In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Scutellarin-phospholipid Complex Nanoemulsion and Analysis of Its Activity in Ameliorating LPS-induced Vascular Endothelial Injury / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate some properties of scutellarin-phospholipid complex nanoemulsion（SCU-PC-NE）， such as release， cell uptake and tissue distribution， and to investigate its effect on ameliorating lipopolysaccharide（LPS）-induced vascular endothelial injury. MethodSCU-PC-NE was prepared by weighting SCU-PC， ethyl oleate， Kolliphor HS15， 1，2-propylene glycol（50， 400， 514.3， 85.7 mg）， respectively. And the appearance of SCU-PC-NE was observed by transmission electron microscope， the average paticle size and Zeta potential were measured by nanopotential particle size analyzer. The cumulative release of SCU-PC-NE in vitro was measured by dynamic dialysis， thiazolyl blue（MTT） colorimetric assay was used to investigate the effect of SCU-PC-NE on the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells（HUVECs）， the inverted fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry were used to investigate cell uptake of HUVECs by SCU-PC-NE in vitro using coumarin 6 as a fluorescent probe， the tissue distribution of DiR/SCU-PC-NE labeled by near infrared fluorescent dyes was obeserved by small animal in vivo imaging system. The inflammation injury model was established by co-incubation with LPS（1 mg·L-1） and HUVECs， the effect of SCU-PC-NE on the levels of interleukin（IL）-1β and IL-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）， 18 Kunming male mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， blank preparation group（equivalent to high dose group）， SCU group and SCU-PC-NE low and high dose groups（5， 10 mg·kg-1）， 3 mice in each group， and the drug administration groups were administered once in the tail vein at the corresponding dose every 48 h， equal volume of normal saline was given to the blank group and the model group， and the drug was administered for 4 consecutive times. Except for the blank group， the endothelial inflammatory injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS（10 mg·kg-1） at 12 h before the last administration in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining was used to investigate the effect of SCU-PC-NE on the histopathological changes in the thoracic aorta of mice. ResultThe appearance of SCU-PC-NE displayed pale yellow milky light， mostly spherical with rounded appearance and relatively uniform particle size distribution， with the average particle size of 35.31 nm， Zeta potential of 7.23 mV， and the encapsulation efficiency of 75.24%. The cumulative release in vitro showed that SCU-PC-NE exhibited sustained release properties compared with SCU. The cell viability of SCU-PC-NE was >90% at a concentration range of 1.05-8.4 mg·L-1. The results of cellular uptake experiments showed that the cellular uptake ability of SCU-PC-NE was significantly enhanced when compared with the SCU group（P<0.01）. Compared with normal mice， the results of tissue distribution showed that the fluorescence intensity of DiR/SCU-PC-NE was significantly enhanced in the spleen， kidney， brain and thoracic aorta of mice at different time points after intraperitoneal injection of LPS（P<0.05， P<0.01）， especially in thoracic aorta. ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the model group were significantly increased when compared with the blank group（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and compare with the model group， all administration groups significantly down-regulated IL-1β level， with the strongest effect in the SCU-PC-NE high-dose group（P<0.01）， and all administration groups significantly down-regulated IL-6 level， with the strongest effect in the SCU-PC-NE low-dose group（P<0.05）. Compare with the blank group， the results of HE staining showed that the endothelial cells were damaged， the elastic fibers were broken and arranged loosely in the model group， although similar vascular injury could be observed in the blank preparation group， SCU group and SCU-PC-NE low-dose group， the vascular endothelial damage was significantly reduced in the high-dose group of SCU-PC-NE， which had a better effect than that in the SCU group. ConclusionSCU-PC-NE can promote the uptake of drugs by endothelial cells and effectively enriched in the site of vascular endothelial injury caused by LPS， suggesting that it has a protective effect on vascular endothelial injury and is a good carrier of SCU.

