Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Parkinson's Disease by Regulating TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Parkinson's disease （PD） is a common neurological degenerative disease in the middle-aged and elderly， characterized by pathological changes of progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and Lewy body formation， with high prevalence and long course of disease. The drug is mainly used to treat PD in western medicine， and the early curative effect is remarkable. However， with the progression of the disease and the long-term use of the drug， the efficacy will be significantly reduced， or there may be sports complications， and the long-term efficacy is not good. As a traditional medical system， traditional Chinese medicine has a unique understanding of PD. Traditional Chinese medicine plays an important role in the treatment of PD， which is natural， mild， safe， and effective， and it can cooperate with western medicine to enhance its efficacy and reduce the adverse reactions of western medicine. The pathogenesis of PD is complex， involving multiple levels such as mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Neuroinflammation is also involved in the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in PD. The Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway is a classic inflammatory pathway， and its expression changes play an important role in the occurrence and development of inflammatory response in the body. In recent years， the research on this pathway in TCM is increasing. This paper summarized the literature of traditional Chinese and western medicine in the past 10 years and reviewed the relevant mechanism of TCM regulation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in the treatment of PD from the aspects of TCM monomer， compound， and other TCM therapies， so as to provide some references for the search for new targets of drug therapy and gene therapy and the in-depth study of TCM prevention and treatment of PD.

Effect of Tongluo Juanbi Granules on Inflammatory Injury and Apoptosis of Osteoarthritis Based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tongluo Juanbi granules on chondrocyte apoptosis and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis （KOA） and study the mechanism of Tongluo Juanbi granules in the prevention and treatment of KOA. MethodThirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to the following five groups （n=6）： sham group， model group， low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules （4.1 and 8.2 g·kg-1·d-1）， and celecoxib group （10.9 mg·kg-1·d-1）. The KOA model was established by destabilization of the medial meniscus （DMM） for six weeks. Six weeks after the modeling， the drug was given once a day for eight weeks. The pathological changes of cartilago articularis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） staining was performed to detect chondrocyte apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the contents of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in synovial fluid. The mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， respectively. ResultCompared with the sham group， the cartilago articularis of the model group significantly degenerated. Mankin's score was increased （P<0.01）， and the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fluid were increased （P<0.01）. The number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were up-regulated （P<0.01）， while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， chondrocyte degeneration in both low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules was improved， and Mankin's score was decreased （P<0.01）. The contents of IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased （P<0.01）， and the number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were down-regulated （P<0.01）， while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were up-regulated （P<0.01）. In addition， in the above observation indicators， the high-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules was significantly superior to the low-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules. ConclusionTongluo Juanbi granules could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits with KOA and improve cartilage degeneration， which may be related to inhibiting inflammatory responses mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Acute Pancreatitis Based on TLR4 Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Acute pancreatitis （AP） is one of the most clinically common acute digestive disorders characterized by quick onset，rapid progression，severe condition，and high mortality. If the disease is not timely intervened in the early stage，it can develop into severe AP in the later stage，which damages the long-term quality of life and brings serious economic burden to patients and their families. However， the pathogenesis of this disease is complex and has not been fully explained. The generation and development of AP is closely related to many signaling pathways. Among them，Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4），as a transmembrane signal transduction receptor，can mediate immune response and inflammatory response，and play a key role in the occurrence and development of AP. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway with multiple targets，multiple effects，and multiple administration methods to inhibit inflammatory response，and effectively intervene in the progression of AP， which has gradually become a new craze for preventing and treating AP. Many studies have shown that TCM has obvious advantages in the prevention and treatment of AP. It can effectively treat AP by regulating TLR4 signaling pathway，strengthening immune resistance and defense，and inhibiting inflammatory response. Despite of the research progress，there is still a lack of comprehensive review on TCM regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway in the treatment of AP. Therefore，the literature on TCM regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway published in recent years was systematically reviewed and elaborated，aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of AP and further drug development.

