Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Huangqi Decoction Against Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects / Efectos Protectores y Mecanismos de la Decocción de Huangqi Contra los Efectos Secundarios Inducidos por la Radiación

SUMMARY: The 12C6+ heavy ion beam irradiation can cause bystander effects. The inflammatory cytokines, endocrine hormones and apoptotic proteins may be involved in 12C6+ irradiation-induced bystander effects. This study characterized the protective effects and mechanisms of Huangqi decoction (HQD) against 12C6+ radiation induced bystander effects. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation model, and high-dose/medium-dose/low-dose HQD groups. HE staining assessed the pathological changes of brain and kidney. Peripheral blood chemical indicators as well as inflammatory factors and endocrine hormones were detected. Apoptosis was measured with TUNEL. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was determined with real-time PCR and Western blot.Irradiation induced pathological damage to the brain and kidney tissues. After irradiation, the numbers of white blood cells (WBC) and monocyte, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-2, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and PCNA decreased. The damage was accompanied by increased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as well as increased neuronal apoptosis. These effects were indicative of radiation-induced bystander effects. Administration of HQD attenuated the pathological damage to brain and kidney tissues, and increased the numbers of WBC, neutrophils, lymphocyte and monocytes, as well as the expression of IL-2, CRH and PCNA. It also decreased the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, CORT and ACTH as well as neuronal apoptosis. HQD exhibits protective effects against 12C6+ radiation-induced bystander effects. The underlying mechanism may involve the promotion of the production of peripheral blood cells, inhibition of inflammatory factors and apoptosis, and regulation of endocrine hormones.

La irradiación con haz de iones pesados 12C6+ puede provocar efectos secundarios. Las citoquinas inflamatorias, las hormonas endocrinas y las proteínas apoptóticas pueden estar involucradas en los efectos secundarios inducidos por la irradiación 12C6+. Este estudio caracterizó los efectos y mecanismos protectores de la decocción de Huangqi (HQD) contra los efectos externos inducidos por la radiación 12C6+. Las ratas Wistar se dividieron aleatoriamente en grupos control, modelo de irradiación de iones pesados 12C6+ y grupos de dosis alta/media/baja de HQD. La tinción con HE evaluó los cambios patológicos del cerebro y el riñón. Se detectaron indicadores químicos de sangre periférica, así como factores inflamatorios y hormonas endocrinas. La apoptosis se midió con TUNEL. La expresión del antígeno nuclear de células en proliferación (PCNA) se determinó mediante PCR en tiempo real y transferencia Western blot. La irradiación indujo daños patológicos en los tejidos cerebrales y renales. Después de la irradiación, disminuyó el número de glóbulos blancos (WBC) y monocitos, y la expresión de interleucina (IL)-2, hormona liberadora de corticotropina (CRH) y PCNA. El daño estuvo acompañado por una mayor expresión de IL-1β, IL-6, corticosterona (CORT) y hormona adrenocorticotrópica (ACTH), así como un aumento de la apoptosis neuronal. Estas alteraciones fueron indicativas de efectos inducidos por la radiación. La administración de HQD atenuó el daño patológico a los tejidos cerebrales y renales, y aumentó el número de leucocitos y monocitos, así como la expresión de IL-2, CRH y PCNA. También disminuyó la expresión de IL-1β, IL-6, CORT y ACTH, así como la apoptosis neuronal. HQD exhibe mecanismos protectores contra los efectos externos inducidos por la radiación 12C6+. El mecanismo subyacente puede implicar la promoción de la producción de células sanguíneas periféricas, la inhibición de factores inflamatorios y la apoptosis y la regulación de hormonas endocrinas.

Assessing clinical and molecular outcomes of prophylactic thermal pulsation therapy on ocular surface health following refractive surgery

Purpose: To study ocular surface signs, symptoms, and tear film composition following prophylactic thermal pulsation therapy (TPT) prior to refractive surgery, and to compare these outcomes with those who underwent TPT after refractive surgery. Methods: Patients with mild?to?moderate evaporative dry eye disease (DED) and/or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) undergoing refractive surgery were included. Group 1 patients received TPT (LipiFlow) prior to laser?assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK; n = 32, 64 eyes), and Group 2 patients received TPT three months after LASIK (n = 27, 52 eyes). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, Schirmer’s test (ST1, ST2), Tear Breakup Time (TBUT), meibography, and tear fluid were obtained preoperatively and at three months postoperatively in Groups 1 and 2. Additional postoperative evaluation was performed three months after TPT in Group 2. Tear soluble factor profile was measured by multiplex enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using flow cytometry. Results: Postoperative OSDI score was significantly lower and TBUT was significantly higher when compared with matched preoperative values of Group 1 participants. On the other hand, the postoperative OSDI score was significantly higher and TBUT significantly lower when compared with matched preoperative values of Group 2 participants. TPT significantly reduced the postoperative elevation in OSDI and significantly reduced the postoperative reduction in TBUT in Group 2 participants. Tear Matrix metalloproteinase?9/ Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP?9/TIMP1) ratio was significantly higher, postoperatively, when compared with matched preoperative levels in Group 2. However, MMP9/TIMP1 ratio remained unaltered in Group 1 participants. Conclusion: TPT prior to refractive surgery improved postsurgical ocular surface signs and symptoms and reduced tear inflammatory factors, thereby suggesting the plausibility of reduced post?refractive surgery DED in patients.

