Mechanism of Fructus Lycii against dry eye: an analysis based on network pharmacology and experimental verification / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the mechanism of fructus lycii in treating dry eye based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.METHODS: Taking “fructus lycii” as key words, the active ingredients and target of fructus lycii were searched by using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). Gene targets related to dry eye(DE)were searched by GeneCards and OMIM databases. The target genes of fructus lycii and DE were imported into Venn software to obtain the intersection target map of them. After that, the data were imported into the String database to obtain the PPI protein-protein interaction network diagram. Using Cytoscape3.7.2 software, the PPI protein-protein interaction network diagram was constructed for active ingredients, target sites and related diseases of fructus lycii. The Bioconductor platform and R language were used for gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis. And the key targets in the pathogenesis of DE were verified by experiments.RESULTS: Through TCMSP, 45 types of effective chemical components of fructus lycii, 174 target genes corresponding to active components and 131 common target genes with DE were screenedout. In accordance with the network topology of “drug-composition-disease-target”, 27 main effective components of fructus lycii were found in the treatment of DE. The PPI network was analyzed according to the high degree value, which is the key targets of fructus lycii for DE treatment, mainly including AKT1, VEGFA, CASP3, IL1B, JUN, PTGS2, CXCL8, etc. According to GO enrichment analysis, 166 biological functions and processes of fructus lycii for DE treatment were obtained. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that 31 signaling pathways were involved. Additionally, experimental verification displayed that the protein expressions of AKT1, interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and IL-17 in conjunctiva tissue of the DE model group were significantly increased.CONCLUSIONS: Through network pharmacology, this study confirmed that the treatment of DE by fructus lycii is a complex process involving multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways, and that the treatment of DE by fructus lycii is mainly regulated by anti-inflammatory and apoptosis-related molecules.

Noradrenaline modulates the spontaneous firing activities of Purkinje cells via α2-adrenergic receptor in mouse cerebellar cortex / 生理学报

Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) exhibit two types of discharge activities: simple spike (SS) and complex spike (CS). Previous studies found that noradrenaline (NA) can inhibit CS and bidirectionally regulate SS, but the enhancement of NA on SS is overwhelmed by the strong inhibition of excitatory molecular layer interneurons. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of NA on SS discharge frequency is not clear. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the mechanism underlying the increasing effect of NA on SS firing of PC in mouse cerebellar cortex in vivo and in cerebellar slice by cell-attached and whole-cell recording technique and pharmacological methods. GABAA receptor was blocked by 100 µmol/L picrotoxin in the whole process. In vivo results showed that NA significantly reduced the number of spikelets of spontaneous CS and enhanced the discharge frequency of SS, but did not affect the discharge frequency of CS. In vitro experiments showed that NA reduced the number of CS spikelets and after hyperpolarization potential (AHP) induced by electrical stimulation, and increased the discharge frequency of SS. NA also reduced the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) of parallel fiber (PF)-PC and significantly increased the paired-pulse ratio (PPR). Application of yohimbine, an antagonist of α2-adrenergic receptor (AR), completely eliminated the enhancing effect of NA on SS. The α2-AR agonist, UK14304, also increased the frequency of SS. The β-AR blocker, propranolol, did not affect the effects of NA on PC. These results suggest that in the absence of GABAA receptors, NA could attenuate the synaptic transmission of climbing fiber (CF)-PC via activating α2-AR, inhibit CS activity and reduce AHP, thus enhancing the SS discharge frequency of PC. This result suggests that NA neurons of locus coeruleus can finely regulate PC signal output by regulating CF-PC synaptic transmission.

Differential Expression and Signal Transduction Analysis of MicroRNA Related to Kidney Yang Deficiency in Kidney Tissues of Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: Microarray chip was used to detect the differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) in kidney tissues of rats with kidney-Yang deficiency induced by adenine,and its significance was analyzed by bioinformatics method. Method: Rats with kidney-Yang deficiency were induced by intragastric administration of 150 mg·kg-1 adenine in model group, while rats in normal group were given the same amount of saline.Kidney tissues were taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining pathological sections after anesthesia and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (SCr) in blood and 24-hour urinary protein (24U-TP) in urine were measured. μParaflo microfluidic chip technology was used to investigate differential expression miRNA in kidney tissues, and microarray results were verified by Real-time PCR. Bioinformatics database was used to analyze the target genes and functions of differential expression miRNAs. Result: Gene chip results showed that there were 50 differentially expressed microRNAs after modeling. Compared with control group, only 9 miRNAs were highly expressed in kidney tissues with significant difference were detected in model group. Compared with the normal group, the expression of rno-miR-21-5p, rno-let-7i-5p, rno-miR-146b-5p and rno-miR-15b-5p in model group increased significantly(PPPPPConclusion: This experiment found 4 miRNAs involved in the regulation of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) and 2miRNAs with unknown functions, which provided a new clue for further analysis of the regulatory network of kidney-yang deficiency.

Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 attenuates myocardial injury in diabetic rats by regulating two-pore potassium channel TASK-1 / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To investigate the effect of activating aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) on TASK-1 two-pore potassium channel in myocardial injury of diabetic rats.
 Methods: Diabetic rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). The diabetic rats were divided into 4 groups: normal group, diabetes at 4th week (DM4W) group, diabetes at 8th week (DM8W) group, and diabetes at 8th week+low concentration of ethanol intervention (DM8W+EtOH) group. The cardiac function of rats was determined by cardiac ultrasonography. The content of hydroxyproline was detected by ELISA. The appearance of myocardial morphous and positive material were observed by HE and PAS staining. The protein expression of TASK-1 was detected by Western blot. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record the action potential duration at 30% and 90% repolarization (APD30, APD90) and two-pore potassium channel TASK-1 current in rat ventricular myocytes. Meanwhile, according to the sensitive electrophysiological characteristics of the potassium channel to acid and base, whether it is two-port potassium channel TASK-1current can be determined.
 Results: Compared with the N group, end-diastole left ventricular diameter (LVIDd), end-systolic left ventricular diameter (LVIDs), hydroxyproline content, TASK-1 protein expression increased, APD30 and APD90 extend, left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and TASK-1 current decreased (all P<0.01) in the DM4W group and the DM8W group. HE staining showed that myocardial cell and fiber arrangement disorder, myocyte hypertrophy, myocardial widened and PAS staining reveals that positive material increased in the DM4W group and the DM8W group. Compared with the DM4W group, these changs are more obvious in DM8W rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with the DM8W group, in the DM8W+EtOH group, the left ventricular function was restored, the hydroxyproline content and expression of TASK-1 protein were decreased, the TASK-1 current was increased, and APD30 and APD90 were shortened (all P<0.01). HE staining showed that myocardial cell injury was ameliorate and PAS staining showed decreased deposition of positive substances in the DM8W+EtOH group.
 Conclusion: Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 by low concentration of ethanol can reduce myocardial injury and fibrosis caused by diabetes, and its mechanism may be related to the changes of the two-por potassium channel TASK-1.

Effect of Zhenwu Tang on regulating of "AVP-V2R-AQP2" pathway in NRK-52E cells / 中国中药杂志

This study was aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Zhenwu Tang on AVP-V2R-AQP2 pathway in NRK-52E cells . Forty eight male SD rats were randomly divided into eight groups with 6 animals in each group. Distilled water or 22.68 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ Zhenwu Tang(calculated by raw drug dosage meter) was given by gavage. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture， and the medicated serum was centrifuged from the blood by 3 000 r·min⁻¹. NRK-52E cells were treated with different medicated serum or dDAVP. The condition of cell proliferation was detected by RTCA. The distribution of V2R and AQP2 in cells were detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of V2R， PKA and AQP2 were detected by Western blot and AQP2 mRNA level was detected by real-time PCR. Results showed that the level of AQP2 mRNA(<0.01) and protein expression of V2R， PKA and AQP2(<0.05， <0.01， <0.05) of Z7d group which was treated with Zhenwu Tang medicated serum for 24 h were significantly higher than that of normal rat serum group. And the expression level of V2R， p-AQP2 and AQP2(<0.01， <0.05， <0.01) of Z7d+dDAVP group were significantly increased comparing to normal rat serum group. The results indicate that the applying of Zhenwu Tang medicated serum could increase the expression level of V2R， PKA and AQP2 which exist in AVP-V2R-AQP2 pathway in NRK-52E， and there is synergistic effect between Zhenwu Tang medicated serum and dDAVP. So the pathway of AVP-V2R-AQP2 may be one of the mechanism for which Zhenwu Tang regulate balance of water transportation.

