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This study aims to investigate the effects and the molecular mechanism of Huangdi Anxiao Capsules(HDAX)-containing serum in protecting the rat adrenal pheochromocytoma(PC12) cells from diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction induced by high glucose and whether the mechanism is related to the regulation of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis. The PC12 cell model of diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction induced by high glucose was established and mcc950 was used to inhibit NLRP3. PC12 cells were randomized into control, model, HDAX-containing serum, mcc950, and HDAX-containing serum+mcc950 groups. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay was employed to determine the viability, and Hoechst 33258/PI staining to detect pyroptosis of PC12 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β) and IL-18. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of postsynaptic density protein 95(PSD-95), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC), gasdermin D(GSDMD), GSDMD-N, and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), and RT-PCR to determine the mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, and caspase-1. The immunofluorescence assay was adopted to measure the levels and distribution of NLRP3 and GSDMD-N in PC12 cells. Compared with the control group, the model group showed decreased cell proliferation, increased PI positive rate, down-regulated protein level of PSD-95, up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD-N, GSDMD, and cleaved caspase-1, up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, and caspase-1, and elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-18. Compared with the model group, HDAX-containing serum, mcc950, and the combination of them improved cell survival rate and morphology, decreased the PI positive rate, down-regulated the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD-N, GSDMD, and cleaved caspase-1 and the mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, and caspase-1, and promoted the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. The findings demonstrated that HDAX-containing serum can inhibit the pyroptosis-mediated by NLRP3 and protect PC12 cells from the cognitive dysfunction induced by high glucose.
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Rats , Animals , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism , Interleukin-18 , Pyroptosis/physiology , Diabetes Mellitus , Caspases , Glucose , RNA, MessengerABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of compound Fufangteng mixture-containing serum on the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) and its mechanism. Methods Rat BMSC were isolated, cultured and purified in vitro by direct adherence method. Cell morphology was observed. Surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. The rats were treated with compound Fufangteng mixture at a dose of 3 mL/(kg·d) by gavage for 14 d, and then the drug-containing serum was collected. BMSC were divided into the blank control group, drug-containing serum group, Notch1 small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) group and Notch1 siRNA+drug-containing serum group. The proliferation rate of BMSC was detected and the relative expression levels of Notch1 signaling pathway-associated messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and proteins were measured in each group. Results Microscopic observation showed that the first generation BMSC were seen in the long spindle shape, and grown in the parallel or spiral pattern. The third generation BMSC positively expressed CD90 and CD44, whereas were negative for CD45. Compared with the blank control group, the proliferation rate of BMSC in the drug-containing serum group and Notch1 siRNA+ drug-containing serum group was significantly increased, whereas that of BMSC was significantly decreased in the Notch1 siRNA group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Notch1 siRNA group, the proliferation rate of BMSC was significantly increased in the Notch1 siRNA+drug-containing serum group (P < 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the relative expression levels of Hey1 and Delta-like ligand (DLL)1 mRNA and proteins were significantly up-regulated in the drug-containing serum group, whereas those were significantly down-regulated in the Notch1 siRNA group and Notch1 siRNA+drug-containing serum group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Notch1 siRNA group, the relative expression levels of Hey1 and DLL1 mRNA and proteins were significantly up-regulated in the Notch1 siRNA+drug-containing serum group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Compound Fufangteng mixture-containing serum may promote the proliferation of rat BMSC, and its mechanism is probably associated with the activation of Notch1 signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum on the proliferation of medullary thymic epithelial cells （mTEC） and regulatory T （Treg） cells in myasthenia gravis （MG） patients with thymus hyperplasia. MethodAccording to serological methods，35 SD rats were adaptively fed for one week and randomized into the low-，medium-， and high-dose Yiqi Jiedu prescription groups，control group， and prednisone group，with seven rats in each group， which were then gavaged with the corresponding drugs for one week for preparing the drug-containing serum. The effect of Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum at different concentrations on the proliferation of mTEC and Treg cells were determined by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay. Besides， the effect of mTEC and Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum on Treg cell proliferation were observed through co-culture. ResultThymocytes were cultured for a period of time. Their mean positive rate revealed by flow cytometry using mTEC characteristic marker Ulex europaeus agglutinin Ⅰ （UEAI） was 92.54%. Treg cells were sorted by magnetic beads. The purity of Treg cells after repeated magnetic bead sorting was as high as 92%. mTEC and Treg cells showed high positive expression rates，and their cell purity met the requirements of subsequent experiments. When the concentration of Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum was 2.5%-15%，it exhibited an inhibitory effect against mTEC and Treg cells. When the concentration was equal to or greater