Effects of etoricoxib and sodium hyaluronate on pain and inflammatory factors in patients with knee osteoarthritis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of etoricoxib combined with sodium hyaluronate on pain and inflammatory factors in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:A total of 106 KOA patients admitted to Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University were selected as the research objects from March 2018 to October 2020, and they were divided into a control group and a study group using a random number table method, with 53 cases in each group. The control group was treated with sodium hyaluronate, and the study group was treated with etoricoxib on the basis of the control group. The effects of both groups were observed after continuous treatment for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy and changes of knee joint function, pain and inflammatory factors before and after treatment were compared between the two groups, and the occurrence of adverse reactions during the treatment period was recorded.Results:The total effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group: 92.45%(49/53) vs. 77.36%(41/53), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The American Knee Association score (AKS) and Lysholm score after treatment in the two groups were higher than before treatment ( P<0.05), and the AKS score and Lysholm score in the study group after treatment were higher than control group: (171.84 ± 24.16) scores vs. (159.09 ± 22.21) scores, (81.62 ± 14.76) scores vs. (75.41 ± 13.58) scores, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The visual analogue score (VAS) of pain after treatment in the two groups was lower than before treatment, and the VAS score of the study group after treatment was lower than the control group: (3.01 ± 0.54) scores vs. (3.45 ± 0.64) scores. the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) after treatment in the two groups were lower than before treatment, TIL-1β, MMP-3, and MMP-9 of the study group after treatment were lower than the control group: (56.38 ± 9.67) μg/L vs. (62.19 ± 10.73) μg/L, (91.56 ± 15.18) μg/L vs. (98.09 ± 16.74) μg/L, (30.46 ± 5.59) μg/L vs. (35.03 ± 6.27) μg/L, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of total adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Tocoxib combined with sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of KOA can improve the clinical efficacy, improve knee joint function, relieve pain, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, and have good safety.

Effects of Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction combined with alteplase injection on serum inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial active substances in the patients with acute ischemic stroke and syndrome of wind-phlegm invading collaterals / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction combined with alteplase injection on serum inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial active substances in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 87 patients with AIS admitted to Mengcheng County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2019 and July 2022 were selected as the observation subjects by prospective cohort study, and they were divided into treatment group (44 cases) and control group (43 cases) according to the last number of medical records. The control group was given thrombolytic therapy with alteplase injection on the basis of routine therapy, and the treatment group was given Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. TCM symptoms were scored before and after treatment, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to evaluate the degree of neurological deficit, and Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL) was applied to evaluate the quality of life. The levels of serum IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), VEGF, NOS and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were detected by ELISA. The adverse reactions were recorded and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 93.18% (41/44) in treatment group and 76.74% (33/43) in control group ( χ2=4.62, P=0.032). After treatment, the scores of hemiparalysis, skin insensitivity, deviated mouth and eye, inhibited speech and headache and dizziness in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=3.38, 3.77, 2.69, 2.60, 2.36, P<0.01 or P<0.05). The NIHSS score was significantly lower than that of the control group ( t=7.53, P<0.01) while the ADL score was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=2.99, P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of serum IL-6, CRP, TNF-α and MCP-1 in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=6.07, 5.70, 5.30, 3.36, P<0.01), and the levels of VEGF [(364.54±33.04)ng/L vs. (346.86±29.63)ng/L, t=2.63] was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05), NOS [(20.77±3.12) μmol/L vs. (29.46±5.36) μmol/L, t=9.27] and ET-1 [(85.41±7.09) ng/L vs. (94.11±9.38) ng/L, t=4.89] were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction combined with alteplase injection can improve the clinical symptoms, reduce levels of inflammatory factors, protect the vascular endothelial function, and enhance the efficacy of patients with AIS.

Clinical evaluation of Jiawei Zhixiao Decoction on acute attack of bronchial asthma / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Jiawei Zhixiao Decoction and western medicine comprehensive therapy in acute attack of bronchial asthma of heat asthma syndrome.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 80 patients with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and TCM pattern heat asthma, who treated in the respiratory department of our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021, were selected. Accordlty to random number table method the patients were divided into the treatment group and control group, with 40 in each group. The patients in the control group were given comprehensive treatment of Western Medicine (bronchodilator and glucocorticoid, etc.). On the basis of comprehensive treatment of Western medicine, the treatment group was combined with Jiawei Zhixiao Decoction. All patients received a 14-day treatment. Before and after treatment, the TCM symptom scores were recorded, FEV1 and forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) were measured by pulmonary function meter, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured by peak expiratory flow meter. Serum TNF-α and IL-8 levels were detected by ELISA, and procalcitonin (PCT) was detected by electrochemiluminescence. The disease grade, clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were also recorded.Results:The total effective rate was 95.0% (38/40) in the treatment group and 80.0% (32/40) in the control group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=4.11, P=0.043). After treatment, the TCM symptom score of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( t=7.91, P<0.01). FEV1 [(2.83±0.37) L vs. (2.38±0.32) L, t=6.77], FEV1/FVC [(85.37±9.36) % vs. (75.50±10.24) %, t=4.50], PEF [(4.84±0.82) L vs. (3.92±0.43) L, t=6.28] was significantly higher than that of control group ( P<0.01). Serum IL-8 [(80.59±10.28) ng/L vs. (87.15±8.25) ng/L, t=3.15], TNF-α [(43.18±4.08) ng/L vs. (51.78±7.58) ng/L, t=6.32], PCT [(0.84±0.35) μg/L vs. (0.41±0.12) μg/L, t=7.35] were significantly lower than those in control group ( P<0.01). The improvement of asthma grade was significantly better than that of control group ( Z=17.86, P<0.05). During the observation period, there were no serious adverse reactions in both groups, and the safety was high. Conclusion:Application of Jiawei Zhixiao Decoction and western medicine comprehensive therapy in acute attack of bronchial asthma of heat asthma syndrome can effectively improve the TCM symptoms and lung function, attenuate the inflammation response, and alleviate the severity of asthma.

Puerarin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury in mice by modulating the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway in mediating the effect of puerarin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).@*METHODS@#Fifteen BALB/C mice were randomized into control group, LPS group and puerarin treatment group, and in the latter two groups, the mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (5 mg/kg), followed by daily injection of normal saline for 3 days or injection of puerarin (25 mg/kg) given 1 h later and then on a daily basis for 3 days. On day 5 after modeling, the kidney tissues were taken for histological observation and detection of cell apoptosis. The renal function indexes including urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured, and the expressions of SIRT1 and NF-κB-p65(acetyl K310) in the renal tissues were detected.@*RESULTS@#Intraperitoneal injection of LPS caused obvious glomerular capillary dilatation, hyperemia, renal interstitial edema, and renal tubular epithelial cell swelling and deformation in the mice. The mouse models of LPS-induced AKI also showed significantly increased renal tubular injury score and renal cell apoptosis (P < 0.01) with increased serum levels of BUN, Scr, KIM-1, TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0.01), enhanced renal expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB p65(acetyl K310) (P < 0.01) and lowered renal expression of SIRT1 (P < 0.05). Treatment with puerarin effectively alleviated LPS-induced renal interstitial edema and renal tubular epithelial cell shedding, lowered renal tubular injury score (P < 0.01) and renal cell apoptosis rate (P < 0.01), and decreased serum levels of BUN, Scr, KIM, TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0.01). Puerarin treatment significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB p65 (acetyl K310) expression in the renal tissue (P < 0.05) and increased SIRT1 expression by 17% (P < 0.05) in the mouse models.@*CONCLUSION@#Puerarin can effectively alleviate LPS-induced AKI in mice possibly by modulating the SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Curative Effect of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation Complicated with Nerve Root Canal Stenosis / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system （TESSYS） in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation （LDH） complicated with nerve root canal stenosis. MethodsA retrospective study was done on 40 LDH patients complicated with nerve root canal stenosis who underwent TESSYS in our hospital from April 2019 to April 2021. The clinical efficacy of the patients was evaluated by the modified Mac Nab criteria 12 months after the surgery. We also measured and analyzed the scores of visual analogue scale （VAS）， Oswestry disability index （ODI） and Japanese orthopaedic association （JOA）， the changes of structural parameters of lumbar spine and inflammatory factor levels preoperatively， 6 and 12 months after the surgery. ResultsAll the 40 cases successfully underwent the surgery and follow-ups， with a 12-month post-operative clinical excellent and good rate of 90%. The preoperative， 6-month and 12-month post-operative VAS scores were （7.38±2.06）， （2.36±0.87） and （1.62±0.82）， respectively. The respective ODI scores were （55.54±11.19）， （26.52±7.61） and （18.14±4.36）； JOA scores （13.93±2.10）， （20.26±1.35） and （22.34±1.88）. The post-operative scores of VAS， ODI and JOA were significantly improved compared with those before the surgery （P<0.05）. The preoperative and post-operative lumbosacral angles were （37.23±6.84）° and （27.37±4.31）°， respectively， with the respective lumbar curvatures of （13.48±3.06） mm and （22.36±4.51） mm. The post-operative lumbosacral angle and lumbar curvature were significantly improved compared with those before the surgery （P<0.05）. The preoperative and post-operative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） levels were （3.43±0.61） mg/L and （5.18±0.70） mg/L， respectively， with the respective tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α） levels of （1.44±0.27） mg/L and （2.07±0.44） mg/L. The post-operative levels of hs-CRP and TNF-α were significantly higher than those before the surgery （P<0.05）. ConclusionIn the treatment of LDH complicated with nerve root canal stenosis， TESSYS achieves a good clinical effect， improves the structure and function of the lumbar spine， reduces the degree of lumbar spine pain， and has a mild post-operative inflammatory reaction.

Expressions of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor before the surgery of chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma and its influence on prognosis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the expression level of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor before trabeculectomy in binocular chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma(CPACG)and its correlation with postoperative filtration bleb and intraocular pressure.METHODS: A total of 15 cases(30 eyes)with binocular CPACG who admitted to the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September to December 2021 and received trabeculectomy were selected. The surgery interval between two eyes was 7d, and the preoperative expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), interleukin-17(IL-17), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)of the aqueous humor in both eyes were respectively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, the intraocular pressure(IOP)and the morphology of filtering blebs at 1mo after surgery were measured.RESULTS: The concentrations of MCP-1, IL-17, TGF-β, and IFN-γ in aqueous humor from the first eye before surgery were 330.4±46.2, 357.3±46.9, 2347.5±363.8 and 527.7±101.6pg/mL respectively, and those concentrations in aqueous humor from the fellow eye were 298.2±40.7, 309.1±53.5, 1938.3±426.0 and 628.2±104.9pg/mL respectively. The preoperative expression levels of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor in both eyes were statistically significant(P≤0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-17 and TGF-β in the aqueous humor of patients with CPACG correlated with IOP and the height of filtering blebs at 1mo after surgery(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: There may be changes in the expression levels of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor in the fellow eye after surgery of the first eye. Moreover, the preoperative expression level of IL-17 and TGF-β in aqueous humor possibly related to postoperative IOP and the height of filtering bleb.

Metabonomic Analysis of Wenfei Huaxian Granules Against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of differential metabolites in the serum of mice at different stages of bleomycin sulfate（BLM）-induced pulmonary fibrosis modeling and administration， and the mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian granules（WHG）against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. MethodMice were randomly divided into control group， control group of 14 days， model group， model group of 14 days， low-dose WHG group and high-dose WHG group. BLM（0.04 U per mouse）was injected into the trachea of mice in the model group， model group of 14 days， low-dose WHG group and high-dose WHG group， and sterile normal saline was injected into the trachea of mice in the control group and control group of 14 days. Mice of low-dose WHG group and high-dose WHG group were given different doses of WHG by gavage every day after injection of BLM， and mice of control group， control group of 14 days， model group and model group of 14 days were given sterile water by gavage every day. The peripheral blood of mice in the control group of 14 days and model group of 14 days were taken to prepare serum after injection of BLM for 14 days， and the peripheral blood and other materials of mice in the other groups were taken after continuous administration for 28 days. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid（BALF）was collected for leucocyte differential count， the pathological examination and hydroxyproline（HYP）content determination of lung tissues of mice were performed， and the small molecule metabolites in serum samples of mice in each group were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry（UHPLC-MS）. Principal component analysis（PCA）and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA）were conducted to screen differential metabolites and their biological functions were analyzed. ResultCompared with the control group， a large number of continuous fibrotic foci appeared in the lung tissue of mice in the model group， the alveolitis score， fibrosis degree score and HYP content increased significantly（P<0.01）， and the total number of leukocytes， macrophages and lymphocytes in BALF increased significantly（P<0.05）. A total of 33 differential metabolites were screened between the control group of 14 days and model group of 14 days， mainly lipid metabolites， which were mainly involved in oxidative damage and inflammatory process. A total of 34 differential metabolites， mainly amino acid metabolites， were screened between the control group and model group， mainly involving nucleic acid damage and inflammatory process. Compared with the model group， the HYP content， fibrosis score and alveolitis score in the lung tissue of mice from high-dose WHG group decreased significantly（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the total number of lymphocytes in BALF decreased significantly（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， 27， 40 differential metabolites were identified in the serum of mice from the low-dose WHG group and high-dose WHG group separately. There were totally 9 common differential metabolites between the model group and low-dose WHG group/high-dose WHG group， which mainly involved in the metabolic pathways of inflammation related lipids metabolism， arginine and tryptophan metabolism， and the change trends in low-dose WHG group and high-dose WHG group were significantly back-regulated compared with the model group. ConclusionWHG can alleviate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis， collagen deposition and inflammatory reaction in mice， and its anti-fibrotic effect may be related to the adjusting of inflammatory factors， nitric oxide and oxidative stress related metabolic pathways.

Intervention Effect of Qufeng Gutong Babu Ointment on Rat Model of Osteoarthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Based on PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of Qufeng Gutong Babu ointment （QFGT） on rats with osteoarthritis （OA） with cold-dampness obstruction， and preliminarily clarify its mechanism. MethodSD male rats were divided into 6 groups， namely， the blank group， model group， positive control drug Huoxue Zhitong ointment （HXZTG） group （1.26 cm2·d-1）， and low， medium， and high-dose QFGT group （75， 150， 300 mg·d-1）. OA model was prepared by joint cavity injection of papain and L-cysteine. On the second day of modeling， climate factors were applied to establish an animal model of combination of disease and syndrome of OA rats with cold-dampness obstruction. Standard VonFrey fiber was used to evaluate the threshold of mechanical pain. Weight bearing difference score and joint function score of both hind limbs were recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and safranine fixation green staining were used to observe the pathological changes and cartilage degeneration of rat knee joint. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to detect the expression of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， and cathepsin K （CTSK）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of kinase B （Akt）， phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， nuclear factor 1 （NFATc1）， MMP-9， and CTSK in T cells. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed significant mechanical pain sensitivity reaction after modeling （P<0.01）， and the weight bearing difference of both hind limbs and joint function score were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， both the high-dose QFGT group and the HXZTG group significantly reduced the mechanical pain sensitivity， weight difference， and joint function score of rats （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the medium-dose QFGT group also improved the joint function to a certain extent， and the degeneration of the knee joint cartilage of rats was significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. QFGT and HXZTG both inhibited the protein expression of IL-1β， IL-8， TNF-α， MMP-9， CTAK， PI3K， p-Akt， Akt， and other related proteins in articular cartilage of rats with OA to a certain extent （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionQFGT can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinases by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in articular articular cartilage of rats with OA with cold-dampness obstruction， thus ultimately weakening local cartilage degeneration and improving joint function.

Anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of the ethanol extract and the drug-containing serum of Zhuang medicine Stahlianthus involucratus on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of the ethanol extract and the drug-containing serum of Zhuang medicine Stahlianthus involucratus on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation. METHODS The drug-containing serum or blank serum was obtained by intragastrical administration of ethanol extract of S. involucratus （75.35 g/kg） or purified water. Using RAW264.7 cells as objects， RAW264.7 cells were divided into normal control group， LPS group （1 μg/mL）， S. involucratus ethanol extract high-dose， medium-dose and low-dose groups （50， 25， 12.5 μg/mL）， 4% or 15% blank serum groups， 4% or 15% blank serum+LPS groups， 4% or 15% drug-containing serum groups， 4% or 15% drug-containing serum+LPS groups. After culturing for 24 h， cell viability， the contents of nitric oxide tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）， interleukinand IL-6 as well as mRNA expressions of Toll-like eceptor 4 （TLR4） and nuclear factor κB （NF- κB） and protein expressions of nitric oxide synthase （NOS） and cyclooxygenase 2 （COX-2） were all detected in each group. 0771-4953513。E-mail：zhuhuagx@163.com RESULTS After culturing for 24 h， there was no statisticalsignificance in the difference of cell viability. Compared with normal control group， the contents of NO， TNF-α， IL-1β and IL-6， mRNA expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB， and protein expressions of NOS and COX-2 were increased significantly in LPS group （P＜0.05）. Compared with 4% or 15% blank serum groups， the levels of above indexes were increased significantly in 4% or 15% blank serum+LPS groups （P＜0.05）. Compared with LPS group， the levels of above indexes were decreased significantly in S. involucratus ethanol extract groups （P＜0.05）. Compared with 4% or 15% blank serum+LPS groups， the levels of above indexes were decreased significantly in 4% or 15% drug-containing serum+LPS groups （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The ethanol extract and the drug-containing serum of S. involucratus can significantly alleviate LPS-induced inflammatory reaction， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting the activity of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway， down-regulating the protein expressions of COX-2 and NOS， and reducing the release of inflammatory factors.

Effects of different acupuncture schemes on neurotransmitters and related inflammatory factors in rats with post-stroke depression / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different acupuncture schemes on behaviors, neurotransmitters and inflammation-related factors in post-stroke depressed (PSD) rats. MethodsA total of 72 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, drug control group, scalp acupuncture group, abdominal acupuncture group and combined acupuncture group, 12 rats in each group. The PSD model was prepared using a combination of middle cerebral artery occlusion and chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS) for the model and each intervention groups. The drug control group was administered fluoxetine, the scalp acupuncture group accepted acupuncture at Baihui (DU 20) and Yintang (EX-HN3), while the abdominal acupuncture group at Zhongwan (RN 12) and Guanyuan (RN 4), the combined acupuncture group at all the four acupoints, for 21 days. They were assessed with Longa neurological function score, body mass, open-field test and sugar-water preference test on the 0 (before modeling), the seventh (before CUMS), the 14th (before treatment) and the 35th day (after treatment). The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), interferon-γ (INF-γ), tumor necrosis factor⁃α (TNF⁃α) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the serum were determined with ELISA on the 35th day. Results The neurological function score was lower in the drug control group and the combined acupuncture group thanin the model group (P < 0.01) on the 35th day; while the body mass was higher in the drug control group, the abdominal acupuncture group and the combined acupuncture group than in the model group (P < 0.01); and the number of horizontal span frames, the number of uprightness and the sugar water consumption were higher in the drug control group, the scalp acupuncture group, the abdominal acupuncture group and the combined acupuncture group than in the model group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the four intervention groups (P > 0.05). The levels of 5-HT, DA and NE were higher in the four intervention groups than in the model group (P < 0.01), and the levels of IFN-γ, TNF⁃α and MIF were lower (P < 0.01). 5-HT level was higher in the combined acupuncture group than in the scalp acupuncture group and the abdominal acupuncture group, and the levels of IFN-γ, TNF⁃α and MIF were lower (P < 0.01); the levels of DA and NE was higher in the combined acupuncture group than in the abdominal acupuncture group (P < 0.01). ConclusionThe combination of scalp acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture can improve behavior, neurotransmitters and inflammatory factors of PSD rats, like fluoxetine. Scalp or abdominal acupuncture alone is still effecive, and can be used secondarily.