Role of PPARγ in Ulcerative Colitis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ulcerative colitis （UC） is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the colon and rectum， with the typical symptoms such as abdominal pain， bloody diarrhea， and tenesmus. The pathogenesis of UC remains to be fully elucidated. The disease is prone to recurrence， seriously affecting the patients' quality of life. Conventional therapies for UC have limitations， including unsatisfactory clinical efficacy， lengthy courses， and adverse reactions. Therefore， there is an urgent need to explore new therapeutic agents. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPARγ）， a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis， is closely associated with the onset and development of UC. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has advantages such as multi-targeting and mild side effects in the treatment of UC. Recent studies have shown that TCM can exert the therapeutic effects on UC by modulating PPARγ. The TCM methods for regulating PPARγ include clearing heat， drying dampness， moving Qi， activating blood， resolving stasis， invigorating the spleen， warming the kidney， and treating with both tonification and elimination. On one hand， TCM directly activates PPARγ or mediates signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， and regulates helper T cell 17 （Th17）/regulatory T cell （Treg） balance to promote macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype， thereby inhibiting intestinal inflammation. On the other hand， TCM regulates the intestinal metabolism to activate PPARγ， lower the nitrate level， and maintain local hypoxia. In this way， it can restore the balance between specialized anaerobes and facultative anaerobes， thereby improving the gut microbiota and treating UC. This article summarizes the role of PPARγ in UC and reviews the research progress of TCM in treating UC by intervening in PPARγ in the last five years， aiming to give insights into the treatment and new drug development for UC.

Improvement effect and mechanism of “Layers adjusting external application”paste on synovial fibrosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and potential mechanism of “Layers adjusting external application” paste on synovial fibrosis （SF） in rats with knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， KOA group and Layers adjusting external application group， with 8 rats in each group. KOA model was induced by the anterior cruciate ligament disruption method in KOA group and Layers adjusting external application group. Fourteen days after modeling， the Layers adjusting external application group was given “Layers adjusting external application” paste [Sanse powder （8 g for every 100 cm2）， Compound sanhuang ointment （5 g for every 100 cm2）] on the knee joint， 8 h every day， for 28 d in total. After the last administration， the degree of synovitis and fibrosis in rats was observed， and Krenn scoring was performed in each group. The expressions of collagen Ⅰ， high mobility group protein B1 （HMGB1） and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65） were detected in the synovial membrane； the contents of interleukin-1β （IL- 1β）， IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum as well as the expressions of fibrosis-related and HMGB1/Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNA were detected in synovial tissue. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group， the synovial lining cells in the KOA group showed significant proliferation and disordered arrangement， the inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition were obvious； the positive expressing cells of collagen Ⅰ， HMGB1 and p-NF-κB p65 were increased significantly； the contents of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α in serum， the expressions of fibrosis-related protein （transforming growth factor-β， collagen Ⅰ， tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1， α-smooth muscle actin） and their mRNA as well as theexpressions of HMGB1， TLR4 protein and their mRNA， the expressions of p-NF-κB p65 protein and NF-κB p65 mRNA were all increased significantly in synovial tissues of rats （P＜0.01）. Compared with the KOA group， the pathological changes in the synovial tissue of rats in Layers adjusting external application group were significantly improved， and the above quantitative indicators were significantly reversed （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS “Layers adjusting external application” paste could significantly improve SF in KOA rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with the inhibition of the activation of HMGB1/ TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Protective effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction on pancreatic tissue of mice with severe acute pancreatitis by regulating the NOD-like receptor protein 3/Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction （QJHGD） on a mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） and the mechanism of action of QJHGD against inflammatory response. MethodsA total of 36 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， Western medicine group （ulinastatin）， and low-， middle-， and high-dose QJHGD groups， with 6 mice in each group. All mice except those in the blank group were given 5% sodium taurocholate by retrograde pancreaticobiliary injection to establish a model of SAP. After modeling， the mice in the low-， middle-， and high-dose groups were given QJHGD （1， 2， and 4 g/kg， respectively） by gavage， and those in the Western medicine group were given intraperitoneal injection of ulinastatin （5×104 U/kg）， for 7 days in total. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the pancreas； ELISA was used to measure the levels of α-amylase， lipase， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， interleukin-18 （IL-18）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in mice； RT-qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein3 （NLRP3）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） in pancreatic tissue； immunohistochemistry was used to measure the positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB in pancreatic tissue； Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group had diffuse destruction of pancreatic tissue structure， focal dilatation of pancreatic lobular septum， pancreatic acinar atrophy， and massive inflammatory cell infiltration， as well as significant increases in the content of α-amylase， lipase， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， and TNF-α （all P<0.05）， the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB （all P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6 （all P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the low-， middle-， and high-dose QJHGD groups and the Western medicine group had slightly tighter and more intact structure of pancreatic tissue， ordered arrangement of pancreatic acinar cells， a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration， and hemorrhagic foci of pancreatic lobules， as well as significant reductions in the content of α-amylase， lipase， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， and TNF-α （all P<0.05）， the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB （all P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6 （all P<0.05）. ConclusionQJHGD may exert a protective effect on the pancreatic tissue of SAP mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins， reducing the release of inflammatory mediators， and preventing the enhancement of inflammatory cascade response.

