected. Forty-eight healthy adult wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 8 rats in each group. Four groups of rats were exposed to PM2.5 by intratracheally dripping suspensions of fine particulates PM2.5 (7.5 mg/kg)as dust-exposed model rats. Among them 24 rats in three groups received Lianhua Qingwen treatment (crude drug) at a dose of 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg, 8 g/kg per day for 3 daysbefore dust exposure and were defined as low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose Lianhua Qingwen treatment groups respectively. The other dust-exposed model rats without treatment were assigned as PM2.5 control group. The un-exposed rats were set as saline control group (1.5 ml/kg saline) and blank control group. All rats were killed after 24 hours of the exposure. Lung tissue, serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. The levels of malonaldehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in blood serum and BALF, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood surum were measured using fluorescent quantitation PCR; Expression of NF-E2-related factor 2(NRF-2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in lung tissues were measured using Western blot. Pathological changes of lung tissues in each group were also examined.
Results Pathology revealed thickened alveolar septum, congestion of capillary, interstitial edema and infiltration of lymphocyte and neutrophil surrounding bronchiole in the PM2.5 control group, which were significantly relieved in the Lianhua Qingwen treatment groups. Compared to the blank and saline control groups, the PM2.5 control group had significantly higher levels of LDH and MDA (p<0.01) and lower level of GSH-PS (p<0.01) in BALF, significantly higher levels of LDH and MDA (p<0.05) and lower level of GSH-PS (p<0.05) in rat serum. The levels of MDA in blood serum and BALF were significantly lower in each treatment group than that in PM2.5 control group (allP<0.05). In both middle-dose and high-dose treatment group the measurements of LDH in serum and BALF as well as GSH-PX in serum were significant difference from those of PM2.5 control group (allP<0.05). Expressions of NRF-2, HO-1 and NQO1 in lung tissues were significantly different among middle-dose and high-dose treatment group compared with those in PM2.5 control group (allP<0.05).
Conclusion Fine particulates PM2.5 in environment may induce pulmonary oxidative lesions in rats. Middle-dose and high-dose Lianhua Qingwen has antagonist effece on the injuries induced by fine particulates.     

Anti-diabetic Activity of Zhenqing Recipe and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Objective To investigate the influence of Zhenqing Recipe (ZQR) and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF) on diabetic rats and its possible mechanism. Methods The model of type 2 diabetic rats was established by feeding a high-sucrose-high-fat diet and injecting a low dose of Streptozotocin in Wistar rats. The model rats were randomly divided into three groups: diabetic model, ZQR-treated, and LLF-treated groups for 8-weeks treatment. The normal Wistar rats were as a normal control group. Results The level of fasting blood glucose in ZQR and LLF groups was decreased compared with model group (P < 0.01, 0.05, respectively). Both ZQR and LLF markedly reduced serum triglycerides (P < 0.01, 0.05, respectively), and increased the insulin sensitivity index (P < 0.05). Histopathology revealed that ZQR and LLF reduced pancreatic damage. Immunohistochemistry evaluation showed that the percentage of insulin positive cells in pancreatic island was higher than model group (P < 0.01, 0.05, respectively).The mRNA and protein expression of SREBP-1c in pancreas were significantly decreased in ZQR and FLL group (P < 0.01). Conclusion ZQR has therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes, it ameliorates the histopathological changes of pancreas, protects β cells, improves insulin resistance, and attenuates the expression of SREBP-1c. This study also provides the anti-diabetic evidence of FLL even its effects are weaker than ZQR.     

Effects of Fufang Shenhua Tablet(复方肾华片) on the Expression of Toll-Like Receptors during Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats

<正>Objective:To investigate the impact of a traditional Chinese medicinal compound known as Fufang Shenhua Tablet(复方肾华片,SHP) on the expression of Toll-like receptors(TLRs) during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)-induced acute kidney injury(AKI) in rats.Methods:A total of 28 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups:(1) pseudo-operation control group,(2) ischemia-reperfusion model group, (3) Astragaloside group,(4) high-dose SHP group,and(5) low-dose SHP group.There were four rats in the pseudo-operation group and six rats in each of the other groups.The accepted ischemia-reperfusion model was established after a 7-day gavage intervention,and pathological changes and renal function were observed,using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) to detect interleukin 8(IL-8) and interferon gamma(IFN-γ) levels,as well as immunohistochemical staining to detect altered levels of TLR2 and TLR4 expression in renal tissue.Results:After 24 h,renal pathological damage and the expression levels of serum creatinine(Scr),IL-8, IFN-γ,TLR2,and TLR4 were significantly higher in the model group as compared with the pseudo-operation group(P0.05).In addition,at 24 h the above indicators decreased significantly in the Astragaloside group,high-dose SHP group and low-dose SHP group as compared with the ischemia-reperfusion model group(P0.05). TLR2 and TLR4 expression levels were significantly reduced in the SHP treatment and Astragaloside group as compared with the pseudo-operation group(P0.05).Further,the high-dose SHP group showed significantly less renal damage score and decreased levels of TLR expression than those of low-dose SHP group and Astragaloside group(all P0.05).Conclusion:SHP can alleviate the renal structural and functional damage caused by IRI-induced AKI in rats by reducing the damage of renal pathology,which may reduce inflammatory cytokine levels by downregulating the expression of TLRs in renal tissue in a dose-dependent manner.     