Konjac Mannan Oligosaccharides enhanced intestinal barrier function to improve alcoholic nervous injury / 中国药理学通报

Aim Excessive cerebral inflammation caused by chronic alcohol intake is an important risk factor for central nervous system injury. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of konjac mannan oligosaccharide (KMOS) on central nervous system inflammation in alcohol-fed mice and its mechanism. Methods The chronic alcohol fed model of C57BL/6J mice was established using Gao-binge method. And the different doses of KMOS were gavaged every day for 6 weeks. The neuronal damage and microglia activation were evaluated in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The damage of colon tissue was assessed and serum LPS concentrations were measured. In vitro, Caco-2 cells were stimulated with LPS to establish intestinal mucosal injury model. Results Chronic alcohol intake can cause brain neuron damage in mice, and different doses of KMOS effectively reduced the activation state of microglia, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors caused by the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviated neuronal damage in the brain tissue of alcohol-fed mice. The results of colon tissue analysis showed that the use of KMOS effectively reduced the concentration of endotoxin LPS in serum of alcohol-fed mice, alleviated the pathological injury and inflammatory response of colon tissue, and enhanced the expression of Occludin in intestinal tissue. In vitro experiments also showed that KMOS significantly inhibited the inflammatory reaction of Caco-2 cells exposed to alcohol and increased the expression of Occludin protein. Conclusions KMOS treatment effectively inhibited intestinal inflammation caused by alcohol intake, repaired intestinal barrier to prevent the entry of intestinal LPS into brain tissue, decreased the activation of microglia, and then improved brain neuron damage. KMOS had the potential to prevent alcoholic nerve injury.

Histamine 1 receptor agonist inhibits LPS-induced immune responses in astrocytes via Akt/NF-KB signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of histamine H, receptor (HjR) on the immune responses in astrocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the regulatory mechanism of its signaling pathway. Methods LPS was used to establish an in vitro astrocyte inflammation model. Rat primary astrocytes were divided into the control group, LPS group, LPS + Hj R agonist group (2-pyridylethlamine, Pyri), and HjR agonist group. Astrocytes were treated with Pyri 100 p,mol • L~ for 1 h, then stimulated with LPS at 100 p,g • L~ for 24 h. Cell viability was measured using the CCK-8 assay. The expression of GFAP and HjR was detected by immunofluorescence. Glial morphological changes were observed under a microscope. The levels of proinflammatory mediators (TNF-a and IL-6) were detected by ELISA. The protein expressions of p-Akt, Akt, p-NF-KB p65, and NF-KB p65 were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the control group, more activated astrocytes with fewer cell processes and branches were observed in the LPS group. Besides, LPS enhanced the GFAP expression level, reduced the H,R expression level and stimulated the production of TNF-a and IL-6 from astrocytes. Pre treatment with Pyri for 1 h ameliorated the glial morphological changes stimulated by LPS, inhibited LPS-induced upregulation of GFAP level and the inflammatory factors secretion. In addition, LPS stimulated astrocytes showed a higher phosphorylation of Akt and NF-KB p65, which was also ameliorated by Pyri. Conclusions H, R agonist can inhibit LPS-induced astrocyte activation and inflammatory factor secretion, and the Akt/NF-KB signaling pathway may be an important pathway for the involvement of H,R in immune regulation.

Effects of Pasturella Multocida B:2 and its immunogens (LPS and OMP) on reproductive hormones in Nili-Ravi Buffaloes

Abstract Livestock is a fundamental part of the agriculture industry in Pakistan and contributes more than 11.53% to GDP. Among livestock species, the buffaloes are regarded as the black gold of Pakistan. Being the highest milk producers globally, Nili-Ravi buffaloes are the most famous ones. Buffaloes are affected by many endemic diseases, and "Hemorrhagic septicemia" (HS) is one of them. This study was designed to ascertain the effects of experimental exposure ofP. multocida B:2 (oral) and its immunogens, i.e., LPS (oral and intravenous) and OMP (oral and subcutaneous) on reproductive hormonal profiles in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Repeated serum samples were collected from the jugular vein of experimental animals for 21 days (0, 02, 04, 08, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 360, 456 and 504 hours). Hormonal assays to determine the serum concentrations of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) were performed using (MyBioSource) commercial Elisa kits. The hormonal profile of all treatment groups of the buffalo heifers exhibited significant (P 0.05) variations as compared to the control group (G-1). These results indicate suppression in Nili-Ravi buffaloes' reproductive hormonal profile on exposure to P. multocida B:2 and its immunogens. This influence warrants that exposure to H.S may be a possible reason for delayed puberty and poor reproduction performance in Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Resumo A pecuária é uma parte fundamental da indústria agrícola no Paquistão e contribui com 11,53% do PIB nacional. Entre as espécies de gado, os búfalos são considerados o ouro negro do Paquistão. Sendo os maiores produtores de leite em todo o mundo, os búfalos Nili-Ravi são os mais famosos. Os búfalos são afetados por muitas doenças endêmicas, entre as quais a septicemia hemorrágica (SH). Este estudo busca verificar os efeitos da exposição experimental de P. multocida B:2 (oral) e seus imunógenos, ou seja, LPS (oral e intravenoso) e OMP (oral e subcutâneo), nos perfis hormonais reprodutivos em búfalos Nili-Ravi. Amostras de soro repetidas foram coletadas da veia jugular de animais experimentais por 21 dias (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 360, 456 e 504 horas). Os ensaios hormonais para determinar as concentrações séricas do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina (GnRH), hormônio foliculoestimulante (FSH), hormônio luteinizante (LH), estrogênio (E2) e progesterona (P4) foram realizados usando kits comerciais Elisa (MyBioSource). O perfil hormonal de todos os grupos de tratamento das novilhas bubalinas apresentou variações significativas (P 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle (G-1). Esses resultados indicam supressão no perfil hormonal reprodutivo de búfalos Nili-Ravi na exposição a P. multocida B:2 e seus imunógenos. Essa influência garante que a exposição à SH possa ser uma possível razão para o atraso da puberdade e o baixo desempenho reprodutivo em búfalos Nili-Ravi.