Da Chengqitang Protects Intestinal Barrier in Septic Mice via Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptide mCRAMP / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveMolecular docking and animal experiments were employed to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Da Chengqitang （DCQD） on intestinal barrier in septic mice. MethodText mining method was used to screen the active ingredients in DCQD. AutoDock Tools and Discovery Studio were used to study the interactions of active components with the core target proteins ［claudin-1， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-6， endogenous antimicrobial peptide mCRAMP， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 （MyD88）］ in sepsis. Fifty C57BL/6 mice were randomized into sham， model， low- and high-dose （4 g∙kg-1 and 8 g∙kg-1） DCQD， and ulinastatin groups （n=10）. Before， during， and after the day of modeling surgery， each group was administrated with corresponding drugs. The mice in other groups except the model group were subjected to modeling by cecal ligation and puncture. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used measure the serum level of D-lactic acid to assess intestinal mucosa permeability. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum and assess the intestinal mucosal damage and inflammatory infiltration. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of tight junction proteins claudin-1 and occludin in the ileal tissue， which were indicative of the bowel barrier function. The TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA to assess the intestinal inflammation. The expression of mCRAMP in the ileal tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of mCRAMP， TLR4， and MyD88 in mouse ileal tissue were determined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction， on the basis of which the mechanism of DCQD in protecting the intestinal barrier of septic mice was explored. ResultMolecular docking results showed that most of the 10 active ingredients of DCQD that were screened out by text mining could bind to sepsis targets by van der Waals force， hydrogen bonding， and other conjugated systems. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group， low- or high-dose DCQD lowered the D-lactic acid level in the serum （P<0.01）， alleviated damage to the ileal tissue and mucosal edema， protected the small intestine villus integrity， reduced inflammatory cell infiltration， promoted the expression of claudin-1 （P<0.01）， lowered the IL-6 level （P<0.01）， up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of mCRAMP （P<0.01）， and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and MyD88 （P<0.01） in the ileal tissue. In addition， high-dose DCQD lowered the TNF-α level and promoted the expression of occludin in the ileum tissue （P<0.01）， and low-dose DCQD up-regulated the protein level of occludin in the ileum tissue （P<0.05）. ConclusionDCQD has a protective effect on intestinal barrier in septic mice. It can reduce intestinal inflammation， repair intestinal mucosal damage， improve the tight junction protein level， and reduce intestinal mucosal permeability by up-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of mCRAMP and the down-regulating the expression of genes in the TLR4/MyD88 pathway.

Protective Effect of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens on LPS-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice Through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced acute lung injury in mice. MethodBalb/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， dexamethasone group， and low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups. Mice in the normal group were instilled with normal saline through the nose， and the other groups were instilled with normal saline containing LPS （50 μg）. After 30 minutes of modeling， the dexamethasone group was gavaged with 5 mg·kg-1 of dexamethasone acetate solution， the low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups were gavaged with different doses of （7， 14 g·kg-1） of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract， and the normal group and the model group were gavaged with the same volume of water. After 24 hours of modeling， the total number of white blood cells in bronchoalceolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected by cell counter， and the levels of the inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and myeloperoxidase （MPO） was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Haematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in each group， and the Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear transcription factor （NF）-κB p65， phosphorylation （p）-NF-κB p65， and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in lung tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the model group was increased （P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was decreased （P<0.05）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was obvious， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the treatment group was decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was alleviated， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionZingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract may play a protective role in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Research progress on mechanism of TLR4 in carcinogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease / 中国药理学通报