Babaodan Alleviates APAP-induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1 Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Babaodan （BBD） on the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3 （NLRP3/Caspase-1） pathway proteins in mice with acetaminophen （APAP）-induced acute liver injury. MethodC57BL/6 mice were randomly grouped， and BBD （75， 150， 300 mg·kg-1， ig） was administered twice a day for three days. After 2 hours of the last administration， the mice were treated with APAP （400 mg·kg-1， ip）， and the eyeballs were removed to collect blood after 14 hours. Then they were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for sample collection. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the morphological changes of liver tissue cells， and biochemical methods were used to detect the activities of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA） and myeloperoxidase （MPO） in serum of mice in each group. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to determine the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-6， and Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）， inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， NLRP3， Caspase-1 and IL-18 in the liver of mice. ResultCompared with the conditions in normal group， the hepatic lobule structure of mice in the model group was partially destroyed， and the hepatic sinusoids were dilated. And the expression levels of ALT and AST in serum， the protein levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， iNOS， IL-18 and COX-2 and the mRNA levels of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the administration groups had improvement in liver cell rupture and hepatic sinusoidal compression， and a dose-dependent decrease in the levels of ALT and AST in serum as well as the protein levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， iNOS， IL-18 and COX-2 and the the mRNA levels of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α in liver tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionBBD can reduce APAP-induced acute liver injury in mice. The mechanism may be related to anti-oxidative stress， inhibition of NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway， and decreased expression levels of IL-1β， IL-18， TNF-α and IL-6.

Effect of Electroacupuncture at Proximal and Distal Acupoints on Pain-inducing Substances， Macrophages and Related Inflammatory Factors in Myofascial Pain Syndrome Model Rats / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the possible peripheral analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture （EA） at promimal and distal acupoints in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome （MPS）. MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， proximal group， and distal group， with six rats in each group. MPS model was prepared by “strike combined with centrifugal exercise” in all groups except for the blank group. After modeling， the rats in the proximal group received EA at the local myofascial trigger points （MTrPs）， namely the Ashi points， with dilatational waves of frequency of 2/100 HZ and voltage of 2-4 V， current intensity depending on a slight trembling of the left lower limbs， once a day， 15min each time，for 14 days. The rats in the distal group received EA at “Yanglingquan” （GB 34） and “Yinlingquan” （SP 9）， with the same operations as the proximal group. The rats in the blank group and the model group were only grasped and hedged， without other interventions. After intervention， the paw withdrawl mechanical threshold （PWMT） was measured， and variability between the left and right hind paws was calculated. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and electromyography monitoring were performed on the left lower extremity vastus medialis. The morphological changes of vastus medialis muscle of the left lower extremity were observed by HE staining. The positive expression of substance P （SP）， calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP）， CD68 and CD206 in muscle tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Abdominal aortic serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and interleukin-8 （interleukin-8） were detected by ELISA. ResultsCompared to those in the blank group， the fibers of the vastus medial muscle of the rats in the model group were broken and distorted with thickness in variation， and the myofascia was broken， with fibrillation potential， enlarged muscle cells， inward moved nucleus， and widened muscle space； the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws significantly increased， as well as the levels of SP， CGRP， CD68， and CD206 in the vastus medialis muscle （P＜0.01）， and the serum IL-8 and TNF-αlevels were significantly elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the muscle fibers in the proximal and distal group were complete in shape and arranged in an orderly manner， with continued non-broken myofascia， regular shape of muscle cells， and significantly reduced level of IL-8 （P＜0.01）； the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous discharge in the proximal group significantly decreased， as well as the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws， and the levels of SP， CGRP， and CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle， while the CD206 level increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ）； there was complex discharges in the distal group， with significantly decreased level of CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle and increased level of CD206 （P＜0.01）. Compared to the proximal group， the level of IL-8 in the distal group was significantly higher （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsEA at proximal acupoints can significantly improve the pain threshold and local muscle tissue morpho-logy in rats， and its mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of pain-causing substances and related inflammatory factors and promoting the polarization of macrophages. The analgesic effect of EA at distal acupoints is not obvious， and the mechanism is still unclear.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis combined with septic shock