Effects of irbesartan on Notch1 signaling pathway in diabetic rats with myocardial injury / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects and mechanisms of irbesartan on myocardial injury in diabetic rats, and to analyze the changes of Notch1 signaling pathway in it.@*METHODS@#Thirty rats were randomly divided into four groups:normal control group (CON, =6), high calorie group (HC, =6) and diabetes mellitus group (DM, =9), irbesartan + diabetes group (Ir + DM, =9). After modeling 8 weeks later, the body weight ratio and left ventricular weight index were measured and the serum levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in myocardium of rats were determined by the kit and the expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 assaciated X protein (Bax) protein in myocardium were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of Notch1, Hes-1 and jagged-1 in myocardium of rats were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with CON group, the levels of heart weight/body weight (H/B), left ventricular weight index(LVWI) and fasting blood glucose(FBG) in HC group were not significantly changed, while the levels of blood lipids, MDA and Bax were increased significantly, and the expressions of SOD, Bcl-2 and Notch1, Hes-1 and Jagged-1 were decreased. Compared with HC group, the levels of H/B, LVWI, FBG, MDA and Bax in DM group were increased significantly, and the levels of SOD, Bcl-2 and Notch1, Hes-1 and Jagged-1 were decreased. The expression of H/B, LVWI, Notch1, Hes-1 and Jagged-1 in Ir+DM group were increased, but there was no significant difference between the other indexes. The H/B and LVWI in Ir + DM group were significantly lower than those in DM group, the levels of blood lipid and blood glucose did not change significantly, but the incidence of oxidative stress and apoptosis was reduced. While Notch1, Hes-1, Jagged -1 protein expressions were increased.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Diabetes can induce myocardial injury, and irbesartan has myocardial protective effects through activation of Notch1.

Changes of two-pore K+ channel TASK-1 in diabetic myocardial injury in rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of the two- pore K channel TASK-1 in diabetic rats with myocardial injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six SD rats were divided into normal group (N), diabetes at 4 weeks (DM 4W) group, and diabetes at 8 weeks (DM 8W) group. The cardiac functions of the rats were determined using cardiac ultrasonography, and the body weight and heart weight of the rats at different time points were measured to calculate the heart/body weight ratio (HW/BW). Myocardial fibrosis in the rats was assessed using Masson's staining. The protein expression of TASK-1 in the myocardium was detected using Western blotting. Whole- cell patch clamp technique was used to record the action potential duration (APD) and twopore domain potassium channel TASK- 1 current in acutely isolated rat ventricular myocytes. meanwhile, The inhibition of TASK-1 current was observed by the TASK-1 specific inhibitor ML-365.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, the diabetic rats showed significantly increased HW/BW ( < 0.05), end- diastole left ventricular diameter (LVIDd), end- systolic left ventricular diameter (LVIDs), and TASK-1 protein expression, with obviously decreased left ventricular diameter shortening rate (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) ( < 0.01). Masson staining showed that in diabetic rats, the collagen fibers were thickened, interwoven into a network with uneven arrangement and increased deposition. Compared with DM 4W group, the rats in DM 8W group exhibited progressive increases in LVIDd, LVIDs, HW/BW, and TASK-1 expression ( < 0.01 or 0.05); FS and EF were further decreased ( < 0.01). Masson staining showed worsened morphological changes of the myocardium with increased deposition. Compared with that in the normal group, the current of TASK- 1 in diabetic rats at 8 weeks was significantly reduced ( < 0.01) and the duration of action potential was extended ( < 0.05). The TASK-1 current was successfully inhibited by ML-365.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Diabetes can induce myocardial fibrosis and aggravate myocardial injury possibly in relation to changes in the protein expression and current of the two-port potassium channel TASK-1.</p>