Effects of Pasturella Multocida B: 2 and its immunogens (LPS and OMP) on reproductive hormones in Nili-Ravi Buffaloes / Efeitos de Pasteurella multocida B: 2 e seus imunógenos (LPS e OMP) em hormônios reprodutivos em búfalos Nili-Ravi

Abstract Livestock is a fundamental part of the agriculture industry in Pakistan and contributes more than 11.53% to GDP. Among livestock species, the buffaloes are regarded as the black gold of Pakistan. Being the highest milk producers globally, Nili-Ravi buffaloes are the most famous ones. Buffaloes are affected by many endemic diseases, and "Hemorrhagic septicemia" (HS) is one of them. This study was designed to ascertain the effects of experimental exposure ofP. multocida B:2 (oral) and its immunogens, i.e., LPS (oral and intravenous) and OMP (oral and subcutaneous) on reproductive hormonal profiles in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Repeated serum samples were collected from the jugular vein of experimental animals for 21 days (0, 02, 04, 08, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 360, 456 and 504 hours). Hormonal assays to determine the serum concentrations of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) were performed using (MyBioSource) commercial Elisa kits. The hormonal profile of all treatment groups of the buffalo heifers exhibited significant (P<0.05) variations as compared to the control group (G-1). These results indicate suppression in Nili-Ravi buffaloes' reproductive hormonal profile on exposure to P. multocida B:2 and its immunogens. This influence warrants that exposure to H.S may be a possible reason for delayed puberty and poor reproduction performance in Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Resumo A pecuária é uma parte fundamental da indústria agrícola no Paquistão e contribui com 11,53% do PIB nacional. Entre as espécies de gado, os búfalos são considerados o ouro negro do Paquistão. Sendo os maiores produtores de leite em todo o mundo, os búfalos Nili-Ravi são os mais famosos. Os búfalos são afetados por muitas doenças endêmicas, entre as quais a "septicemia hemorrágica" (SH). Este estudo busca verificar os efeitos da exposição experimental de P. multocida B:2 (oral) e seus imunógenos, ou seja, LPS (oral e intravenoso) e OMP (oral e subcutâneo), nos perfis hormonais reprodutivos em búfalos Nili-Ravi. Amostras de soro repetidas foram coletadas da veia jugular de animais experimentais por 21 dias (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 360, 456 e 504 horas). Os ensaios hormonais para determinar as concentrações séricas do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina (GnRH), hormônio foliculoestimulante (FSH), hormônio luteinizante (LH), estrogênio (E2) e progesterona (P4) foram realizados usando kits comerciais Elisa (MyBioSource). O perfil hormonal de todos os grupos de tratamento das novilhas bubalinas apresentou variações significativas (P < 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle (G-1). Esses resultados indicam supressão no perfil hormonal reprodutivo de búfalos Nili-Ravi na exposição a P. multocida B:2 e seus imunógenos. Essa influência garante que a exposição à SH possa ser uma possível razão para o atraso da puberdade e o baixo desempenho reprodutivo em búfalos Nili-Ravi.