Effect of Lirukang Oral Liquid(利乳康口服液) on Neurotransmitters and Estrogen in Rats with Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland

Objective: To investigate the effects of Lirukang oral liquid (LRK, 利乳康口服液) on release of neurotransmitter in rats with hyperpiasia of mammary glands (HMG) and to explore its mechanism. Methods: Sixty rats were divided into six groups, the normal control group, the model control group, the large dosage (3.6g/kg) and the small dosage (1.8g/kg) LRK groups, the Ruzengning (乳增宁, RZN, 2.5g/kg) group and the tamoxifen (TAM, 5mg/kg) group, 10 in each group. Except those in the normal control group, all the animals were made into rat model of HMG by intraperitoneal injection of estradiol benzoate. Levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in hypothalamus and mammary gland in rats were detected by fluorescence luminosity assay, and level of prolactin (PRL) in serum was detected by radioimmunoassay.Results: In the model group, the level of DA reduced significantly (P＜0.01), and 5-HT and PRL increased obviously ( P＜0.01). Compared with the model group, the LRK groups of both dosages and the TAM group had their level of DA significantly increased (P ＜ 0. 01 ), and level of 5-HT significantly decreased ( P＜0.01). The serum PRL in both LRK groups was significantly decreased ( P＜0.01). No obvious changes in DA, 5-HT and PRL were found in the RZN group. Conclusion: LRK and TAM have similar effects in regulating the release of neurotransmitter in hypothalamus and mammary gland and serum content of estrogen in the animal models of HMG.     

Protective Effect of Norcantharidin on Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats

Objective: To observe the effect of norcantharidin(NCTD) on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) rats. Methods: Sixty Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into 6 groups(n=10): normal group, CIA model group(model group), NCTD low-dose group [1.35 mg/(kg·d)], NCTD middle-dose group [2.7 mg/(kg·d)], NCTD high-dose group [5.4 mg/(kg·d)] and methotrexate(MTX) group [1.8 mg/(kg/w)]. Anesthetized rats were sacrificed by luxation of cervical vertebra after 4 weeks of administration. The arthritis scores were evaluated twice a week. The pathological changes in the ankle joints of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The serum levels of interleukin(IL) 1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), IL-17 and transform growth factor(TGF) β were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The mRNA expression of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γ t(ROR γ t) and forkhead box P3(Foxp3) in peripheral blood lymphocytes were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: MTX and high-dose NCTD not only decreased the arthritis scores but also alleviated the pathological changes in CIA rats' ankle joints compared with the model group(P0.05 or P0.01). All doses of NCTD significantly inhibited the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in CIA rats(P0.05). Only middle-and high-dose of NCTD prominently decreased serum IL-1β and TGF-β levels of CIA rats(P0.05). However, NCTD has no effect on vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) level in CIA rats. The Foxp3 mRNA expression in all NCTD groups were increased significantly than in the model group(P0.05). The mRNA expression of RORγt in NCTD high-dose group was decreased apparently in comparison with the model group(P0.05). Conclusion: NCTD showed therapeutic effect on CIA rats by inhibition of cytokines and regulation of Th17/Treg cells.     

Effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe (温化蠲痹方) on Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand, Osteoprotegerin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 14 in Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Objective: To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe(温化蠲痹方, WJR) on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14(TNFRSF14, also known as LIGHT) in rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods: CIA rats were generated by subcutaneous injection of bovine collagen type-Ⅱ at the tail base. Sixty CIA rats were randomly assigned(10 animals/group) to: model, methotrexate(MTX)-treated(0.78 mg/kg body weight), and WJR-treated(22.9 g/kg) groups. Healthy normal rats(n=10) were used as the normal control. Treatments or saline were administered once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed at day 28 post-treatment and knee synovium and peripheral blood serum were collected. Toe swelling degree and expression of RANKL, OPG, and LIGHT were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with the normal group, toe swelling degree was significantly increased in the model group(P0.01). After treatment, toe swelling degree decreased significantly in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P0.01). Compared with the normal group, expression of RANKL and LIGHT were significantly increased and OPG significantly decreased in peripheral blood and synovium of the model group(P0.01). Conversely, RANKL and LIGHT expression were significantly reduced and OPG increased in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P0.01). No statistically significant difference existed between WJR and MTX groups. Conclusion: WJR likely acts by reducing RANKL expression and increasing OPG expression, thus inhibiting RANKL/RANK interaction and reducing LIGHT expression, thereby inhibiting osteoclast formation/activation to block bone erosion.     

