Mechanism of Sanhuang Xiexintang in Protecting Stress Gastric Ulcer in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of Sanhuang Xiexintang （SHXXT） in protecting stress gastric ulcer （SGU） in rats through network pharmacology， molecular docking， and animal experiments. MethodThe active ingredients and corresponding targets in SHXXT were collected and screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database （TCMID）， Bioinformation Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM）， and Swiss Target Prediction database. SGU-related targets were screened from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）， Therapeutic Target Database （TTD）， GeneCards database， and PharmGKB database. Herbal-ingredient-target （H-C-T） network was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Protein-protein interaction （PPI） of drug and disease intersection targets was analyzed by using the Protein Interaction Platform （STRING） database. Gene ontology （GO） enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway analysis were conducted through the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery （DAVID）. The active ingredients and key targets were validated using AutodockVina 1.2.2 molecular docking software， and the experimental results were further validated through animal experiments. ResultThe 55 active ingredients were screened， and 255 potential target genes for SHXXT treatment of SGU were predicted. The PPI analysis showed that protein kinase B （Akt）， phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten （PTEN）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） are the core targets of SHXXT for protecting SGU. GO and KEGG analyses showed that SHXXT may affect the development of SGU by regulating various biological processes such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/Akt signaling pathway and inflammatory processes. The molecular docking results showed that both the active ingredients and key targets had good binding ability. Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group， the ulcer index （UI） of the model group was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly increased （P<0.01）. The phosphorylation level of PTEN in gastric mucosal tissue was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K， Akt， and nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） were significantly up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the UI of the treatment group was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. The phosphorylation level of PTEN in gastric mucosal tissue was significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）， and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K， Akt， and NF-κB were significantly downregulated （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe application of network pharmacology prediction， molecular docking simulation， and animal experimental validation confirms that SHXXT regulates the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway to regulate the inflammatory response of rats and thus protects the gastric mucosa of SGU rats.

Activity and mechanism of palbinone against hepatic fibrosis and inflammation / 药学学报

The study aims to investigate the anti-hepatic fibrosis and anti-inflammatory activities of palbinone, and to explore the internal regulatory mechanism, so as to lay an active foundation for its development as an anti-non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) candidate. First, sulforhodamine B (SRB) method was used to detect the effect of palbinone on the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells LX-2 and rat hepatic stellate cells HSC-T6. Following, in the in vitro hepatic fibrosis cell model that activated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of palbinone on the transcription level and protein expression level of hepatic fibrosis markers. And the regulating mechanism of palbinone on fibrosis-related genes was analyzed at the same time. In addition, in the inflammatory cell model that induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and nigericin, ELISA was used to detect the effect of palbinone on the released interleukin-1β (IL-1β) level. At the same time, Western blot was used to detect the effect of palbinone on the related proteins of inflammatory pathway. The results showed that palbinone could significantly inhibit the proliferation activity of LX-2 and HSC-T6, and their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ​​were (375.11 ± 55.45) and (260.27 ± 36.81) nmol·L-1, respectively. In addition, palbinone showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the expression levels of TGF-β1-induced fibrosis-related genes, including collagen type Ⅰ α 1 (COL1A1), TGF-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1). Mechanism study showed that palbinone may decrease the expression level of Yes-associated protein (YAP), thereby weakening its activation effect on the downstream fibrosis pathway. In addition, palbinone also exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activity of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory factors cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1) and IL-1β release. In conclusion, palbinone can not only inhibit the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the expression of YAP, but also inhibit the expression and release of inflammatory factors at the same time. All these studies provide theoretical support for the development of palbinone as an anti-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis drug.