Sildenafil in endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension: an experimental study

Abstract Background Sepsis and septic shock still represent great challenges in critical care medicine. Sildenafil has been largely used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, but its effects in sepsis are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that sildenafil can attenuate endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension in a porcine model of endotoxemia. Methods Twenty pigs were randomly assigned to Control group (n = 10), which received saline solution; or to Sildenafil group (n = 10), which received sildenafil orally (100 mg). After 30 minutes, both groups were submitted to endotoxemia with intravenous bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS) infusion (4 µg.kg-1.h-1) for 180 minutes. We evaluated hemodynamic and oxygenation functions, and also lung histology and plasma cytokine (TNFα, IL-1β, IL6, and IL10) and troponin I response. Results Significant hemodynamic alterations were observed after 30 minutes of LPS continuous infusion, mainly in pulmonary arterial pressure (from Baseline 19 ± 2 mmHg to LPS30 52 ± 4 mmHg, p< 0.05). There was also a significant decrease in PaO2/FiO2 (from Baseline 411 ± 29 to LPS180 334 ± 49, p< 0.05). Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower in the Sildenafil group (35 ± 4 mmHg at LPS30, p< 0.05). The Sildenafil group also presented lower values of systemic arterial pressure. Sildenafil maintained oxygenation with higher PaO2/FiO2 and lower oxygen extraction rate than Control group but had no effect on intrapulmonary shunt. All cytokines and troponin increased after LPS infusion in both groups similarly. Conclusion Sildenafil attenuated endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension preserving the correct heart function without improving lung lesions or inflammation.

In situ isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins from adherent cells: a simple, effective method with less cytoplasmic contamination

BACKGROUND: Isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins is a prerequisite for western blot, nuclear proteome profiling, and other evaluations of nuclear proteins. Here, we developed a simple method for in situ isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins by in situ removing the extranuclear part of adherent cells via a classical nonionic detergent triton X-100. RESULTS: First, the feasibility of our method was confirmed by confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, immunofluorescence imaging, and time-lapse dynamic observation. Next, the optimal concentration range (approximately 0.1-1% for ~ 10 min) of triton X-100 and the optimal treatment time (< 30 min) of 0.1-1% Triton X-100 for our method were determined via western blotting of eight extra-/ intra-nuclear proteins. Subsequently, the effectiveness, sensitivity, and cytoplasmic contamination of our method were tested by investigating the levels of phosphorylated p65 (a NF-κB subunit) in the nuclei of endothelial or tumor cells treated with/without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via western blotting and by comparing with a commercial nuclear protein extraction kit (a classical detergent-based method). The data show that compared with the commercial kit our method obtained a higher yield of total nuclear proteins, a higher pP65 level in both control and LPS groups, and much lower content of GAPDH (as a reference for cytoplasmic contamination) in nuclei. CONCLUSIONS: The in situ isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins from adherent cells in this study is a simple, effective method with less cytoplasmic contamination. This method/strategy has the potential of improving the quality of downstream evaluations including western blotting and proteomic profiling.

Research progress of bacterial endotoxin detection methods / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#As a powerful pyrogen substance,bacterial endotoxin in small amounts can cause many serious effects on human health and would cause fever,microcirculation disorders,endotoxemia,endotoxin shock,diffuse intravascular coagulation and even death.Therefore,it is very important to detect endotoxin in pharmaceutical products.In recent years,due to overfishing of horseshoe crab and environmental deterioration,the number of horseshoe crab in China is decreasing rapidly.It has been listed as the second-class protected animal in China,and the traditional endotoxin detection methods of limulus amoebocyte lysate will be replaced gradually.With the deepening of research,a series of rapid,sensitive and accurate methods for endotoxin detection have been developed.This paper reviews various endotoxin detection methods,focusing on their innovations such as recombinant factor C method and biosensor method,and elaborates their advantages,disadvantages and development trends with the hope that new detection technologies will be more widely developed and applied.

Effects of intranasal administration of tripterygium glycoside-bearing liposomes on behavioral cognitive impairment of mice induced by central nervous system inflammation / 中国中药杂志

Tripterygium glycosides liposome(TPGL) were prepared by thin film-dispersion method, which were optimized accor-ding to their morphological structures, average particle size and encapsulation rate. The measured particle size was(137.39±2.28) nm, and the encapsulation rate was 88.33%±1.82%. The mouse model of central nervous system inflammation was established by stereotaxic injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS). TPGL and tripterygium glycosides(TPG) were administered intranasally for 21 days. The effects of intranasal administration of TPG and TPGL on behavioral cognitive impairment of mice due to LPS-induced central ner-vous system inflammation were estimated by animal behavioral tests, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining of hippocampus, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence. Compared with TPG, TPGL caused less damage to the nasal mucosa, olfactory bulb, liver and kidney of mice administered intranasally. The behavioral performance of treated mice was significantly improved in water maze, Y maze and nesting experiment. Neuronal cell damage was reduced, and the expression levels of inflammation and apoptosis related genes [tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), BCL2-associated X(Bax), etc.] and glial activation markers [ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1(IBA1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)] were decreased. These results indicated that liposome technique combined with nasal delivery alleviated the toxic side effects of TPG, and also significantly ameliorated the cognitive impairment of mice induced by central nervous system inflammation.

