Effects of in vivo targeted carboxylesterase 1f gene knockdown on the Kupffer cells polarization activity in mice with acute liver failure / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of targeted carboxylesterase 1f (Ces1f) gene knockdown on the polarization activity of Kupffer cells (KC) induced by lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN) in mice with acute liver failure. Methods: The complex siRNA-EndoPorter formed by combining the small RNA (siRNA) carrying the Ces1f-targeting interference sequence and the polypeptide transport carrier (Endoporter) was wrapped in β-1, 3-D glucan shell to form complex particles (GeRPs). Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group (LPS/D-GalN), a pretreatment group (GeRPs), a pretreatment model group (GeRPs+LPS/D-GalN), and an empty vector group (EndoPorter). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect Ces1f mRNA and protein expression levels in the liver tissues of each mouse group. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression levels of KC M1 polarization phenotypic differentiation cluster 86(CD86) mRNA and KC M2 polarization phenotypic differentiation cluster 163 (CD163) mRNA in each group. Immunofluorescence double staining technique was used to detect the expression of Ces1f protein and M1/M2 polarization phenotype CD86/CD163 protein in KC. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological damage to liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the means among multiple groups, or an independent sample nonparametric rank sum test was used when the variances were uneven. Results: The relative expression levels of Ces1f mRNA/protein in liver tissue of the normal control group, model group, pretreatment group, and pretreatment model group were 1.00 ± 0.00, 0.80 ± 0.03/0.80 ± 0.14, 0.56 ± 0.08/0.52 ± 0.13, and 0.26 ± 0.05/0.29 ± 0.13, respectively, and the differences among the groups were statistically significant (F = 9.171/3.957, 20.740/9.315, 34.530/13.830, P < 0.01). The percentages of Ces1f-positive Kupffer cells in the normal control group, model group, pretreatment group, and pretreatment model group were 91.42%, ± 3.79%, 73.85% ± 7.03%, 48.70% ± 5.30%, and 25.68% ± 4.55%, respectively, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (F = 6.333, 15.400, 23.700, P < 0.01). The relative expression levels of CD86 mRNA in the normal control group, model group, and pretreatment model group were 1.00 ± 0.00, 2.01 ± 0.04, and 4.17 ± 0.14, respectively, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (F = 33.800, 106.500, P < 0.01). The relative expression levels of CD163 mRNA in the normal control group, the model group, and the pretreatment model group were 1.00 ± 0.00, 0.85 ± 0.01, and 0.65 ± 0.01, respectively, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (F = 23.360, 55.350, P < 0.01). The percentages of (F4/80(+)CD86(+)) and (F4/80(+)CD163(+)) in the normal control group and model group and pretreatment model group were 10.67% ± 0.91% and 12.60% ± 1.67%, 20.02% ± 1.29% and 8.04% ± 0.76%, and 43.67% ± 2.71% and 5.43% ± 0.47%, respectively, and the differences among the groups were statistically significant (F = 11.130/8.379, 39.250/13.190, P < 0.01). The liver injury scores of the normal control group, the model group, and the pretreatment model group were 0.22 ± 0.08, 1.32 ± 0.36, and 2.17 ± 0.26, respectively, and the differences among the groups were statistically significant (F = 12.520 and 22.190, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Ces1f may be a hepatic inflammatory inhibitory molecule, and its inhibitory effect production may come from the molecule's maintenance of KC polarization phenotypic homeostasis.