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) compared with the general population. Currently the molecular mechanism of CRC occurrence in the context of IBD is not clear. The inflammation-atypical hyperplasia-cancer process has been widely accepted. Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) is a key receptor for pathogen recognition and immune activation, and plays a crucial role in inflammatory and carcinogenic transformation of IBD. Therefore, this paper reviews the epidemiology of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and the main mechanisms of TLR4 in the development of IBD to CAC, which will help to further understand the carcinogenesis of IBD, detect and better describe CAC at an earlier stage, and provide more effective prevention and treatment for CAC.

Effect of cangfudaotan decoction on TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway in obese PCOS-IR rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the regulatory effect of Cangfudaotan Decoction on the ovarian Toll receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor kBp65 (NF-κB p65) signaling pathway in obese PCOS-IR rats. Methods Forty-eight female rats were randomly divided into normal group (n = 8) and model group (n = 40). The obese PCOS-IR rats were established by letrozole (1 mg · kg

Gut microbiota controls the development of chronic pancreatitis: A critical role of short-chain fatty acids-producing Gram-positive bacteria

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive and irreversible fibroinflammatory disorder, accompanied by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and dysregulated gut microbiota. Recently, accumulating evidence has supported a correlation between gut dysbiosis and CP development. However, whether gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to CP pathogenesis remains unclear. Herein, an experimental CP was induced by repeated high-dose caerulein injections. The broad-spectrum antibiotics (ABX) and ABX targeting Gram-positive (G+) or Gram-negative bacteria (G-) were applied to explore the specific roles of these bacteria. Gut dysbiosis was observed in both mice and in CP patients, which was accompanied by a sharply reduced abundance for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producers, especially G+ bacteria. Broad-spectrum ABX exacerbated the severity of CP, as evidenced by aggravated pancreatic fibrosis and gut dysbiosis, especially the depletion of SCFAs-producing G+ bacteria. Additionally, depletion of SCFAs-producing G+ bacteria rather than G- bacteria intensified CP progression independent of TLR4, which was attenuated by supplementation with exogenous SCFAs. Finally, SCFAs modulated pancreatic fibrosis through inhibition of macrophage infiltration and M2 phenotype switching. The study supports a critical role for SCFAs-producing G+ bacteria in CP. Therefore, modulation of dietary-derived SCFAs or G+ SCFAs-producing bacteria may be considered a novel interventive approach for the management of CP.

Gastrin attenuates sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction by down-regulation of TLR4 expression in macrophages

Myocardial dysfunction is the most serious complication of sepsis. Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SMD) is often associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, but its pathophysiological significance remains unclear. The present study found that patients with SMD had higher plasma gastrin concentrations than those without SMD. In mice, knockdown of the gastrin receptor, cholecystokinin B receptor (Cckbr), aggravated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction and increased inflammation in the heart, whereas the intravenous administration of gastrin ameliorated SMD and cardiac injury. Macrophage infiltration plays a significant role in SMD because depletion of macrophages by the intravenous injection of clodronate liposomes, 48 h prior to LPS administration, alleviated LPS-induced cardiac injury in Cckbr-deficient mice. The intravenous injection of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) overexpressing Cckbr reduced LPS-induced myocardial dysfunction. Furthermore, gastrin treatment inhibited toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) signaling pathway in BMMs. Thus, our findings provide insights into the mechanism of the protective role of gastrin/CCKBR in SMD, which could be used to develop new treatment modalities for SMD.