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

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

Analysis of Mechanism of Antidepressant Effect of Sophora flavescens Seed Extract / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the antidepressant effect of Sophora flavescens seed extract and its molecular mechanism. MethodA mouse depression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide（LPS）， and normal group， model group， fluoxetine group（2.5 mg·kg-1）， and S. flavescens seed low， medium and high dose groups（200， 400， 800 mg·kg-1） were set up for 7 d of consecutive gavage. Then the antidepressant effect of S. flavescens seed extract was evaluated by using open field test， elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test. Pathological morphological changes in the hippocampal tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining. Protein expression levels of G1/S-specific cyclin D1（Cyclin D1）， Wnt1， β-catenin and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β（p-GSK-3β） in mouse brain tissues were detected by Western blot. Hippocampal cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate（dUTP） nick end labeling（TUNEL）. ResultThe results of mouse behavioral experiments showed that compared with the normal group， the speed of movement in the open field and the distance of movement in the central area of the open field， and the time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze were significantly reduced in the model group（P<0.01）， while immobility time in the forced swimming test was significantly increased（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the S. flavescens seed medium and high dose groups had increased speed of movement in the open field test and time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze test（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and decreased immobility time in the forced swimming test（P<0.05）， the distance of movement in the central area of the open field test increased in the high dose group（P<0.05）. HE staining results showed that compared with the normal group， the hippocampal neuron structure of mice in the model group was damaged. Compared with the model group， after treatment of S. flavescens seed extract， the pathological state of the mouse hippocampal neuron structure was alleviated， and the neurons increased， were neatly arranged， and the cytoplasm was clear. Western blot results showed that the protein expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in mouse brain tissue were significantly decreased（P<0.01）， while the protein expression levels of Cyclin D1 and p-GSK-3β were significantly increased（P<0.01） after LPS injection. Compared with the model group， protein expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in brain tissue of S. flavescens seed medium and high dose groups were significantly increased（P<0.01）， while the protein expression levels of Cyclin D1 and p-GSK-3β were significantly decreased（P<0.01）. TUNEL staining results showed that the hippocampal cell apoptosis rate in the model group was significantly increased compared with that of the normal group（P<0.01）， while the hippocampal cell apoptosis rate in the S. flavescens seed medium and high dose groups was significantly decreased compared with that of the model group（P<0.01）. ConclusionS. flavescens seed extract can effectively improve the severity of depression in LPS-induced depressed mice， and its molecular mechanism is related to the regulation of neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis mediated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Effect of Xiaoyaosan on JNK Pathway in LPS-induced Depressive-like Behavior in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xiaoyaosan in alleviating lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced depressive-like behavior in mice based on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） pathway. MethodAfter adaptive feeding， C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， minocycline group （intrabitoneal injection， 50 mg·kg-1）， fluoxetine group （intragastric administration， 2.6 mg·kg-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose Xiaoyaosan groups （intragastric administration，6.012 5， 12.025， and 24.050 g·kg-1）. After 14 days of administration， the model group and each administration group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mg·kg-1 LPS， and the normal group was intraperitoneally injected with equal volume of normal saline. Depressive-like behavior in mice was assessed using the open field test and the elevated zero maze test. High-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was used to measure the levels of norepinephrine （NE） and epinephrine （E） in the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to determine serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β） levels. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 （Iba-1）， c-Fos， and c-Jun. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to measure mRNA expression levels of IL-1β， c-Jun， c-Fos， and JNK3 in the mouse hippocampus. Protein expression levels of JNK and phosphorylated （p）-JNK in the mouse hippocampus were measured using capillary protein automated protein expression analysis system （Western）. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly reduced central area residence time， crossing times， and travel distance in the open field （P<0.01）， significantly increased serum IL-1β levels （P<0.01）， significantly decreased NE and E levels （P<0.05）， upregulated mRNA expression of IL-1β， JNK3， and c-Fos， and increased protein expression of Iba-1， c-Fos， and c-Jun （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Xiaoyaosan groups showed increased central area residence time and open arm residence time （P<0.05）， increased NE and E levels （P<0.01）， decreased mRNA expression of IL-1β， JNK3， c-Jun， and c-Fos， and decreased protein expression of Iba-1， c-Fos， JNK， and p-JNK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The minocycline group and the fluoxetine group showed decreased mRNA expression of JNK3， c-Jun， and c-Fos （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The minocycline group showed decreased serum IL-1β and p-JNK protein expression （P<0.01）. The fluoxetine group exhibited increased NE and E levels and decreased c-Fos protein expression （P<0.01）. ConclusionXiaoyaosan can improve depressive-like behavior induced by LPS in mice， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of neuroinflammatory responses and the JNK pathway.

