Inhibition of Oxidative Stress of Sciatic Nerve in Diabetic Rats by Tangbikang Granules Regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangbikang granules on oxidative stress of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats by regulating adenylate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α/mitochondrial Sirtuins 3 （AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3） signaling pathway. MethodThe spontaneous obesity type 2 diabetes model was established using ZDF rats. After modeling， they were randomly divided into high， medium， and low dose Tangbikang granule groups （2.5， 1.25， 0.625 g·kg-1·d-1） and lipoic acid group （0.026 8 g·kg-1·d-1）， and the normal group was set up. The rats were administered continuously for 12 weeks after modeling. The blood glucose of rats was detected before intervention and at 4， 8， 12 weeks after intervention. At the 12th week， motor nerve conduction velocity （MNCV）， sensory nerve conduction velocity （SNCV）， nerve blood flow velocity， mechanical pain threshold， and thermal pain threshold were detected. The sciatic nerve was taken for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining to observe the tissue morphology. The ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in sciatic nerve were determined by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expressions of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 in sciatic nerve were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the normal group， fasting blood glucose in the model group was increased at each time point （P<0.01）. The mechanical pain threshold was decreased （P<0.05）， and the incubation time of the hot plate was extended （P<0.01）. MNCV， SNCV， and nerve blood flow velocity decreased （P<0.05）. The expression level of SOD was decreased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of MDA， IL-1β， and TNF-α were increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 were decreased （P<0.01）. The structure of sciatic nerve fibers in the model group was loose， and the arrangement was disordered. The demyelination change was obvious. Compared with the model group， the fasting blood glucose of rats in the high dose Tangbikang granule group was decreased after the intervention of eight weeks and 12 weeks （P<0.01）. The mechanical pain threshold increased （P<0.05）. The incubation time of the hot plate was shortened （P<0.01）. MNCV， SNCV， and Flux increased （P<0.05）. The expression level of SOD was increased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of MDA， IL-1β， and TNF-α were decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 were increased （P<0.01）. The sciatic nerve fibers in the high-dose Tangbikang granule group were tighter and more neatly arranged， with only a few demyelinating changes. The high， medium， and low dose Tangbikang granule groups showed a significant dose-effect trend. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve sciatic nerve function in diabetic rats by regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway partly to inhibit oxidative stress.