Mechanism of Baicalein in Inhibiting Microglial Activation and Protecting SH-SY5Y Nerve Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of baicalein （BAI） on SH-SY5Y cell injury in lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-activated BV-2 cells conditioned medium and its mechanism. MethodThe BV-2 cells were activated with 1 mg∙L-1 of LPS to establish the conditioned medium of the LPS group， and a blank group and groups of BAI with low， medium， and high concentrations （4， 8， 16 μmol∙L-1） were established. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured with the conditioned medium of each group. The cell viability of BV-2 cells in each group after the intervention was determined by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. The content of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in the supernatant of BV-2 cells in each group was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein expression of α-synuclein （α-syn） and tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） in SH-SY5Y cells was observed by immunohistochemical （IHC） staining， and the nuclear transfer of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 protein （NF-κB p65， p65） in SH-SY5Y cells was observed by immunofluorescence （IF）. The protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）， p65， phosphorylated p65 （p-p65）， and Myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88） in SH-SY5Y cells was observed by Western blot. ResultAs compared with the blank group， the viability of BV-2 cells in the LPS group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the content of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β in the cell supernatant was significantly increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the LPS group， the cell viability was significantly increased in groups of BAI with low， medium， and high concentrations （P<0.01）， and TNF-α in the cell supernatant was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The content of IL-6 in the cell supernatant was decreased in the BAI group with high concentration （P<0.05）， and the content of IL-1β in the cell supernatant was significantly decreased in the BAI groups with medium and high concentrations （P<0.01）. The results of conditioned medium cultured SH-SY5Y cells showed that as compared with the blank group， the protein expression of p65 in the LPS group entered into the nucleus and accumulated， and the protein expression of TH was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while that of α-syn， TLR4， MyD88， and p-p65 was increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the LPS group， the protein expression of p65 in SH-SY5Y cells in BAI groups with low， medium， and high concentrations gradually dispersed into the cytoplasm and had the enhanced protein expression of TH （P<0.01） but the lowered protein expression of α-syn （P<0.01）. The protein expression of TLR4， MyD88， and p-p65 was decreased in the BAI group with high concentration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the protein expression of p-p65 and MyD88 was decreased in the BAI group with medium concentration， and the protein expression of MyD88 was decreased in the BAI group with low concentration （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the protein expression of p65 among groups. ConclusionBAI can inhibit the activation of BV-2 cells， thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response caused by LPS and further inhibiting the damage of inflammation to SH-SY5Y cells. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduction of the inflammatory response， thus playing a neuroprotective role.

Mechanism of Schisandra Chinensis-mediated microglia phenotypic transformation by regulation of the TLR4 pathway based on miR-124 / 药学学报

To investigate the mechanism by which Schisandra Chinensis mediates the phenotypic transformation of microglia via microRNA-124 (miR-124)-based regulation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway, a model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of BV2 cells. Cells were treated with different doses of Schisandra Chinensis extract (SCE). MiR-124 inhibitors and negative control sequences (NC inhibitor) were transfected into LPS-induced BV2 cells and treated with SCE. The MTT assay was used for cell activity detection; an NO kit was used to measure NO release; ELISA kits were used to measure the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Microglia markers, including ionized calcium binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA-1) and arginase-1 (Arg-1), and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were evaluated by immunofluorescent staining. NF-κB p65, IBA-1, Arg-1, TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary factor 88 (MyD88), inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B kinases-α (IKK-α), IL-10, TNF-α were detected by immunoblot. SCE at concentrations ranging from 31.25 to 250 μg·mL-1 had no significant effect on cell activity. SCE treatment significantly inhibited NO release induced by LPS (P < 0.001, P < 0.01), increased the level of IL-10 (P < 0.05), and decreased the level of TNF-α (P < 0.001). In addition, SCE significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α, IBA-1, TLR4, and MyD88 (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) and elevated the expression of IL-10, Arg-1, NF-κB P65 and IKK-α (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). SCE treatment could also promote the expression of miR-124 (P < 0.01). However, transfection with the miR-124 inhibitor increased TNF-α (P < 0.001), decreased the level of IL-10 (P < 0.05), increased the mRNA level and the protein expression of TNF-α and IBA-1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001), and decreased the mRNA level and protein expression of IL-10 and Arg-1 (P < 0.001, P < 0.01). In addition, the inhibition of TLR4 and MyD88 was attenuated. In conclusion, SCE appears to inhibit the activation of TLR4 signaling pathway by upregulating miR-124 so as to inhibit microglia M1 polarization and promote microglia M2 polarization.