Molecular mechanism of artesunate attenuates the release of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the cell membrane of gram negative bacteria is closely related to the occurrence and development of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Local and systemic monocyte / macrophages play an important role in the inflammatory process of SAP. Artesunate (AS) was reported to protect rats with severe acute pancreatitis by reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines. This study further explored the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory effect of AS. METHODS: The release of proinflammatory cytokines in the supernatant were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, the mRNA expressions of PI3K-III and its key molecules in signaling pathway were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of PI3KIII were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: AS could significantly inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines from mouse macrophage induced by LPS. Autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) could significantly inhibit the release of TNF-α from mouse macrophages induced by LPS; LPS significantly increased the mRNA expression of PI3KIII and its key molecules in mouse peritoneal macrophages (PMs). Finally, AS could significantly inhibit the increase of PI3K-III phosphorylation induced by LPS in PMs. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory mechanism of AS is closely related to the inhibition of PI3K-III phosphorylation.

The protective effect of L-Shikonin on LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice via inhibiting NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of L-Shikonin ( SK ) on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced RAW 264. 7 macrophages in vitro and its protective effect on LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury. Methods The mouse model of acute liver in¬jury was established in vivo experiments by LPS/D- GalN. The survival rate of the mice and the changes of liver and spleen indices in each group were examined. The levels of AST, ALT and AKP in serum and NO, superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue homogenate were measured, and the histopathological sections of the liver of each group were observed by H&E staining. M I T colorimet- ric assay was used for cell viability in vitro experi¬ments, Griess method for the detection of NO content, RT-PCR assay and Western blot assay for examining the effect of levulinic acid on the expression levels of mRNA and related pathway proteins of pro-inflammato¬ry factors in LPS-induced RAW264. 7 cells. Results The results of in vivo experiments showed that L-SK significantly improved the liver and spleen indices, de¬creased AST, ALT and AKP levels in serum, de¬creased NO and MDA in liver homogenate, and in¬creased SOD activity in mice with acute liver injury. The results of in vitro experiments showed that L-SK significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of INOS, COX2, I FN-(3 and pro-inflammatory factors 1L-6, TNF-a and IL-10 in LPS-induced RAW264. 7 cells, and significantly inhibited the protein expression of IN¬OS, COX2 and the NF-kB signaling pathway. Conclu¬sions L-SK has good anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264. 7 cells in vitro. Il inhibits the protein expression of phosphorylated P65 and IKKaαβ in the NF-kB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and L- Shikonin has protective effects against acute liver injury in mice.

Role of FoxO1/p38MAPK signaling pathway in acute lung injury induced by LPS / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of forkhead transcription factors of O classl (FoxO1) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced acute lung injury and its regulatory mechanism. Methods The model of acute lung injury (ALI) was simulated by LPS. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues. The contents of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lung tissues were determined by ELISA. The expression of FoxOl in mouse lung tissues was observed by immunohistochemical staining. The phosphorylation levels of FoxOl, DNA methyltransferase and p38 MAPK were detected by Western blot. The mRNA levels of FoxOl, IL-6, TNF-a and DNA methyltransferase were detected by qRT-PCR. DNA methylation in FoxOl promoter region in lung tissues was detected by nested methylation specific PCR (nMS-PCR). Pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs) were cultured and transfected with FoxOl siRNA, and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was detected by Western blot. The correlation between FoxOl methylation level and inflammatory factors was analyzed by Pearson method. Results Compared with control group, alveolar inflammatory cells increased significantly in LPS group, and pulmonary edema and hyperemia were obvious. TNF-α and IL-6 levels increased by 52. 2% and 150. 4% (P < 0. 05), respectively. The phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK and FoxOl expression increased by 134. 1% and 61. 8% (P < 0. 05), respectively, while the DNA methylation level of Fox0l promoter region decreased by 17. 2% (P < 0. 05). After transfection of FoxOl siRNA in vitro, the phosphorylation level of p38 decreased. Pearson analysis showed that FoxOl methylation level was negatively correlated with inflammatory factors. Conclusion The regulation of FoxOl/p3 8 MAPK signaling pathway by hypomethylation of FoxOl promoter is an important mechanism of LPS-induced acute lung injury.

