Improvement effects of glycyrrhizin on Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in rats and its mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of glycyrrhizin （GL） on Helicobacter pylori （HP）-associated gastritis in rats and its mechanism. METHODS HP-associated gastritis rat model was induced by inoculating with 1×109 cfu/mL HP. The model rats were randomly divided into model group， positive control group （HP standard quadruple group）， GL low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （5， 20， 50 mg/kg）， with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 healthy rats were selected as normal control group. Except the normal control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically， the other groups were given corresponding drugs intragastrically， once a day， for 30 consecutive days. After administration， rats received 13C urea breath test， and delta-over-baseline （DOB） was recorded； the pathological and cellular morphological changes of gastric mucosa in rats were observed， and pathological scoring was performed； the levels of interleukin-8 （IL-8）， IL-1β， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， reactive oxygen species （ROS） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were detected in gastric mucosa of rats； mRNA expressions of high mobility group box-1 protein （HMGB1） and nuclear factor-κ-B （NF-κB）， relative expressions of nitric oxide synthases （iNOS） and HMGB1， the phosphorylation level of NF- κBp65 were also detected in rats. RESULTS Compared with normal control group， the DOB value， histopathological score of gastric mucosa， the levels of IL-8， IL-1β， TNF-α， ROS and MDA， relative expressions of HMGB1 and NF- κB mRNA， relative expressions of iNOS and HMGB1 protein and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 were all increased significantly in model group （P＜0.05）； the epithelial cells of gastric mucosa in rats were incomplete in structure and decreased in the number， with an increase in cell fragments and vacuoles， and significant cell pyknosis. Compared with model group， the changes of the above indexes in GL groups and positive control group were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）； the changes in the above indicators in the GL high-dose group were more significant than GL low-dose and medium-dose groups （P＜0.05）； the pathological changes of gastric mucosal cells in rats had all improved. CONCLUSIONS GL may inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting the activation of HMGB1/NF-κB pathway， thus relieving HP-induced gastric mucosal injury.

Protective Effect of Qihong Tongluo Prescription on Vascular Endothelial Cells in Rats with Deep Venous Thrombosis Based on NF-κB Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Qihong Tongluo prescription on vascular endothelial cells in rats with deep venous thrombosis （DVT）. MethodSixty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group （n=11） and a modeling group （n=55）. The DVT model was induced in rats of the modeling group by slowing down blood flow and damaging vascular endothelium. The model rats were randomly divided into model group， aspirin group （200 mg·kg-1）， and low-，medium-， and high-dose Qihong Tongluo prescription groups （6.5， 13， 26 g·kg-1） according to a random number table. Rats were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage， while those in the model group and the blank group received normal saline， once per day for 7 days. The rats were sacrificed and the abdominal aortic blood was taken. The levels of serum endothelin-1 （ET-1） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in vascular endothelial tissues. The ultrastructure of vascular endothelial cells was observed by the transmission electron microscope. The viability of vascular endothelial cells was detected by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide （MTT） method，and the release level of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） was detected by the LDH kit. The messenger ribonucleic acid （mRNA） expression of platelet-activating factor （PAF），nuclear transcription factor κB （NF-κB），Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 （Rac1）， and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 （Rac2） in vascular endothelial tissues were detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1， and Rac2 in vascular endothelial tissues was detected by Western blot. ResultThe model group showed seriously damaged and swollen vascular endothelial cells with massive shedding， attachment of massive inflammatory cells， nucleus pyknosis and deformation under the electron microscope， highly swollen mitochondria， serious cytoplasmic vacuolation，and exposure of internal elastic membrane. The damage of vascular endothelium and its ultrastructure in Qihong Tongluo prescription groups and the aspirin group was improved in varying degrees. Compared with the blank group，the model group showed increased levels of serum ET-1 and IL-6，potentiated vascular endothelial cell viability， up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1， and Rac2 in vascular endothelial tissues，and decreased LDH release level of vascular endothelial cells （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group，the aspirin group and the Qihong Tongluo prescription groups showed decreased levels of serum ET-1 and IL-6，blunted vascular endothelial cell viability，down-regulated mRNA and protein expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1， and Rac2 in vascular endothelial tissues，and increased LDH release level of vascular endothelial cells （P<0.05）. The effect of Qihong Tongluo prescription was dose-dependent. ConclusionQihong Tongluo prescription has a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells of DVT rats and can prevent and treat thrombosis，and its therapeutic effect is presumably achieved by inhibiting the expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1，and Rac2 and reducing the levels of serum ET-1 and IL-6.