Effect and Mechanism of Total Saponins from Panax Japonicus on White Adipose Tissue Browning/Brown Adipose Tissue Activation in High-fat Diet-induced Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of total saponins from Panax japonicus （TSPJ） on white adipose tissue （WAT） browning/brown adipose tissue （BAT） activation in C57BL6/J male mice fed on a high-fat diet （HFD）. MethodThirty-two C57BL6/J male mice （8-week-old） were randomly divided into a normal group， a model group， a low-dose TSPJ group， and a high-dose TSPJ group. The mice in the low-dose and high-dose TSPJ groups were given TSPJ for four months by gavage at 25， 75 mg·kg-1·d-1， respectively， and those in the other groups were given 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose （CMC-Na） accordingly. After four months of feeding， all mice were placed at 4 ℃ for acute cold exposure， and the core body temperature was monitored. Subsequently， all mice were sacrificed， and BAT and inguinal WAT （iWAT） were separated rapidly to detect the corresponding indexes. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the morphological changes in each group. The effect of TSPJ on the mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 （UCP1）， fatty acid-binding protein 4 （FABP4）， cytochrome C （CytC）， PR domain-containing protein 16 （PRDM16）， elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 3 （ELOVL3）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ）， and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α） in iWAT and BAT was detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Western blot was also used to detect the protein expression of UCP1， PRDM16， PPARγ， and PGC-1α in BAT and iWAT of each group. The effect of TSPJ on UCP1 expression in BAT and iWAT was detected by immunohistochemistry. Result① Compared with the model group， TSPJ could decrease the body weight and proportions of iWAT and BAT in the HFD-induced mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ② The body temperature of mice in the model group decreased compared with that in the normal group in the acute cold exposure tolerance test （P<0.05）. The body temperature in the high-dose TSPJ group increased compared with that in the model group （P<0.01）. ③ Compared with the normal group， the model group showed increased adipocyte diameter in iWAT and BAT and decreased number of adipocytes per unit area. Compared with the model group， the TSPJ groups showed significantly reduced cell diameter and increased number of cells per unit area， especially in the high-dose TSPJ group. ④ Compared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased mRNA expression of FABP4， UCP1， CytC， PRDM16， ELOVL3， PGC-1α， and PPARγ in adipose tissues of mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with TSPJ， the mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ⑤ Compared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased protein expression of UCP1， PRDM16， PPARγ， and PGC-1α in adipose tissues of mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with TSPJ， the protein expression increased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionTSPJ could induce the browning of iWAT/BAT activation and enhance adaptive thermogenesis in obese mice induced by HFD. The underlying mechanism may be attributed to the activation of the PPARγ/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Gegen Qinliantang Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Rat Model of Catch-up Growth by Regulating SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Gegen Qinliantang on glucose and lipid metabolism in the rat model of catch-up growth （CUG） induced by a high-fat diet and the underlying mechanism. MethodA total of 60 SD rats were randomized into a normal control group （n=18） and a modeling group （n=42）. The rat model of CUG was established with a restricted diet followed by a high-fat diet， and the changes of general status and body weight were observed. The levels of fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting insulin （FINS）， triglyceride （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC） were measured in 6 rats in each group at the end of the 4th and 8th week， respectively. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） was calculated， and the insulin sensitivity and body composition changes of CUG rats were evaluated. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into 6 groups： normal control， model， high-， medium-， and low-dose Gegen Qinliantang （2.5， 5， 10 g·kg-1）， and pioglitazone （3.125 mg·kg-1）. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 6 weeks， and the normal control group and model group were administrated with the same amount of normal saline. During the experiment period， the changes of body weight were recorded， and the FBG， FINS， HOMA-IR， TG， and TC were determined at the end of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of skeletal muscle in rats. The levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in the skeletal muscle were measured strictly according to the manuals of the reagent kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to measure the mRNA levels of silencing information regulator 1 （SIRT1）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator1α （PGC1α）， and nuclear respiratory factor 1 （Nrf1） in the skeletal muscle. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess the expression of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 in the skeletal muscle. ResultCompared with the normal control group， the model group presented elevated levels of FBG， FINS， TG， and TC （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased HOMA-IR （P<0.01）， increased diameter of muscle fibers and adipocytes between muscle cells in the skeletal muscle， rising levels of ROS and MDA in the skeletal muscle （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Gegen Qinliantang （especially the medium and high doses） and pioglitazone decreased the body weight， FINS， HOMA-IR， and TG （P<0.05， P<0.01） and reduced interstitial components such as intermuscular fat in the skeletal muscles and the diameter of muscle fibers. Furthermore， the drugs lowerd the levels of ROS and MDA （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the skeletal muscle. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can ameliorate the glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in CUG rats by regulating the SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 signaling pathway.

Pathologically Elevated-Cyclic Stretch Suppressed Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Mitochondrial Biogenesis by Down-regulating PGC1α Expression / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effect of pathologically elevated-cyclic stretch induced by hypertension on mitochondrial biogenesis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the role of PGC1α in this process. Methods The Flexcell-5000T stretch loading system in vitro was applied to VSMCs with a frequency of 1. 25 Hz and an amplitude of 5% or 15% to simulate the mechanical environment under normal physiological or hypertensive pathological conditions respectively. Western blotting and qPCR were used to detect the expression of PGC1α, citrate synthase and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in VSMCs under normal physiological or hypertensive pathological conditions. VSMCs were treated with PGC1α specific activator ZLN005 to promote PGC1α expression or specific interfering fragment siRNA to inhibit PGC1α expression in order to detect the effect on citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number. Results Compared with 5% physiological cyclic stretch, 15% pathologically elevated-cyclic stretch significantly suppressed the expression of PGC1α, citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number in VSMCs. Compared with control group, the protein expression of PGC1α was significantly decreased and increased respectively. When VSMCs transfected with PGC1α siRNA or incubated PGC1α activator ZLN005, the expression of citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number were also significantly down regulated and up-regulated in VSMCs accordingly. Under physiological cyclic stretch conditions, the protein level of PGC1α was significantly down-regulated by PGC1α siRNA, which also significantly down-regulated citrate synthase expression and mtDNA copy number. The protein expression of PGC1α was significantly up-regulated by ZLN005, which also enhanced the expression of citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number. Conclusions The pathological cyclic stretch induced by hypertension significantly down-regulated the expression of citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number via suppressing the expression of PGC1α, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction of VSMCs. PGC1α may be a potential therapeutic target molecule to alleviate the progression of hypertension.

SuanZaoRen decoction amliorates mitochondrial dysfunction of APP/PS1 mice via activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effect of Suanzaoren decoction(SZRD) on mitochondrial dysfunction in AD model of APP/PS1 mice via AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and to reveal the possible mechanism. Methods Thirty APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into app /PS1 group, low-dose SZRD group(L-SZRD) and high-dose SZRD group(H-SZRD). Ten C57BL/6JNju mice were set as control group(WT). Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability of mice. Thioflavin T staining was used to observe senile plaques hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression level of Aβ in hippocampus. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the mitochondrial morph hology in hippocampus. Kits were employed to detect the contents of ATP and ROS in hippocampus; Western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPKThrK172, SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2 and TFAM in hippocampus. Results Compared to the APP/PS1 group, L-SZRD and H-SZRD induced mouse cognitive impairment, reduced the deposition of senile plaques, inhibited the expression of Aβ, improved the damage of mitochondrial structure, increased the content of ATP in the hippocampus, reduced the expression level of ROS in hippocampus and increased the expression of p-AMPK-ThrK172, SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM Conclusions SZRD could improve the cognitive impairment, senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Reduced the Deposition of Senile Plaques, Inhibited the Expression of Aβ, Improved The Damage of Mitochondric Structure, Increased the Content of At in TH. E hippocampus, Reduced the Expression level of Ros in Hippocampus and Increased The Expression of P-Ampk-Thrk172, SIRT1, SIRT1 PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM. Conclusions SZRD could improve the cognitive impairment, senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Reduced the Deposition of Senile Plaques, Inhibited the Expression of Aβ, Improved The Damage of Mitochondric Structure, Increased the Content of At in TH. E hippocampus, Reduced the Expression level of Ros in Hippocampus and Increased The Expression of P-Ampk-Thrk172, SIRT1, SIRT1 PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM. Conclusions SZRD could improve the cognitive impairment, senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Mulberry leaf flavonoids activate BAT and induce browning of WAT to improve type 2 diabetes via regulating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway / 中国天然药物

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf is a well-established traditional Chinese botanical and culinary resource. It has found widespread application in the management of diabetes. The bioactive constituents of mulberry leaf, specifically mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs), exhibit pronounced potential in the amelioration of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This potential is attributed to their ability to safeguard pancreatic β cells, enhance insulin resistance, and inhibit α-glucosidase activity. Our antecedent research findings underscore the substantial therapeutic efficacy of MLFs in treating T2D. However, the precise mechanistic underpinnings of MLF's anti-T2D effects remain the subject of inquiry. Activation of brown/beige adipocytes is a novel and promising strategy for T2D treatment. In the present study, our primary objective was to elucidate the impact of MLFs on adipose tissue browning in db/db mice and 3T3-L1 cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism. The results manifested that MLFs reduced body weight and food intake, alleviated hepatic steatosis, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased lipolysis and thermogenesis in db/db mice. Moreover, MLFs activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) and induced the browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (IWAT) and 3T3-L1 adipocytes by increasing the expressions of brown adipocyte marker genes and proteins such as uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and beige adipocyte marker genes such as transmembrane protein 26 (Tmem26), thereby promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Mechanistically, MLFs facilitated the activation of BAT and the induction of WAT browning to ameliorate T2D primarily through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. These findings highlight the unique capacity of MLF to counteract T2D by enhancing BAT activation and inducing browning of IWAT, thereby ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. As such, MLFs emerge as a prospective and innovative browning agent for the treatment of T2D.

Mechanism of Salvianolate in Inducing Autophagy in Podocytes of Rats with Membranous Nephropathy via AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of salvianolate on the protein expressions of adenosine monophosphate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， autophagy and apoptosis in kidney tissue of rats with membranous nephropathy （MN）， and to explore its possible molecular mechanism against MN. MethodEighty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， benazepril hydrochloride group （10 mg·kg-1）， and salvianolate low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （16.7， 33.3 and 66.7 mg·kg-1）. The rats were modeled by injection of cationized bovine serum albumin （C-BSA） into the tail vein. After successful modeling， rats in the administration groups were given corresponding doses of drugs for 4 consecutive weeks， and then 24-hour urine， serum and kidney tissue were collected for the detection of 24-hour urinary protein （UTP）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum creatinine （SCr）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， C reactive protein （CRP）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and malondialdehyde （MDA）. The pathological changes of kidneys were observed by light microscope， electron microscope and immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of phospho-AMPK （p-AMPK）， AMPK， phospho-SIRT1 （p-SIRT1）， SIRT1 and PGC-1α in rat kidney tissue. The protein expressions of autophagy-specific gene （Beclin-1）， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） Ⅱ， ubiquitin-binding protein （p62）， B cell lymphoma （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X （Bax）， and cysteine aspartic protease-7 （Caspase-7） in rat kidney tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. ResultCompared with the conditions in the normal group， the levels of UTP， IL-6， TNF-α， CRP and MDA in the model group were increased （P<0.05） while the levels of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased （P<0.05）， and there was no difference in BUN and SCr. Compared with the model group， the administration groups had lowered UTP， IL-6， TNF-α， CRP and MDA （P<0.05） while elevated SOD and GSH-Px （P<0.05）. It could be seen from hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， Masson staining， immunofluorescence and electron microscopy that the pathological damage of rat kidney tissue in the model group was significant， but after treatment with benazepril hydrochloride and salvianolate， the pathological damage of kidney cells was gradually improved. The expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK， p-SIRT1/SIRT1， PGC-1α， Bcl-2， Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ in rat kidney in the model group were lower than those in the normal group （P<0.05） while the expressions of Bax， Caspase-7 and p62 were higher （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， benazepril hydrochloride group and salvianolate groups had an up-regulation in the expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK， p-SIRT1/SIRT1， PGC-1α， Bcl-2， Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ in the kidney （P<0.05） while a down-regulation in the expressions of Bax， Caspase-7 and p62 （P<0.05）. ConclusionThe protective effect of salvianolate on the kidneys of MN rats may be related to the activation of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway， the up-regulation of autophagy and the reduction of apoptosis.

Protective effect and mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis compatibility against triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating Keap1/Nrf2/PGC-1α / 中国中药杂志

This paper aims to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis before and after compatibility against triptolide(TP)-induced hepatotoxicity. The experiment was divided into a blank group, model group, Astragalus membranaceus group, Angelica sinensis group, and compatibility groups with Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 1∶1, 2∶1, and 5∶1. TP-induced hepatotoxicity model was established, and corresponding drug intervention was carried out. The levels of alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in serum were detected. Pathological injuries of livers were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione(GSH) in the liver were measured. Wes-tern blot method was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator-1 alpha(PGC-1α), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO1) in livers. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 and PGC-1α in livers. The results indicated that Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 2∶1 and 5∶1 could significantly reduce the levels of serum AST, ALT, and ALP, improve the pathological damage of liver tissue, increase the levels of GSH and GSH-Px, and reduce the content of MDA in liver tissue. Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 1∶1 and 2∶1 could significantly improve the level of SOD. Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis before and after compatibility significantly increased the protein expression of HO-1 and NQO1, improved the protein expression of Nrf2 and PGC-1α, and decreased the protein expression of Keap1 in liver tissue. The above results confirmed that the compatibility of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis had antioxidant effects by re-gulating Keap1/Nrf2/PGC-1α, and the Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 2∶1 and 5∶1 had stronger antioxidant effect and significantly reduced TP-induced hepatoto-xicity.

Study on the effect and mechanism of taxifolin on ameliorating cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α-mediated antioxidant pathway / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of taxifolin (TAX) on ameliorating cisplatin-induced renal oxidative damage.Methods:(1) Forty male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: control group ( n=10), TAX group ( n=10), cisplatin group ( n=10) and cisplatin+TAX group ( n=10). The weight of mice in each group was measured. The level of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was analyzed. Kidney histopathological change in mice was analyzed by HE staining. The pro-inflammatory cytokines levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were measured by multifunctional microplate reader. The expression of inflammatory factors, antioxidant genes, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α ( PGC- 1) mRNA were measured by real-time PCR. Evaluation of mitochondrial function by measuring ATP level and mtDNA content. Determination of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated AMPK protein expression by Western blotting. (2) Evaluate the effect of taxifolin on chemotherapy of cisplatin by establishing Lewis lung cancer transplantation tumor C57BL/6 mice model. Results:Compared with the control group, the weight of the mice in the TAX group was not significantly reduced ( P>0.05), and there was no obvious kidney damage ( P>0.05), indicating that oral TAX had good safety. Compared with the cisplatin group, TAX could significantly delay cisplatin-induced the weight loss of mice, reduce the levels of Scr and BUN, and alleviate the pathological changes of kidney tissue (all P<0.05). TAX could reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and the expression of renal inflammatory factors IL- 6, TNF- α and IL- 1β mRNA induced by cisplatin in mice (all P<0.05). TAX could significantly reduce the levels of ROS and MDA, and increase the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury mice (all P<0.01). Meanwhile, TAX could up-regulate the mRNA expression of UCP2, SOD2, CAT antioxidant genes and PGC- 1α in the kidneys of mice with acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin, and increase the levels of ATP and mtDNA in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury mice (all P<0.01). Western blotting results showed that TAX significantly promoted the expression of phosphorylated AMPK protein in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury mice ( P<0.01). In addition, through the establishment of Lewis lung cancer transplantation tumor C57BL/6 mice model, it was found that TAX had no significant effect on the anti-tumor efficacy of cisplatin. Conclusions:TAX can ameliorate cisplatin-induced renal oxidative damage, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.