Effect of Xielitang on TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α Signaling Pathway in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of Xielitang on ulcerative colitis （UC） mice induced by dextran sodium sulfate （DSS） and its possible mechanism. MethodSixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， sulfasalazine group and and low-， medium-， and high-dose Xielitang groups. Free drinking DSS solution to build the chronic UC model mice. Except for normal group， other groups were given 1.5% DSS for 3 cycles of drinking （days 1-7， days 22-28 and days 43-49） and distilled water for the rest of the time （days 8-21， days 29-42 and days 50-63）. After the first cycle， corresponding drugs were given for 42 days. The changes of general condition， body weight and disease activity index （DAI） score of mice were daily recorded during the experiment. At the end of the treatment， serum and colon tissue samples were collected， colon length was measured， intestinal weight index and colonic mucosal injury （CMDI） score were calculated. The pathological status of colon tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-10 （IL-10） and tumour necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The gene and protein expressions of Toll like receptor 4 （TLR4）， nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） in colon tissue was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the body weight， colon length and IL-10 content in the model group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， DAI score， intestinal weight index， CMDI score， IL-6 and TNF-α contents， and mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4， NF-κB and HIF-1α in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Moreover， the structure of colonic mucosa was destroyed and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the model group. Compared with model group， body weight， colon length and IL-10 content in each dose group of Xielitang were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， DAI score， intestinal weight index and CMDI score， IL-6 and TNF-α contents， mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4， NF-κB and HIF-1α were notably decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The pathological injury of colon was obviously alleviated. ConclusionXielitang can significantly improve the inflammatory response of UC mice induced by DSS， and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Effect of Dahuang Xiezhuo Prescription on Inflammation and SOCS3/TLR4 Pathway in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Dahuang Xiezhuo prescription （DHXZ） on inflammation and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 （SOCS3）/Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） pathway in rats with chronic renal failure （CRF）， and to explore its molecular mechanism in alleviating renal inflammatory response. MethodThe 90 male SD rats， 15 were randomly selected as sham group， and the remaining 75 were used as modeling group to replicate CRF rat model by 5/6 nephrectomy. After successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided into model group， DHXZ low-， medium-， high-dose groups （6.825， 13.65， 27.3 g·kg-1） and Niaoduqing Granules group （2.6 g·kg-1）. The drug intervention groups received corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. After administration， hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of rat renal tissue， and blood creatinine （SCr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and blood uric acid （UA） were tested. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to detect the serum contents of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and C-reactive protein （CRP）. The mRNA expressions of SOCS3 and TLR4 in renal tissue were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the protein expressions of SOCS3， TLR4， nuclear transcription factor （NF-κB） and myeloid differentiation factor （MyD88） were detected by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expressions of NF-κB， MyD88， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） and melanoma deficiency factor 2 （AIM2）. ResultCompared with the sham group， the model group had a significant inflammatory response in renal tissue， and an increase in blood SCr， BUN， UTP， IL-6， TNF-α and CRP （P<0.05）. The protein and mRNA expressions of SOCS3 in renal tissue of rats in the model group were lower while the protein expressions of TLR4， NF-κB， MyD88， NLRP3 and AIM2 and the mRNA expression of TLR4 were higher than those in the sham group （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， DHXZ and Niaoduqing granules groups presented markedly reduced inflammatory response in renal tissue and decreased blood SCr， BUN， UTP， IL-6， TNF-α and CRP （P<0.05）. Additionally， DHXZ and Niaoduqing granules up-regulated the protein and mRNA expressions of SOCS3 in renal tissue while down-regulated the protein expressions of TLR4， NF-κB， MyD88， NLRP3 and AIM2 and the mRNA expression of TLR4 （P<0.05）. ConclusionDHXZ can reduce the release and expression of inflammatory factors， inhibit the inflammatory response and improve renal function， and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of SOCS3/TLR4 signaling pathway.