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 Dendrobii Caulis Mixture on Cell Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Diabetic Rats with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Dendrobii Caulis mixture on cell inflammatory response and apoptosis in diabetic rat with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD） and its possible mechanism. MethodForty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group and model group of type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM） with NAFLD according to body weight. The model was established by high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin（STZ）， which was randomly divided into the model group， Dendrobii Caulis mixture group（16.67 g·kg-1·d-1） and metformin group（100 mg·kg-1·d-1） according to blood glucose and body weight， and 10 rats in each group. Rats in each group were administered by continuous gavage for 4 weeks， the blank and model groups were given saline by gavage at 10 mL·kg-1·d-1. Fasting blood glucose（FBG）， serum insulin（INS）， glycosylated serum protein（GSP）， triglyceride（TG）， total cholesterol（TC）， high density lipoprotein（HDL-C）， low density lipoprotein（LDL-C）， alanine aminotransferase（ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase（AST） were detected in each group of rats. The liver tissues of rats in each group were stained with hematoxylin-eosin（HE） to observe the pathological changes， and the positive expressions of nuclear transcription factor（NF）-κB， NOD-like receptor heat protein structural domain-related protein 3（NLRP3）， interleukin（IL）-1β and tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α were observed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma-2（Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein（Bax）， Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65， NLRP3， IL-1β， TNF-α in liver tissue of rats in each group. ResultCompared with the blank group， FBG， GSP， TC， TG， LDL-C， AST and ALT levels were increased， INS and HDL-C levels were decreased， Bax， Caspase-3， NLRP3， IL-1β， TNF-α protein and mRNA expression were increased in model group， the ratio of p-NF-κB/NF-κB protein increased， the expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA decreased， and the positive immunohistochemical expression of NF-κB， NLRP3， IL-1β and TNF-α increased， and the differences were statistically significant（P<0.01）. The morphological structure of the liver was disrupted， and obvious fat vacuoles were seen. Compared with the model group， FBG， GSP， TC， TG， LDL-C， AST and ALT levels of Dendrobii Caulis mixture group and metformin group were decreased， INS and HDL-C levels were increased， and protein and mRNA expressions of Bax， Caspase-3， NLRP3， IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased， the protein ratio of p-NF-κB/NF-κB decreased， the expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA increased， and the positive immunohistochemical expressions of NF-κB， NLRP3， IL-1β and TNF-α decreased， and the differences were statistically significant（P<0.01）. The liver morphology and structure were relatively complete， and the fat vacuoles were reduced. ConclusionDendrobii Caulis mixture can inhibit cell apoptosis， reduce inflammatory response and alleviate liver injury in rats with T2DM and NAFLD， the mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway， blocking the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles， reducing IL-1β secretion， attenuating Caspase-3 activity and reducing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax.

Mechanism of Flemiphilippinin D Regulating Inflammatory Response in CIA Rats Through TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Flemiphilippinin D on collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） in rats and explore its mechanism. MethodForty rats were randomly divided into normal group， CIA group， methotrexate （MTX） group （1.35 mg·kg-1）， low-dose Flemiphilippinin D group （1.5 mg·kg-1）， and high-dose Flemiphilippinin D group （3.0 mg·kg-1）， with eight rats in each group. Except for the normal group， the CIA model was induced by type Ⅱ collagen. Each group was given corresponding liquid medicine or normal saline， once a week in the MTX group， and once a day in the Flemiphilippinin D groups for a total of 28 days. The arthritis score and joint swelling degree of rats were experimentally recorded. Pathological changes in the ankle joint of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， IL-8， and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay （ELISA）， and the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 2 （TLR2）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， and nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） p65 were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the protein expressions of TLR2， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the ankle joint of the CIA group was significantly swollen， and the clinical score of arthritis and the degree of joint swelling were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The ankle joint tissue structure was significantly damaged， and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA levels and protein levels of TLR2， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Compared with the CIA group， arthritis clinical score and joint swelling of rats in each administration group were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the pathological changes in the ankle joint were significantly improved. The contents of serum IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mRNA levels and protein levels of TLR2， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the ankle joint were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionTo a certain extent， Flemiphilippinin D can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in rheumatoid arthritis rats and play a good therapeutic effect. It works perhaps by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and thus shows an anti-inflammatory effect.