ACT001 exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity to alleviate sepsis-induced acute lung injury through STAT1/CIITA/MHC- II pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of ACT001, a micheliolide derivative, in the treatment of acute lung injury ( ALI) induced by sepsis and investigate its pharmacological mechanisms. Methods At the animal level, an ALI model was established in mice through intraperitoneal injection of li-popolysaccharide (LPS). Subsequently, ACT001 was administered to the ALI-afflicted mice. The therapeutic effects of ACT001 were assessed by evaluating factors such as individual survival rate, lung inflammation, and pulmonary edema. At the cellular level, RAW264. 7 cells were stimulated with LPS to explore the pharmacological mechanism of ACT001. The study examined inflammatory response and oxidative stress levels, and proteomics analysis was conducted to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results At the animal level, ACT001 can improve the survival of mice with ALI, reduce lung inflammation, and reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum. At the cellular level, ACT001 promotes the polarization of RAW264. 7 cells toward an anti-inflammatory pheno-type by inhibiting MHC-II related pathways, inhibiting the production of NO and related inflammatory cytokines while increasing SOD content and scavenging ROS. Conclusions ACT001 exhibited the potential to alleviate ALI via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity, mainly by inhibiting the STAT1/ CIITA/ MHC-II pathway. ACT001 holds promise as a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of ALI induced by sepsis.

Macrophage activity regulation by high dilution of aspirin and its possible mechanism

Under LPS-stimulus, platelets can activate macrophagesby a cell-to-cell contact or through cytokine degranulation. Rebound effects of anti-thrombotic agents, such as prostanoids and COX inhibitors can lead to thrombosis, infarct, and stroke. Aspirin has been prescribed for decades due to its powerful antiplatelet action, but it is also related to paradoxical effects such as withdrawal syndrome peaks, resistance, and thrombogenesis. Ultra-diluted aspirin can also produce the same effect in one hour, regardless of Cox-2, by still unknown pathways. Antithrombotic effects of aspirin are also reversed by its high dilutions.Aims: This study aims to characterize the effects of aspirin 15cH on macrophages challenged with LPS, a Cox-2 activator.Methodology: RAW 264.7 macrophages were sown in 24 wells plates using R10medium, boosted with 1µg/ml LPS,and treated with aspirin 15 cH and controls. The activity was evaluated after 24 hours. Supernatants were evaluated for cytokines, nitric oxide, and dielectric oscillations, through solvatochromic dyes (Cartwright's method).Results and discussion: macrophage spreading was increased by aspirin 15 cH, anLPS-like effect. Paradoxically, a significant reduction of this effect was noted when both, LPS and aspirin 15 cH, were added. Succussed water reversed the effect of LPS, leading to TNF (p<0.05) production close to baseline levels. Also, the single treatment with succussed water inhibited IL-10 production (p<0.05), but aspirin 200 µg/mL (positive control) highly increased it (p<0.0001), showing the validity of the model. Nitric oxide production was strengthened by LPS presence (p<0.0001), as expected, but partially downregulated after treatment with aspirin 200 µg/mL, water and succussed water. A pilot study with solvatochromic dyes showed no significant difference among treatments.Conclusion: The main data suggest that aspirin 15 cH increases macrophage activity but presents a paradoxal effect when mixed with LPS. On the other hand, succussed water itself has modulatory effects on macrophages.

