Correlation analysis of serum zonulin, ZO-1, TNF-α with severity of acute pancreatitis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) and the levels of zonulin, zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1), tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF -α) in the peripheral blood of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), and the value of predicting moderate and severe AP.Methods:The clinical data of 115 AP patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into mild group (69 cases) and moderate severe group (46 cases). The blood levels of zonulin, ZO-1, and TNF-α were measured for all patients on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day after admission, and the results of the two group tests were compared. The correlation between zonulin, ZO-1, TNF -α and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) scores on the 1st day was and the value of various indicators for predicting moderate to severe AP were analyzed.Results:The C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of AP patients in the moderate to severe group were higher than those in the mild group, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of zonulin, ZO-1, and TNF -α in AP patients in the moderate to severe group showed an upward trend on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after admission. The levels of zonulin, ZO-1, and TNF -α in AP patients in the moderate to severe group were higher than those in the mild group at the same time point, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The APACHE Ⅱ score of AP patients on the first day of admission was positively correlated with the levels of zonulin, ZO-1, and TNF -α ( r=0.736, 0.552, 0.621, all P<0.05). Zonulin had the highest area under the curve (AUC) for predicting moderate to severe AP, at 0.892, with an optimal threshold of 2.075 pg/ml. Zonulin had the highest sensitivity, at 0.804, and ZO-1 had the highest specificity, at 0.926. Using zonulin ≥2.075 pg/ml, ZO-1≥399.4 ng/ml, and TNF -α≥40.88 pg/ml as thresholds; the sensitivity and specificity obtained from parallel experiments were 0.976 and 0.710, respectively; The sensitivity and specificity obtained from the series of experiments were 0.326 and 0.999, respectively. Conclusions:There is a correlation between the serum levels of zonulin, ZO-1, and TNF -α in AP patients and the severity of AP. Zonulin, ZO-1, and TNF -α have certain clinical value in predicting moderate to severe AP.

Regulation of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction on lung-gut injury and intestinal microflora in sepsis mice / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction (XBCQT) on lung-gut injury and intestinal function, and analyze its effect on intestinal flora in sepsis mice.Methods:C57 male mice were randomly divided into three groups with 12 mice in each group: control group, model group and treatment group. The sepsis model was prepared by intra-peritoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5 mg/kg. XBCQT was administered by gavage 24 h before, 0.5 h after and 12 h after modeling. The lung, colon and blood samples were collected at 24 h after modeling. The pulmonary and intestinal inflammatory cytokine content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. HE staining was used to evaluate the structural damage and changes of lung and gut, and Western blot and Immunohistochemistry methods were used to analyze the expression of occludin and claudin-1 in intestinal epithelium. Finally, the plasma endotoxin content of each group was tested by Limulus test kit. Fecal DNA of mice was extracted and the changes of intestinal flora in sepsis mice were detected by 16S rDNA quantitative PCR. The measurement data among the three groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance.Results:(1) XBCQT significantly reduced the pulmonary inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 expression (all P<0.05), and attenuated lung injury. (2) Compared to the model group, the treatment group exhibited a reduction in intestinal damage and a decrease in the intestinal inflammatory cytokines (all P<0.05). XBCQT increased the expression of epithelial tight junction and mucin of colon, and improved the intestinal epithelium barrier function. (3) XBCQT treatment decreased the content of endotoxin in plasma of sepsis mice ( P<0.05), promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila and reduced the expression of Enterococcus in the intestine of sepsis mice (all P<0.05). Conclusions:XBCQT can significantly improve the intestinal inflammatory injury, regulate the intestine epithelium barrier and improve the intestinal function in sepsis mice.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on the blood-brain barrier via the SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the blood-brain barrier via the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/Forkhead box O1(FoxO1) signaling pathway after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion using a rat model.Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into sham, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR), CIR+ HBO and CIR+ HBO+ EX527 groups, each of 10. The cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model was established in all groups except the sham group by right middle cerebral artery occlusion using the modified thread-occlusion method. The sham group was not ligated. Both the CIR+ HBO and CIR+ HBO+ EX527 groups were given HBO 1, 9, 21, 45 and 69 hours after the reperfusion. The CIR+ HBO+ EX527 group was additionally injected with 5mg/kg of EX527(a SIRT1inhibitor) peritoneally 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the reperfusion. Then 2% Evens blue (EB) was injected into the tail vein an hour before the rats were sacrificed. The content of EB and the expression of SIRT1, FoxO1, ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-5 mRNA and their proteins were determined using spectrophotometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions and Western blotting.Results:The average EB content of the hippocampal brain tissue from the CIR, CIR+ HBO and CIR+ HBO+ EX527 rats was significantly greater than the Sham group′s average 72h after reperfusion. The average expression of SIRT1, FoxO1, ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-5 mRNA and their proteins was significantly lower, with the CIR + HBO + EX 527 group′s average significantly lower than that of the CIR+ HBO group.Conclusions:HBO can increase the expression of tight junction protein via the SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway. It helps to protect the blood-brain barrier in CIR injury situations.