Influence of matrine on Th17/Treg balance in rats with inflammatory bowel disease by regulating IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the influence of matrine (MT) on the balance of T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) in rats with inflammatory bowel disease by regulating interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. 【Methods】 SD rats were grouped into control check group (CK group), model group, low-dose MT group (MT-L group, 50 mg/kg), medium-dose MT group (MT-M group, 100 mg/kg), high-dose MT group (MT-H group, 200 mg/kg), mesalazine group (MSLM group, 0.42 g/kg), and MT-H+rIL-6 (IL-6 activator) group (200 mg/kg+0.05 mg/kg) according to the random number table method, with 18 in each group. Except for the CK group, the rats in other groups all received with 5% trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (20 mg/kg) buffer solution mixed with 50% ethanol at a ratio of 1∶1 and then enema to construct a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease. After the successful modeling, they were treated with drug administration once a day for 7 weeks. The body weight of rats was measured at 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks of administration; the changes of colon length of rats in each group were compared; HE staining was used to detect the pathological damage of rat colon tissue; the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 in serum of rats were detected by ELISA; the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of rats were detected by flow cytometry; Western blottingt was performed to detect the protein expression of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3), IL-6, p-STAT3, and p-NF-κB p65 in rat colon tissue. 【Results】 Compared with the CK group, the colon tissue of the model group was severely damaged by pathology, and the body weight (at 3, 5, and 7 weeks), the level of IL-10, the proportion of Treg cell, and the expression of Foxp3 protein were decreased, the colon length shortened, the levels of TNF-α, IL-17, the proportions of Th17 cell, Th17/Treg ratio, and the protein expression of RORγt, IL-6, p-STAT3, and p-NF-κB p65 increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the corresponding indicators of the MT-L group, MT-M group, MT-H group, and MSLM group had the opposite trends (P<0.05); rIL-6 attenuated the promoting effect of high-dose MT on Th17/Treg balance in inflammatory bowel disease rats. 【Conclusion】 MT may promote Th17/Treg balance in inflammatory bowel disease rats by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Intervention of Osteoking in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo clarify the intervention effect of Osteoking （OK） in rats with myofascial pain syndrome （MPS） and preliminarily explore the pharmacological mechanism of OK in relieving chronic pain from the perspective of anti-inflammatory disease. MethodThe 60 SD rats were divided into normal group， model group， low， medium， and high dose OK groups （0.66， 1.31， 2.63 mL·kg-1）， and positive celecoxib group （21 mg·kg-1）. The MPS rat model was established by beating combined with the centrifugal exercise method， and the OK and celecoxib were given at the same time. SMALGO paw pressure pain manometer detected the shock pain point tenderness threshold of rats， and the Von-Frey needle and acetone stimulation method detected the mechanical hyperalgesia threshold and cold hyperalgesia stimulation response respectively. Eight weeks and 10 weeks after modeling， the spontaneous discharge state and convulsion response of MPS rats were determined by electromyograph （EMG） instrument. The gait changes of MPS rats were detected using a CatWalk gait analyzer. The expression levels of interleukin-1 β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， substance P （SP）， and bradykinin （BK） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein expression levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） inhibiting protein α （IκBα）， phosphorylates （p）- IκBα， NF-κB p65， and p-NF-κB p65 were detected in MPS rats by Western blot. The positive expression of p-NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group shows 100% positive rates for EMG signal and local convulsions response at both the 8th and 10th weeks. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold are significantly reduced. Cold hyperalgesia score is significantly increased， and gait is abnormal. The expression levels of serum and trigger points IL-1β， TNF-α， SP， BK， p-IκBα， and p-NF-κB p65， as well as the positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 are significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the positive rate of EMG detection and local convulsion response is significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups （P<0.05）. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold increase significantly in the medium and high dose OK groups， and the cold hyperalgesia score is significantly reduced in the high dose OK group （P<0.01）. The standing time， swing time， and walking period are significantly increased. The swing speed， maximum contact area， and maximum contact intensity are significantly decreased in the high dose OK group （P<0.05）. Moreover， the protein expression levels of p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 are significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 is significantly decreased in the high dose OK group （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mechanism of OK in relieving the pain in trigger points of MPS and improving gait abnormalities is related to the downregulation of the NF-κB p65 inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and pain mediators in blood and trigger point tissue.

Effects of salidroside on lung injury in rats with severe pneumonia and the possible mechanism / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate whether salidroside (SAL) improves lung tissue injury in rats with severe pneumonia (SP) through mediating toll-like receptor 4/nuclear transcription factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3) signaling pathway.Methods:Seventy-five Wistar rats were used in this study. Fifteen of them were randomly selected as the sham operation group, and the others were induced by endotracheal infusion of Klebsiella pneumoniae ( Kp) suspension to construct a rat model of SP. After modeling, the rats were randomly divided into four groups with 15 rats in each group: model group, low-dose SAL group (30 mg/kg), high-dose SAL group (60 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (DXMS, 15 mg/kg) group. The sham operation group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline for seven consecutive days. The wet-dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissues in each group was detected. HE and TUNEL staining methods were used to observe the morphology of lung tissues and cell apoptosis. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA. The expression of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor (MyD88), NF-κBp65, phosphorylated NF-κBp65 (p-NF-κBp65) and NLRP3 at protein level in lung tissues was detected by Western blot. Results:The rat model of SP was successfully constructed by endotracheal infusion of Kp suspension. Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed more severe edema of lung tissues, increased W/D value ( P<0.05), loose and incomplete alveolar structure, edema of alveolar wall and thickened alveolar wall, massive inflammatory cell infiltration, increased apoptosis rate as well as higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 and lower lover of IL-10 in BALF. Moreover, the relative expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, p-NF-κBp65 and NLRP3 at protein level in lung tissues was increased in the model group ( P<0.05). Gradually improved pathological injury of lung tissues, decreased W/D value ( P<0.05), recovered alveolar structure, reduced alveolar wall edema and decreased cell apoptosis rate were observed in the low-dose and high-dose SAL groups as well as the DXMS group as compared with those of the model group. Besides, the three groups also showed decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 and increased level of IL-10 in BALF, and inhibited expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, p-NF-κBp65 and NLRP3 at protein level in lung tissues ( P<0.05). DXMS performed better in improving lung injury in rats with SP, followed by high and low doses of SAL ( P<0.05). Conclusions:SAL could reduce cell apoptosis and improve the Kp-induced lung injury in rats. The mechanism might be related to the blockage of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway activation and inhibition of inflammatory factor expression.