Effect of low-dose ethanol consumption on expression of nuclear factor-κB in diabetic rats with myocardial injury / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of low-dose ethanol on the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in diabetic rats with myocardial injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat models of diabetes were established by an intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). After successful modeling, the rats were given 2.5% ethanol (daily dose of 20 mg/kg) for 1 week, followed by 5% ethanol (daily dose of 39.45 mg/kg) for another 7 weeks. Normal rats without STZ injection and diabetic rats without ethanol treatment serve as the normal control and diabetic model groups, respectively. The ventricular function of the rats was determined using echocardiography. The plasma levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-4 were detected in the rats, and the expressions of 4-HNE, NF-κB and IKK proteins in the left anterior myocardium was evaluated using immunohistochemistry or Western blotting; the ultrastructural changes of the myocardium were observed using transmission electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the diabetic rats showed significantly lowered systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle, increased plasma level of IL-1 and myocardial 4-HNE expression ( < 0.01), decreased plasma level of plasma IL-4 ( < 0.01), and increased myocardial expressions of NF-κB and IKK proteins ( < 0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed myofibrillar rupture, incomplete myofibrillar structure and mitochondrial damage in the cardiac myocytes in the diabetic rats. Compared with the diabetic rats, the rats with low-dose ethanol treatment exhibited improved systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle, milder myocardial myofibrillar and mitochondrial damages, and significantly lowered plasma IL-1 level and myocardial expressions of 4-HNE, NF-κB and IKK ( < 0.01), and increased plasma IL-4 level ( < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NF-κB expression is increased in the myocardium of diabetic rats with myocardial injury, and low-dose ethanol consumption lowers myocardial expression of NF-κB in diabetic rats, suggesting the involvement of NF-κB signaling pathway in the protective effect of low-dose ethanol against myocardial injury in diabetes mellitus.</p>

Effects of Trimetazidine on Myocardial Remodeling and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Hypertensive Heart Disease / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To prospectively study the effects of trimetazidine on myocardial remodeling and oxidative stress in patients with hypertensive heart disease (HHD),in order to provide reference for clinical treatment of HHD.METHODS:Eighty-two HHD patients were selected from our hospital during Jan.2014-Jul.2016,and they were divided into control group and observation group by sortition randomization method,with 41 cases in each group.Control group received routine HHD chemical drug (antihypertensive drugs,lipid-lowering drugs,hypoglycemic agents and antiplatelet drugs,etc.) therapy.Observation group was additionally given trimetazidine 20 mg,tid,on the basis of control group.Both groups were treated for 3 months.Before treatment and after 3 months of treatment,SBP,DBP,New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function grade,LVEF,LVESD,LVEDD,LVMI and the levels of GSH-Px,SOD,MDA and ROS were compared between 2 group.The occurrence of ADR was observed in 2 groups.RESULTS:Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in each index between 2 groups (P＞0.05).After 3 months of treatment,SBP and DBP of 2 groups were decreased significantly compared to before treatment (P＜0.01);there was no statistical significance between 2 groups (P＞0.05).There was no statistical significance in NYHA cardiac function grade compared to before treatment or between 2 groups (P＞0.05).LVESD,LVEDD and LVMI of observation group were decreased significantly compared to before treatment (P＜0.05);LVEF was increased significantly compared to before treatment (P＜0.05);LVEDD and LVMI of observation group were significantly lower than control group (P＜0.05).Compared to before treatment,SOD level of control group was decreased significantly,while the levels of GSH-Px and SOD in observation group were increased significantly;MDA and ROS of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group,with statistical significance (P＜0.05).No obvious ADR was found in 2 groups.CONCLUSIONS:Trimetazidine can improve cayocardial remodeling and reduce oxidative stress level of HHD patients with good safety.

Protective effect of β-asarone on AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ₁₋₄₂ combined 2-VO and its mechanism / 中国中药杂志

This study was aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of β-asarone on the animal model of Alzheimer's disease(AD) which was induced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ₁₋₄₂ combined cerebral ischemia. One hundred and five rats were randomly divided into seven groups including sham-operated group, AD model group, β-asarone 10 mg•kg⁻¹ group, β-asarone 20 mg•kg⁻¹ group, β-asarone 30 mg•kg⁻¹ group, donepezil group(0.75 mg•kg⁻¹) and Ginkgo biloba extract group(24 mg•kg⁻¹). Rats' learning and memory abilities, cerebric regional blood flow, pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region, the expression level of HIF-1α and serum CAT, SOD and MDA level were detected 4 weeks later. The results showed that the application of intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ₁₋₄₂ joint 2-VO could lead to rats' dysfunction of learning and memory, decrease in regional cerebral blood flow. Neurons in CA1 region were arranged in disorder, and amyloid deposition was increased. The number of cerebral cortical cells expressing HIF-1α was increased as well. The level of serum CAT and SOD decreased, while level of serum MDA increased. However these symptoms were improved by 20 mg•kg⁻¹ and 30 mg•kg⁻¹ β-asarone. The results indicated that β-asarone could effectively relieve the symptoms of the AD model induced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ₁₋₄₂ combined cerebral ischemia, and the potential mechanism might be that it could attenuate damage of MDA to the body by improving the level of CAT and SOD, meanwhile the level of HIF-1α decreased as the decline of hyperoxide which might attenuate its damage to neuron, so it finally achieved alleviating Alzheimer's disease.