than 20%，it promoted cell proliferation，which was further enhanced with the extension of action time. The results after 48 h of culture showed that compared with the control group，prednisone and low-dose Yiqi Jiedu prescription had no significant effect on the proliferation of these two kinds of cells，but the medium- and high-dose Yiqi Jiedu prescription remarkably reduced their proliferation inhibition rate （P<0.01）. After co-culture with mTEC， the control group was not significantly different from the prednisone group and the low-dose Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum group in the proliferation of Treg cells，while the medium- and high-dose Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum groups significantly lowered the proliferation inhibition rate （P<0.01）. ConclusionYiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum affects the proliferation of mTEC and Treg cells in MG patients with thymus hyperplasia. Compared with the solely cultured Treg cells isolated from MG patients，the Treg cells co-cultured with mTEC exhibit enhanced proliferation in MG patients，suggesting that mTEC can regulate the proliferation of Treg cells. This effect becomes more obvious after the intervention with Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum，indicating that intervention effect of Yiqi Jiedu prescription on Treg cells can be produced during its treatment of mTEC， which may be one of the mechanisms of Yiqi Jiedu prescription-containing serum in alleviating MG.
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Aim To study the effect of drug-containing serum of Schisandra Chinensis Fructus and compatible with Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma -on lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and explore the related mechanism. Methods SD rats were given Schisandra Chinensis Fructus (SF, 3.9 g • kg"1), Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus-Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma (SG, 1 : 1, 1 '• 1. 5, the extract 3. 9 g • kg"1 in crud of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), once per day, the drug-containing serum was prepared after seven days of continuous administration. Conventional cultivation of human normal hepatocytes (L02 cells) in vitro, cells were divided into blank control group, SF group, and SG(1 : 1 and 1 : 1.5) group. After 48 hours' treatment , lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH) release was detected by the kit, the levels of intracellular triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were detected by biochemical method. The mRNA expression levels of PPAR-a, PPAR-7, Fabpl/2, SREBPlc, ACCa and FAS were detected by the real-time reverse tran scrip- tion polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR ). Results The biochemical results showed that compared with the blank group, the content of TG and TC in SF group increased significantly (P < 0. 05 ) , the mRNA expres sion of PPAR-a and PPAR-7 in SF group was significantly reduced, and the mRNA expression of SREBPlc and ACCa markedly increased ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01). When compared with SF group, the levels of TG and TC in SG (1 : 1) group were significantly reduced (P <0. 05) , the mRNA expressions of Fabpl/2 and FAS in SG (1 : 1) group were significantly reduced, while the mRNA expression of SREBPlc significantly increased ( P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01 ). TC content in SG (1 : 1.5) group significantly decreased (P < 0.05 ) and the mRNA expression of PPAR-7, SREBP1 c in SG (1 : 1.5) significantly increased, but the Fabpl/2 and FAS markedly decreased (P <0. 05, P < 0. 01). Conclusions SF containing serum can significantly increase the content of TG and TC in hepatocytes , and the SG containing serum can significantly improve the elevated TG and TC contents and reduce lipid accumulation. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of mRNA expression of PPAR-a, PPAR- 7, Fabpl/2, SREBPlc, ACCa and FAS.
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Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of Qishen Huoxue granule containing serum on excessive autophagy of cardiomyocytes (H9c2) in septic rats and its protective effect on septic cardiomyocytes.Methods:Twelve SPF grade Wistar rats were gavaged with low, medium and high doses of Qishen Huoxue granule [equivalent to crude drugs 12.7, 25.4 and 50.8 g/(kg·d)]. The cultured rat embryonic cardiomyocytes (H9c2) were divided into five groups: the control group was cultured with DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS); lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group was treated with DMEM containing 10% FBS+ 1 μg/ml LPS; LPS+ Qishen Huoxue granule low, medium and high dose groups were pre intervened with DMEM containing 10% low, medium and high dose intragastric drug containing serum for 4 h, and then added 1 μg/ml LPS. After co-cultured for 4 h, the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy markers Beclin-1, ATG5 and LC3B were detected by real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot; After 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours of co culture, the cell activity of cells in each group at different time points was detected by cell counting method (CCK-8) method.Results:The expression of autophagy markers Beclin-1, ATG5 mRNA and Beclin-1, ATG5 and LC3B protein in LPS group increased in the early stage (4 h), which was statistically significant compared with the control group ( P<0.05). However, LPS+ Qishen Huoxue granule groups could reduce the overexpression of Beclin-1, ATG5 and LC3B mRNA and protein caused by LPS ( P<0.05). CCK-8 method showed that the cell activity of LPS group LPS+ Qishen Huoxue granule low, medium and high dose groups decreased significantly at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, which was significantly different from that of the control group ( P<0.05); The cell activity of LPS+ Qishen Huoxue granule medium dose group at 24 and 48 hours was significantly higher than that of LPS group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The drug-containing serum of Qishen Huoxue granules at different concentrations had inhibitory effects on LPS-induced autophagy of cardiomyocytes, and the drug-containing serum obtained by intragastric administration of Qishen Huoxue granules in rats can improve the myocardial injury caused by sepsis by inhibiting autophagy.