Effect of Chuanshanlong Granule on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Rats with Autoimmune Thyroiditis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Chuanshanlong granule on Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation protein 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor -κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway， and to explore the mechanism of its treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis （AIT） in rats. MethodForty AIT models were established following excess iodine and injection of porcine thyroglobulin and Freund's adjuvant into Lewis rats for six weeks. Then the rats were randomly divided into the model group， Chuanshanlong granule low-， medium- and high-dose group （0.52， 1.03， 2.06 g·kg-1·d-1）， with ten in each group. Rats in the Chuanshanlong granule low-， medium- and high-dose groups were separately given 0.01 mL·g-1·d-1 Chuanshanlong granule， and those in the normal group and the model group were given the same volume of deionized water for eight weeks. Serum of rats was taken to measure thyroglobulin antibody （TgAb） and thyroid peroxidase antibody （TPOAb） by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the concentrations of free triiodothyronine （FT3）， free thyroxine （FT4） and thyroid stimulating hormone （TSH） were detected. The rat thyroid lobes were stained with hematoxylin and eosin （HE）， and the pathological changes were observed under light microscope. In addition， the relative expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB protein and mRNA was determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the conditions in the normal group， the serum concentrations of TPOAb and TgAb （P<0.01） and FT3 and FT4 （P<0.01） increased and TSH decreased （P<0.01） in the model group. Compared with the conditions in the model group， the concentrations of TPOAb and TgAb in the Chuanshanlong granule treatment groups reduced （P<0.01）， and the concentrations of FT3 and FT4 were lowered （P<0.01） while TSH increased （P<0.01） in the Chuanshanlong granule high-dose group. HE staining showed that there was lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid follicular space， a large number of destroyed or diminished follicular cavities， decreased colloid content， and thinned or destroyed follicular wall in the model group， while the thyroid lymphocyte infiltration in the Chuanshanlong granule treatment groups was significantly less and the structure of thyroid follicles was more complete than those in the model group. Compared with the normal group， the model group had up-regulated relative expression of TLR4， MyD88 and NF-κB protein （P<0.01） and mRNA （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Chuanshanlong granule high-dose group had down-regulated relative expression of TLR4 protein and mRNA （P<0.05）， MyD88 protein （P<0.01） and mRNA （P<0.05）， and NF-κB protein and mRNA （P<0.01）. ConclusionChuanshanlong granule may play a therapeutic role in AIT by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effect of Mahonia bealei Leaf Extract on Inflammation in Depression of Rats via NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Mahonia bealei leaf extract on depression of rats and the underlying mechanism. MethodThe chemical constituents of the extract were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Forced swimming test and tail suspension test were carried out to estimate the antidepressant effect. The mice were randomly assigned into the following groups： blank group， positive control group （fluoxetine， 10 mg·kg-1）， and Mahonia bealei leaf extract groups （10， 2.5 g·kg-1）. The gavage lasted for 12 days and the immobility time of the mice in the tests was recorded 1 h after the last administration. Furthermore， to explore the underlying mechanism of the antidepressant effect， we established the rat depression model by intraperitoneal injection with reserpine （0.5 mg·kg-1）. Rats were grouped as follows： blank group， model group， positive control group （fluoxetine， 1.8 mg·kg-1）， and Mahonia bealei leaf extract groups （10， 2.5 g·kg-1）. The gavage， once a day， lasted for 10 consecutive days. The depression of rats was detected by behavioral tests 1 h after the last administration. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein expression of IL-6 and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in brain tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The protein levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） and NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） in hippocampus of rats were detected by Western blot. ResultSeven chemical constituents， mainly alkaloids， were identified from the extract. Compared with the blank group， Mahonia bealei leaf extract shortened the immobility time of mice in tail suspension and forced swimming tests. Compared with the blank group， the modeling of rat depression increased the blepharoptosis incidence and retention time in circles （P<0.05， P<0.01）， elevated the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum （P<0.05）， and up-regulated the protein levels of IL-6， IL-1β， NF-κB， and NLRP3 in brain tissues （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， high dose of Mahonia bealei leaf extract shortened the retention time in circles （P<0.05）， lowered the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the protein levels of IL-6， IL-1β， NF-κB， and NLRP3 （P<0.01） in brain tissues. ConclusionMahonia bealei leaf extract had significant antidepressant effect and alleviated the inflammatory response in reserpine-induced rat model of depression， the mechanism of which may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Total Glucosides of Paeony Improve Renal Injury in Mice with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Regulating TLR9/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of total glucosides of paeony （TGP） on the renal injury of MRL/lpr mice based on the Toll-like receptor 9 （TLR9）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway and explore the immunological mechanism of TGP in preventing and treating systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE）. MethodMRL/lpr female mice of SPF grade were randomly divided into a model group， a dexamethasone group （0.15 g·kg-1）， and high- （0.078 g·kg-1） and low-dose （0.039 g·kg-1） TGP groups， and female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a blank group， with 7 mice in each group. Mice in each group were treated with corresponding drugs or normal saline by gavage at the same time every day. After 4 weeks， samples were collected. The kidney and spleen were weighed， and the organ index was calculated. Serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） levels in each group were detected by biochemical assay. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the kidney. The degree of renal fibrosis was evaluated by Masson staining. The serum levels of interleukin （IL）-2， interferon （IFN）-α， IL-4， and anti-nuclear antibody （ANA） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expression of TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in renal tissues was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of TLR9 and NF-κB p65 in renal tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression of TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in renal and spleen tissues was tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increased SCr， BUN， spleen index， and kidney index （P<0.05）， deteriorated pathological injury and fibrosis in renal tissues， elevated serum levels of IFN-α， IL-4， and ANA， decreased level of IL-2 （P<0.05）， and up-regulated TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein levels in the kidney and spleen （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the TGP groups displayed reduced SCr， BUN， spleen index， and kidney index （P<0.05）， relieved pathological damage and fibrosis in renal tissues， decreased serum levels of IFN-α， IL-4， and ANA （P<0.05）， increased level of IL-2， and declining mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the kidney and spleen （P<0.05）. ConclusionTGP may inhibit the expression of downstream inflammatory factors to regulate immunity and resist SLE-induced renal injury by regulating the TLR9/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Mechanism of Scutellariae Radix-Paeoniae Radix Rubra Combination of Different Proportions Against Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Scutellariae Radix （SR）-Paeoniae Radix Rubra （PRR） combination of different proportions on the expression of the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor κB （NF-κB） and phosphatidylinositol kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathways in liver tissues of rats with hepatic fibrosis and explore the mechanism against hepatic fibrosis. MethodSixty male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal group， a model group， a positive control （silymarin） group， and SR-PRR 1∶1， SR-PRR 1∶2， and SR-PRR 1∶4 groups， with 10 rats in each group. The hepatic fibrosis model was induced in rats except for those in the normal group by intraperitoneal injection of 40% tetrachloromethane （CCl4）-olive oil solution at 3 mL·kg-1， 5 mL·kg-1 for the first time， for 8 weeks， twice per week. After 4 weeks， rats were treated correspondingly at 10 mL·kg-1 by intragastric administration， and the body weight of rats in each group was weighed for 8 weeks. After administration， histopathological changes in the liver were observed. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， hyaluronic acid （HA）， laminin （LN）， albumin （ALB）， alkaline phosphatase （AKP）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities， malondialdehyde （MDA）， and hydroxyproline （HYP） content in liver tissues were detected. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， PI3K， Akt， and mTOR in the liver of rats were detected by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the model group， SR-PRR combination of different proportions could recover the body weight and improve the pathological injury of the liver. As revealed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） results， compared with the normal group， the model group showed increased ALT， AST， HA， LN， AKP， MDA， and HYP levels to different degrees （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the groups with drug intervention showed decreased levels of ALT， AST， HA， LN， AKP， MDA， and HYP， potentiated SOD activity， and increased level of ALB （P<0.05）. As revealed by Real-time PCR results， compared with the normal group， the model group showed increased mRNA expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， PI3K， Akt， and mTOR （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the groups with drug intervention showed reduced mRNA expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， PI3K， Akt， and mTOR in the liver of rats （P<0.05）. ConclusionSR-PRR combination of different proportions can improve the histopathological injury in liver tissues caused by CCl4， with the optimal effect observed in the SR-PRR 1∶4 group. SR-PRR may inhibit the development of liver fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways， thereby alleviating chemical-induced liver injury.

Qiling Tongluo Prescription Improves Renal Injury in Rats with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy by Inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qiling Tongluo prescription against idiopathic membranous nephropathy （IMN） in rats based on Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear transcription factor-κB （TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group， model group， benazepril hydrochloride （10 mg·kg-1） group， and low-，medium-， and high-dose （6.48， 12.95， and 25.9 g·kg-1） Qiling Tongluo prescription groups. The IMN rat model was established by injection of cationized bovine serum albumin （C-BSA） into the tail vein. After the model was successfully prepared， the rats were gavaged with the corresponding drugs， once a day， for four consecutive weeks. After the treatment， the pathological changes in rat kidneys were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， Masson staining， and periodic acid-silver metheramine （PASM） staining， followed by the detection of 24 h urinary total protein （24 h UTP）， plasma albumin （ALB）， total serum protein （TP）， serum creatinine （SCr）， urea nitrogen （BUN）， and uric acid （UA） levels. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB in the kidney tissue were assayed by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， immunohistochemistry （IHC）， and Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited elevated 24 h UTP and serum SCr， BUN， UA， IL-1β， and IL-6 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased ALB and TP （P<0.01）， up-regulated TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression in kidney tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， obvious inflammation， disordered glomerular structure with enlarged volume， irregularly thickened basement membrane， inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal interstitium， reduced renal tubular epithelial cells due to shedding and apoptosis， and some vacuolar degeneration. Compared with the model group， benazepril hydrochloride and Qiling Tongluo prescription at the high dose remarkably lowered the serum SCr and UA （P<0.05） and increased ALB and TP （P<0.05）. Benazepril hydrochloride and Qiling Tongluo prescription at the low， medium， and high doses down-regulated the 24 h UTP， serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels， and renal TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression to varying degrees （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated IMN inflammatory reaction， glomerular swelling， and volume increase， slightly dilated glomerular capillaries， proliferated mesangial matrix， and relieved pathological and morphological damages in rat kidney， with inflammatory cell infiltration occasionally observed. ConclusionQiling Tongluo prescription may reduce the release and expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit the inflammatory response in IMN rats， ameliorate proteinuria and kidney damage， and protect kidney function.