Role of Nrf2 pathway in flutamide-induced mitochondrial biogenesis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the effect of flutamide on mitochondrial biogenesis and the regulating effect of anoxidative pathway Nrf2 on it. METHODS: Human hepatocyte HepG2 cells were treated with flutamide (0-50 μmol/L) for 24 h, then mtDNA copy number and protein expression of mitochondrial biogenesis were detected by RT-PCR and WB. The effects of ERK1/2 and the role of Nrf2 pathway in mitochondrial biogenesis were further observed by gene knockdown and protein activation/inhibition methods. RESULTS: Flutamide interfered mitochondrial biogenesis concentration-dependently, the mtDNA copy number, ERK1/2 and PGC-1α proteins increased with the dose. ERK1/2 inhibition and activation regulated flutamide-induced mtDNA copy number and PGC-1α expression, and inhibition of Nrf2 pathway also affected flutamide-induced mtDNA copy number and expression of PGC-1α, as well as ERK1/2 expression. CONCLUSION: Flutamide affects mitochondrial biogenesis, and the antioxidant pathway Nrf2 may be involved in the regulation of flutamine-induced mitochondrial biogenesis by regulating ERK1/2.

Therapeutic potential for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism via activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1 a signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Alii) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons.Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood.Accumulating evidences show that energy metabolism defieits and homeostasis imbalance lead to selective degeneration of motor neurons in ALS.Adenosine phosphate-activated protein kinase ( AMPK) and silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1) are known to sense energy metabolism at the cellular level, playing an essential part in regulating the energy homeostasis and autophagy by activating downstream pathways.AMPK activates SIRT1 to activate the deaeetylation and activation of downstream genes involved in energy metabolism such as peroxisome proliferator-aetivated receptor 7 ( PPAR-y) and eoaetivator la ( PGC-la) , thereby increasing the level of mitochondrial biosynthesis.Therefore, the mechanism by which AMPK/SIRT1 participates in the regulation of energy metabolism is highly likely to be a potential target for ALS treatment.Here we first review the important role of energy metabolism defects and mitochondrial abnormalities in the pathogenesis of ALS, and briefly address the therapeutic potential of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1 a pathway as a treatment target in ALS, and how targeted regulation of this signaling pathway makes it an effective therapeutic strategy for ALS.

Protective Effect of Wenxin Prescription on Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo reveal the effect of Wenxin prescription on mitochondrial energy metabolism and silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）/recombinant estrogen-related receptor α （ERRα） signaling pathway in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. MethodTotally 90 male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly assigned into a sham operation group， a model group， and low-， medium-， and high-dose Wenxin prescription groups， with 18 rats in each group. The rats in low-， medium-， and high-dose Wenxin prescription groups were administrated with 0.99， 1.98， and 3.96 g·kg-1 granules by gavage， respectively， and those in the sham operation group and model group with the same amount of normal saline. Twenty-one days after pre-administration， the rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min and reperfusion for 2 h， and the rats in the sham operation group were only threaded without ligation. Myocardial infarction area was observed through 2，3，5-triphenyl-2h-tetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining， and the myocardial histopathology through hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The levels of creatine kinase-MB （CK-MB） and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in serum， cytochrome C oxidase （CCO） and succinate dehydrogenase （SDH） in mitochondrion， and ATP in myocardial tissue were detected according to kit instructions. The mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， ERRα， and mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM） in myocardial tissue were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， respectively. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed broken and disordered myocardial fibers， cytoplasmic edema， and pyknosis and deviation of nuclei. Moreover， the modeling increased the levels of CK-MB and LDH （P<0.05， P<0.01）， lowered the levels of ATP， CCO， and SDH （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， ERRα， and TFAM in myocardial tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Wenxin prescription reduced the myocardial infarction area （especially in the high-dose group， P<0.01）， restored the pathological changes， lowered the levels of CK-MB and LDH （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased the levels of ATP， CCO， and SDH （especially in the high-dose group， P<0.01）， and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， ERRα， and TFAM in myocardial tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionWenxin prescription can protect rats from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating myocardial mitochondrial energy metabolism via the SIRT1/PGC-1α/ERRα signaling pathway.