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To study the effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules containing serum on the protein expressions of AMPK and FoxO3 a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), in order to explore the mechanism of anti-oxidation. Peripheral anticoagulant was collected from patients and normal people. Monocytes(PBMC) were isolated through density gradient centrifugation, and the logarithmic phase cells were cultured. Drug containing serum was prepared through intragastric admini-stration to SD rats. The rats were divided into five groups, namely normal group, model group, AMPK blocker group(compound C 10 μmol·L~(-1)), medium-dose HQC+AMPK blocker group, and middle-dose HQC group. The cell inhibition rate was calculated by MTT method. The levels of IL-1β, IL-4, LPO, MDA, SOD and TAOC were detected by ELISA. The expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, p-FoxO3 a and FoxO3 a were detected by Western blot. The HQC containing serum had an inhibitory effect on human monocytes in peripheral blood. The best concentration was observed in middle-dose HQC, and the best time was 24 hours. Middle-dose HQC group was better than model group, AMPK blocker group and middle-dose HQC + AMPK blocker group in terms of increase of SOD, p-AMPK, p-FoxO3 a and decrease of LPO. It was better than model group and AMPK blocker group in terms of increase of IL-4, TAOC, AMPK, FoxO3 a and decrease of IL-1β, MDA. The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The HQC containing serum may increase the levels of TAOC and SOD, decrease the level of MDA and LPO, activate AMPK, directly phosphorylate FOXO3 a, enhance its transcriptional activity, and improve the state of oxidative stress in RA patients.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Rats , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases , Arthritis, Rheumatoid , Capsules , Forkhead Box Protein O3 , Leukocytes, Mononuclear , Oxidative Stress , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Scutellaria baicalensisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Chang'an II Decoction ( II ))-containing serum on intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in rats.@*METHODS@#Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced injury of Caco-2 monolayers were established as an inflammatory model of human intestinal epithelium. Caco-2 monolayers were treated with blank serum and Chang'an II Decoction-containing serum that obtained from the rats which were treated with distilled water and Chang'an II Decoction intragastrically at doses of 0.49, 0.98, 1.96 g/(kg·d) for 1 week, respectively. After preparation of containing serum, cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, the Chang'an II-H, M, and L groups (treated with 30 ng/mL TNF-α and medium plus 10% high, middle-, and low-doses Chang'an II serum, respectively). Epithelial barrier function was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of tight junctions (TJs). Immunofluorescence of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1 and nuclear transcription factor-kappa p65 (NF-κ Bp65) were measured to determine the protein distribution. The mRNA expression of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of MLCK, myosin light chain (MLC) and p-MLC were determined by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Chang'an II Decoction-containing serum significantly attenuated the TER and paracellular permeability induced by TNF-α. It alleviated TNF-α-induced morphological alterations in TJ proteins. The increases in MLCK mRNA and MLCK, MLC and p-MLC protein expressions induced by TNF-α were significantly inhibited in the Chang'an II-H group. Additionally, Chang'an II Decoction significantly attenuated translocation of NF-κ Bp65 into the nucleus.@*CONCLUSION@#High-dose Chang'an II-containing serum attenuates TNF-α-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. The underlying mechanism may be involved in inhibiting the MLCK-MLC phosphorylation signaling pathway mediated by NF-κ Bp65.