Effect of Toll-like receptor 4 on liver regeneration during acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate whether Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibition affects liver regeneration during acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice, as well as the mechanism of TLR4 involved in liver regeneration. Methods A total of 78 male CD-1 mice were divided into nine groups using a random number table, i.e., three control groups (normal control group, solvent control group, inhibitor control group) with 6 mice in each group and six experimental groups (APAP 24-hour group, TAK-242+APAP 24-hour group, APAP 48-hour group, TAK-242+APAP 48-hour group, APAP 72-hour group, TAK-242+APAP 72-hour group) with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the experimental groups were given a single dose of intraperitoneally injected APAP (300 mg/kg), and TAK-242 was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 3 mg/kg at 3 hours before APAP administration. Serum and liver tissue samples were collected at different time points. The biochemical method was used to measure the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT); HE staining was used to observe liver pathological changes; RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression levels of Cyclin D1, PCNA, Ki-67, STAT3, and p-STAT3. The t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups and further comparison between two groups. Results Compared with the normal control group, the APAP 24-hour and 48-hour groups had a significantly higher serum level of ALT (both P < 0.05), and the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour and 48-hour groups had a significantly higher serum level of ALT than the APAP group at the same time point (both P < 0.05). HE staining showed typical central lobular necrosis in the liver of APAP-treated mice, and the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour and 48-hour groups had a significantly larger necrotic area than the APAP group at the same time point (both P < 0.05). RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry showed that the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour groups had significantly lower mRNA and protein expression levels of Cyclin D1 than the APAP group at the same time point (all P < 0.05); the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour groups had a significantly lower mRNA expression level of PCNA than the APAP group at the same time point (all P < 0.05), and the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour and 48-hour groups had a significantly lower protein expression level of PCNA than the APAP group at the same time point (all P < 0.05); the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour and 72-hour groups had a significantly lower mRNA expression level of Ki-67 than the APAP group at the same time point (all P < 0.05), and the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour groups had a significantly lower protein expression level of Ki-67 than the APAP group at the same time point (all P < 0.05). In addition, the TAK-242+APAP 24-hour and 48-hour groups had a significantly lower phosphorylation level of STAT3 than the APAP group at the same time point (both P < 0.05). Conclusion TLR4 may promote liver regeneration by increasing the phosphorylation level of STAT3 during APAP-induced liver injury in mice.