Dahuang Lingxian Prescription Regulates Effect of TAK1 and TRAF6 Interaction and Co-localization on Inflammatory Response of Bile Duct Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the repair effect of Dahuanglingxian prescription （DHLX） on bile duct epithelial cells of rats. To explore whether its mechanism of action is to adjust the mutual binding of transforming growth factor -β （TGF-β） activated kinase 1（TAK1） and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 （TRAF6）， and regulate the activation of the nuclear transcription factor -κB （NF-κB）/mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway. MethodThe 20 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group and DHLX group， 10 rats in each group， were given saline and DHLX （320 mg·kg-1·d-1） for 8 days， to prepare normal serum and DHLX serum. Biliary epithelial cells were extracted from normal SD rats and divided into 9 groups： Normal group， model group （20 mg·L-1）， LPS+DHLX group （20 mg·L-1+10% DHLX）， LPS+PDTC group （20 mg·L-1+200 μmol·L-1）， LPS+SB203580 group （20 mg·L-1+0.5 μmol·L-1）， LPS+PDTC+SB203580 group （20 mg·L-1+200 μmol·L-1+0.5 μmol·L-1）， LPS+PDTC+DHLX group （20 mg·L-1+200 μmol·L-1+10% DHLX serum）， LPS+SB203580+DHLX group （20 mg·L-1+0.5 μmol·L-1+10% DHLX serum）， LPS+PDTC+SB203580 +DHLX group （20 mg·L-1+200 μmol·L-1+0.5 μmol·L-1+10% DHLX serum）. The microscopic observation of morphological changes in each group of cells after drug intervention. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to detect the expression of （IL）-1β and IL-6 in each group of cells. Western blot detected the expression levels of TAK1 and TRAF6 proteins in each group of cells， Co-IP detected the interaction between TAK1 and TRAF6， and further observed the distribution and co-localization of TAK1 and TRAF6 using Laser confocal microscope. ResultAfter the action of LPS， the cell synapses are reduced， the cell body becomes significantly rounded and smaller， but the cell morphology of each group tends to be normal after medication. Compared with normal group， the expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in model group were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while the expression level of TAK1 was decreased while the expression level of TRAF6 was increased （P<0.05）. The content of TAK1-TRAF6 protein complex showed a decreasing trend， and the two proteins co-located in the cytoplasm. Compared with model group， the expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in LPS+DHLX group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， the expression level of TAK1 was increased and the expression level of TRAF6 was decreased （P<0.05）， the content of TAK1-TRAF6 protein complex was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the two proteins were significantly co-located in cytoplasm. Compared with LPS+DHLX group， the expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in other groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. TAK1-TRAF6 protein complex content in each group was significantly decreased after pathway blocker intervention （P<0.05）， while TAK1-TRAF6 protein complex content in each group was significantly increased after pathway blocker combined with DHLX intervention （P<0.05）. Co-localization of the TAK1-TRAF6 in cytoplasm was not obvious. ConclusionIn the LPS-induced inflammatory response of bile duct cells， the binding of TAK1 and TRAF6 showed a weakening trend， but DHLX could reverse the phenomenon， we think the mechanism of action may be related to promoting the mutual binding of TAK1 and TARF6 to inhibit the activation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.