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Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Wendantang-containing serum on astrocytes in glutamate environment and its effect on phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthetase kinase 3β (GSK3β) signal pathway. Method:Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, normal group (n=20), clozapine group, and high, medium and low-dose Wendantang groups, with 10 rats in each group. Normal group was given 20 mL·kg-1 normal saline, clozapine group was given 20 mg·kg-1 clozapine, Wendantang groups were given 40, 20, 10 g·kg-1 Wendantang, once a day. Eight days later, the rats were killed, their blood was taken, serum was centrifuged, inactivated, filtrated, sterilized and filled in separate centrifugal tubes. The astrocytes were divided into normal group, model group, clozapine group, and high, medium and low-dose Wendantang groups. The normal group and the model group were cultured with normal serum, and the rest groups were cultured with corresponding drug containing serum. The other groups were treated with 10 mmol·L-1 glutamic acid for 24 hours, and then the apoptosis of astrocytes was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot and Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to determine protein, and mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt, GSK3β in astrocytes. Result:Compared with the normal group, apoptosis in model group increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, apoptosis in Wendantang groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, protein and phosphorylation expressions of PI3K, Akt, GSK3β in model groups decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, protein and phosphorylation expressions of PI3K, Akt, GSK3β in Wendantang groups increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, expressions of PI3K, Akt and GSK3β mRNA decreased in model group(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, expressions of PI3K, Akt and GSK3β mRNA increased significantly in Wendantang groups group (P<0.05，P<0.01). Conclusion:Wendantang-containing serum can effectively increase expressions of PI3K, Akt and GSK3β, so as to regulate PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signal pathway and protect nerve cells.
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Objective::To investigate the effect of serum containing Yanghetang (YHT) on the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in breast cancer based on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38)/signal transduction and transcriptional activator 3 (STAT3) signal pathway. Method::YHT liquid with crude drug 1 g·mL-1 was prepared. Female SD rats were randomly divided into control group (distilled water), and high, medium and low-dose YHT groups (24, 12, 6 g·kg-1). YHT-medicated serum was prepared, and 10%medicated serum was used to intervene MCF-7 cells. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay (CCK-8) was used to detect the effect of serum containing YHT on MCF-7 cell proliferation, apoptosis of MCF-7 cells was detected by flow cytometry protein expressions of p38 and STAT3 were detected by Western blot, Quantitative Real-time PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expressions of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-xl(Bcl-xl) and Survivin mRNA. Result::CCK-8 assay showed that YHT serum inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner compared with the blank group. The inhibitory effect was most obvious in the high-dose group, with the inhibition rates of 38%, 45%and 54%at different time points (P<0.01). Flow cytometry showed that, compared with the blank group, the apoptosis rate in the medium and high-dose groups increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, with the apoptosis rates at 11.6%and 16.5%respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the blank group, the expressions of p38 and STAT3 protein was decreased in high, medium-dose YHT groups (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the blank group, the expressions of Bcl-xl and Survivin mRNA were decreased in high, medium-dose YHT groups (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion::YHT serum can promote the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in breast cancer, which may be related to the p38/ STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum on the expression of 24-hydroxylase（CYP24A1），1α-OHase（CYP27B1） mRNA and protein in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs）， and to explore the mechanism of primary osteoporosis （OP）. Method:The experiment was divided into 6 groups，like normal group， model group， low ，middle and high dose group of Astragali Radix containing serum（20%，40%，60%），Vitamin D group. Cell proliferation toxicity assay（CCK-8） was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum on survival rate of aging BMSCs.Real-time quantitative PCR（Real-time PCR） and Western blot was used to detect the expression of CYP24A1 CYP27B1 mRNA and protein in senile BMSCs osteogenic differentiation cells by different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum. Result:Compared with normal group， the proliferation and survival rate of BMSCs osteoblasts induced by D-galactose in model group was significantly lower than that in normal group （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， medium and high dose groups and Vitamin D group could improve the proliferation and differentiation of aging BMSCs into osteoblasts in different degrees（P<0.01）. The relative expression of CYP27B1 mRNA and protein in model group was significantly lower than that in normal group， while the relative expression of CYP24A1 mRNA and protein in model group was significantly higher than that in normal group. Compared with model group， high dose Astragali Radix containing serum group could increase the relative expression of CYP27B1 mRNA and protein， and decrease the relative expression of CYP24A1 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner（P<0.01）. Conclusion:The mechanism of different concentrations of Astragali Radix containing serum in the treatment of osteoporosis may be related to the regulation of CYP24A1， CYP27B1 mRNA and protein in the osteogenic differentiation of aging BMSCs.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of Wendantang on cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）-response element binding protein（CREB） gene silencing hippocampal cell activity， apoptosis and signal pathway of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/protomyosin related receptor kinase B/adenosine cyclophosphate effector binding protein （BDNF/TrkB/CREB）. Method:Wendantang-containing serum was prepared. Animal grouping： SD male rats were randomly divided into high， medium， low-dose groups， clozapine group and normal saline group， with 10 rats in each group， while 15 rats for the normal group. Dosage： 20 mL·kg-1 normal saline was given to normal group N， clozapine 0.02 g·kg-1 was given to dozapine group X， while high， medium and low-dose Wendantang groups were respectively given the same amount of Wendantang concentrated crude drug， with concentrations of 2， 1 and 0.5 g·mL-1 respectively once a day for 8 days continuously， and then blood was taken from femoral artery， and centrifuged for 15 min at 5 000 r·min-1. Supernatant was taken， inactivated， stored at -80 ℃ for standby. The CREB gene silenced hippocampal neuron cell line was constructed through transfection of liposomes into hippocampal cells， and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to verify the effect of small interfering RNA （siRNA） transcription. The mRNA expressions of BDNF， TrkB， CREB and CaMKⅡ in normal hippocampal cells and CREB gene silenced hippocampal cells were measured. Result:Compared with normal group， the apoptosis of the normal gene silencing group was significantly increased （P<0.01）， compared with the normal gene silencing group， the apoptosis of each group was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. As for the mRNA expressions of BDNF， TrkB， CREB and CaMKⅡ， compared with the normal group， the mRNA expression of CREB， BDNF in the normal gene silencing group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal gene silencing group， the mRNA expression of BDNF in each administration group was highly increased （P<0.01）， but with no statistically significant difference between TrkB and CaMKⅡ groups. Conclusion:The Wendantang-containing serum could improve the mRNA expression of BDNF， protect hippocampal neurons and prevent cognitive impairment of schizophrenia by regulating BDNF/TrkB/CREB signal pathway.
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BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway is an important pathway in cell apoptosis. Previous studies have found that Bushen Zhuangdu Fang can improve intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in animal experiments. However, its mechanism of action is to be clarified. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of serum containing Bushen Zhuangdu Fang on mitochondrial apoptotic pathway key proteins of human nucleus pulposus cells, and to explore the mechanism by which this drug-containing serum improves intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS: Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank group, low-dose Chinese medicine group (0.506 g/kg per day), medium-dose Chinese medicine group (1.012 g/kg per day) and high-dose Chinese medicine group (2.024 g/kg per day). After 2 weeks of continuous administration, drug-containing serum was prepared. Human nucleus pulposus cells were randomly divided into normal group, cell model group, low-dose drug-containing serum group, medium-dose drug-containing serum group, and high-dose drug-containing serum group. The cell model group was treated with 200 μmol/L H2O2 for 6 hours, and the normal group received no treatment. The three drug-containing serum groups were treated with corresponding treatments for 48 hours. The pathological changes of nucleus pulposus cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Apoptotic rate of nucleus pulposus cells was detected by flow cytometry and mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by flow cytometry. Apaf1, Bcl-2, Bax and Cytc expressions were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the normal group, the apoptotic rate of nucleus pulposus cells with obvious apoptotic morphology was significantly increased (P < 0.05), the expression of Apaf1, Cytc, and Bax were significantly increased at mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05), and the mitochondrial membrane potential and expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in the cell model group (P < 0.05). After treatment with drug-containing serum, the apoptotic rate of nucleus pulposus cells decreased significantly (P < 0.05), the expression of Apaf1, Cytc, Bax and their proteins decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and the mitochondrial membrane potential, Bcl-2 and their proteins increased significantly (P < 0.05). Therefore, the serum containing Bushen Zhuangdu Fang can effectively inhibit apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in a dose-dependent manner. The drug-containing serum may alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing the expression of Apaf1, Cytc and Bax and increasing the expression of Bcl-2 at protein and gene levels, and inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
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Objective: To investigate the effect of Clerodendrum bungei-containing serum on liver cancer MHCC97-H cells and its possible mechanism from the perspective of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathway. Method: The medicinal serum of 15% C. bungei was used to treat MHCC97-H cells. The effect of serum containing C. bungei on cell proliferation was observed by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method, in order to select the best time and concentration. The apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method. Western blot was used to detect the posphatase and tensin homologous gene deleted from chromosome 10 in key proteins (PTEN), phosphoprotein kinase B (p-Akt) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-related protein expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Real-time PCR was used to detect C. bungei-containing serum on cells for 72 h after activation of nuclear factor-activated B cell kappa light chain(NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression. Result: The results of CCK-8 showed an inhibitory effect of the C. bungei-containing serum on the proliferation of tumor cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Among them, the high-dose group had the most obvious inhibitory effect, and the maximum inhibition rates at 24, 48,72 h were 28%, 32%, and 43%, respectively. The results of flow cytometry showed that with the increase of drug-containing serum concentration, the cell growth was observed. The inhibition rate of cells was increased to different degrees, and the inhibition effect was significantly increased in the 72 h intervention group (PC. bungei-containing serum group was 19.48% and 19.72%, compared with the blank group. The difference was significant (PC. bungei-containing serum (PPC. bungei-containing serum could down-regulate the expression of NF-κB and up-regulate the expression of TNF-α mRNA (PConclusion: The medicinal serum of C. bungei can effectively inhibit the proliferation of MHCC97-H hepatoma cells and promote its apoptosis, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its key factors.
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OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of serum containing Jieduquyuziyin-prescription (JP) on signal pathway of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) in mononuclear macrophages of mice stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to explore the effect of Jieduquyuziyin-prescription on IRAK1 and NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathways, which providing a good theoretical support for its anti-inflammatory clinical medication. METHODS: In this study, mice mononuclear macrophages cultured in vitro were randomly divided into blank group, LPS group, JP serum group, blank serum group, LPS plus JP serum group, LPS plus blank serum group, IRAK1 inhibitor group, inhibitor plus LPS group, inhibitor plus JP serum group and inhibitor plus blank serum group. After intervention for 24 h, the activity of JP on macrophages was tested by CCK8 method. The IRAK1 expression in macrophages was tested by immunofluorescence chemical staining. The content of TNF-α in the supernatant of the cells was detected by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of IRAK1, NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by RT-PCR. The protein expressions of IRAK1, p-IRAK1 and NF-κB were detected by Western-blot. The LC-MS was used to detect the active ingredients in JP serum. RESULTS: The results show that 2.5% of JP serum is the optimal concentration. Jieduquyuziyin-prescription could down-regulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 and inhibit the expression of IRAK1 and activate NF-κB(P<0.05). Paeoniflorin and ferulic acid were detected in the JP serum. CONCLUSION: Jieduquyuziyin-prescription can inhibit the expression of IRAK1 and NF-κB in mouse monocyte-macrophage cells after LPS stimulation and provide a good theoretical support for its anti-inflammatory clinical medication.
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OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of processed Polygonum multiflorum containing serum on the proliferation and the expression of estrogen receptor （ER） of human breast cancer T-47D cells， and to investigate its phytoestrogen （PE）-like effect. METHODS： Sexually immature SD rats were randomly divided into estradiol valerate （Ev） group （positive control， 0.12 mg/kg）， processed P. multiflorum low-dose and high-dose groups （0.75， 3 g/kg， by crude drug）， low-dose and high-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev groups （same dose as single drug group）， with 10 rats in each group. Blank group was given constant volume of water intragastrically， and administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically； once day and night， for consecutive 4 days. Two hours after last administration， blank serum and containing serum were prepared. T-47D cells were also randomly divided into blank group， Ev group， low-dose and high-dose processed P. multiflorum groups， low-dose and high-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev groups， and then were cultured in medium which contained 20％ blank serum or drug containing serum. CCK-8 assay was used to detect proliferation rate （PR）. Western blotting assay and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of ER-α and ER-β. RESULTS： Compared with blank group， PR of administration groups [each administration group （24 h）， other administration groups （48， 72 h） except for high-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group] were increased significantly； high-dose processed P. multiflorum group （72 h） was significantly higher than Ev group， and low-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group （72 h） was significantly higher than the same-dose processed P. multiflorum group； high-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group （72 h） was significantly lower than the same-dose processed P. multiflorum group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Relative protein expression of ER-α in Ev group， high-dose processed P. multiflorum group and low-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group， relative mRNA expression of ER-α and protein expression of ER-β in administration groups， relative mRNA expression of ER-β in Ev group， low-dose processed P. multiflorum group and processed P. multiflorum+Ev groups were all increased significantly. Relative protein and mRNA expression of ER-α in Ev group were significantly higher than processed P. multiflorum groups and combination groups. Relative protein and mRNA expression of ER-β in Ev group were significantly lower than low-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group， but relative mRNA expression of ER-β was significantly higher than processed P. multiflorum groups and high-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group. Relative protein and mRNA expression of ER-α and ER-β in low-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group as well as relative mRNA expression of ER-β in high-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group were significantly higher than the same-dose processed P. multiflorum group. Relative protein and mRNA expression of ER-α in high-dose processed P. multiflorum+Ev group were significantly lower than the same-dose processed P. multiflorum group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： The processed P. multiflorum containing serum can promote the proliferation of human breast cancer T-47D cells， and play the PE-like role through promoting protein and mRNA expression of ER-α and ER-β. However， the above effects are weaker than estrogen， and the combination of the two may antagonize the effect of estrogen.