Protective Effect of Ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 Against Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Vitro / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and ginsenoside Rb1 on the release of inflammatory factors of human myeloid leukemia monocytes （THP-1） induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） and their protective effects on the inflammatory injury of intestinal epithelial cells （Caco-2） induced by THP-1 cell activation based on the co-culture system of THP-1 and Caco-2. MethodFirstly，the microfluidic chip of co-culture of THP-1 and Caco-2 cells was prepared. In the experiment， a blank group， an LPS group， and drug intervention groups were set up.The cells in the blank group were cultured conventionally. In the LPS group，LPS （1 mg·L-1） was added to the lower THP-1 cells after the upper Caco-2 cells formed a monolayer barrier. On the basis of the LPS group， 33 mg·L-1 ginsenoside Rg1 and 33 mg·L-1 ginsenoside Rb1 were added to THP-1 cells respectively. After the co-culture of THP-1 cells and Caco-2 cells for 24 hours， the fluorescein isothiocyanate （FITC）-Dextran fluorescence value in the lower chip channel was detected by FITC-Dextran tracer method. A blank group， an LPS group，and drug intervention groups were set up in the THP-1 cell experiment. THP-1 cells in the blank group were cultured conventionally. In the LPS group， LPS （1 mg·L-1） was added to THP-1 cells.Ginsenoside Rg1 and ginsenoside Rb1 of the corresponding doses （11，33，100 mg·L-1） were added to the drug intervention groups respectively on the basis of the LSP group. After 24 hours of cell culture， the activity of THP-1 cells was detected by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α of THP-1 cells. A blank group， an LPS group， and drug intervention groups were set up in the Caco-2 cell experiment. Caco-2 cells in the blank group were cultured conventionally， and in other groups， the corresponding cell supernatant in the second part of the THP-1 cell experiment was employed in Caco-2 cells. After 24 hours of cell culture，the activity of Caco-2 cells was detected by CCK-8. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of IL-6，interleukin-8 （IL-8）， TNF-α， and Occludin of Caco-2 cells. The expression of tight junction protein Occludin in Caco-2 cells was detected by Western blot. ResultBoth ginsenoside Rg1 and ginsenoside Rb1 could effectively protect LPS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier permeability in the co-culture system of THP-1 and Caco-2 cells （P<0.01）. Ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 antagonized LPS-induced increased expression of IL-6，IL-1β， and TNF-α in THP-1 cells （P<0.05）. When the supernatant of THP-1 cells treated with ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 was co-cultured with Caco-2 cells， the expression of IL-6，IL-8， and TNF-α in Caco-2 cells was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and the expression of tight junction protein Occludin was up-regulated. ConclusionIn the co-culture system of THP-1 and Caco-2 cells simulating the intestinal epithelial barrier function in vitro，ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 play a protective role against LPS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury by regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines by THP-1 cells， thereby regulating the inflammatory response and cell barrier integrity of Caco-2 cells.