Establishment of Drug-Resistant Cell Lines of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Correlation of Sirt1 and PGC-1α Expression Levels with Drug Resistance / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To construct cytarabine-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, and explore the correlation between Sirt1, PGC-1α expression levels and drug resistance.@*METHODS@#Human acute promyelocytic leukemia Kasumi-1 cells were induced by the method of gradually increasing the concentration of Ara-C drug. The IC50 value of Kasumi-1 cells before and after drug addition was detected by CCK-8 method, so as to construct Ara-C resistant cell lines. The expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α mRNA in Kasumi-1 drug-resistant cell lines and their parental cell lines were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α protein in kasumi-1 drug-resistant cell lines and their parental cell lines were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The constructed Kasumi-1 cell line had common morphological characteristics of drug-resistant cell lines under microscope, and the drug resistance index was greater than 5, indicating that Kasumi-1 drug-resistant cells had good drug resistance after the construction. The RT-qPCR and Western blot assays showed that the expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α mRNA and protein in the drug-resistant cell lines were higher than those of the parental cell lines (P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#AML cell lines resistant to Ara-C can be successfully induced by the method of gradually increasing the concentration, and the co-high expression of Sirt1 and PGC-1α may mediate the drug resistance of AML cells.

Mechanism of Zexie Decoction in improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the pharmaceutical effect and underlying mechanism of Zexie Decoction(ZXD) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in vitro and in vivo via the LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway based on palmitic acid(PA)-induced lipid accumulation model and high-fat diet(HFD)-induced NAFLD model in mice. As revealed by the MTT assay, ZXD had no effect on HepG2 activity, but dose-dependently down-regulated alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the liver cell medium induced by PA, and decreased the plasma levels of ALT and AST, and total cholesterol(TC) and triglyceride(TG) levels in the liver. Nile red staining showed PA-induced intracellular lipid accumulation, significantly increased lipid accumulation of hepatocytes induced by PA, suggesting that the lipid accumulation model in vitro was properly induced. ZXD could effectively improve the lipid accumulation of hepatocytes induced by PA. Oil red O staining also demonstrated that ZXD improved the lipid accumulation in the liver of HFD mice. JC-1 staining for mitochondrial membrane potential indicated that ZXD effectively reversed the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential caused by hepatocyte injury induced by PA, activated PGC-1α, and up-regulated the expression of its target genes, such as ACADS, CPT-1α, CPT-1β, UCP-1, ACSL-1, and NRF-1. In addition, as revealed by the Western blot and immunohistochemistry, ZXD up-regulated the protein expression levels of LKB1, p-AMPK, p-ACC, and PGC-1α in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, ZXD can improve NAFLD and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.

Da Chaihutang Protects Liver Mitochondrial Function of Nutritionally Obese Rats via CREB/PGC-1α Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of Da Chaihutang on Cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）-response element binding protein （CREB）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha （PGC-1<italic>α</italic>） pathway in nutritionally obese rats and the protective mechanism on liver mitochondria. Method:A total of 120 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group （<italic>n</italic>=20） and an experimental group （<italic>n</italic>=100）. The rats in the control group were fed on a normal diet， while those in the experimental group were administered with a high-fat feed. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group， a positive drug （metformin） group， and low-， medium- and high-dose Da Chaihutang groups （4.25， 8.5， and 17 g∙kg^-1， respectively）， with 20 rats in each group. After treatment with Da Chaihutang， the body weight， Lee's index， liver mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ultrastructure， PGC-1<italic>α </italic>expression and CREB phosphorylation of each group were measured and compared. Result:Compared with the control group， the model group showed increased body weight and Lee's index （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， whereas decreased mitochondrial membrane potential， PGC-1<italic>α</italic> expression， and CREB phosphorylation level （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. As compared with the model group， Da Chaihutang significantly reduced the body weight and Lee's index of obese rats （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， enhanced liver mitochondrial membrane potential （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01） to protect the integrity of mitochondrial structure， up-regulated PGC-1<italic>α</italic> expression and promoted CREB phosphorylation （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Da Chaihutang protects the structure and function of mitochondria and inhibits weight gain in obese rats by activating the CREB/PGC-1<italic>α</italic> pathway.

Tangshen formula improves cholesterol uptake and efflux of macrophages induced by high lipid via activating PGC-1α/LXR/ABCA1 pathway / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To observe the effects of Tangshen formula (TSF) treatment on lipid efflux and uptake in sodium palmitate (PA) induced RAW264.7 macrophages. METHODS: After 200 μmol/L PA induced RAW264.7 macrophages, TSF and PGC-1α-siRNA were given to intervene respectively. The lipid content in the cells was detected by ELISA kit; intracellular lipid droplet deposition was detected by BODIPY 493/503 and Filipin staining. Western blot and Real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, LXR, ABCA1 and CD36. RESULTS: TSF diminished the levels of TC, TG and intracellular lipid droplet deposition in PA-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Western blot and Real-time PCR analysis showed that TSF could up-regulate the expression of PGC-1α, LXR, ABCA1 and down-regulate the expression of CD36. Furthermore, silencing PCG-1α by SiRNA significantly suppressed the effects of upregulating the expression of PGC-1α, LXR and ABCA1, and downregulating the CD36 expression with TSF treatment. CONCLUSION: TSF may extenuate intracellular lipid droplet deposition in macrophages by upregulating cholesterol efflux through activating the PGC-1α/LXR/ABCA1 pathway and inhibiting lipid uptake through down-regulateing the expression of CD36.

Resveratrol regulates M1/M2 polarization of mice infected with schistosoma japonicum through mitochondria / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of resveratrol on the polarization of macrophages and its correlation with mitochondrion. Methods Fifty-five mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum for three weeks were randomly divided into three groups; infection group (A), resveratrol group (B) and praziquantel group (C). Fifteen normal mice were taken as normal control group (D). On 9th week of infection, M1 and M2 were measured by flow cytometry (FCM), the mRNA level of Ml and M2 related cytokines, PGC-la and mtDNA level were detected by RT-PCR, and the ATP production was detected by ATP kit. RAW264. 7 cells were stimulated by PBS and SEA respectively. Resveratrol and praziquantel were added after stimulation. The percents of Ml and M2 were detected by FCM. PGC-1 a and mtDNA level were detected by RT-PCR. The level of Ml and M2 related cytokines were measured by ELISA. ATP was detected by ATP assay kit. Results Compared to group A, the proportion of Ml in group B increased (P < 0. 05), and the proportion of M2 decreased (P <0. 01). The levels of M2 related cytokines, PGC-1 a, mtDNA, ATP, basal OCR (oxygen comsumpition rate) in liver macrophages in group B were lower than those in group A (P < 0. 05). The levels of Ml related cytokines in group B were evidently higher than those in group A (P < 0.05). RAW264.7 cells were polarized into Ml (P < 0. 05), but not M2 (P < 0. 05) under resveratrol treatment. Moreover, RAW264. 7 cells with resveratrol treatment produced less M2 related cytokines (P < 0. 05), mtDNA, PGC-1 a, ATP and basal OCR (P <0. 05), and more related cytokines (P < 0. 05). Conclusion Resveratrol shifts macrophage polarization from M2 towards Ml by inhibiting the synthesis and ATP production of mitochondria.

Study on Protective Mechanism of Dracocephalum moldavica Total Flavonoids against Myocardial Ischemia- reperfusion Injury in Rats Based on AMPK/SIRT 1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To s tudy the effects of Dracocephalum moldavica total flavonoids （TFDM）on AMPK/SIRT 1/PGC-1α signaling pathway ，and to explore the mechanism of its protective effect on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury （MIRI）rats. METHODS：Totally 50 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group ，model group ，TFDM group [ 60 mg/（kg·d），by extract] ，Compound C+TFDM group [ig administration of 60 mg/（kg·d）TFDM+intravenous injection of 250 μg/kg Compound C（AMPK inhibitor ）via tail vein 15 min before reperfusion] ，EX-527+TFDM group [ig administration of 60 mg/ （kg·d）TFDM+ip injection of 5 mg/kg EX- 527（SIRT1 inhibitor）20 min before reperfusion] ，with 10 rats in each group. They were given relevant medicine intragastrically ，once a day ，for consecutive 7 days. After last ig administration ，sham operation group underwent sham operation ，other 4 groups were established MIRI model by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery ， ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 2 h. After reperfusion ，the myocardial histopathological changes were observed by HE staining；RP-HPLC method was used to determine the contents of ATP ，ADP，AMP and NAD + in cardiac tissue. mRNA expressions of AMPK ，SIRT1 and PGC- 1α were detected by quantitative real-time PCR assay. Western blotting assay was the expressions of SIRT 1 and PGC- 1α protein in myocardium. RESULTS： Compared with sham operation group ， model group showed myocardial fib ers arranged disorder and horizontal stripes disappearance ，cell swelling burst and necrosis ，and nuclei deformation displacement ；the contents of ATP and NAD+，mRNA expression of AMPK ，SIRT1 and PGC- 1α，protein expression of SIRT 1 and PGC- 1α in cardiac tissue were decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）；the contents of ADP and AMP ，the phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with model group ，myocardial pathological morphology were improved significantly in TFDM group ；the contents of ATP and NAD + in cardiac tissue ，mRNA expression of AMPK ，SIRT1 and PGC- 1α，the phosphorylation level of AMPK protein ，the protein expression of SIRT 1 and PGC- 1α were increased significantly（P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01），while the contents of ADP and AMP were decreased significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with TFDM group ，improvement effects of Compound C + TFDM group and EX- 527 + TFDM group on above indexes were reversed （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS：TFDM may play a protective role on myocardium by activating AMPK/SIRT 1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and regulating energy metabolism.

Effect of Xiao Jianzhongtang on AMPK/PGC1-α Signal Pathway in Skeletal Muscle of Exercise Fatigue Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Xiao Jianzhongtang on Adenylate-activated protein kinase/peroxidase proliferation-activated receptor coactivator 1-α （AMPK/PGC1-α） signaling pathway in skeletal muscle of exercise fatigue mice.Method:Forty Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， Buzhong Yiqitang group and Xiao Jianzhongtang group， with 10 mice in each group. The model group， Buzhong Yiqitang group and Xiao Jianzhongtang group were trained on the treadmill to establish a fatigue model， and the normal group did not apply any intervention. At the same time as the treadmill training， the model group was given the same amount of normal saline. Xiao Jianzhongtang was administered with 5 g·kg-1 of medicine， and Buzhong Yiqitang was administered with 2.8 g·kg-1 of medicine for 6 days. After the experiment， the weight of each group of mice and the time of running out of exhaustion were measured，the colorimetric method was used to detect the serum urea （UREA）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， muscle glycogen （MG）， and skeletal muscle of each group of mice Na+-K+-ATPase， Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase content， pathological changes of skeletal muscle of each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of AMPK and PGC1-α in skeletal muscle of each group .Result:Compared with normal group， the body weight of model group significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the contents of Na+-K+-ATPase， Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase， LDH， and MG significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The content of UREA increased significantly （P<0.01）， and the expression of AMPK and PGC1-α protein increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， the mice in the Xiao Jianzhongtang group had significantly increased body weight （P<0.05）， significantly increased the time spent on treadmill exhaustion（P<0.01）， Na+-K+-ATPase， Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase， LDH， and MG. The content increased significantly（P<0.05， P<0.01）， the content of UREA decreased significantly （P<0.01）， and the expression of AMPK and PGC1-α protein increased significantly （P<0.01）.Conclusion:Xiao Jianzhongtang has an anti-exercise fatigue effect， which may be related to enhancing skeletal muscle AMPK/PGC1-α pathway，enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation，reducing accumulation of metabolites，slowing down glycogen consumption and decomposition，and enhancing skeletal muscle energy synthesis.

Effect of AMPK/PGC1 alpha on improving skeletal muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetic rats by aerobic exercise / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism by adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important cause of fat accumulation in obese and type 2 diabetic patients. Chronic inflammation will further induce skeletal muscle atrophy. Aerobic exercise can increase the activity of AMPK and regulate energy metabolism, but the mechanism of aerobic exercise in improving skeletal muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetes by increasing AMPK is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of aerobic exercise on skeletal muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetic rats and the role of AMPK. METHODS: The model of type 2 diabetic rats was established by high fat feeding and streptozotocin injection, and the rats were divided into four groups: control group (n=6), exercise group (n=9), diabetic control group (n=8) and diabetic exercise group (n=12). The control group and the diabetic control group were kept for 4 weeks, and the exercise group and the diabetic exercise group were given aerobic exercise intervention for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of aerobic exercise (running speed 16 m/min, 60 min/d, 5 days/week), the muscle atrophy of soleus was observed by immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of AMPK, PGC-1 α, MAFbx and MuRF1 were detected by western blot assay. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of School of Sport Science, Beijing Sport University in China on June 25, 2016, with approval No. 2016014. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Blood glucose of type 2 diabetes rats was significantly increased, and body weight and insulin levels of type 2 diabetes rats were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The mean cross sectional area of soleus fiber in the diabetic group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01), and the cross sectional area of soleus muscle fiber in the diabetic exercise group was significantly higher than that in the diabetic group (P < 0.01). The expression levels of AMPK and PGC-1 α in the soleus muscle of diabetic rats were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the expression levels of MAFbx and MuRF1 were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The expression levels of AMPK, MAFbx and MuRF1 in the diabetic exercise group were significantly higher than those in the diabetic group (P < 0.01). These results suggest that aerobic exercise can improve mitochondrial function, inhibit the expression of MAFbx and MuRF1, improve skeletal muscle atrophy and restore the metabolic balance of type 2 diabetes mellitus to some extent by activating AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.