Expression of TUBB4B in mouse primary spermatocyte GC-2 cells and its regulatory effect on NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the interaction between Tubulin beta 4B class IVb (TUBB4B) and Agtpbp1/cytosolic carboxypeptidase- like1 (CCP1) in mouse primary spermatocytes (GC-2 cells) and the role of TUBB4B in regulating the development of GC-2 cells.@*METHODS@#Lentiviral vectors were used to infect GC-2 cells to construct TUBB4B knockdown and negative control (NC-KD) cells. The stable cell lines with TUBB4B overexpression (Tubb4b-OE) and the negative control (NC-OE) cells were screened using purinomycin. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to verify successful cell modeling and explore the relationship between TUBB4B and CCP1 expressions in GC-2 cells. The effects of TUBB4B silencing and overexpression on the proliferation and cell cycle of GC-2 cells were evaluated using CCK8 assay and flow cytometry. The signaling pathway proteins showing significant changes in response to TUBB4B silencing or overexpression were identified using Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay and then labeled for verification at the cellular level.@*RESULTS@#Both TUBB4B silencing and overexpression in GC-2 cells caused consistent changes in the mRNA and protein expressions of CCP1 (P < 0.05). Similarly, TUBB4B expression also showed consistent changes at the mRNA and protein after CCP1 knockdown and restoration (P < 0.05). TUBB4B knockdown and overexpression had no significant effect on proliferation rate or cell cycle of GC-2 cells, but caused significant changes in the key proteins of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway (p65 and p-p65) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway (ErK1/2 and p-Erk1/2) (P < 0.05); CCP1 knockdown induced significant changes in PolyE expression in GC-2 cells (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#TUBB4B and CCP1 interact via a mutual positive regulation mechanism in GC-2 cells. CCP-1 can deglutamize TUBB4B, and the latter is involved in the regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in primary spermatocytes.

Mechanism of Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn. improving chronic glomerulonephritis based on network pharmacology and experimental verification / 药学学报

This study aims to explore the improvement and the mechanism of the Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn. (ApL) on chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). All animal experiments were followed the regulation of the Experimental Animal Ethical Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. CGN mouse model was established by a single tail-vein injection of doxorubicin (Dox) (20 mg·kg-1). One week after Dox administration, the mice received water extract of ApL (85 and 255 mg·kg-1) by gavage once a day for 14 days. At the end of experiment, the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), serum albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) were detected, kidney histopathological H&E staining was analyzed. Active ingredients and action targets of ApL were collected from TCMSP database, and CGN-related targets were obtained from Genecards database. STRING platform was employed to perform protein-protein interaction (PPI), and Metascape platform was used for KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis. The results of experiments demonstrated that ApL (85 and 255 mg·kg-1) could reduce the ACR and the content of SCr and BUN, and increase the content of ALB in mice. Network pharmacology results predicted that nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-related pathway and biological process of oxidoreductase activity regulation may be involved in the ApL-provided amelioration on CGN. The verification results showed that ApL could inhibit the activation of NF-κB and the expression of inflammatory factors in mice, and reduce the activity of renal myeloperoxidase (MPO). Meanwhile, ApL promoted the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increased the expression of its downstream gene mRNA, and reduced the level of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and further elevated renal glutathione (GSH) level. Based on network pharmacology combined experiments, this study found that ApL may improve CGN in mice through multiple targets and multiple pathways, in which the inhibition of NF-κB signaling and the activation of Nrf2 signaling may be important mechanisms involved.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Shenbai Jiedu Prescription Against Proliferation of HCT116 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shenbai Jiedu prescription （SBJDF） inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer （CRC） HCT116 cells. MethodAfter 48 h treatment of HCT116 cells with SBJDF （0， 0.25， 0.5， 1， 2， 4 g·L-1）， the viability of HCT116 cells were determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） colorimetry. Following the classification of cells into blank control group and SBJDF （1， 2， 4 g·L-1） groups， the effect of SBJDF on HCT116 cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope. The effects of SBJDF on the proliferation of HCT116 cells and mitochondrial membrane potential （Δψm） were detected by colony formation assay and JC-1 probe， respectively. The flow cytometry was then performed for determining cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The effects of SBJDF on cell cycle-， apoptosis-， and nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） signaling pathway-related proteins were determined by Western blot. ResultSBJDF effectively inhibited the vitality of HCT116 cells and changed their morphology in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with the blank control group， SBJDF at 1， 2， 4 g·L-1 significantly reduced cell colony formation （P<0.05， P<0.01），and SBJDF at 2 and 4 g·L-1 arrested the HCT116 cell cycle at G0/G1 phase （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank control group， SBJDF at 1， 2， 4 g·L-1 remarkably down-regulated the protein expression of CyclinD1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. SBJDF at 2 and 4 g·L-1 lowered the CyclinA2 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 （CDK4） （P<0.05， P<0.01）. SBJDF at 4 g·L-1 reduced the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 （CDK1） （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank control group， SBJDF at 2 and 4 g·L-1 induced HCT116 cell apoptosis， down-regulated the protein expression of anti-apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl as well as the NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins IκB kinase α （IKKα），inhibitor α of NF-κB （IκBα），and phospho-NF-κB p65 （p-p65） （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and diminished the mitochondrial membrane potential of HCT116 cells. ConclusionSBJDF inhibits the proliferation of HCT116 cells， which may be related to its inhibition of the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Effect and Mechanism of Sangmei Zhike Granule on Airway Inflammation in Rats with Cough Variant Asthma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Sangmei Zhike granule （SMZK） on airway inflammation in rats with cough variant asthma（CVA）. MethodSix-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， and SMZK （2.48 g·kg-1） group. The rats in the model group and the SMZK group received intraperitoneal injection of a mixed solution containing 10% ovalbumin （OVA） and aluminium hydroxide on the 1st and 8th days and aerosol inhalation of 1% OVA solution from the 15th day for CVA model induction. The intervention lasted for two weeks from the 15th day. At the end of animal manipulation， the lung function was detected and inflammatory cells in the peripheral blood were counted. The serum interleukin-4 （IL-4）， interleukin-5 （IL-5）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） levels were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed on the lungs. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） and its inhibitor α（IκBα） in lung tissues. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed reduced forced expiratory volume in the first 0.1 second （FEV0.1），FEV0.1/forced vital capacity （FVC），and forced expiratory flow 50% （FEF50%） （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased white blood cells and eosinophils （P<0.01）， and up-regulated serum IL-4， IL-5， and IL-10 （P<0.01）. As revealed by HE staining， the model group displayed shed epithelial cells of the bronchus， airway stenosis， hyperplasia and expansion of mucous glands， disarrangement of layer structures， disorderly arranged cells， and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells. The protein expression of NF-κB p65 was higher （P<0.01） and that of IκBα was lower （P<0.01） in the lung tissues of the model group than that in the normal group. Compared with the model group， the SMZK group showed increased FEV0.1，FEV0.1/FVC，and FEF50% （P<0.05）， decreased white blood cells and eosinophils in the peripheral blood （P<0.01）， and declining serum IL-4， IL-5， IL-10 （P<0.01）. HE staining demonstrated mild bronchial mucosal injury and relieved inflammatory cell infiltration， gland hyperplasia， and epithelial degeneration and necrosis in the SMZK group. The protein expression of NF-κB p65 was decreased （P<0.05） and that of IκBα was increased （P<0.05） in lung tissues of the SMZK group than that in the model group. ConclusionSMZK can improve lung function and inhibit airway inflammation in rats with CVA. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of IκBα/NF-κB protein expression in the lungs.

Therapeutic Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang on Rheumatoid Arthritis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo reveal the mechanism of action of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by pharmacological research based on its clinical application. MethodThe collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） rat model was established by injecting bovine type Ⅱ collagen and Freund's adjuvant at the tail， and was treated with different concentrations of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang. The rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， methotrexate （0.9 mg·kg-1） group， and Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang low- and high-dose （5.13， 20.52 g·kg-1·d-1） groups， with continuous intragastric administration for 4 weeks. The degree of joint swelling， weight， degree of foot swelling and arthritis index score were determined and the pathological changes of ankle joints were detected by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining to observe the therapeutic effect of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang on rheumatoid arthritis. In addition， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and Western blot were used to measure the expression of interleukin 1β （IL-1β）， interleukin 6 （IL-6）， interleukin 10 （IL-10） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum and the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） pathway related proteins in synovial tissue， respectively to clarify the molecular mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. ResultCompared with the conditions in blank group， the body weight and IL-10 level were decreased （P<0.01）， and the degree of foot swelling and arthritis index score， the levels of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α， and the expression of NF-κB pathway related proteins were increased （P<0.01，） in the model group， with impaired morphology and function of the ankle joint. Additionally， compared with the model group， Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang low- and high-dose groups had increased body weight of rats and IL-10 level （P<0.01）， and reduced degree of foot swelling and arthritis index score （P<0.05， P<0.01）， levels of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α （P<0.01） and expression of NF-κB pathway related proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with improved function and morphology of the ankle joint. ConclusionHuangqi Guizhi Wuwutang can significantly alleviate joint inflammatory injury by down-regulating NF-κB pathway and reducing the inflammatory response in CIA rats.

Progress of the Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 12 in autoinflammatory diseases / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 12(NLRP12), a newly discovered member of the Nod-like receptor family, is one of the important pattern recognition receptors.It recognizes a variety of pathogens, initiates downstream immune responses, and participates in the regulation of multiple inflammatory responses.NLRP12 is related to the occurrence and progression of inflammatory diseases.In this review, the structure and function of NLRP12 as well as NLRP12-associated autoinflammatory diseases were discussed, so as to provide new insights for the understanding, exploration and treatment of NLRP12-associated autoinflammatory diseases.

Huangqin Decoction Attenuates DSS-Induced Mucosal Damage and Promotes Epithelial Repair via Inhibiting TNF-α-Induced NF-κB Activation / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effect of Chinese herbal formula Huangqin Decoction (HQD) on ulcerative colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) and human intestinal epithelial cell injury induced by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).@*METHODS@#In vivo, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups using a random number table (n=6 per group), including control, DSS, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), HQD low- (HQD-L) and high-dose (HQD-H) groups. The colitis mouse model was established by 3% (w/v) DSS water for 5 days. Meanwhile, mice in the HQD-L, HQD-H and 5-ASA groups were administrated with 100, 200 mg/kg HQD or 100 mg/kg 5-ASA, respectively, once daily by gavage. After 9 days of administration, the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score and colon length of mice were measured, the pathological changes of colons were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining, and the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, the human colon epithelial normal cells (FHC cells) were exposed to HQD (0.6 mg/mL) for 12 h and then treated with TNF-α (10 ng/mL) for 24 h. The tight junction (TJ) protein expression levels of Claudin-4 and Occludin, and the protein phosphorylation levels of p65 and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB)-α (IκBα) were measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#In vivo, compared with the DSS group, HQD-H treatment attenuated the weight loss and reduced DAI score of mice on the 8th day (P<0.05). Moreover, HQD-H treatment ameliorated the colon shortening in the DSS-induced colitis mice (P<0.05). HE staining showed HQD attenuated the pathological changes of colitis mice, and the histological scores of HQD-H and 5-ASA groups were significantly decreased compared with the DSS group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, HQD-H and 5-ASA significantly decreased the serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels of mice (P<0.05). In vitro experiments showed that HQD up-regulated Occludin and Claudin-4 protein expressions and inhibited p-p65 and p-IκBα levels in FHC cells compared with the TNF-α group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#HQD significantly relieved the symptoms in DSS-induced colitis mice by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and maintained the homeostasis of TJ protein in FHC cells by suppressing TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation.

Protective effect of miR-9-5p regulating transient receptor potential melastatin 7 on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of microRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) regulating transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIR) in rats. Methods Thirty-two SD rats were divided into sham operation group, model group, miR-9-5p overexpression group and empty vector control group. The MIR model was established by ligation of left coronary artery. The sham operation group was not ligated. miR-9-5p agomir and agomir NC were injected into tail vein 24 hours before model establishment in miR-9-5p overexpression group and empty vector control group. The myocardial injury was observed by HE staining. The expression of miR-9-5p was detected by Real-time PCR. The serum levels of interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), IL-1β, creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin Ⅰ (cTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in myocardium were measured were measured by ELISA. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. Double luciferase assay verified the relationship between miR-9-5p and TRPM7. The protein expressions of TRPM7, Bcl-2, Bcl-2 associated X (Bax), phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B 65 (p-NF-κB p65) and toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) were detected by Western blotting. Results The expression of miR-9-5p was low in myocardial tissue of rats (P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-9-5p could reduce the expression levels of CK-MB, cTnI and LDH, and improve the degree of myocardial injury. Compared with the model group, the apoptosis rate, Bax protein expression, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β contents in myocardial cells of miR-9-5p overexpression group decreased, while Bcl-2 protein expression and SOD content increased (P<0.05). The result of dual luciferase assay showed that TRPM7 was the target gene of miR-9-5p, and the protein expressions of TRPM7, p-NF-κB p65 and TLR4 in miR-9-5p overexpression group were lower than those in model group (P<0.05). Conclusion MiR-9-5p can inhibit myocardial cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, and inhibit TLR4/NF-κB pathway by regulating TRPM7.

Effect of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma on SDF-1/CXCR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway of Orthotopic Transplantation Model of Colon Cancer in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma （AC） in inhibiting tumor growth in the orthotopic transplantation model of colon cancer in mice. Method:The molecular docking technology was used to predict the intermolecular interaction between the main active components of AC and the pathway target proteins， such as stromal cell-derived factor-1 （SDF-1）， C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 （CXCR4）， and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 （NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65）. The orthotopic transplantation model of CT26.WT colon cancer was established in mice for <italic>in vivo</italic> experimental verification. Sixty BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into a sham operation group， a model group， a 5-fluorouracil （5-Fu， 30 mg·kg^-1） group，and low- （0.32 g·kg^-1）， medium- （0.64 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose （1.28 g·kg^-1） AC groups， with 10 mice in each group. The sham operation group and the model group received normal saline by gavage. The corresponding drugs were administered by gavage in the 5-Fu group and by intraperitoneal injection in the AC groups. After intervention for 15 days， the tumor <italic>in situ</italic> was completely stripped， and the colon tissues 5-6 cm in length adjacent to the tumor were taken. The tumor volume was measured and calculated. The pathological changes of tumor tissues and colon tissues were observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin （HE） staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of SDF-1， CXCR4， p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in colon tissues. Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to detect SDF-1， CXCR4， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， Cyclin D₁， oncogene c-Myc protein and mRNA expression in tumor tissues. Result:Compared with the model group， 5-Fu and AC groups showed reduced tumor volumes <italic>in situ</italic> （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， with the tumor inhibition rate in the 5-Fu group as high as （61.38±2.34）%. The tumor-inhibiting effect was optimal in the medium-dose AC group， with the tumor inhibition rate of （43.43±3.71）%. Compared with the model group， 5-Fu and AC groups showed relieved pathological changes of tumor and colon tissues. Specifically， AC down-regulated the protein expression levels of SDF-1， CXCR4， and p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in colon tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and down-regulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of SDF-1， CXCR4， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， Cyclin D₁， and c-Myc in tumor tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:AC can inhibit the growth of orthotopic transplantation tumor of colon cancer， and its intervention mechanism may be related to the regulation of related protein and mRNA expression in the SDF-1/CXCR4/NF-<italic>κ</italic>B signaling pathway.

The role of B cell osteoimmunity in periodontitis / 口腔疾病防治

@#As the most important pathological feature of periodontitis, alveolar bone resorption also results in tooth loss and oral dysfunction. According to recent research, the host immune response is the major factor leading to alveolar bone resorption. Antibodies, immune cells and inflammatory cytokines involved in this procedure cause an imbalance of bone formation and destruction, which is called osteoimmunity. Given the importance of adaptive humoral immunity during periodontitis, B cells are considered crucial in the development of periodontitis. Therefore, establishing B cell osteoimmunity is an effective way for us to deeply assess the start, development and prognosis of periodontitis. It has been proven that the development process of B cells is accompanied by changes in bone density or morphology. We have reviewed previous literature to understand the role of B cell bone immunity in the pathological process of periodontitis, and the results showed that B cells regulate the development of bone cell lines through transcription factors (such as RANKL, PU.1, E2A, etc.). In addition, various cytokines expressed by B cells (such as IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, TGF-β, etc.) can participate in the regulation of bone cells.

Effect of Shaoyaotang on Expressions of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and IL-6 in Rats with Damp-heat Ulcerative Colitis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Method:A total of 50 Wistar rats were selected, including half male and half female. The damp-heat UC rat model was replicated by the methods of the combination of diseases and syndromes and the combination of 2, 4, 6-nitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and ethanol. After the successful modeling, the model rats were randomly divided into model group, salazulesulfonate group, and low, medium and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups, and 10 rats (half male and half female) were selected as the blank control group. Low, medium and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups were given 6, 12, 24 g·kg-1 by gavage, and salazonyl arsenic group was given 1 g·kg-1 by gavage. Blank control group was given the equal volume of normal saline for 21 consecutive days. Colon samples were collected after the last administration, and the expressions of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and IL-6 mRNA in colon tissues were detected by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR）, and the expressions of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and IL-6 protein in colon tissues were detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with the blank control group, the relative expressions of TLR4, NF-κB p65, IL-6 mRNA and protein in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and IL-6 mRNA and protein in the salazopyridine group and Shaoyaotang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Shaoyaotang can inhibit the development of UC by regulating the expressions of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and IL-6 mRNA and proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Effect of Decomposed Zuoguiwan Recipes in Improving BMD of Ovariectomized Rats by Regulating OPG/RANKL Pathway Mediated by β2AR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of decomposed Zuoguiwan（ZGW） recipes in treating ovariectomized osteoporosis rats. Method:Forty Sprague-Dawley female rats were equally and randomly divided into Sham-operated group, ovariectomized model group, positive group, and low and high-dose ZGW groups. After 12 weeks of administration by gavage, the bone mineral density (BMD) of rats' distal femur was measured by micro-CT, the morphology of bone tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), β-cross-linked c-telopeptide of type Ι collagen (β-CTX) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expressions of β2AR, OPG and RANKL were evaluated by Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Result:Compared with Sham-operated group, BMD of rats in ovariectomized model group was decreased (P<0.01), morphology of bone tissue was destroyed, serum BALP was reduced, while β-CTX was boosted (P<0.01)，mRNA and protein expressions of OPG in tibia were reduced, while RANKL were increased, and mRNA and protein expressions of β2AR in the hypothalamus were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with ovariectomized model group, BMDs of rats in low and high-dose ZGW groups were increased (P<0.01), morphology of bone tissue was repaired, serum BALP and mRNA and protein expressions of OPG in tibia were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas serum β-CTX and mRNA and protein expressions of β2AR in the hypothalamus and RANKL in tibia were down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion:Yang-nourishing components in decomposed Zuoguiwan recipes can improve BMD of ovariectomized rats by regulating OPG/RANKL pathway mediated by β2AR. "Seeking Yin in Yang" is a crucial mechanism of Zuoguiwan in treating ovariectomized osteoporosis in rats.

Effect of Euphorbia helioscopia Alcohol Extract on MAPK/NF-κB Inflammation Pathway on Mice with Acute Lung Injury Induced by LPS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the protective effect of Euphorbia helioscopia alcohol extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced acute lung injury in mice and explore its possible mechanism. Method:The 50 Balb/c male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, including normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (1.5 mg·kg-1), E. helioscopia alcohol extracts group (7.5，3.75 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group, the other groups used intranasal instillation of LPS to establish a model of acute lung injury in mice. The type and number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by automatic blood analyzer and Wright-Giemsa composite staining. The lung tissue damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The contents of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in BALF were detected by flow cytometry. The protein expressions of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65), phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), inhibitor of NF-κBα (IκBα), phospho-IκBα (p-IκBα) in NF-κB pathway and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phospho-JNK (p-JNK), p38 protein (p38), phospho-p38 (p-p38), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), phospho-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were determined by Western blot. Result:Compared with normal control group, the lung tissue of the model group showed obvious damage, in which a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated, and the integrity of the alveoli was destroyed. Inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 in BALF and p-NF-κB p65, p-JNK, p-p38, p-ERK protein expression levels in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the pathological damage of lung tissue in mice with high dose of E. helioscopia alcohol extract and dexamethasone positive group was significantly alleviated. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF and the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, p-JNK, p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 protein in lung tissue were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Conclusion:The E. helioscopia alcohol extract has a protective effect on LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice, its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.

Gambogic acid suppresses invasion in human gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 cells by modulating inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase α/p65 signaling pathway in vitro / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of gambogic acid (GA) on invasion in human gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 cells and its possible mechanism. Methods Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was performed to detect the effects of GA, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase( IKK) 16 and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on cell activity of GES-1 and SGC-7901 cells. Cell invasion was assessed with Transwell invasion assay. Western blotting was used to analyze the protein levels of vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 ( MMP-2) and MMP-9 and protein phosphorylation of IKKα and p65. Results The cell activity was significantly decreased in SGC-7901 cells treated with GA in a dose-dependent manner with a half inhibiton concentration(IC50) value of 1. 89 μmol/L. But GA had no significant influence on cell viability of GES-1 cells. Meanwhile, 5-FU reduced the cell activity of GES-1 and SGC-7901 cells with IC50values of 7.36 μmol/L and 199.57 μmol/L respectively. Low-dose GA and IKK 16 impaired separately the ability of invasion in SGC-7901 cells, and down-regulated the protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and vimentin, and inhibited phosphorylation of IKKot and p65, while a stronger inhibition was showed when the combination of GA and IKK16 was used. Conclusion Low-dose GA might inhibit invasion of SGC-7901 cells via IKKot/p65 signaling pathway.

Protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis (TsadSPI) on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice. Methods A total of 18 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, and the TsadSPI treatment group, of 6 mice in each group. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury was modeled in the model group and TsadSPI treatment group by cecal ligation puncture (CLP), while mice in the sham-operation group were only given exploratory laparotomy without ligation or perforation of the cecum. After 30 min of CLP, mice in the sham-operation group and the model group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL), and mice in the TsadSPI treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL) containing TsadSPI (2 μg). At 12 h following modeling, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured to assess the liver and kidney functions, and the changes of the mouse kidney structure were observed using HE staining. In addition, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 expression was determined in kidney tissues using immunohistochemical staining. Results At 12 h following CLP, there were significant differences in the serum levels of ALT (F = 41.031, P < 0.001), AST (F = 54.757, P < 0.001), Cr (F = 24.142, P < 0.001) and BUN (F = 214.849, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher levels of ALT, AST, Cr and BUN were measured in model group than in the sham-operation group (P < 0.001), while lower ALT, AST, Cr and BUN levels were found in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). HE staining showed severe mouse kidney injuries following CLP, and TsadSPI treatment resulted in remarkable alleviation of the injury. ELISA measured significant differences in the TNF-α (F = 47.502, P < 0.001) and IL-6 levels (F = 222.061, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and showed a remarkable reduction in the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the TsadSPI treatment group as compared to those in the model group (P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in serum IL-10 (F = 16.227, P < 0.001) and TGF-β levels (F = 52.092, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher IL-10 and TGF-β levels were seen in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining showed greater MyD88 expression and a higher nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in kidney tissues in the model group than in the TsadSPI treatment group. Conclusions TsadSPI may reduce the MyD88 expression and nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in mouse kidney tissues to up-regulate the expression of immunomodulatory factors and down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Effect of Vitamin D during Orthodontic Tooth Movement on Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β Ligand Expression and Osteoclast Number in Pregnant Wistar Rat (Rattus novergicus)

Background: Female patients have the possibility tobecome pregnant during orthodontic treatment. VitaminD usually consumed by pregnant women. Estrogen andVitamin D could affect bone metabolism. Aim andObjectives: The aim of this study was to analyze theeffect of vitamin D during orthodontic movement inpregnant rats by Receptor Activator of Nuclear FactorKappa-Β Ligand (RANKL) expression and osteoclastnumber. Material and Methods: The experimentalobservational analytic study with post-test only controlgroup design and simple random sampling method wasconducted. 24-healthy-female Wistar rats were dividedinto 4 groups; K1: pregnant rats with orthodontic toothmovement and vitamin D on Day 7; K2: pregnant ratswith orthodontic tooth movement and vitamin D on Day14; K3: pregnant rats with orthodontic tooth movementwithout vitamin D on Day 7 and; K4: pregnant rats withorthodontic tooth movement without vitamin D on Day214. Nickle-Titanium coil spring with 10 g/mm forcewas placed between the incisors and the maxillarymolars. The RANKL expression and osteoclastsnumber were analyzed using Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) (p<0.05). Results: The highest osteoclastsnumber (8.494 ± 1.194), and RANKLexpression (7.967± 2.185) found in K1 group with significant betweengroups (p<0.05).Conclusions: Vitamin D increaseosteoclast number and RANKL expression duringorthodontic tooth movement in pregnant rats.

Effect of Zuoguiwan in Improving BMD and Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture in Ovariectomy-induced Osteoporosis Rats by Regulating RANKL/OPG Pathway Mediated by β2AR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Zuoguiwan in treating ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) signaling pathway mediated by β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR). Method: Forty Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly divided into Sham-operated group (Sham) and four ovariectomized (OVX) subgroups. Rats in Sham and OVX groups were treated with 17β-estradiol (50 μg·kg-1·d-1), and low and high-dose ZGW (2.3,4.6 g·kg-1 lyophilized powder) for 3 months, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum markers of bone turnover. Micro-CT was used to evaluate and measure trabecular bone microarchitecture and bone mineral density (BMD) of the right distal femur. Western blot analysis and Real-time PCR were used to measure mRNA and protein expressions of β2AR, OPG and RANKL. Result: After 12 weeks of treatment with Zuoguiwan, the level of serum β-cross-linked c-telopeptide of type Ι collagen (β-CTX) (PPPβ2AR in the hypothalamus (PPConclusion: The mechanism of Zuoguiwan in alleviating BMD and trabecular bone microarchitecture in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats might be related to the regulation of RANKL/OPG Pathway mediated by β2AR.

Effect of N-acety-L-cysteine on iopromide-induced injury in renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells and its underlying mechanisms / 医学研究生学报

Objective N-acety-L-cysteine (NAC) can attenuate the injury of podocytes and renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells induced by contrast agents, but its specific action mechanisms needs to be further clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of NAC on iopromide (IPM)-induced injury and the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in HK-2 cells. Methods Renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were divided into seven groups, control, IPM, and IPM + NAC at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 mmol/L. After a 24-hour treatment of the HK-2 cells with NAC, CCK-8, DAPI staining, DCFH-DA and Western blot were employed for determination of the viability, apoptosis and morphology of the cells as well as the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and NF-κB in the cells. Results Compared with the control, the cells of the IPM group showed a significantly reduced viability ([100 ± 4.749]% vs [48.819 ± 2.045]%, P < 0.05), increased apoptosis, elevated ROS level, and up-regulated expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and NF-κB. In comparison with the IPM group, the HK-2 cells treated with NAC at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 mmol/L exhibited a remarkably increased viability ([55.398 ± 3.609]%, [58.953 ± 2.859]%, [61.531 ± 5.179]%, [59.845 ± 6.365]% and [59.094 ± 6.285]%) and decreased ROS level and expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and NF-κB. The mean fluorescence intensity was significantly higher in the HK-2 cells of the IPM group than in the control cells (5050.85 ± 606.76 vs 1502.17 ± 55.91, P < 0.05), but remarkably decreased in those treated with NAC at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 mmol/L (4065.39 ± 106.59, 4162.05 ± 28.93, 3675.71 ± 50.38, 3133.79 ± 66.07 and 2675.80 ± 92.39) (P < 0.05). Conclusion NAC can effectively improve IPM-induced injury of renal tubular epithelial cells, which may be associated with its abilities of inhibiting ROS production and activating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.