Effect of Soothing Gan (Liver) and Invigorating Pi (Spleen) Recipes on TLR4-p38 MAPK Pathway in Kupffer Cells of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Rats

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of inflammatory-mediated toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK) pathway in Kupffer cells(KCs) of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) rats and the intervention effect of soothing Gan(Liver) and invigorating Pi(Spleen) recipes on this pathway. Methods: After 1 week of acclimatization, 120 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups using a random number table(n=15 per group): normal group, model group, low-dose Chaihu Shugan Powder(柴胡疏肝散, CHSG) group(3.2 g/kg), high-dose CHSG group(9.6 g/kg), low-dose Shenling Baizhu Powder(参苓白术散, SLBZ) group(10 g/kg), high-dose SLBZ(30 g/kg) group, and low-and highdose integrated recipe(L-IR, H-IR) groups. All rats in the model and treatment groups were fed with a high-fat diet(HFD). The treatments were administrated by gastrogavage once daily and lasted for 26 weeks. The liver tissues were detected with hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and oil red O staining. Levels of liver lipids, serum lipids and transaminases were measured. KCs were isolated from the livers of rats to evaluate the mRNA expressions of TLR4 and p38 MAPK by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and proteins expressions of TLR4, p-p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK by Western blot. Levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1 and IL-6 in KCs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: After 26 weeks of HFD feeding, HE and oil red O staining showed that the NASH model rats successfully reproduced typical pathogenesis and histopathological features. Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant increases in body weight, liver weight, liver index, serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase as well as TC and TG levels in liver tissues, and significant decrease in serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P0.05 or P0.01), while those indices were significantly ameliorated in the H-IR group(P0.05 or P0.01). Higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in KCs were observed in the model group compared with the normal group(P0.01). Significant decreases in TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were observed in the H-SLBZ, H-IR and L-IR groups compared with the model group(P0.05 or P0.01). The m RNA expressions of TLR4 and p38 MAPK and protein expressions of TLR4, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK in KCs in the model group were significantly higher than the normal group(P0.01), while those expression levels in the L-IR and H-IR groups were significantly lower than the model group(P0.05 or P0.01). Conclusions: Inflammation in KCs might play an important role in the pathogenesis of NASH in rats. The data demonstrated the importance of TLR4-p38 MAPK signaling pathway in KCs for the anti-inflammatory effect of soothing Gan and invigorating Pi recipes.     

Chronic blocking of β3-adrenoceptor ameliorates cardiac function in rat model of heart failure

Background Stimulation of the heart β(3)-adrenoceptor (AR) may result in a negative inotropic effect. Being up-regulated, β(3)-AR plays a more important role in the regulation of cardiac function during heart failure. However, the effect of chronic blocking of β(3)-AR on heart failure has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used a selective β(3)-AR antagonist SR59230A to treat a well defined heart failure rat model chronically, then evaluated its effect on cardiac function and investigated the mechanism.Methods Male Wistar rats were chosen randomly as controls (n=8). Isoproterenol induced heart failure rats were randomly divided into ISO group (n=10) and SR group (n=10). The ISO group received intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml saline twice a day; the SR group received intraperitoneal injection of SR59230A 85 nmol in 1 ml saline twice a day; and the control group received no treatment. The treatment was started 24 hours after the last isoproterenol injection and continued for 7 weeks. Then we measured the following indexes: the ratio of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) and the ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight (LVW/BW), collagen volume fraction (CVF), left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDd), left ventricular end systolic dimension (LVESd), ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS) and the ratio of E wave to A wave (E/A),the mRNA and protein expression of β(3)-AR and eNOS, and cGMP level in the heart.Results The ratios HW/BW and LVW/BW were significantly increased in the ISO group compared with the control group (P&lt;0.01), but they were limited in the SR group (P&lt;0.05 compared with the ISO group). CVF increased in the ISO group and the SR group (P&lt;0.01), but it was significantly attenuated in the SR group (P&lt;0.01). LVEDd, LVESd and E/A ratio were significantly increased in the ISO group compared with the control group (P&lt;0.01), while EF and FS were significantly decreased (P&lt;0.01). Compared with the ISO group, the SR group showed that LVEDd, LVESd and E/A ratio were significantly decreased (P&lt;0.01), whereas EF and FS were significantly increased (P&lt;0.01). β(3)-AR and eNOS mRNA and protein in the ISO group were significantly increased when compared with the control group (P&lt;0.01). These increases were all attenuated in the SR group compared with the ISO group (P&lt;0.01). The level of cGMP in myocardial tissue was significantly increased in the ISO group compared with the control group (P&lt;0.01), whereas SR59230A treatment normalized this increment (P&lt;0.01).Conclusions Chronic blocking of β(3)-AR could ameliorate cardiac function in heart failure rats and its mechanism involves inhibition of the negative inotropic effect and attenuation of cardiac remodeling.