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OBJECTIVE： To study improvement effects of different proportions of total glucosides of ginseng （TGG）， total glucosides of moutan cortex （TGM） and paeonol containing serum on the injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC） injury induced by hydrogen peroxide （H2O2）， screen the optimal proportion and investigate its mechanism. METHODS： The rats were randomly divided into blank group （distilled water）， TGG group （TGG， 2.025 g/kg）， TGM group （TGM， 4.05 g/kg） and paeonol group （paeonol， 1.08 g/kg）， with 12 rats in each group. They were given relevant medicine twice a day for consecutive 7 days. 1 h after last medication， the blood samples were collected via abdominal aorta to prepare drug containing serum. Using survival rate of HUVEC as evaluation indexes， different proportions of TGG， TGM and paeonol containing serum as factors， L9（34） orthogonal test was designed to optimize the optimal proportion of 3 kinds of drug containing serum. HUVEC were divided into blank group， model group， TGG group， TGM group， paeonol group and optimal proportion group. Except that blank group were treated with relevant medium， other group were treated with 1.2 mmol/L H2O2 to induce HUVEC injury， and then TGG group （volume fraction of drug containing serum was 0.000 5％）， TGM group （volume fraction of drug containing serum was 0.000 5％）， paeonol group （volume fraction of drug containing serum was 1％） and optimal proportion group were intervened with drug containing serum. The levels of LDH， NO and ET-1 in cells were detected by microplate method and ELISA. RESULTS： The optimal proportion of drug containing serum were TGG 0.000 5％， TGM 0.000 5％ and paeonol 1％. Compared with blank group， the levels of LDH and ET-1 were higher in model group （P＜0.01）， while NO level was lower （P＜0.05）. Compared with model group， the levels of NO were higher in TGG group， TGM group and optimal proportion group （P＜0.01）， while the levels of LDH and ET-1 were lower （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with TGG group， TGM group and paeonol group， the level of LDH was lower in optimal proportion group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， while the level of NO was higher （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： TGG and TGM combined with paeonol can significantly improve HUVEC injury induced by H2O2， and the mechanism of which may be associated with the decrease of LDH and ET-1 and the increase of NO.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on the expression of phosphorylated myosin light chain Ⅱ(p-MLCⅡ)and myosin light chain Ⅱ(MLCⅡ)protein in rat hepatic stellate cells HSC-T6 and explore the intervention effect of Danggui Shaoyao San(DSS)drug-containing serum. Method:After HSC-T6 cells were seeded, DMEM and blank rat serum with final concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% were added to each well. The viability of HSC-T6 cells was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay to screen the suitable serum concentration range. The cells were divided into blank serum control group (5%, 10%, 15%) and DSS drug-containing serum group (5%, 10%, 15%). ELISA was used to detect the content of ET-1 in cell culture supernatant under basic state. The cells were divided into blank serum control group (10%), DSS drug-containing serum low (5%), medium (10%) and high dose (15%) groups. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the level of ET-1 mRNA in cell culture supernatant under basic state. The cells were divided into blank serum control group (10%), model group (10%), DSS drug-containing serum low (5%), medium (10%), high dose (15%) groups and Y-27632 inhibitor group (100 μmol·L-1). Except the blank serum control group, the other groups all received 10 nmol·L-1 ET-1 to induce HSC-T6 cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of p-MLCⅡ and MLCⅡ in HSC-T6 cells induced by ET-1. Result:Serum concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% were used as drug-containing serum concentrations. As compared with the blank serum control group, the DSS drug-containing serum group significantly reduced the relative content of ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA in the basic state (PPPPPConclusion:DSS drug-containing serum may down-regulate the expression of p-MLCⅡ and MLCⅡ by down-regulating the content of ET-1 and inhibiting the autocrine of ET-1.