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTCD) for the treatment of Acute Obstructive Suppurative Cholangitis (AOSC) combined with septic shock due to choledocholithiasis, and its effect on inflammatory factors. Methods Clinical data of 86 patients with AOSC and septic shock admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and grouped according to different treatment methods. Among them, 43 patients who underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Nasobiliary Drainage (ENBD) were included in the Control Group (CNG), and 43 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided PTCD were included in the Study Group (SG). Results The total effective rate in the SG (88.37%) was higher than that in the CNG (69.77%) (p <0.05); after surgery, the serum inflammatory factors PCT, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP levels, liver function indicators such as TBIL, DBIL, AST, ALT levels, and stress response indicators including NPY, PGE2, 5-HT levels were reduced, and were lower in the SG than in the CNG (p <0.05); postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the CNG were significantly lower than those before surgery (p <0.05); Postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the SG were significantly higher than those in the CNG (p <0.05); and the complication rate in the SG (6.98%) was lower than that in the CNG (25.58%) (p <0.05). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided PTCD for AOSC combined with septic shock can facilitate the recovery of liver and immune functions with a low complication rate.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on the postoperative sleep quality and inflammatory factors in frail elderly patients / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of transcutaneous acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on sleep quality and inflammatory factor in frail elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 frail elderly patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. Patients in the observation group received TEAS, 30 min before surgery until the end of surgery, at 18:00 on the day of surgery and on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after surgery (30 min each time). TEAS was delivered at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Hegu (LI 4). The disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/100 Hz was selected, and the maximal stimulation intensity depended on patient's tolerance. The operation procedure in the control group was same as the observation group, but without electric stimulation exerted. The 1st day before surgery and on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after surgery, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Athens insomnia scale (AIS), as well as the serum levels of C reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were observed in the patients of two groups. At 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery, the score of pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded in the two groups, as well as the pressing times of analgesic pump and the usage of flurbiprofen axetil during analgesic stage. The occurrence of post operative adverse reactions was observed in the patients of two groups.@*RESULTS@#On the 1st and 3rd day after surgery, except the usage of hypnotic drug scores, the scores of each item and the total scores of PSQI, as well as AIS scores were all increased in the two groups compared with those of 1 day before surgery (P<0.05); and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). On the 7th day after surgery, the scores of each item and the total scores of PSQI, and AIS scores were not different statistically in comparison between the two groups (P>0.05). On the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after surgery, serum levels of CRP and IL-6 were all increased in the patients of two groups when compared with those of 1 day before surgery (P<0.05), serum levels CRP and IL-6 in the patients of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The VAS scores of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery, the pressing times of analgesic pump, the frequency and dosage of the remedies were not different statistically between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#TEAS can effectively improve sleep quality and reduce inflammatory reaction in frail elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Cervical spondylosis of nerve root type with qi stagnation and blood stasis treated with warming needle with different lengths of moxa stick: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type with qi stagnation and blood stasis treated with warming needle with different lengths of moxa stick.@*METHODS@#Six hundred patients with cervical spondylosis of nerve root type with qi stagnation and blood stasis were randomly divided into 4 groups: a 4 cm length group (150 cases, 5 cases dropped off, 2 cases suspended), a 3 cm length group (150 cases, 6 cases dropped off, 2 cases suspended), a 2 cm length group (150 cases, 6 cases dropped off), and a routine acupuncture group (150 cases, 6 cases dropped off). Warming needle with moxa stick in the length of 4 cm, 3 cm and 2 cm was delivered in the 4 cm length group, the 3 cm length group and the 2 cm length group, respectively. In the routine acupuncture group, simple acupuncture was applied. The acupoints selected in the above groups included Dazhui (GV 14) and bilateral Jiaji (EX-B 2) of C5 and C7, Fengchi (GB 20), Jianzhen (SI 9), Quchi (LI 11), Zhongzhu (TE 3), etc. In each group, the intervention was delivered once daily and 5 times a week. One course of intervention was composed of 2 weeks and 2 courses were required. The TCM syndrome score, the score of clinical assessment scale for cervical spondylosis (CASCS), the score of the brachial plexus traction test of the affected upper limb, F wave occurrence rate and conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve, the median nerve and the radial nerve of the affected upper limb were compared before and after treatment in the patients of each group. The levels of serum inflammatory factors, i.e. interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were measured before and after treatment in the patients of each group. The clinical cfficacy was evaluated in the 4 groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the results of TCM syndrome evaluation, i.e. the scores of neck pain, activity limitation and upper limb numbness and pain, as well as the total scores; and the scores of brachial plexus traction test were reduced when compared with those before treatment in each group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of subjective symptoms and adaptability, and the total scores of CASCS were elevated in comparison with those before treatment in each group (P<0.01, P<0.05). In the 4 cm length group, compared with the other 3 groups, the scores of neck pain and activity limitation for TCM syndrome evaluation, and its total score were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01); and the scores of subjective symptoms and adaptability, and the total score of CASCS were higher (P<0.05, P<0.01). The score of the brachial plexus traction test in the 4 cm length group was lower than that of the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, F wave occurrence rates and conduction velocity of median nerve and radial nerve were increased when compared with those before treatment in each group (P<0.05, P<0.01). F wave occurrence rate and conduction velocity of the radial nerve in the 4 cm length group were higher than those of the other 3 groups (P<0.05), and those of the median nerve were higher when compared with the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were all reduced when compared with those before treatment in each group (P<0.01, P<0.05); the level of serum IL-6 in the 4 cm length group was lower than those of the other 3 groups and serum level of TNF-α was lower compared with that in the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the 4 cm length group was 78.3% (112/143), which was higher when compared with the 3 cm length group (67.6%, 96/142), the 2 cm length group (65.3%, 94/144) and the routine acupuncture group (53.5%, 77/144), respectively (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Warming needle with moxa stick of 4 cm in length effectively relieves the clinical symptoms of cervical spondylosis of nerve root type with qi stagnation and blood stasis, improves the nerve function of the upper limbs, and reduces the inflammatory responses caused by nerve compression. The clinical efficacy of this therapy with moxa stick of 4 cm in length is superior to the warming needle with moxa sticks of 3 cm and 2 cm, as well as the routine acupuncture.