Megavoltage radiotherapy effects on organs of the reticuloendothelial system

Purpose: To study the uptake capacity of cells from the reticuloendothelial system after irradiation with high-energy X-rays. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats were distributed in three groups: group A (n = 6): control, unirradiated animals studied alongside animals from group B; group B (n = 6) and group C (n = 6): animals irradiated and studied after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The rats were anesthetized and placed on a 10 MV linear accelerator. Next, they were irradiated in the abdominal region, with 8 Gy. Twenty-four (groups A and B) and 48 hours later (group C), a colloidal carbon solution (1 mL/kg) was intravenously injected in the tail vein. Fifty minutes later, the spleens and livers were withdrawn and prepared to be studied. Kupffer cells and splenic macrophages containing carbon pigments were counted in an optical microscope. Arithmetic means were calculated for each group and compared among them. Results: X-rays were associated with a reduced number of Kupffer cells containing colloidal carbon, proliferation and enlargement of biliary ducts, hypoplasia, and hepatocyte necrosis. In the irradiated spleen, the colloidal carbon uptake was concentrated in the marginal zone around the white pulp, with an inexpressive uptake of pigments by macrophages from white and red pulps. Conclusions: The X-rays in the rat abdomen are associated with a reduction in the Kupffer cells uptake of colloidal carbon, hepatocyte disorders, bile duct proliferation, and splenic uptake of colloidal carbon concentrated in the marginal zone.

The role of TNF-α/TNFR1 inhibiting autophagy of M1-type Kupffer cells in liver injury in trichloroethylene-sensitized mice / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To detect the expression levels of M1-type polarization and autophagy-related indicators in the liver of trichloroethylene (TCE) -sensitized mice, and to explore the role of liver tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) in regulating M1-type Kupffer cells autophagy in liver injury in TCE-sensitized mice. Methods: In November 2019, according to simple random grouping, 45 SPF grade BALB/c female mice (6-8 weeks old) were divided into 4 groups: blank control group (n=5) , solvent control group (n=5) , TCE treatment group (n=18) , TCE+R7050 (inhibitor) treatment group (n=17) . Transdermally sensitized mice, 24 h after the last challenge, the mice were divided into TCE sensitized group and TCE non-sensitized group according to the skin reaction score. The livers of mice were harvested, and the pathological changes of the livers were observed under light and electron microscopes. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of TNF-α, TNFR1 and autophagy-related indexes. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) , a marker of M1-type Kupffer cells, was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the occurrence of autophagy in M1-type Kupffer cells was detected by immunofluorescence double-labeling method. Results: The sensitization rate of TCE treatment group was 38.9% (7/18) , and TCE+R7050 treatment group was 35.3% (6/17) , with no significant difference between the two groups (P=1.000) . Compared with the blank control group, mice in the TCE sensitized group had abnormal liver ocytes, obvious liver injury, reduced mitochondria and broken endoplasmic reticulum. Western blotting results showed that the expressions of TNF-α and TNFR1 protein in the liver of the mice in the TCE sensitized group increased, the expression of iNOS protein in M1-type Kupffer cells increased, and the expressions of autophagic microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3 (LC3B) and Beclin1 protein were decreased (P<0.05) . The results of immunohistochemistry showed that iNOS was not significantly expressed in the blank control group and solvent control group, and a small amount of expression was found in the TCE non-sensitized group, the positive staining area was obvious in TCE sensitized group, and the expression of iNOS was significantly increased (P<0.05) . Immunofluorescence results showed that the iNOS protein levels in the blank control group, solvent control group and TCE non-sensitized group were lower, and only partially colocalized with P62; the colocalization of iNOS with P62 in the TCE sensitized group was significantly increased. Conclusion: TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling pathway may promote liver injury in TCE-sensitized mice by inhibiting autophagy of M1-type Kupffer cells.

Inhibitory effect of lidocaine on Kupffer cell inflammatory response and its effect on liver abscess formation in diabetic mice / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate whether lidocaine can reverse Kupffer cell dysfunction in diabetic mice, as well as the mechanism of lidocaine in affecting liver abscess formation by improving the phagocytic function of Kupffer cells. Methods C57BLKS/J db/db mice were divided into diabetes control group and diabetes+lidocaine group, and C57BLKS/J db/m mice were divided into non-diabetes control group and non-diabetes+lidocaine group, with 5 mice in each group. All mice were fed with the suspension of Klebsiella pneumoniae . Kupffer cells were collected from each group and were cultured in vitro; an electron microscope was used to measure the change in ultrastructure, and Kupffer c ells were measured in terms of the levels of inflammatory mediators, the expression level of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), the chemotactic function of neutrophils, and phagocytic function; liver abscess formation was also observed. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Results Compared with the non-diabetic mice, the diabetic mice had significant reductions in mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum, endoplasmic reticulum dilation, mitochondrial swelling, and an increase in lipid droplets in Kupffer cells. Compared with the non-diabetes control group, the diabetes control group had significant increases in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) (4.95±0.06 μmol/L vs 1.34±0.13 μmol/L, P 0.05). Compared with the diabetes control group, the diabetes+lidocaine group had significant reductions in the levels of NO (3.35±0.28 μmol/L vs 4.95±0.06 μmol/L, P 0.05). Conclusion Lidocaine can inhibit Kupffer cell inflammatory response and improve the phagocytic function of Kupffer cells in diabetic mice, thereby exerting a protective effect on Kupffer cells, but it had no effect on liver abscess formation.