Relationship Between Blood Levels of Cyclophilin A and Chronic Heart Failure / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To explore the relationship between blood levels of cyclophilin A (CyPA) and chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: A total of 166 CHF patients were enrolled as CHF group, according to NYHA classiifcation, it was further divided into 4 sub-groups: Class I,n=37, Class II,n=39, Class III,n=46 and Class IV,n=44. In addition, there was a Normal control group,n=52. Blood levels of CyPA, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were examined and compared among different groups. Results: Compared with Normal control group, CHF group had elevated CyPA (5.11 ± 2.43) ng/ml vs (2.28 ± 0.61) ng/ml, BNP (385.65 ± 184.06) pg/ml vs (90.37 ± 18.44) pg/ml and hs-CRP (11.74 ± 5.44) mg/L vs (5.99 ± 1.14) mg/L, all P0.05. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that blood levels of CyPA were positively related to BNP and hs-CRP in CHF patients (r=0.838,P Conclusion: Blood levels of CyPA were elevated in CHF patients and it’s obviously related to NYHA classiifcation, which might have certain effects on CHF diagnosis and evaluation.

Circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with psoriasis vulgaris of different Chinese medicine syndromes / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether the serum levels of inflammation-related cytokines might be different between the healthy individuals and the psoriatic patients diagnosed of three varied Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes [blood-stasis syndrome (BSS), blood-dryness syndrome (BDS) and wind-heat syndrome (WHS)].</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 62 psoriatic patients were recruited and assigned to 3 groups according to their CM syndromes, including 27 patients of BSS, 21 of BDS and 14 of WHS. Another 20 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled into the control group. Serum concentrations of multiple cytokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), soluble CD4O ligand (SCD40L), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon γ inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were measured by a multiplexed flow cytometric assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The circulating levels of MIP-1α, TNF-α, IL-8, and IP-10 were significantly increased in the psoriatic patients compared with the healthy controls (P<0.01). Male and female patients tended to have higher serum levels of MCP-1 and IP-10, respectively (P<0.05). Interestingly, compared with the control group, 6 out of the 9 cytokines (MCP-1, MIP-1α, TNF-α, EGF, IL-8 and IP-10) were substantially increased in the BSS group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), whereas only MIP-1α and IL-8 levels were elevated in the BDS group (P<0.05 or P<0.01) concurrent with lowered concentrations of SCD40L and IL-17 (P<0.05). In the WHS group, MIP-1α was the only cytokine whose level was evidently increased (P<0.01), in contrast to IL-17 which was decreased as compared with the control (P<0.05). The psoriatic patients overall owned higher levels of MIP-1α and IL-8 in the circulation which were comparable among the 3 groups of CM syndromes (P<0.01). In contrast, TNF-α level of the BSS group was the highest among the three (P<0.01), followed by the BDS and the WHS groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression profiles of cytokines in the circulation might not be necessarily identical for psoriatic patients with different CM syndromes. Accordingly, the serum concentrations of certain cytokines could potentially be used as the ancillary indices for the clinical classification of psoriatic CM syndromes.</p>

Effect of WS070117M1 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice and the underling mechanisms of anti-inflammation / 药学学报

The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the adenosine derivative N6-(3-hydroxylaniline) adenosine (WS070117M1) on cigarette smoke plus LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in mice and its mechanism. COPD model was established by exposing male BALB/c mice to cigarette smoke and challenged with LPS inhalation. Supernatants of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TGF-β1 levels were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay). The number of total white blood cells and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was counted separately. Lung tissue was stained with Mayer 's hematoxylin and eosin for histopathologic examination. pAMPKa protein expression and distribution of lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry method. In vitro, levels of AMPKα phosphorylation in phorbol-12- myristate-13-acetate (PMA) differentiated THP-1 cells was detected by immunohistochemistry, IL-8 level in supernatants of cigarette smoke condensate stimulating PMA differentiated THP-1 cells was measured by ELISA. The results showed that WS070117M1 treatment significantly activated AMPKa in the lung tissue. It also resulted in down regulation of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TGF-β1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and IL-8 level in cigarette smoke condensate stimulating PMA differentiated THP-1 cells. In addition, WS070117M1 could inhibit the recruitment of total white blood cells and neutrophils. These results suggest that WS070117M1 may alleviate the airway inflammation by activating AMPK in the lung tissue.

Serum CyPA level change in patients with coronary heart disease and its clinical significance / 重庆医学

Objective To observe the serum cyclophilin A(CyPA)level change in the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)and to investigate its clinical significance.Methods 64 patients with CHD(CHD group)were divided into three groups ac-cording to the clinical types:stable angina pectoris(SAP)group,unstable angina pectoris(UAP)group and acute myocardial infarc-tion(AMI)group;which were divided into three groups according to the coronary artery lesion range:single vessel lesion group, double vessels lesions group and multi vessels lesions group;while 26 controls with normal coronary arteries were select as the con-trol group.Serum levels of CyPA and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9 )were detected by ELISA,and C-reactive protein(CRP) concentration was detected by the immune scattering turbidimetry test.Results The CyPA,MMP-9 and CRP levels in the CHD group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P0.05);serum CyPA,MMP-9 and CRP levels in the single vessel lesion group,the double vessels lesion group,multi vessels lesion group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),serum CyPA,MMP-9 and CRP levels were elevated with the increase of coronary artery lesion vessels (P<0.05).In the CHD group,serum CyPA with MMP-9 and CRP showed the significantly positive correlation(r=0.772,0.749, P<0.01).Conclusion Serum CyPA level is significantly increased in the patients with CHD,CyPA may have some relationship to CHD and the plaque stability.

Recent advances in the study of AMPK and inflammatory pulmonary disease / 药学学报

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. Recent studies demonstrated that AMPK is a novel signaling molecule modulating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress which are involved in inflammatory pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary infectious diseases and pulmonary fibrosis. AMPK attenuates inflammatory lung injury by phosphorylating its downstream targets, such as sirtuin1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha), p53 and forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a). This review summarized the relationship between AMPK and the development of inflammatory pulmonary diseases.

A randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial on 84 outpatients with psoriasis vulgaris by auricular therapy combined with optimized Yinxieling Formula / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the therapeutic effect of auricular therapy combined with optimized Yinxieling Formula on psoriasis vulgaris.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial on 84 outpatients with psoriasis vulgaris was conducted. The patients were randomized to a treatment group (43 cases treated by auricular therapy combined with optimized Yinxieling Formula) and a control group (41 cases treated by optimized Yinxieling Formula alone) according to a random number generated by SPSS 17.0 software. The treatment duration for both groups was 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect was comprehensively measured by the primary outcome measure [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) reduction rate] and the secondary outcome measure [PASI, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS)]. The outcomes of both groups were obtained and compared before and after the intervention.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The PASI reduction rate in the treatment group was 74.4% (32/43), which was higher than that in the control group (36.6%, 15/41, P<0.01). The PASI scores decreased in both groups after treatment and was lower in the treatment group compared with the control group P<0.01). With stratified analysis, there were significant differences between the PASI scores in the following subgroups: age 18-30, baseline PASI>10 and stable stage (P<0.05). DLQI decreased in both groups on some categories after treatment, but there were no significant differences between the two groups in SDS, SAS and VAS (P >0.05). No obvious adverse reactions were found in either group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of auricular therapy combined with Optimized Yinxieling Formula was superior to Optimized Yinxieling Formula alone with no obvious adverse reaction.</p>