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To study the effect of serum containing Xihuang pill on the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 and the gene and protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, TP53, in order to explore the effect and mechanism of Xihuang pill in resisting breast cancer. The serum of the rats was prepared by the method of MTT assay. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by RT-PCR. The serum levels of Bcl-2 and Bax and the mRNA expression of TP53 were detected by immunofluorescence. The rats with serum containing Xihuang pill could inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-435 cells and MCF-7 cells (<0.05). The serum containing Xihuang pill increased TP53 and Bax in MDA-MB-435 cells (<0.05), and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was decreased (<0.05). Meanwhile, the serum containing Xihuang pill could up-regulate the mRNA expression of Bax in MCF-7 cells and decrease the expression of Bcl (<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the expression of TP53mRNA and Bax protein expressions after the treatment of MCF-7 cells with Xihuang pill serum. Serum containing Xihuang pill can induce the apoptosis of human breast cancer cells, and the mechanism of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cell apoptosis may be induced by up-regulating the mRNA expression of TP53, which can induce the expression of Bax and promote the metastasis of Bax to mitochondria, and ultimately play the role of inducing apoptosis.
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Objective To study the effects of Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription (JQZP)-treated freeze dried powder and drug-containing serum on the inflammatory signal pathway of monocyte-macrophage induced by LPS (lipopolysaccharide) in mice. Methods Monocyte-macrophage cells were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into blank group, LPS stimulation group, drug-containing serum group, freeze dried powder group, LPS + drug-containing serum group, and LPS + freeze dried powder group. After 24 h intervention, the optimal concentrations of drug-containing serum and freeze dried powder were screened by CCK8 method and the cell viability was measured respectively. The content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in cell serum was measured by ELISA. Real-time PCR was employed to test the expression of TNF-α mRNA and nuclear transcription factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Western-blot was used to detect the expression of NF-κB protein. The LC-MS was used to detect the active ingredients in the drug-containing serum. Results Compared with the blank group, the expression of TNF-α level, NF-κB, TNF-α mRNA and NF-κB protein in LPS stimulation group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS stimulation group, the TNF-α level, NF-κB, TNF-α mRNA and the expression of NF-κB protein in the LPS plus serum group were significantly lower than those in the LPS plus freeze-dried powder group (P < 0.05). Paeoniflorin and ferulic acid were detected in the drug-containing serum. Conclusion JQZP freeze-dried powder and drug-containing serum all have the effect of inhibiting the inflammatory signaling pathway.
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To clarify the effects of Zuoguiwan containing serum on osteoblast proliferation and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) expression and its effects on the expression of β-catenin, ERK1, ERK2 mRNA and protein of osteoblast through ERK1/2, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in models with osteoporosis(OP) kidney-Yang-deficiency, osteoporosis(OP) kidney-Yin-deficiency syndrome. Rat osteoporosis models were established by ovariectomy surgery, and 10 weeks after surgery, hydrocortisone was injected and thyroxine was administered by intragastric administration to establish OP kidney-Yang-deficiency rat model, and OP kidney-Yin-deficiency rat model. Osteoblasts were obtained from 24 h newborn rat skull and were identified by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. Zuoguiwan containing serum of OP, OP kidney-Yang-deficiency, and OP kidney-Yin-deficiency, as well as the blank serum were used to intervene the osteoblast, and the cells proliferation was detected by MTS. ELISA assay was used to detect ALP expression. RT-PCR assay was used to detect the mRNA expression of ERK1, ERK2, β-catenin and protein expression levels were detected by Western blot. The results showed that Zuoguiwan containing serum in OP kidney-Yin-deficiency model had stronger effect than OP kidney-Yang-deficiency in promoting osteoblast proliferation, ALP expression, osteoblast ERK1/2, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related factors β-catenin, ERK1, ERK2 mRNA and protein expression levels. This was consistent with the TCM theory of "Zuoguiwan nourishes kidney Yin", providing a scientific basis for the clinical and dialectical treatment of osteoporosis. Zuoguiwan could regulate the proliferation and differentiation of bone cells by ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may be one of the mechanisms of Zuoguiwan for the prevention of osteoporosis.