Association between the Wnt signaling pathway and hepatic fibrosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a self-healing pathological process after all kinds of chronic liver injuries and can cause diseases such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The Wnt signaling pathway is highly conserved in species evolution and widely exists in invertebrates and vertebrates, and many studies have confirmed that the Wnt signaling pathway is closely associated with the development and progression of HF. This article reviews the mechanisms of the classical and non-classical Wnt signaling pathways in regulating hepatic stellate cells, hepatic macrophages, and hepatic progenitor cells, so as to provide new ideas for subsequent studies on the mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathway in regulating HF and further exploration of therapeutic targets that can reverse HF.

Role of Kupffer cells in the development and progression of primary biliary cholangitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

The incidence rate of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is increasing year by year, but there is still no specific medicine at present and PBC has a complex pathogenesis. Kupffer cells, as the key cells involved in immunoregulation, play an important role in PBC. When hepatocytes are damaged, Kupffer cells will be activated and release a large amount of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which participate in the development and progression of PBC. This article briefly reviews the role of Kupffer cells in PBC, so as to provide a theoretical basis for Kupffer cells as a potential target for the treatment of PBC.

Chronic Toxicity of Tanreqing Injection in Beagle Dogs / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the possible toxicity of long-term intravenous injection of Tanreqing injection in Beagle dogs， so as to provide experimental data for its clinical safe medication. Method:A total of 32 Beagle dogs （16 males and 16 females） were randomly divided into the low- （2.5 mL·kg^-1）， medium- （5.0 mL·kg^-1）， and high-dose （10.0 mL·kg^-1） Tanreqing injection groups and control group according to their body mass indices， with eight dogs in each group. In the waking state， the dogs were treated with intravenous injection of corresponding drugs into the medial cephalic vein of forelimb for 13 weeks， followed by four-week drug withdrawal. After the observation of general condition， body mass， and food consumption， the Beagle dogs were subjected to electrocardiography， ophthalmoscopy， hematological examination， serum biochemistry， and blood coagulation test in the middle of medication （week 6）， at the end of medication （week 13）， and during recovery （week 17）. Then the gross anatomy was conducted for calculating the major organ coefficients and observing the histopathological changes. Result:No obvious toxic reaction was found in each group， but the decreased fibrinogen and increased Kupffer's cells phagocytizing yellow-brown pigment in hepatic sinusoids were observed in the high-dose Tanreqing injection group following three months of medication. Reduction of fibrinogen was not observed in recovery period， but Kupffer's cells that phagocytized yellow-brown pigment still existed. Conclusion:The intravenous injection of Tanreqing injection at 2.50 mL·kg^-1（low dose）， 5.00 mL·kg^-1 （medium dose） or 10.00 mL·kg^-1（high dose） for three months in Beagle dogs resulted in no obvious toxic reaction. However， it is still suggested to test the liver function and blood coagulation after long-term administration of high-dose Tanreqing injection.

Research advances in Kupffer cells participating in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of primary liver cancer with high mortality worldwide. Among the common malignant tumors in China, HCC ranks fourth in terms of incidence rate and ranks second in terms of mortality, which seriously threatens the health and life safety of the Chinese people. This article mainly introduces the dual role of Kupffer cells (KCs) in HCC and briefly describes its interaction with liver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells and related targeted treatment methods. The analysis shows that in-depth research on KCs in the regulation of HCC helps to provide new ideas for further treatment of HCC.