Effect and Mechanism of "Liver-Soothing and Spleen-Invigorating" Therapies Against Liver Injury in Rats： An Exploration Based on TGR5 and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different treatment methods of "soothing liver， invigorating spleen， soothing liver and invigorating spleen， soothing liver first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen， as well as invigorating spleen first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen" on liver depression combined with liver injury in rats and their action mechanisms. MethodA six-week rat model of liver depression combined with liver injury was established by restraint stress and subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride （CCl4， 5.89 g·kg-1， once every three days）. At the same time， the drugs were given by gavage. Forty-eight male SD rats of clean grade were randomly divided into eight groups， namely the normal group， model group， bicyclol （0.2 g·kg-1） group， Sinisan （4.32 g·kg-1） group， Liu Junzitang （9.26 g·kg-1） group， Chaishao Liu Junzitang A （Chai A， soothing liver and invigorating spleen，13.57 g·kg-1） group， Chaishao Liu Junzitang B （Chai B， soothing liver first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen， 13.57 g·kg-1） group， and Chaishao Liu Junzitang C （Chai C， invigorating spleen first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen， 13.57 g·kg-1） group， with six rats in each group. The pathological changes in liver and colon tissues of each group were observed under light microscope and electron microscope. The serum biochemical indexes of the liver were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The relative mRNA expression levels of Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 （TGR5） and intestinal mucosal zona occluden-1 （ZO-1）， Occludin， and Claudin-1 in the liver and colon were detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The positive expression rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） in the colon was detected by immunohistochemistry. ResultCompared with normal group， the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， total bilirubin （TBIL）， and direct bilirubin （DBIL） （P<0.01）， lowered TGR5 mRNA expression in liver tissue， up-regulated TGR5 mRNA expression in the colon tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and down-regulated ZO-1， Occludin， and tight junction protein-1 (Claudin-1) mRNA expression and PCNA in the colon tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， bicyclol and Chai C remarkably decreased the levels of serum ALP， ALT， AST， TBIL， and DBIL （P<0.05，P<0.01）， while Liu Junzitang， Chai A， Chai B， and Chai C significantly up-regulated the TGR5 mRNA expression in the liver and down-regulated its expression in the colon （P<0.01）. Bicyclol， Chai A， Chai B， and Chai C enhanced the ZO-1 and Claudin-1 mRNA expression in the colon （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Bicyclol， Sinisan， and Chai C increased PCNA expression （P<0.01）. The comparison with the Chai C group showed that the TGR5 mRNA expression in the liver and ZO-1 mRNA expression in the colon of the bicyclol and Sinisan groups were lower， whereas the TGR5 mRNA expression in the colon was higher （P<0.01）. However， the PCNA expression in the colon of the Liu Junzitang and Chai B groups declined significantly （P<0.05）. ConclusionIn the presence of liver injury， invigorating spleen first helps to relieve the liver injury， and the efficacy of "spleen-invigorating" therapy in increasing the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins and improving the gastrointestinal function is related to its activation of TGR5 to improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function， promote the renewal of intestinal stem cells， and drive the regeneration after injury.

Effect of estrogen-related receptor α on lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular endothelial apoptosis and tight junction protein degradation / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and tight junction protein degradation.Methods:RPMVECs transfected with shERRα were cultured in vitro and divided into four groups: Normal control group (Ctr group); shERRα knockdown group (shERRα group); normal cells + LPS treated group (LPS group): The cells in the six-well plates were cultured in serum-free medium for 12 h, and then treated with 20 μg/mL LPS for 12 h; and shERRα+LPS group: ERRα knockdown cells were treated as the LPS group. ROS fluorescence kit was used to detect the intracellular ROS levels . Apoptosis ratio was detected by TUNEL staining, AnnexinV-FITC and PI. Cell membrane ZO-1 expression was detected by cellular immunofluorescence, and the levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax, Smac, Cytochrome c, and tight junction protein ZO-1, as well as the expression of Occludin, JAM-A and E-Ca at molecular level were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the Ctr group and the shERRα group, the ROS level, apoptosis rate (TUNEL test: 16.44 ± 2.55; and flow cytometry test: 23.56 ± 2.22), the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Smac and Cytochrome c were increased in the LPS group, while the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and tight junction protein were decreased. In the LPS group. Cellular immunofluorescence results showed that the ZO-1 was degraded in the cell membrane and the network structure was broken. Compared with the LPS group, inhibition of ERRα in the shERRα+LPS group increased cell damage.Conclusions:ERRα can negatively regulate the apoptosis and affect the function of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, thereby regulating sepsis-induced acute lung injury.