Anti-inflammatory Effect and Mechanism of Lianggesan and Its Component Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma Based on Zebrafish Inflammation Model / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveLipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced zebrafish inflammation model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of different extracts from Lianggesan （LGS） and its component Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma. MethodDifferent polar fractions of LGS and Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma were obtained by the principle of similar miscibility. For toxicity observation， the zebrafish （3 day-post-fertilization） was exposed to different concentrations of extracts for 24， 48 and 72 h. The yolk sac of the zebrafish was microinjected with 0.5 g·L-1 LPS to establish the inflammation model， and then the embryos were soaked with different concentrations of extracts to observe their survival status at 72 h and the aggregation of neutrophils in yolk sac at 12 h after treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to analyze the yolk sac of the zebrafish microinjected with LPS. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to further investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of LGS and Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma. ResultThe toxicity of LGS and Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma was decreased with the increase of polarity， and the descending order was petroleum ether>ethyl acetate>n-butanol>water. Compared with model group， the extracts from different fractions of LGS and Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma prolonged the survival time of the zebrafish， and inhibited the recruitment and aggregation of neutrophils and decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the yolk sac， among which the water fraction of LGS and the ethyl acetate fraction of Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma had the most significant effect （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with model group， the water fraction of LGS and the ethyl acetate fraction of Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma down-regulated the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and suppressed the expression of toll like receptor 4 （TLR4） and nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） in LPS-stimulated zebrafish （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe extracts from different fractions of LGS and Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma exerted protective effects in LPS-induced zebrafish by inhibiting the TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover， in zebrafish model， the method of administration by soaking was applicable to the high-throughput screening of anti-inflammatory Chinese medicine， which was suitable for the evaluation of anti-LPS activity of Chinese medicine and the different extracts.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. on LPS-induced cystitis in mice: potential candidate for cystitis treatment based on classic use / 中国天然药物

Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. (A. manihot) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a variety of pharmacological properties. It was first recorded in Jiayou Materia Medica dating back to the Song dynasty to eliminate urinary tract irritation by clearing away heat and diuretic effect. However, its pharmacological action on urinary tract infections has not been investigated. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of A. manihot on a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cystitis. The results showed that A. manihot decreased white blood cell (WBC) count in urine sediments of the cystitis mice, alleviated bladder congestion, edema, as well as histopathological damage, reduced the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β simultaneously. Moreover, A. manihot administration significantly downregulated the expression levels of TLR4, MYD88, IκBα, p-IκBα, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in LPS-induced cystitis mice. These findings demonstrated the protective effect of A. manihot against LPS-induced cystitis, which is attributed to its anti-inflammatory profile by suppressing TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathways. Our results suggest that A. manihot could be a potential candidate for cystitis treatment.

Baicalin Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats Through p38 MAPK/NLRP3 Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and mechanism of baicalin （BA） on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced acute lung injury in rats. MethodEighty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group， model group， low-dose BA （BA-L） group， medium-dose BA （BA-M） group， high-dose BA （BA-H） group， dexamethasone （DEX） group， SB203580 group， and BA + SB203580 group， with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the BA-L， BA-M， and BA-H groups were injected intraperitoneally with different doses （10， 50， 100 mg·kg-1） of BA solution， the ones in the DEX group with 5 mg·kg-1 DEX solution， the ones in the SB203580 group with 0.5 mg·kg-1 SB203580 solution， the ones in the BA + SB203580 group with 100 mg·kg-1 BA solution and 0.5 mg·kg-1 SB203580， and those in both the control group and model group with the same volume of normal saline， once per day， for seven successive days. One hour after the last administration， rats in all groups except for the control group were given 5 mg·kg-1 LPS via intratracheal instillation for inducing the acute lung injury， whereas those in the control group received the same volume of normal saline solution. Twelve hours later， the lung tissues were sampled and stained with htoxylin-eosin （HE） for observing the pathological changes， followed by the counting of the total number of cells and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）. The wet/dry weight ratio of the lung tissue and the contents of serum superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were measured. The activity of reactive oxygen species （ROS） in the lung tissue was detected by immunofluorescence and the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-18 （IL-18）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in BALF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was conducted to determine the relative expression of p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） and Western blotting was carried out to detect the protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK， thioredoxin interacting protein （TXNIP）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， and cysteinyl aspartate specific protease-1 （Caspase-1） in the lung tissue. ResultCompared with the control group， the model group displayed inflammatory pathological changes in lung tissue， elevated wet/dry weight ratio， total number of cells and neutrophils in BALF， and ROS and MDA levels （P<0.01）， decreased SOD activity （P<0.01）， and up-regulated IL-1， IL-18， IL-6， TNF-α， p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 expression （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， BA at different doses， SB203580， and BA + SB203580 all effectively alleviated the pathological changes in lung tissue induced by LPS， reduce the lung wet/dry weight ratio， the total number of cells and neutrophils in BALF， and ROS and MDA levels （P<0.05，P<0.01）， enhanced the activity of SOD （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and down-regulated the expression of IL-1β， IL-18， IL-6，TNF-α， p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 in lung tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionBA has a protective effect against LPS-induced acute lung injury， which may be related to its inhibition of p38MAPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway and the improvement of inflammatory response.