Research advances in Kupffer cells participating in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of primary liver cancer with high mortality worldwide. Among the common malignant tumors in China, HCC ranks fourth in terms of incidence rate and ranks second in terms of mortality, which seriously threatens the health and life safety of the Chinese people. This article mainly introduces the dual role of Kupffer cells (KCs) in HCC and briefly describes its interaction with liver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells and related targeted treatment methods. The analysis shows that in-depth research on KCs in the regulation of HCC helps to provide new ideas for further treatment of HCC.

Different Gestational Age Related Histogenesis Of Human Foetal Liver

Introduction: Liver is an important gland of gastrointestinal tract having both exocrine and endocrine functionsand it is having the extensive power of regeneration. Not only the adult liver, the foetal liver is an important organwith synthetic and haemopoietic functions. It develops as a ventral outgrowth During 3rd week of gestational agefrom the gut endoderm in the region of the anterior intestinal portal.Materials and Methods: We used Total of 27 formalin Preserved dead embryos and foetuses from 5weeks to 40Weeks of gestational age of both the sexes with relevant obstetric records available in the department ofAnatomy, Viswabharathi Medical College, Penchikalapadu, Kurnool for this study.Results: In the present study a total of 27 aborted embryos and foetuses of different gestational ages of bothsexes of normal and abnormal were observed (table -1). The liver specimens are categorized in to gestational agegroups of 0 – 12 weeks, 12 – 24 weeks, 24 – 36 weeks and more than 36 weeks.Conclusion: At 5-6weeks of gestational age we observed the aggregation of hepatocytes and early stage ofhaemopoiesis which is in agreement with literature. Delay in the Histogenesis and development of the liver cellsand bile duct system leads to histopathological and developmental abnormalities gives knowledge to theclinicians during clinical procedures.

Early use of dexamethasone increases Nr4a1 in Kupffer cells ameliorating acute liver failure in mice in a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent manner / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE@#Acute liver failure (ALF) is a type of disease with high mortality and rapid progression with no specific treatment methods currently available. Glucocorticoids exert beneficial clinical effects on therapy for ALF. However, the mechanism of this effect remains unclear and when to use glucocorticoids in patients with ALF is difficult to determine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the specific immunological mechanism of dexamethasone (Dex) on treatment of ALF induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GaIN) in mice.@*METHODS@#Male C57BL/6 mice were given LPS and D-GaIN by intraperitoneal injection to establish an animal model of ALF. Dex was administrated to these mice and its therapeutic effect was observed. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to determine liver pathology. Multicolor flow cytometry, cytometric bead array (CBA) method, and next-generation sequencing were performed to detect changes of messenger RNA (mRNA) in immune cells, cytokines, and Kupffer cells, respectively.@*RESULTS@#A mouse model of ALF can be constructed successfully using LPS/D-GaIN, which causes a cytokine storm in early disease progression. Innate immune cells change markedly with progression of liver failure. Earlier use of Dex, at 0 h rather than 1 h, could significantly improve the progression of ALF induced by LPS/D-GaIN in mice. Numbers of innate immune cells, especially Kupffer cells and neutrophils, increased significantly in the Dex-treated group. In vivo experiments indicated that the therapeutic effect of Dex is exerted mainly via the glucocorticoid receptor (Gr). Sequencing of Kupffer cells revealed that Dex could increase mRNA transcription level of nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (Nr4a1), and that this effect disappeared after Gr inhibition.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In LPS/D-GaIN-induced ALF mice, early administration of Dex improved ALF by increasing the numbers of innate immune cells, especially Kupffer cells and neutrophils. Gr-dependent Nr4a1 upregulation in Kupffer cells may be an important ALF effect regulated by Dex in this process.