Protection effect of dexmedetomidine against sepsis-induced intestinal mucosal barrier injury by up-regulating hypoxia inducible factor-1ɑ in rats / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the protective effect and mechanism of dexmedetomidine on intestinal mucosal barrier injury in septic rats. METHODS: Forty eight SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=12): sham operation group (sham group), sepsis group (sepsis group), sepsis + dexmedetomidine group (DEX group), and sepsis + DEX + HIF-1ɑ inhibitor Bay87-2243 (Bay87-2243 group). Sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). The rats in both DEX and Bay87-2243 groups were given 30 μg/kg of DEX intraperitoneally 30 minutes before CLP and 2 hours after CLP; while the rats in Bay87-2243 group received oral gavage of Bay87-2243 (9 mg/kg) for 3 days before CLP. The other groups were intraperitoneally injected and orally with the same amount of normal saline. The HIF-1ɑ and the tight junction protein (tight junction protein, TJs) was detected by western blot; the plasma concentrations of diamine oxidase (DAO), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (FABP2) and D-lactic acid (D-LAC) were detected by ELISA; the morphological changes of intestinal mucosa were detected by HE staining. RESULTS: DEX significantly increased the expression level of HIF-1ɑ (P<0.05) on intestinal mucosa in rats with sepsis injury (P<0.05), thus ameliorated intestinal mucosal pathological injury, reduced Chiu's score (P<0.05), decreased intestinal mucosal permeability (P<0.05), and up-regulated TJs protein expression (P<0.05). Moreover, effect on sepsis induced intestinal mucosal injury of DEX was reversed by HIF-1ɑ Bay87-2243. CONCLUSION: DEX could protect against sepsis-induced intestinal mucosal injury by up-regulating HIF-1ɑ expression in rats.

Metformin alleviates intestinal epithelial barrier damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell apoptosis in colitis cell model / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To investigate the effect and mechanism of metformin on intestinal epithelial barrier injury in ulcerative colitis. A cell model of colitis was established by co-culture of human colon cancer cell line Caco-2 and human monocyte cell line THP-1. The colitis model cells were treated with metformin at concentration of for Flow cytometry was used to detect Caco-2 cell apoptosis, and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of tight junction proteins and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins. After metformin treatment, the apoptosis rate of Caco-2 cells was decreased from (14.22±2.34)% to 0.61)% (=3.119, <0.05), and the expression levels of tight junction protein-1 and claudin-1 increased (=5.172 and 3.546, both <0.05). In addition, the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum-related proteins glucose regulated protein (GRP) 78, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-12, as well as the phosphorylation level of PRKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) decreased (all <0.05). Metformin may alleviate the intestinal epithelial barrier damage in colitis by reducing intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, which may be associated with the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptotic pathway.

Mechanism of aquaporin 4 in regulating 1,2-dichloroethane-induced blood-brain barrier permeability in mice / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of aquaporin 4(AQP4) in regulating the permeability of blood-brain barrier(BBB) induced by subacute 1,2-dichloroethane(1,2-DCE) inhalation. METHODS: Specific pathogen free healthy CD-1 male Aqp4 genetically engineered mice(Aqp4~(+/+)and Aqp4~(-/-)) were randomly divided into control and low-, medium-and high-dose groups. The mice were exposed to 1,2-DCE at the dosages of 0.00, 100.00, 350.00 and 700.00 mg/m~3 for 6 hours per day for consecutive 28 days by systemic dynamic inhalation. After the end of 1,2-DCE exposure, the BBB permeability was evaluated by Evans blue staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the mRNA expression of genes related to BBB tight junction protein(Tjp)1, Tjp2, Tjp3, claudin(Cldn)3, Cldn5, Cldn11, occludin(Ocln), matrix metalloproteinase(Mmp)2, Mmp9 and Na-K-Cl cotransporter-1(Nkcc1). RESULTS: The BBB permeability in mice showed significant change with 1,2-DCE dose and Aqp4 genotype(P<0.01). The BBB permeability of Aqp4~(+/+) genotype mice was higher in low-, medium-and high-dose groups than that of control group(all P values were <0.05). The permeability of BBB was lower in Aqp4~(+/+) genotype mice in the control group than that of Aqp4~(-/-) genotype mice in the same group(P<0.05), but BBB permeability was higher in Aqp4~(+/+) genotype mice in the three dose groups than that of Aqp4~(-/-) genotype mice in the same group(all P values were <0.05). The Cldn3 and Olcn mRNA relative expression in the brain cortex had statistical difference in mice with different genotype(all P values were <0.01). The mRNA relative expressions of Cldn3 and Olcn in the brain cortex were higher in Aqp4~(-/-) genotype mice than that of Aqp4~(+/+) genotype mice(all P values were <0.01). The relative mRNA expression levels of Tjp1, Tjp2, Tjp3, Cldn5, Cldn11, Mmp2, Mmp9 and Nkcc1 in the cerebral cortex of mice were not statistically significant in aspect of 1,2-DCE exposure dose and genotype(all P values were >0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to 1,2-DCE can increase BBB permeability in mice, and the mechanism may be associated with 1,2-DCE-induced down-regulation of Aqp4 and up-regulation of mRNA expression of the cerebral cortex TJP-related molecules Cldn3 and Ocln.