Improvement effects of Shangke xiaoyan hydrogel plaster on osteoarthritis model rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effects of Shangke xiaoyan hydrogel plaster on osteoarthritis （OA） model rats. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， voltaren group （200 mg/rat）， Shangke xiaoyan ointment group （500 mg/rat， containing Shangke xiaoyan fluid extract 50 mg） and Shangke xiaoyan hydrogel plaster group （200 mg/rat， containing Shangke xiaoyan fluid extract 50 mg）， with 8 rats in each group. Except for blank group， OA model was established in the other groups by injecting papain and L-cysteine into the right knee joint cavity of the rats； they applied the corresponding drugs， and changed the dressing once a day， for 14 consecutive days. The degree of knee joint swelling in rats was detected， and the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the knee joint in rats were observed； the levels of interleukin 1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor （TNF- α） in rat serum were detected； the pathological and morphological characteristics of knee joint tissue were observed， and the histopathological and cartilage Mankin scores were performed； the protein expressions of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α in knee joint tissue were all detected. RESULTS Compared with blank group， severe joint swelling， obvious joint effusion and patchy wear of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus were observed in model group； the serum levels of IL-1β， IL-6， IL-18 and TNF- α and histopathological score and Mankin score were significantly increased （P＜0.05）； protein expressions of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α in knee joint tissue were increased. Compared with model group， the knee swelling degree of the rats in Shangke xiaoyan hydrogel plaster group was reduced， a small amount 　　 of joint cavity effusion could be seen， and the shape of the meniscus was completely normal； the histopathological score E-mail：frankyan@cpu.edu.cn and Mankin score were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）levels of inflammatory factors in serum were reduced （P＜0.05） and those of knee tissue were decreased. CONCLUSIONS Shangke xiaoyan hydrogel plaster can improve OA of rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing the levels of inflammatory factors in joint and serum.

Effect of thymopentin combined with levofloxacin for retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the effect of adjuvant to levofloxacin in the treatment of retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as its effect on respiratory function, immune function and inflammatory factors. Methods　One hundred cases of retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients admitted to Rudong County People's Hospital in Nantong city in Jiangsu province from 2017 to 2021 were randomly divided into a control group (n=50) and an observation group (n=50) according to random number table method. Both groups received conventional treatment (3 months of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide / 6 months of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol), with levofloxacin added to the control group, and thymopentin added to the observation group for the first three months in addition to routine treatment. The treatment effect of the two groups were compared. Results　The sputum smear conversion rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group after 3 months and 5 months of treatment (χ2=7.142, P<0.05; χ2=6.250, P<0.05). The cavity absorption time and lesion absorption time in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (t=4.006, P<0.05; t=5.165, P<0.05). The turning time of bacteriological culture in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (t=4.220,P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, CD4+, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, the differences were statistically significant (t=8.885, P<0.05; t=6.274, P<0.05; t=4.357, P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the IFN-γ (interferon-γ) of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (t=8.892, P<0.05), whereas the , IL-10 (interleukin-10) was significantly lower than that in the control group (t=5.986, P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV 1) and the one-second rate (forced expiratory volume in one second / forced vital capacity, FEV1/FVC) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (t=11.223, P<0.05; t=10.128, P<0.05; t=4.464, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (χ2=0.378, P>0.05). Conclusions　Thymopentin combined with levofloxacin had a significant application effect in the treatment of retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis, s, which led to improved inflammatory reaction, respiratory function and immune function. Additionally, it can increase sputum smear conversion rate and accelerate patient recovery, improving overall treatment efficacy, with a relatively high clinical application value.

Improvement effects and mechanism of total flavonoids of Bidens pilosa on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroin-flammation in mice / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of total flavonoids of Bidens pilosa L. （TFB） on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced neuroinflammation in mice. METHODS Fifty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group， LPS group and TFB low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups， with 10 mice in each group. TFB low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups were given TFB solution intragastrically at 60， 120 and 240 mg/kg， and the normal control group and LPS group were given corresponding volume of normal saline， once a day， for consecutive 21 d. From the 15th day of administration， except for the normal control group， other groups were given LPS （400 μg/kg） intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days to establish neuroinflammatory model. Brain tissues were taken under anesthesia 4 h after the final administration. The morphological changes of neuronal cells in mice were observed； the contents of nitric oxide （NO）， tumor necrosis factor α （TNF- α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6 and IL-10 were measured， and the expressions of inflammatory pathway-related proteins [inducible NO synthase （iNOS）， cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （Myd88） and protein kinase C （PKC）] were measured in the brain tissues of mice. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group， the neuronal arrangement in the hippocampal region of the brain tissue of mice in the LPS group was sparsely disorganized， with a large number of neuronal fixations and shrunken nuclei； the contents of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6 and NO in the brain tissue were significantly increased， the contents of IL-10 were significantly decreased， and the relative expressions of iNOS， COX-2， Myd88 and PKC proteins were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the LPS group， the neuronal pathological changes in the brain tissue of mice in the TFB low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups were 202014810） significantly improved， and the changes of the above indices in the brain tissue were significantly reversed （P＜0.05） CONCLUSIONS TFB has an inhibitory effect on E-mail：pangxjun@163.com neuroinflammation， and its mechanism of action may be related to down-regulation of the expressions of inflammatory pathway-related proteins iNOS， COX-2， Myd88 and PKC， and reduction of inflammatory factors release.