Effect and Mechanism of Xianlian Jiedu Prescription Against Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer Cells in Hypoxic Microenvironment / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP） on the activation of nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway induced by bromodomain-containing protein 4 （Brd4） in hypoxic microenvironment and to explore its mechanism in inhibiting the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. MethodThe human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells were cultured in a hypoxic incubator or normoxia incubator and treated with XLJDP at 0.8，1，1.2，1.6，3.2，6.4，and 12.8 g·L-1 for 48 h， respectively. Following the detection of cell vitality using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） colorimetry， the effects of XLJDP （1.25，2.5，and 5 g·L-1） on the cell mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using a fluorescent probe （JC-1）， and the apoptosis of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The cell colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine （EDU） staining were conducted to test the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. The Western blot was carried out to measure the expression levels of Brd4 and its downstream relevant proteins such as c-Myc and hexamethylene bisacetamide-inducible protein 1 （HEXIM1）， as well as the effects of XLJDP on related proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathway. ResultCompared with the blank control group， XLJDP at 0.8，1，1.2，1.6，3.2，6.4，and 12.8 g·L-1 inhibited the vitality of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells （P<0.05 ， P<0.01）， with the median inhibitory concentration （IC50） under the hypoxic condition higher than that under the normoxia condition. Compared with the blank control group， XLJDP at 1.25，2.5，and 5 g·L-1 significantly decreased the mitochondria membrane potential， enhanced the apoptosis （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and lowered the number of cell colonies and also the EDU-positive cells （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The results of Western blot showed that compared with the blank control group， XLJDP at 1.25，2.5，and 5 g·L-1 down-regulated Brd4， c-Myc， p-NF-κB p65， and p-IκBα protein expression to varying degrees and up-regulated the expression of HEXIM1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionIn the hypoxic microenvironment， XLJDP inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells regulated by Brd4， which may be related to its inhibition of the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effect of Wuwei Xiaoduyin on NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Rat Mesangial Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Wuwei Xiaoduyin in treating rat renal mesangial cells （HBZY-1） induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） through the nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodRat HBZY-1 cells were randomly assigned into the normal group， model group， benazepril （50 μmol·L-1） group， and high- and low-dose （2.75 and 0.69 g·kg-1） Wuwei Xiaoduyin groups. The normal group， model group， and benazepril group were treated with 10% normal rat serum， and the Wuwei Xiaoduyin groups with 10% medicated serum. Except the normal group， the other four groups were treated with LPS （100 ng·mL-1） for modeling in vitro. The changes of cell morphology were observed under optical microscope. The expression of NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence （IF） method. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） colorimetry was employed to detect cytotoxicity and cell proliferation. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， laminin （LN）， and fibronectin （FN） in cell supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA levels of IL-1β， FN， and NF-κB p65 were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κB kinase β （p-IKKβ）， phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor （p-IκBα）， and NF-κB p65 were determined by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the modeling increased cell proliferation （P<0.01）， elevated the levels of IL-1β， ICAM-1， LN， and FN in cell supernatant （P<0.01）， and up-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β， FN， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.01） and the protein levels of p-IKKβ， p-IκBα， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.01）. Such changes were recovered by benazepril and Wuwei Xiaoduyin （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionWuwei Xiaoduyin can mitigate the inflammatory injury of renal mesangial cells induced by LPS by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Every-other-day fasting attenuated inflammation in rats after spinal cord injury via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/suppressor of cytokine signaling 2/nuclear transcription factor-κB signaling pathway / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor/suppressor of cytokine signaling 2/nuclear transcription factor-κB (AHR/SOCS2/NF-κB) signaling in the reduction of spinal cord injury (SCI) inflammation with every-other-day fasting (EODF). MethodsA total of 36 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 12), model group (n = 12) and EODF group (n = 12). The latter two groups were established C5 spinal cord hemi-clamp model. The EODF group received EODF, namely fasting and feeding per 24 hours (water free), for two weeks after operation. They were assessed with Grooming Test before operation, and one, seven and 14 days after operationt, respectively. Pathological injury of spinal cord was observed with HE staining 14 days after operation, while the expression of AHR, SOCS2 and NF-κB proteins were detected with Western blotting, and the mRNA of AHR, SOCS2, inhibitor α of NF-κB (IκBα), NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured with reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the Grooming Test score decreased in the other two groups (P < 0.05), and cavity, edema and structural disorder appeared in the spinal cord. Compared with the model group, the pathology of EODF group improved, and the Grooming Test score increased (P < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of AHR and SOCS2 increased (P < 0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB decreased (P < 0.05), the mRNA expression of IκBα increased (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased (P < 0.05). ConclusionEODF may promote the recovery of motor function of forelimb in rats with SCI, and relieve damage and inflammation, which may associate with the activation of AHR/SOCS2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of NF-κB/NOX1 signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced apoptosis of A549 cells / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/amide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1(NOX1) signaling pathway in tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) induced apoptosis of A549 cells. METHODS: i) A549 cells were stimulated with TNF-α at the concentrations of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 nmol/L. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability to screen the optimal stimulating concentration of TNF-α. ii) A549 cells at logarithmic growth stage were randomly divided into four groups, the control group, the TNF-α group, the BAY11-7082(NF-κB inhibitor) group and the TNF-α+BAY11-7082 group. The cells in the control group were not treated. The TNF-α and BAY11-7082 groups were stimulated with 0.50 nmol/L TNF-α and 5 μmol/L BAY11-7082, respectively. The TNF-α+BAY11-7082 group was stimulated by both TNF-α and BAY11-7082. After 24 hours of culture, the cell survival rate was detected by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptotic rate, and Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression of NF-κB(p65) and NOX1 proteins. RESULTS: i) When A549 cells were stimulated with TNF-α at the concentration of 0.50 nmol/L, the cell proliferative activity was reduced and the cell apoptosis was promoted. This concentration was selected as the stimulation dose of TNF-α in subsequent experiments. ii) The survival rate of A549 cells in the TNF-α group decreased(P<0.05), the apoptotic rate and the protein expressions of NF-κB(p65) and NOX1 increased in TNF-α group(all P<0.05) compared with the control group. In BAY11-7082 group, the survival rate and the relative expression of NF-κB(p65) and NOX1 of A549 cells were decreased(all P<0.05), and the apoptotic rate of A549 cells was increased(P<0.05) compared with the control group. A549 cells in TNF-α+BAY11-7082 group changed from a long spindle shape to an irregular one. The cell survival rate increased(P<0.05), the apoptotic rate and the relative expression of NF-κB(p65) and NOX1 decreased(all P<0.05) compared with the TNF-α group. CONCLUSION: NF-κB/NOX1 signaling pathway is involved in A549 cells apoptosis induced by TNF-α.

Effect and Mechanism of Yuxuebi Tablet Against Collagen-Induced Arthritis of Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the intervention effect of Yuxuebi tablet （YXB） on collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） in rats and its anti-inflammatory mechanism. Method:Following CIA modeling， the rats in the drug administration groups were separately treated with intragastric administration of YXB （0.1， 0.2， and 0.4 g·kg^-1） and methotrexate （MTX， 0.4 mg·kg^-1）， once a day. The incidence of CIA， mechanical pain threshold （MPT） and cold pain threshold （CPT） were evaluated once every three days. After continuous administration for 30 days， the peripheral blood of rats was collected for the determination of platelet （PLT） count and fibrinogen （FIB） content. The hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was conducted to analyze the pathological changes in joint tissues. The protein expression levels of interleukin （IL）-1<italic>β</italic>， IL-8， nuclear transcription factor-<italic>κ</italic>B （NF-<italic>κ</italic>B） p65， phosphorylated NF-<italic>κ</italic>B （p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B） p65， Ras， and Raf-1 in joint tissues of CIA rats were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot. The rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes （RA-FLS） were induced by tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>， 10 μg·L^-1） <italic>in vitro</italic> and then subjected to transwell migration/invasion assay， followed by the detection of protein expression levels of Ras， Raf-1， and p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in RA-FLS by Western blot. Result:Compared with the control group， the model group exhibited an increased incidence of CIA， significantly decreased MPT （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， elevated CPT （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and PLT and FIB in the peripheral blood， worsened histopathological score of joints， enhanced RA-FLS migration and invasion， and up-regulated inflammatory factors （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The comparison with the model group revealed that YXB at different doses obviously reduced the incidence of CIA， increased MPT， down-regulated CPT and PLT and FIB in the peripheral blood （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， ameliorated the pathological changes like synovial hyperplasia and bone and cartilage destruction （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and inhibited RA-FLS migration and invasion. Besides， the low-， medium-， and high-dose YXB reversed the IL-1<italic>β</italic>， IL-8， Ras， Raf-1， and p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 expression in joint tissues of CIA rats to different extents， as well as the protein expression of Ras， Raf-1 and p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in RA-FLS （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:YXB reduces the incidence of CIA， ameliorates the clinical symptoms of RA and the pathological changes in joint tissues， and inhibits the formation of synovium， which may be attributed to its inhibition against Ras/Raf-1/NF-<italic>κ</italic>B signaling pathway.

Mechanism of Dahuang Zhechongwan in Inhibiting Silicosis in Mice via p38 MAPK/NF-κB/TGF-β1 Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effects and mechanism of Chinese classical prescription Dahuang Zhechongwan on silicosis in mice. Method:Thirty-six male Kunming mice of SPF grade were randomized into the normal control group， model control group， tetrandrine （Tet， 0.039 mg·kg^-1） group， as well as high- （1.560 g·kg^-1）， medium- （0.780 g·kg^-1）， and low-dose （0.390 g·kg^-1） Dahuang Zhechongwan groups， with six mice in each group. Mice in all groups except for the normal control group underwent static inhalation of silica （SiO₂） dust for 40 consecutive days to induce fibrosis. After 28 days of intervention with corresponding drugs， the mice were sacrificed to collect the serum and lung tissues， with the former used for detecting tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>）， interleukin-1<italic>β </italic>（IL-1<italic>β</italic>）， IL-6， and hydroxyproline （HYP） levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and the latter for observing the pathological changes. Meanwhile， the protein and mRNA expression levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）， nuclear transcription factor-<italic>κ</italic>B （NF-<italic>κ</italic>B）， transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， <italic>α</italic>-smooth muscle actin （<italic>α</italic>-SMA）， Smad2， Smad3， and Smad7 in the lung tissues were determined by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Result:Compared with the normal group， the contents of TNF-<italic>α</italic>， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， IL-6 and HYP in the model group were significantly increased， the difference was statistically significant（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）； compared with the model group， the high-dose group of Dahuang Zhechongwan could significantly reduce the contents of TNF-<italic>α</italic>， IL-6 and HYP in the serum of mice（<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， indicating that Dahuang Zhechongwan could reduce the lung inflammation of silicosis mice. At the same time， compared with the normal group， the protein and mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， <italic>α</italic>-SMA， Smad2 and Smad3 in the model group were significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the protein and mRNA expression levels of Smad7 were significantly decreased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）； compared with the model group， the protein and mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， <italic>α</italic>-SMA， Smad2 and Smad3 in the high-dose Dahuang Zhechongwan group were significantly increased the protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while Smad7 protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Dahuang Zhechongwan ameliorates the alveolar inflammation， extracellular matrix （ECM） deposition， and fibrosis in mice with silicosis possibly by regulating the p38 MAPK/NF-<italic>κ</italic>B/TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ pathway.