The mechanism and treatment of blood-retinal barrier injury / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#The blood-retinal barrier(BRB)plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the retinal microenvironment. Many diseases can lead to the damage of BRB, such as diabetic retinopathy, acute glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity. At present, the molecular mechanism of BRB injury has not been fully explained. This paper briefly reviews the structure and function of blood-retina barrier, the damage mechanism of blood-retina barrier caused by various ocular diseases, and the therapeutic countermeasures of drug therapy, laser therapy and surgical treatment.

Influence of Sleep Deprivation on Blood-brain Barrier in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the influence of sleep deprivation (SD) on blood-brain barrier in adult male rats. Methods:A total of 90 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into SD group, SD and recovery (SDR) group and control (K) group. SD group and SDR group were continuously deprived of sleep for five days by horizontal table, and then, SDR group were fed normally for two days after SD. K group accepted no intervention. The leakage of Evens Blue (EB) in brain was observed after EB perfusion. The expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occluding, Claudin-5, Bax/BCL-2, P53 and caspase-3 in the cortex was detected with Western blotting. The apoptosis of neurons and endothelial cells in cortex was observed with immunofluorescence staining. Results:In SD group, EB was observed in multiple cerebral lobe and extensive cortex, and it was also observed in SDR group in a milder way, but not observed in K group. The expression of P53, Caspase-3, Bax/BCL-2 in the cerebral cortex was the most in SD group, and the least in K group; while the expression of ZO-1, Occluding and Claudin-5 was the least in SD group, and the most in K group, and it was in-between in SDR group (F > 39.915, P < 0.001). The CD31 and NeuN positive cells decreased in cortex were the least in SD group, and the most in K group, while the TUNEL positive cells were the most in SD group, and the least in K group, and the levels of CD31, NeuN and TUNEL positive cells were in-between in SDR group (F > 142.056, P < 0.001). Conclusion:SD may lead to dysfunction of permeability of blood-brain barrier, while decrease expression of tight junction protein, and increase apoptosis of neurons in rats to reduce the neurons and endothelial cells in cerebral cortex. Sleep recovery may partly alleviate these impacts.

Effect of Changji'an Prescription on Intestinal Permeability of IBS-D Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Changji'an prescription on intestinal permeability in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) rats and explore its mechanism for treatment of IBS-D. Method:Male SD neonatal rats were randomly divided into five groups:normal group, model group, pinaverium bromide group(0.018 g·kg-1), high-dose(33.48 g·kg-1) and low-dose (16.74 g·kg-1)Changji'an prescription groups. Except for the normal group, the IBS-D model was established by the combination of maternal and infant separation+acetic acid stimulation+restraint stress. After drug treatment, the ultrastructure of rat intestinal mucosa was observed by using transmission electron microscopy and the plasma D-lactate level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-1 were detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occluden(ZO)-1 were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Result:As compared with the normal group, the intestinal mucosal epithelial cells were damaged in IBS-D model group, and the microvilli arrangement was sparse and tight junction was widened, and some were not obvious,and the plasma D-lactate level in IBS-D rats was increased significantly (PPD-lactate level in pinaverium bromide group and high-dose Changji'an prescription group was significantly decreased (PD-lactate level in the low-dose group Changji'an prescription group had a tendency to decrease with no statistical difference. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Occludin and Claudin-1 and the mRNA expression of ZO-1 in the colon of rats in each administration group were higher than those in the model group (PConclusion:The therapeutic effect of Changji'an prescription on IBS-D may be achieved by improving the intestinal permeability.

Effect of Gegensan on Expressions of NOS, α-SMA, Cx43, TGF-β1 mRNA and Protein in Penile Smooth Muscle Tissue of Alcoholic ED Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and α-smooth actin (α-SMA) in rat penile smooth muscle tissue of rats with alcoholic erectile dysfunction (ED). The effects of protein gene 43 (connexin43, Cx43) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA and protein expressions provide an experimental basis for the clinical application of Gegensan in the treatment of alcoholic ED. Method:SD rats were randomly divided into five groups:normal group, model group, and low,medium,high-dose Gegensan groups (5,10,20 g·kg-1). Except the normal group, the other groups were administered with drugs after alcohol intervention for 30 min at 15 mL·kg-1·d-1. Colorimetric assay was used to detect NOS activity in the penile smooth muscle tissue of alcoholic ED rats. Quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect α-SMA, Cx43, TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expressions in smooth muscle tissue of alcoholic ED rats. Result:Compared with the normal group, the expressions of NOS, α-SMA and Cx43 mRNA and protein in the penile smooth muscle of the model group decreased significantly (Pβ1 mRNA and protein increased significantly (Pβ1 mRNA expression, and α-SMA mRNA and protein expressions in the penis tissue of rats with alcoholic ED were significantly up-regulated (PConclusion:Gegensan has an obvious protective effect on the structure of penile smooth muscle of alcoholic ED rats. The specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of NOS activity and a-SMA, Cx43 and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expressions.

Effect of low-frequency pulsed magnetic field on blood-brain barrier permeability of rat hippocampus / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of pulsed magnetic radiation on BBB permeability of hippocampus in Sprague-Dawley rats at different exposure intensity.Methods A total of 72 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham exposure group,positive control group and magnetic field treatment groups (100,400,800,1 200 mT,30 pulses each group).At three hours after exposure,the morphological structure of hippocampus was evaluated by HE staining,the extravasation of albumin around microvessels in rat hippocampus was detected immunohistochemically,the EB extravasation around microvessels was observed with Evans blue (EB) fluorescence method,and the levels of BBB-related protein ZO-1 and Occludin in hippocampus were measured with Western blot assay.Results Compared with the control group,no significant change in the hippocampus morphology structure,the extravasation of albumin and EB around the microvessels were observed after the pulsed magnetic exposures.The protein levels of ZO-1 and Occludin had no changes in the exposed groups (P＞ 0.05) except that ZO-1 was significantly reduced in 1 200 mT exposure group (t =14.26,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Low-frequency pulsed magnetic field could not affect the permeability of BBB in SD rats but impairs the integrity of BBB at 1 200 mT.

Genetics of Hearing Loss in North Iran Population: An Update of Spectrum and Frequency of GJB2 Mutations

Diagnosis of pre-lingual hearing loss (HL) is difficult owing to the high number of genes responsible. The most frequent cause of HL is DFNB1 due to mutations in the GJB2 gene. It represents up to 40% of HL cases in some populations. In Iran, it has previously been shown that DFNB1 accounts for 16-18% of cases but varies among different ethnic groups. Here, we reviewed results from our three previous publications and data from other published mutation reports to provide a comprehensive collection of data for GJB2 mutations and HL in northern Iran. In total, 903 unrelated families from six different provinces, viz., Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, Ghazvin, Semnan, and Tehran, were included and analyzed for the type and prevalence of GJB2 mutations. A total of 23 different genetic variants were detected from which 18 GJB2 mutations were identified. GJB2 mutations were 20.7% in the studied northern provinces, which was significantly higher than that reported in southern populations of Iran. Moreover, a gradient in the frequency of GJB2 mutations from north to south Iran was observed. c.35delG was the most common mutation, accounting for 58.4% of the cases studied. This study suggests that c.35delG mutation in GJB2 is the most important cause of HL in northern Iran.

Mutations in GJB2 as Major Causes of Autosomal Recessive Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss: First Report of c.299-300delAT Mutation in Kurdish Population of Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) with genetic origin is common (1/2000 births). ARNSHL can be associated with mutations in gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2). To this end, this cohort investigation aimed to find the contribution of GJB2 gene mutations with the genotype-phenotype correlations in 45 ARNSHL cases in the Kurdish population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 45 ARNSHL families. The linkage analysis with 3 short tandem repeat markers linked to GJB2 was performed on 45 ARNSHL families. Only 9 of these families were linked to the DFNB1 locus. All the 45 families who took part were sequenced for confirmation linkage analysis (to perform a large project). RESULTS: A total of three different mutations were determined. Two of which [c.35delG and c.-23+1G>A (IVS1+1G>A)] were previously reported but (c.299-300delAT) mutation was novel in the Kurdish population. The homozygous pathogenic mutations of GJB2 gene was observed in nine out of the 45 families (20%), also heterozygous genotype (c.35delG/N)+(c.-23+1G>A/c.-23+1G>A) were observed in 4/45 families (8.8%). The degree of hearing loss (HL) in patients with other mutations was less severe than patients with c.35delG homozygous mutation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that GJB2 mutations constitute 20% of the etiology of ARNSHL in Iran; moreover, the c.35delG mutation is the most common HL cause in the Kurdish population. Therefore, these mutations should be included in the molecular testing of HL in this population.

Ulinastatin via stabilizing endothelial junction protein to ameliorating hyper-permeability of vascular endothelial cell induced by matrix metalloproteinase-9 / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of ulinastatin on the hyper-permeability of vascular endothelial cell induced by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured in vitro to establish a complete monolayer vascular endothelial cell model. The monolayer vascular endothelial cells were randomly divided into three groups: blank control group [phosphate buffered saline (PBS) added], MMP-9 model group (1 mg/L MMP-9 added) and ulinastatin group (1 mg/L MMP-9 and 1 000 kU/L ulinastatin added). The permeability of monolayer vascular endothelial cells was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran (FD40) leaking method; the soluble vascular endothelial cells calcium dependent adherin (VE-cadherin) concentration in culture solution was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA);the protein expression levels of zonular occlusion protein-1 or tight junction (ZO-1), VE-cadherin, claudin-5 were detected by Western Blot and immunofluorescence methods. Results Compared with the blank control group, the permeability of vascular endothelial cells in MMP-9 model group was significantly increased [(cm2/h, ×10-2):3.35±0.56 vs. 0.94±0.06, P < 0.05]; the concentrations of soluble VE-cadherin in the Transwell upper and lower chambers were increased significantly [upper chamber (μg/L): 5.02±0.40 vs. 3.83±0.42, lower chamber (μg/L):4.92±1.05 vs. 3.24±1.24, both P < 0.05]; the protein expression levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin and claudin-5 were significantly decreased [ZO-1/β-actin: 0.152±0.067 vs. 0.262±0.090, VE-cadherin/β-actin: 0.137±0.048 vs. 0.246±0.094, claudin-5/β-actin: 0.148±0.062 vs. 0.336±0.119, all P < 0.05], and obvious rupture sites appeared in their fluorescent patterns, and fluorescent particles were significantly reduced; compared with MMP-9 model group, the permeability of vascular endothelial cells in ulinastatin group was significantly decreased [(cm2/h, ×10-2): 1.80±0.34 vs. 3.35±0.56, P < 0.05]; the soluble VE-cadherin concentrations were significantly reduced in upper and lower chambers than those in the MMP-9 model group [upper chamber (μg/L): 4.41±0.37 vs. 5.02±0.40, lower chamber (μg/L):3.85±1.04 vs. 4.92±1.05, both P < 0.05], the expressions of endothelial junction protein were significantly increased in ulinastatin group (ZO-1/β-actin: 0.229±0.097 vs. 0.152±0.067, VE-cadherin/β-actin: 0.236±0.089 vs. 0.137±0.048, claudin-5/β-actin: 0.262±0.101 vs. 0.148±0.062, all P < 0.05], and the continuity of their fluorescent patterns and fluorescent particles were both increased. Conclusion The in vitro experiment showed that the hyper-permeability of vascular endothelial cells induced by MMP-9 can be attenuated by ulinastatin through decreasing the destruction of VE-cadherin and maintaining the protein expression levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin and claudin-5 in vascular endothelial cells.