Mechanism of salidroside preventing myocardial fibrosis based on TLR4-mediated pyroptosis pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of salidroside （Sal） on myocardial fibrosis and pyroptosis and its potential mechanism. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into control group， model group and Sal low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups， with 10 mice in each group. Except for the control group， the mice in other groups were injected subcutaneously with isoproterenol 5 mg/（kg·d）to prepare the myocardial fibrosis model. Since modeling， mice in the Sal low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups were given 10， 30 and 50 mg/kg of Sal by intragastric administration every day； control group and model group were given 10 mL/kg of normal saline by intragastric administration every day， for 14 consecutive days. After the last medication， the mice were sacrificed； hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological change of myocardial tissue and calculate the diameter of myocardial cell； Masson and Sirius Red staining were used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis in mice and calculate the collagen volume fraction （CVF）； quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expressions of collagen type Ⅰ （Col Ⅰ）， α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3）， caspase-1 andgasdermin D （GSDMD） in myocardial tissues. The total protein expressions of Col Ⅰ， α-SMA， TLR4， NLRP3，caspase-1 and GSDMD in myocardial tissues and protein-positive cell score were measured by Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Compared with control group， the myocardial cells in the model group were enlarged， the arrangement of myocardial fibers was disordered， the matrix metabolism was significantly increased， the CVF in myocardial tissue was significantly increased， and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Col Ⅰ， α-SMA， TLR4， NLRP3， caspase-1 and GSDMD were elevated and protein-positive cell score was increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with model group， the myocardial cell morphology was clearer， myocardial fibrosis was alleviated， and the levels of the above indicators in myocardial tissue of Sal medium-dose and high-dose groups had been reversed to varying degrees， especially in Sal high-dose group（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. In addition， the Sal low-dose group also reversed some fibrosis and pyroptosis-related indicators to some extent. CONCLUSIONS Sal can significantly prevent the occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis， and the mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of TLR4-mediated pyroptosis pathway in myocardial tissue.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Regulates Activation of RAW264.7 Macrophages Through MGL/TLR Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides （LBP） in promoting the activation of RAW264.7 macrophages. MethodRAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated with LBP at different concentrations （50， 100， 200 mg·L-1）， and those stimulated with lipopolysaccharide （LPS） at 100 μg·L-1 and galactose （Gal） at 100 mg·L-1 as positive controls. After 24 h of LBP stimulation， the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） was used to detect the survival rate of RAW264.7 macrophages treated with LBP （0， 50， 100， 200， 400， 800 mg·L-1）. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-12 （IL-12） in cell culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein and mRNA expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， and nuclear factor κB （NF-κB） in Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/Toll-like receptor 2 （TLR2）/macrophage galactose-type lectin （MGL） pathway of RAW264.7 macrophages was detected by Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. ResultCCK-8 results showed that compared with the results in the blank group， the survival rate of RAW264.7 macrophages decreased in the 400， 800 mg·L-1 LBP groups （P<0.05）. ELISA results showed that compared with the blank group， 50 mg·L-1 LBP could promote the secretion of IL-12 in RAW264.7 macrophages （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， 100 mg·L-1 LBP and 200 mg·L-1 LBP could promote the secretion of IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group， the LBP groups （50， 100， 200 mg·L-1） enhanced protein expression levels of MAPK key molecules （p-p38 MAPK， p-ERK， p-NF-κB， and p-JNK） in TLR4， TLR2， and MGL pathways （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the 200 mg·L-1 LBP group could promote the expression level of p-NF-κB protein in RAW264.7 macrophages （P<0.01）. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the blank group， the LBP groups （50， 100， and 200 mg·L-1） enhanced the mRNA expression levels of MAPK key molecules （p38 MAPK， ERK， NF-κB， and JNK） in TLR4 and TLR2 pathways （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the 50 and 200 mg·L-1 LBP groups could promote the mRNA expression levels of JNK and ERK2 in RAW264.7 macrophages （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionLBP can regulate the activation of RAW264.7 macrophages and participate in the immune response through the TLR2/TLR4/MGL pathway.

Improvement effect and mechanism of calycosin on acute inflammatory injury secondary to intracerebral hemorrhage / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and mechanism of calycosin （CA） on acute inflammatory injury secondary to intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with type Ⅶ collagenase into the basal ganglia to establish an intracerebral hemorrhage model， which were divided into sham-operation group（phosphate buffered saline instead of collagenase）， model group， and different CA dose groups（15，30，60，120 mg/kg）. Based on the modified neurological severity score （mNSS） to screen the intervention doses， the volume of intracerebral hemorrhage， brain water content， the expressions of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 （Iba1） in brain tissue， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） and its downstream inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， inducible nitric-oxide synthase （iNOS）， interleukin-1β （IL- 1β）] in brain tissue， and the apoptosis of cells in brain tissue were detected. Primary microglia were cultured in vitro， and the expressions of TLR4 and its downstream inflammatory factors were detected. Primary neurons and primary microglia were co- cultured in vitro， and the apoptosis of neurons was detected. RESULTS The doses of 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg were selected as intervention doses of CA for subsequent experiments. Compared with the sham-operation group， the mice in the model group had cerebral hemorrhage， the volume of cerebral hemorrhage and brain water content were significantly increased （P＜0.05）； the positive expression rate of Iba1 protein in brain tissue was significantly increased， and the relative expression levels of TLR4， TNF-α， IL-1β and iNOS protein in brain tissue were up-regulated significantly. The apoptosis rate also increased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with model group， the above indexes of the mice in the 30 and 60 mg/kg CA groups were significantly improved （P＜0.05）. CA significantlyreduced the relative expression levels of TLR4 and its downstream inflammatory factors in microglia， and reduced the apoptosis of neurons in the co-culture system of primary neurons and primary microglia （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS CA can exert a protective effect on the brain， which may be related to relieving the secondary acute inflammatory injury after intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting TLR4-mediated inflammatory response.