Early use of dexamethasone increases Nr4a1 in Kupffer cells ameliorating acute liver failure in mice in a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent manner / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Background and objective: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a type of disease with high mortality and rapid progression with no specific treatment methods currently available. Glucocorticoids exert beneficial clinical effects on therapy for ALF. However, the mechanism of this effect remains unclear and when to use glucocorticoids in patients with ALF is difficult to determine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the specific immunological mechanism of dexamethasone (Dex) on treatment of ALF induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/d-galactosamine (d-GaIN) in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were given LPS and d-GaIN by intraperitoneal injection to establish an animal model of ALF. Dex was administrated to these mice and its therapeutic effect was observed. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to determine liver pathology. Multicolor flow cytometry, cytometric bead array (CBA) method, and next-generation sequencing were performed to detect changes of messenger RNA (mRNA) in immune cells, cytokines, and Kupffer cells, respectively. Results: A mouse model of ALF can be constructed successfully using LPS/d-GaIN, which causes a cytokine storm in early disease progression. Innate immune cells change markedly with progression of liver failure. Earlier use of Dex, at 0 h rather than 1 h, could significantly improve the progression of ALF induced by LPS/d-GaIN in mice. Numbers of innate immune cells, especially Kupffer cells and neutrophils, increased significantly in the Dex-treated group. In vivo experiments indicated that the therapeutic effect of Dex is exerted mainly via the glucocorticoid receptor (Gr). Sequencing of Kupffer cells revealed that Dex could increase mRNA transcription level of nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (Nr4a1), and that this effect disappeared after Gr inhibition. Conclusions: In LPS/d-GaIN-induced ALF mice, early administration of Dex improved ALF by increasing the numbers of innate immune cells, especially Kupffer cells and neutrophils. Gr-dependent Nr4a1 upregulation in Kupffer cells may be an important ALF effect regulated by Dex in this process.

A Brazilian regional basic diet-induced chronic malnutrition drives liver inflammation with higher ApoA-I activity in C57BL6J mice

Malnutrition is still considered endemic in many developing countries. Malnutrition-enteric infections may cause lasting deleterious effects on lipid metabolism, especially in children living in poor settings. The regional basic diet (RBD), produced to mimic the Brazilian northeastern dietary characteristics (rich in carbohydrate and low in protein) has been used in experimental malnutrition models, but few studies have explored the effect of chronic RBD on liver function, a central organ involved in cholesterol metabolism. This study aimed to investigate whether RBD leads to liver inflammatory changes and altered reverse cholesterol metabolism in C57BL6/J mice compared to the control group, receiving a standard chow diet. To evaluate liver inflammation, ionized calcium-binding adapter protein-1 (IBA-1) positive cell counting, interleukin (IL)-1β immunohistochemistry, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 transcription levels were analyzed. In addition, we assessed reverse cholesterol transport by measuring liver apolipoprotein (Apo)E, ApoA-I, and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) by RT-PCR. Furthermore, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was measured to assess liver function. RBD markedly impaired body weight gain compared with the control group (P<0.05). Higher hepatic TNF-α (P<0.0001) and IL-10 (P=0.001) mRNA levels were found in RBD-challenged mice, although without detectable non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Marked IBA-1 immunolabeling and increased number of positive-IBA-1 cells were found in the undernourished group. No statistical difference in serum ALT was found. There was also a significant increase in ApoA mRNA expression in the undernourished group, but not ApoE and LCAT, compared with the control. Altogether our findings suggested that chronic RBD-induced malnutrition leads to liver inflammation with increased ApoA-I activity.

Role and mechanism of action of intrahepatic intrinsic antigen-presenting cells in regulating anti-hepatitis B virus immune response / 临床肝胆病杂志

The liver has a unique immune microenvironment, and the intrinsic antigen-presenting cells in the liver interact with each other and form a network to accurately regulate the homeostasis between liver immune tolerance and immune response. During hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, on the one hand, the intrahepatic intrinsic antigen-presenting cells induce immune tolerance to help the virus escape immune clearance and thus result in persistent infection; on the other hand, the maturation and activation of the intrahepatic intrinsic antigen-presenting cells can also mediate effective anti-HBV immune response to achieve virus clearance. This article elaborates on the research advances in the role and mechanism of action of intrahepatic intrinsic antigen-presenting cells in regulating immune response against HBV infection.