Aspirin alleviates endothelial gap junction dysfunction through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LPS-induced vascular injury

The loss of endothelial connective integrity and endothelial barrier dysfunction can lead to increased vascular injury, which is related to the activation of endothelial inflammasomes. There are evidences that low concentrations of aspirin can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that low-dose aspirin could ameliorate endothelial injury by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and ultimately prevent cardiovascular diseases. Microvascular endothelial cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (2 μg/mL) and administrated by 0.1-2 mmol/L aspirin. The wild type mice were stimulated with LPS (100 μg/kg/day), and 1 h later treated with aspirin (12.5, 62.5, or 125 mg/kg/day) and dexamethasone (0.0182 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Plasma and heart were harvested for measurement of ELISA and immunofluorescence analyses. We found that aspirin could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome formation and activation in dose-dependent manner and has correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and the ROS/TXNIP pathway. We also found that low-concentration aspirin could inhibit the formation and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and restore the expression of the endothelial tight junction protein zonula occludens-1/2 (ZO1/2). We assume that aspirin can ameliorate the endothelial layer dysfunction by suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Effects of Aconitum carmichaelii Water Extract on the Expression of Efflux Transporters and Tight Junction Proteins in Duo- denum of Rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of Aconitum carmichaelii water extract on the expression of 3 kinds of efflux transporters and 3 kinds of tight junction proteins as well as their genes in duodenum tissues of rats. METHODS： Thirty-two SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group， A. carmichaelii water extract low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups [0.45， 0.9， 1.8 g/（kg·d）， by crude drug]， with 8 rats in each group. They were given water and relevant liquid 0.1 mL/kg intragastrically for consecutive 7 d. After last administration， the duodenal segments of rats were collected. Western blotting assay was used to detect the expression of efflux transporters as P-glycoprotein （P-gp）， breast cancer resistance protein （Bcrp）， multidrug resistance protein 2 （Mrp2） as well as tight junction proteins as Claudin-1， Occludin and ZO-1. mRNA expression of 6 kinds of proteins relevant gene were determined by qRT-PCR respectively. RESULTS： Compared with normal group， the protein expression of P-gp， Mrp2， Bcrp， Claudin-1， Occludin and ZO-1 in duodenum of rats were increased significantly in A. carmichaelii water extract groups （P＜0.01）. mRNA expression of P-gp in A. carmichaelii water extract groups， mRNA expression of Bcrp in A. carmichaelii water extract low-dose and high-dose groups as well as mRNA expression of Claudin-1 in A. carmichaelli water extract medium-dose and high-dose groups were increased significantly， with statistical significance （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. There was no statistical significance in mRNA expression of other genes （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS： A. carmichaelii water extract can up-regulate the expression of 3 kinds of efflux transporters and 3 kinds of tight junction proteins at the level of mRNA and/or protein， thus may interact with other substrates of the aforementioned efflux transporters and drugs with cell bypass pathway as the main transport pathway. In clinical practice， adjustment of dosage may be considered in drug combination.

Linderae radix ethanol extract attenuates alcoholic liver injury via attenuating inflammation and regulating gut microbiota in rats

This study aimed to explore the influence of gut microbiota alterations induced by Linderae radix ethanol extract (LREE) on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in rats and to study the anti-inflammatory effect of LREE on ALD through the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. ALD rat models were established by intragastric liquor [50% (v/v) ethanol] administration at 10 mL/kg body weight for 20 days. Rats were divided into six groups: normal group (no treatment), model group (ALD rats), Essentiale group (ALD rats fed with Essentiale, 137 mg/kg), and LREE high/moderate/low dose groups (ALD rats fed with 4, 2, or 1 g LREE/kg). NF-κB and LPS levels were evaluated. Liver pathological changes and intestinal ultrastructure were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. The gut microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rDNA sequencing. Expression levels of TLR4 and CD68 in liver tissue, and occludin and claudin-1 in intestinal tissue were measured. LREE treatment significantly reduced NF-κB and LPS levels, improved liver pathological changes, and ameliorated intestinal ultrastructure injury. Meanwhile, LREE-fed groups showed a higher abundance of Firmicutes and a lower abundance of Bacteroidetes than the rats in the model group. Administration of LREE suppressed TLR4 overexpression and promoted the expression of occludin and claudin-1 in intestine tissue. Thus, LREE could partly ameliorate microflora dysbiosis, suppress the inflammatory response, and attenuate liver injury in ALD rats. The protective effect of LREE might be related to the LPS-TLR4-NF-κB pathway.