Antihypertrophic effect of dihydropyridines calcium channel blockers is dependent on their potential of blocking N-type calcium channel / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the effects of amlodipine, benidipine and nifedipine on myocardial hypertrophy and evaluate the underlying mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Myocardial hypertrophy model was created by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in C57 BL/6 mice, and plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured 7 days after surgery to confirm the sympathetic activation. The 3 drugs were administered in TAC mice for 7 days and cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated according to the heart-to-body weight ratio (HW/BW). Effects of those drugs on the protein synthesis stimulated by phenylephrine in cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes were also examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HW/BW and plasma concentrations of catecholamine were significantly increased in TAC mice one week after surgery in comparison with to sham-operated mice. One week after TAC, the HW/BW ratio was significantly lower in the amolodipine but not nifedipine-treated group than in the TAC group. Administration of nifedipine via minipump infusion for one week did not decrease HW/BW ratio. Treatment with amlodpine or benidipine, but not nifedipine, decreased the neonatal rat myocyte protein synthesis induced by phenylephrine stimulation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Antihypertrophic effect of DHEs on myocardium is dependent on their potential of blocking N-type calcium channel, and the underlying mechanism involves the sympathetic inhibition.</p>

Effects of dihydroxy-stilbene compound Vam3 on airway inflammation, expression of ICAM-1, activities of NF-kappaB and MMP-9 in asthmatic mice / 药学学报

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of Vam3 which is one of the dihydroxystilbene compounds on expressions of ICAM-1 in the lungs of OVA-induced asthmatic mice and the mechanisms of anti-airway inflammation. Balb/c mice were challenged with OVA inhalation. Lung tissues were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for histopathologic examination. The expression of ICAM-1 in the lungs of mice was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry method. The NF-kappaB activities were detected by NF-kappaB-luc reporter genetic transient transfection method. The activities of MMP-9 induced by LPS, TNF-alpha and PMA in THP-1 cells were determined by gelatin zymography method. The results showed that Vam3 could inhibit the expression of ICAM-1 in the OVA-induced mouse model. In addition, Vam3 could significantly suppress the activities of NF-kappaB in A549 cells and MMP-9 in THP-1 cells induced by LPS, TNF-alpha and PMA. These results suggested that Vam3 could alleviate the asthmatic inflammation by decreasing ICAM-1 expression in asthmatic mice, down regulating NF-kappaB and MMP-9 activities. Compound Vam3 showed inhibitory effects on inflammatory signal pathways involved in asthma.

Effect of the compound of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid and bone marrow stromal cells modified by osteoprotegerin gene on the periodontal regeneration in Beagle dog periodontal defects / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of the osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene-modified autologous bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on regeneration of periodontal defects, and to provide new experimental evidence to explore the gene therapy for periodontal disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>pSecTag2/B-opg was transduced into BMSCs by lipofectamine 2000. The expression of OPG protein in the BMSCs was detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Inverted phase contrast microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe the morphology and proliferation of the BMSCs(OPG) on on the surface of the poly lactic-co-glycolic (PLGA). Horizontal alveolar bone defect (4 mmx4 mmx 3 mm) were surgically created in the buccal aspect of the mandibular premolar, and were randomly assigned to receive BMSCs(OPG)-PLGA (cells/material/OPG), BMSCs-PLGA (cells/material), PLGA (material), or root planning only (blank control). The animals were euthanized at 6 weeks post surgery for histological analysis. The height of new alveolar bone and cementum and the formation of new connective tissue were analyzed and compared. All data were statistically analyzed using the q test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The BMSCs transfected by human OPG gene can highly express OPG protein. SEM observations demonstrated that BMSCs(OPG) were able to proliferate and massively colonize on the scaffolds structure. After 6 weeks, the height of new alveolar bone and cementum and the formation of new connective tissue were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BMSCs(OPG)-PLGA can significantly promote the regeneration of dog's periodontal bone defects. Gene therapy utilizing OPG may offer the potential for periodontal tissue engineering applications.</p>

Establishment and identification of transiently expression system of bone marrow stromal cells modified by osteoprotegerin gene / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In oder to treat periodontitis by using tissue engineering and gene engineering technology, the article established an transient expression system of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) modified by osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene and detected its expression using eukaryotic secreted expression pSecTag2/B-OPG plasmid.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By solation and culture of BMSC in vitro, the identified recombined plasmid was transiently transfected into BMSC by Lipofectamine 2000 and OPG expression in BMSC was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot in 6 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fragments of the recombinant plasmid digested with Hind III, EcoR I and BamH I and examined by 10 g/L agarose electrophoresis, were consistent with predicted size. The sequence of OPG was identical to the sequence provided by GeneBank [gi:33878056]. OPG transcribing in BMSC was confirmed by RT-PCR and OPG sustainable expressing in BMSC was detected by Western blot in 39 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The transiently expression system of BMSC modified by OPG gene was successfully established.</p>