Role of hepatic lymphangiogenesis in the progression of liver fibrosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, which may lead to poor prognosis. In addition to pathological angiogenesis and hepatic sinusoid remodeling, hepatic lymphangiogenesis also plays an important role in the progression of liver fibrosis. This article briefly describes lymphatic vessel markers and their expression in the liver, introduces the role of lymphangiogenesis in liver fibrosis, and reviews the role of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) and lymphatic endothelial cells in lymphangiogenesis. It is pointed out lymphangiogenesis may become a potential target for the intervention of liver fibrosis, which plays an important role in the early treatment and reversal of liver fibrosis and the prevention of liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease.

Inhibitory effect of metformin on inflammatory response of Kupffer cells of liver in diabetic mice and its improvement on phagocytic function / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To observe the inhibitory effect of metformin on the inflammatory response of Kupffer cells (KCs) of liver in the diabetic mice, and to explore its improvement on the phagocytic function of KCs, and to elucidate the protective mechanism of metformin on the KCs in the diabetic mice.Methods:The C57BLKS/J db/db mice were divided into diabetes group and diabetes+metformin group, and the C57BLKS/J db/m mice were divided into non-diabetes group and non-diabetes+metformin group, 8mice in each group.The KCs were cultured in vitro and the changes of ultrastrustures of KCs were observed by transmission electron microscope.The levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) , tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) andγ-interferon (INF-γ) in the KCs were detected by ELISA.The expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) protein in the KCs was detected by Western blotting method.Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the neutrophil chemotaxis ability of the KCs, and the phagocytic ability of KCs was observed under inverted microscope.Results:The number of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in the KCs of the diabetic mice was reduced, the RER expanded, the mitochondria swelled, and the lipid droplets were increased.Compared with non-diabetes group, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, INF-γand the expression level of ICAM-1in the KCs of the mice in diabetes group were significantly increased (P＜0.05) ;the neutrophil chemotaxis ability of the KCs was enhanced (P＜0.05) , and the phagocytic ability was decreased (P＜0.05) .Compared with diabetes group, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, INF-γand the expression level of ICAM-1in the KCs in diabetes+metformin group were significantly decreased (P＜0.05) ;the neutrophil chemotaxis ability was decreased (P＜0.05) , and the phagocytic ability was enhanced (P＜0.05) .Conclusion:Metformin can inhibit the inflammatory response of KCs in the diabetic mice and improve its phagocytic function and protect the KCs.

Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on liver graft rejection in rats and the mechanisms / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on the functional status of Kupffer cells (KCs) and immune environment after liver transplantation and explore the possible mechanisms.@*METHODS@#KCs were isolated from rats and assessed for phagocytic activity and viability using ink and Trypan blue staining. The cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone or in combination with PNS treatment at 0, 10 or 20 μmol/L. The expressions of the inflammatory factors and the oxidative stress products in the cells and the supernatant were assayed with Western blotting and ELISA; the expression of CD206 was detected using immunofluorescence assay, and the expressions of NF-κB and Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway proteins were detected using Western blotting. We established an orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) model in rats and assessed the effect of 200 mg/kg PNS on the graft function, inflammatory factors, pathology of the liver tissue, hepatocyte apoptosis and survival time of the rats in comparison with those in rats receiving a sham operation or PBS treatment following LT.@*RESULTS@#Treatment with PNS significantly lowered the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress products and increased the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and SOD in a concentration-dependent manner in the KCs ( < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed that PNS treatment obviously increased the expression of CD206 in the KCs. PNS treatment also significantly reduced the expressions of IRAK4, p-IKK, p-IκB, p-p65 and Keap1 proteins and increased the expression levels of Nrf2 and ARE proteins in the KCs ( < 0.05). In the rat models of LT, PNS treatment significantly improved the liver graft function, lowered the expression of the pro-inflammatory factors, and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis as compared with PBS treatment. PNS treatment obviously alleviated pathological changes in the liver graft and significantly prolonged the survival time of the rats following LT ( < 0.05). In addition, injection of GdCl to block KC function resulted in severe acute graft rejection in the rats regardless of PNS treatment ( > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#PNS can reduce inflammatory response and oxidative stress in activated KCs by inhibiting NF-κB and Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathways and promote the polarization of KCs into M2 phenotype to prolong the survival time of rats after LT.

Preparation of Zoledronate liposome and its impact on apoptosis of Kupffer cells in rat liver

Abstract Purpose: To establish a method for the preparation of zoledronate liposome and to observe its effect on inducing the apoptosis of rat liver Kupffer cells. Methods: Zoledronate was encapsulated in liposomes, and then the entrapment rate was detected on a spectrophotometer. The prepared Zoledronate liposome (0.01 mg/mL) was injected into the tail vein of SD rats. Three days later, the number of Kupffer cells (CD68 positive) in rat liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of the isolated liver Kupffer cell cultured in vitro. Results: The entrapment rate of Zoledronate was 43.4±7.8%. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the number of Kupffer cells was 19.3±2.1 in PBS group and 5.5±1.7 in Zoledronate liposome group, with a significant difference (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of Kupffer cells was 4.1±0.8% in PBS group, while it was 9±2.2% and 23.3±5.9% in Zoledronate liposomes groups with different concentrations of Zoledronate liposome (P<0.05). Conclusions: Zoledronate liposomes can effectively induce the apoptosis of Kupffer cells in vivo and in vitro, and the apoptosis rate is related to the concentration of Zoledronate liposome. To establish a rat liver Kupffer cell apoptosis model can provide a new means for further study on Kupffer cell function.

Progress of DJ-1 protein as target for liver fibrosis treatment / 中国药理学通报

Liver fibrosis occurs prior to cirrhosis and the patho-logical feature is the transitional deposition of extracellular matrix and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Varieties of cytokines and related signaling pathways have been shown to participate in the process of hepatic fibrosis or activation of hepatic stellate cells. In recent years,studies have emerged to reveal the role of tran-scriptional factor DJ-1 in hepatic fibrosis. DJ-1 can relieve the process of hepatic fibrosis by regulating the level of oxidative free radicals in hepatocytes,Kupffer cells and inflammatory cell infil-suggesting DJ-1 as a potential molecular target for hepatic fibrosis treatment. This article provides a comprehensive review of DJ-1 in hepatic fibrosis treatment, including liver fibrosis and oxidative stress, DJ-1 structure and function, mechanism of DJ-1 in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, and therapeutic prospect of targeting DJ-1.

Roles of Kupffer Cell Polarization and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation in Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in NAFLD / 胃肠病学

Background:Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells(HSC)play important roles in the initiation and progression of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver injury. Aims:To investigate the roles of Kupffer cell polarization and HSC activation in the development of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods:C57BL/6 mice were fed with high fat(HF)diet and methionine-choline-deficient(MCD)diet to induce experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver(NAFL)and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),respectively. Liver steatosis,inflammation and fibrosis were determined by histopathological examination through HE staining and Masson staining. Kupffer cell phenotypes and HSC activation were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Expressions of PPAR-γ as well as inflammation-and fibrosis-related genes were measured by real-time PCR. Results:F4/80-positive Kupffer cells, CD11c-positive M1 polarized macrophages and α-SMA-positive HSC were significantly increased in liver tissue of mice with HF diet-induced NAFL and MCD diet-induced NASH(P<0.05),and was more apparent in MCD diet-induced NASH (P<0.05). Expressions of TNF-α and TGF-β1 mRNA in liver tissue were significantly increased in both groups(P<0.05),whereas expressions of α-SMA and Col1 mRNA were significantly increased only in NASH(P<0.05). Hepatic PPAR-γ mRNA expression was significantly increased in NAFL(P<0.05)but significantly decreased in NASH(P<0.05). Conclusions:Hepatic Kupffer cells exists a sustained M1 polarization in the development of NAFLD. Activation of HSC appears in the early stage of NAFLD,and accelerates in the progression of NAFL to NASH. Polarization of Kupffer cells and activation of HSC initiate and promote hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD.