Protective Effect of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens on LPS-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice Through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced acute lung injury in mice. MethodBalb/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， dexamethasone group， and low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups. Mice in the normal group were instilled with normal saline through the nose， and the other groups were instilled with normal saline containing LPS （50 μg）. After 30 minutes of modeling， the dexamethasone group was gavaged with 5 mg·kg-1 of dexamethasone acetate solution， the low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups were gavaged with different doses of （7， 14 g·kg-1） of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract， and the normal group and the model group were gavaged with the same volume of water. After 24 hours of modeling， the total number of white blood cells in bronchoalceolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected by cell counter， and the levels of the inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and myeloperoxidase （MPO） was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Haematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in each group， and the Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear transcription factor （NF）-κB p65， phosphorylation （p）-NF-κB p65， and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in lung tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the model group was increased （P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was decreased （P<0.05）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was obvious， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the treatment group was decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was alleviated， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionZingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract may play a protective role in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Clinical effect of procaterol hydrochloride combined with Xiaokechuan capsule in the treatment of cough variant asthma and its impact on serological indicators and airway function of children / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To explore the clinical effect of procaterol hydrochloride combined with Xiaokechuan capsule in the treatment of cough variant asthma(CVA)and its impact on serological indicators,airway function of children.Methods A total of 124 children with CVA admitted to the Zigong First People's Hospital from March 2019 to April 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The children were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table method,with 62 cases in each group.The children in the control group were treated with procaterol hydrochloride,and the children in the observation group were treated with procaterol hydrochloride and Xiaokechuan capsule for two weeks.The clinical efficacy of children was compared between the two groups after treatment.The cough scores during the day and night of children were evaluated in the two groups before and 2 weeks after treatment.The serum high mobility group protein B1(HMGB1),Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),interleukin-4(IL-4),interferon-γ(INF-γ)levels of children in the two groups were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay before and 2 weeks after treatment,and the ratio of INF-γ/IL-was calculated.The 25％maximal expiratory flow-volume(MEF25),50％maximal expiratory flow-volume(MEF50),75％maximal expiratory flow-volume(MEF75)of children in the two groups were measured by lung function detector before and 2 weeks after treatment.The adverse reactions of children in the two groups were recorded during treatment.Results The total effective rate of children in the control group and observation group was 82.26％(51/62)and 95.16％(59/62),respectively;the total effective rate of children in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in cough scores during the day and night of children between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05);the cough scores during the day and night of children after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment in the two groups(P＜0.05);after treatment,the cough scores during the day and night of children in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in serum HMGB1,TLR4,NF-κB levels of children between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05);the serum HMGB1,TLR4,NF-κB levels of children after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment in the two groups(P＜0.05);after treatment,the serum levels of HMGB1,TLR4,and NF-κB of children in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in MEF25,MEF50,and MEF75 of children between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05);the MEF25,MEF50,and MEF75 of children after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment in the two groups(P＜0.05);after treatment,the MEF25,MEF50,and MEF75 of children in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in serum IL-4,INF-γ levels and the ratio of INF-γ/IL-4 of children between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05);the serum IL-4 level of children after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment,the INF-γ level and the ratio of INF-γ/IL-4 were significantly higher than those before treatment in the two groups(P＜0.05);after treatment,the serum IL-4 level of children in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,the INF-γ level and the ratio of INF-γ/IL-4 were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).All children had good drug tolerance during the treatment period,and no significant adverse drug reactions were observed.Conclusion The combination of Xiaokechuan capsules and procaterol hydrochloride has a significant therapeutic effect for pediatric CVA,and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signal pathway.

Mechanism of electroacupuncture on improving corneal inflammation in dia-betic dry eye rats by regulating Toll-like receptor 4-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway / 眼科新进展

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on corneal Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway in diabetic dry eye rats and to explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in the treat-ment of diabetic dry eye.Methods A type 2 diabetic rat model was established in 32 healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(30 mg·kg-1)for 12 weeks after feeding with high-sugar and high-fat di-et for 4 weeks.Twenty-five successfully modeled diabetic dry eye rats were randomly divided into the model group(non-in-tervention),electroacupuncture group(the"Jingming","Cuanzhu","Sizhukong","Taiyang"and"Tongziliao"acupoints were treated with acupuncture,and then"Cuanzhu"and"Tongzilao"acupoints were treated with electroacupuncture,15 min for each time,once a day),sham acupuncture group(blunt-tip needle pricking was performed at the same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group),and fluorometholone group(1 g·L-1fluorometholone eye drops were used in both eyes at 8 o'clock,13 o'clock,and 18 o'clock,1 drop each time),with 6 rats in each group,lasting for 2 weeks.Another 6 healthy male SD rats were selected as a blank group.Random blood glucose,tear film breakup time(BUT),tear secre-tion,corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,and corneal touch threshold(CTT)of rats in each group were detected be-fore modeling,after modeling,and after the intervention.Hematoxylin and Eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe the corneal morphologic changes in each group.Immunofluorescence histochemical staining was adopted to detect the cor-neal TLR4-positive expression in each group.The TLR4,phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa P65(P-NF-KB P65),inter-leukin(IL)-1β,and IL-18 expression levels in the cornea were detected by Western blot.Results After modeling,com-pared with the blank group,BUT,tear secretion and CTT decreased and FL increased in all experimental groups,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.01).After the intervention,compared with the model group,FL de-creased,and BUT,tear secretion and CTT increased in the electroacupuncture group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Corneal HE staining showed that after the intervention,the corneal surface of rats in the model group and sham acupuncture group was not smooth,and the corneal epithelial cells were thickened and disorganized;the corneal surface of rats in the electroacupuncture group and fluorometholone group was smooth,and the corneal epithelial cells were arranged neatly.After the intervention,compared with the blank group,the corneal TLR4 expression of rats in all other groups was elevated,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);compared with the model group,the corneal TLR4 expression of rats in the electroacupuncture group and fluorometholone group was reduced(both P＜0.01).Compared with the blank group,corneal TLR4,P-NF-κBP65,IL-1β and IL-18 protein expressions increased in the model group and sham acupuncture group(all P＜0.05);compared with the model group,these expressions decreased in the electroacupuncture group and the fluorometholone group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can im-prove the ocular surface signs and inhibit the expressions of TLR4,P-NF-κB P65,IL-1 β,and IL-18 in the cornea of type 2 diabetic dry eye rats,and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway,which inhibits ocular surface inflammation in diabetic dry eye rats.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Mori Folium Extract on Kidney of db/db Diabetic Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of Mori Folium extract （MLE） on the kidney of db/db diabetic mice and its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male C57BLKS/JGpt-Leprdb/Leprdb （db/db） mice were randomly divided into model group， metformin group， low-dose group of MLE （MLE-L）， and high-dose group of MLE （MLE-H） according to their fasting blood glucose （FBG）， with six mice in each group， and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate （m/m） mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the drug administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage， and the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by gavage once a day for continuous eight weeks. Body weight， bilateral kidney weight， and FBG were measured， and an oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed. The pathological changes in the kidney tissue of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and periodic acid-silver （PAS） staining， and serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） levels were detected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in serum and urinary microalbumin （U-mAlb） of mice. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 （NF-κB p65） protein in kidney tissue of mice were tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the body weight， absolute renal weight， FBG， and the area under the curve （AUC） of OGTT of mice in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the levels of SCr， BUN， and U-mAlb， as well as TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The glomerular basement membrane in the kidney tissue of mice was thicker， with obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the kidney tissue of mice were increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， there was no statistical difference in the body weight of mice in each drug administration group. The absolute renal weight of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The FBG levels of mice in the metformin， MLE-L， and MLE-H groups started to decrease after treatment for four to eight weeks （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The AUC of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The levels of SCr， BUN， and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and those of SCr and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-L group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The renal tissue pathology of mice in each drug administration group was improved to varying degrees， and the protein expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the MLE-H group were decreased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLE can improve the renal structure and function of db/db diabetic mice， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

HMGB1 gene knockout alleviates acute lung injury of sepsis mice via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To study the effect of high mobility group box B1(HMGB1)gene knockout on alleviating a-cute lung injury and inhibiting toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-KB(NF-κB)pathway of sepsis mice.Methods Wild-type(WT)mice were divided into WT-Sham group and WT-model group,and HMGB1 knockout(KO)mice were divided into KO-sham group and KO-model group.Sepsis ALI model was established by cecal ligation and perforation in WT-model group and KO-model group.Sham operation was performed in WT-Sham group and KO-Sham group.24 h after modeling,the partial pressure of arterial oxygen(PaO2)was detected,oxy-genation index(OI)was calculated,pathological changes of lung tissue were detected and lung injury score was calculated,the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β),interleukin-6(IL-6),reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),in serum and lung tissues and the expression of HMGB1,TLR4 and nuclear NF-κB in lung tissues were detected.Results The PaO2,OI and the concentration of SOD in serum and lung tissue of WT-model group were lower than those of WT-Sham group,the lung injury scores,the concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,ROS and MDA in serum and lung tissue,and the expression levels of HMGB1,TLR4 and nuclear NF-κB in lung tissue were higher than those in WT-Sham group(P＜0.05).HMGB1 was not expressed in lung tissue of KO-model group,and the concentrations of PaO2,OI and the concentration of SOD in serum and lung tissue of KO-model group were higher than those of WT-model group,the lung injury scores,the concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,ROS and MDA in serum and lung tissue,and the expression levels of TLR4 and nuclear NF-κB in lung tissue were lower than those of the WT-model group(P＜0.05).Conclusion HMGB1 gene knockout alleviates acute lung injury of sepsis mice,the re-lated molecular mechanism may be the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway mediated inflammation and oxidative stress.

LipoxinA4 protects sepsis-induced acute kidney injury via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To study the protective effect of lipoxin A4(LXA4)against sepsis-induced acute kidney in-jury(SAKI)in rats and its effect on the expression of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor88(MyD88),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)in the kidney.Methods Forty male specific pathogen-free C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into SAKI group,SAKI+LXA4 group,sham procedure group,sham procedure+LXA4 group.The mice in SAKI group and SAKI+LXA4 group were given cecum ligation and puncture(CLP)to establish SAKI animal models.The mice in SAKI+LXA4 group and sham procedure+LXA4 group were given LXA4(40 ng/kg)with intraperitoneal injection 30 mins after CLP.All mice were sacrificed at the 24th hour after CLP to collect serum,urine and kidney tissues.The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to test the serum creat-inine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(Bun),interleukin-1 β(IL-1β),IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL),kidney injury molecule 1(KIM-1)levels of mice.The pathologi-cal changes were examined through hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and Periodic Acid-Schiff(PAS)staining.And the mRNA levels of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65 were detected through real-time PCR(RT-PCR);the expression lev-els of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,phospho-NF-KB p65(p-NF-KB p65)were detected through immunohistochemistry(IHC)and Western blot assay.Results ELISA showed that the values of Scr,Bun,IL-1 β,IL-6,TNF-α,NGAL,KIM-1 in SAKI group were higher than those in SAKI+LXA4 group(P＜0.05),and there were no significant differences in Scr,Bun,IL-1 β,IL-6,TNF-α,NGAL,KIM-1 between sham procedure group and sham procedure+LXA4 group.HE and PAS staining showed that SAKI group had severer pathological changes than SAKI+LXA4 group in the kidney structure(P＜0.05),while pathological structures of the kidney were normal in sham proce-dure group and sham procedure+LXA4 group.RT-PCR showed that the mRNA levels of TLR4,MyD88,N F-κB p65 in SAKI group,SAKI+LXA4 group were higher than sham procedure group and sham procedure+LXA4 group(P＜0.05);the mRNA levels of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65 in SAKI group were higher than SAKI+LXA4 group(P＜0.05);The results of IHC,Western blot assay were as follows:The expression levels of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65 in SAKI group,SAKI+LXA4 group were higher than sham procedure group and sham procedure+LXA4 group(P＜0.05);the expression levels of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65 in SAKI group were higher than SAKI+LXA4 group(P＜0.05).Conclusion TLR4/MyD88/NF-KB pathway plays an important role in the occurrence and development of SAKI,and LXA4 may reduce SAKI by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB sig-naling pathway.

The expression changes of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in a mouse model of olfactory dysfunction / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To explore the expression changes of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways in olfactory disorders.METHODS There were 40 healthy BALB/c mice who were divided into an observation group and a control group,with 20 mice in each group.Detection of Toll-like receptors(TLR4),myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)in mice using quantitative reverse transcription PCR level;Detection of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB by Western blot(WB)test protein content;Immunohistochemical detection of the expression of mouse olfactory marker protein(OMP).RESULTS There was no significant difference in foraging time between the two groups of mice before modeling(P>0.05),after modeling,the foraging time of the observation group mice was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05);The relative mRNA expression level of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB in the nasal epithelium of mice in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);The protein expression of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB in the nasal epithelium of mice in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);The level of OMP protein in the nasal epithelium of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Expression reinforcement of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in a mouse model of olfactory dysfunction.

Basic Study on Inhibitory Effect of Sulforaphane on Inflammatory Response and Alleviation of Airway Remodeling in COPD Rats / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of sulforaphane on inflammatory response and airway remodeling in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods Seventy-five SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,and the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of sulforaphane,with 15 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,the COPD model was prepared in the remaining group using aroma smoke inhalation combined with intratracheal droplet lipopolysaccharide(LPS)method.After the successful modelling,the rats were administered the drug by gavage for 28 days.At the end of the administration,the general conditions of the rats in each group were observed,and the lung function[forced vital capacity(FVC),peak expiratory flow-rate(PEF),forceful expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1)]was examined,and the pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining method,and the indexes of airway remodeling(thickness of the bronchial wall,thickness of the smooth muscle)were measured;the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to examine the lung function of the rats.The levels of inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β)]were detected in lung tissue by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and changes in the protein expressions of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88),and nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)were detected in lung tissue by Western Blot.Results(1)The rats in the model group had dry and lack of glossy fur,obvious coughing and nose scratching,shortness of breath,slow movement,and preferred to arch their backs and lie curled up;the rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of sulforaphane showed significant improvement in shortness of breath,coughing,and other abnormal manifestations.(2)HE staining showed that the airway wall and smooth muscle of rats in the model group were thickened,the airway epithelium was damaged,and alveolar destruction,fusion,and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells were seen;the histopathological changes in the lungs of rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of sulforaphane improved to varying degrees,with the airway wall becoming thinner,the degree of alveolar destruction being reduced,and the infiltration of inflammatory cells being reduced.(3)Compared with the normal group,FVC,PEF and FEV1 were significantly reduced in the model group(P＜0.05),and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β,bronchial wall thickness,smooth muscle thickness,and the expression levels of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB were significantly increased in the model group(P＜0.05);and in comparison with the model group,the levels of FVC,PEF,and FEV1 were significantly increased in the rats in the sulforaphane low-,medium-,and high-dose groups(P＜0.05),and the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,bronchial wall thickness,smooth muscle thickness,and the expression levels of TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB were significantly decreased(P＜0.05)compared with the model group.Conclusion Sulforaphane helps to inhibit the inflammatory response,attenuate airway remodeling,and improve the pathological injury and lung function of lung tissue in rats with COPD,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB protein expressions.

The effects of gastrodin on TLR4 expression in microglia induced by ischemia and hypoxia / 神经解剖学杂志

Objective:To determine the effect of gastrodin(GAS)on toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)expression in mi-croglia after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.Methods:Hypoxia-ischemic brain damage(HIBD)model was established in neonatal rat in vivo.Thirty 3 d SD rats of were randomly divided into there groups:Sham group,HIBD model group,HIBD model+gastrodin intervention group(HIBD+G).Oxygen glucose deprivation(OGD)model was established in BV2 cells in vitro,Control group(Control),oxygen glucose deprivation group(OGD),OGD+gastrodin intervention group(OGD+G)were randomly set in vitro.Both Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining techniques were used to detect the expression of TLR4 in cells of each group in vitro and in the left corpus callosum region in vivo.Results:The expression of TLR4 was significantly increased in OGD-induced microglia.After gastrodin intervention,TLR4 expression was decreased significantly(P＜0.05).Conclusion:GAS can inhibit the expression of TLR4 in activated microglia and thus play a neuroprotective role in HIBD.

Electroacupuncture reduces inflammatory factor expression by suppressing Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Inflammation is one of the important factors that induce cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Studies have shown that electroacupuncture can effectively reduce inflammation after ischemic stroke and improve the symptoms of neurological deficits,but the mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group and electroacupuncture group,with 16 rats in each group.The rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was prepared by middle cerebral artery occlusion.At 24 hours after modeling,the rats in the electroacupuncture group were treated with electroacupuncture,once a day,20 minutes each time,for a total of 5 days.The sham operation group and the model group did not do any intervention.After 5 days of intervention,Longa method was used to evaluate the degree of neurological injury in rats.Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to measure the volume of cerebral infarction and the pathological changes of brain tissue in rats.Serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected by ELISA.Expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB in the cerebral cortex at mRNA and protein levels were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the neurological function scores,serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels,Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in the model group(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,electroacupuncture significantly reduced the neurological function scores,serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels,Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB mRNA and protein expression levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the sham operation group,the volume of cerebral infarction in the model group increased significantly(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the volume of cerebral infarction in the electroacupuncture group decreased(P＜0.05).In the model group,the arrangement of neurons was disordered,some nerve cells disappeared,nuclei presented with pyknosis and incomplete structure.After electroacupuncture intervention,the degree of neuronal degeneration and neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex of rats were reduced compared with those in the model group.To conclude,electroacupuncture can significantly improve the neurobehavior of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,reduce brain tissue injury,and effectively reduce the level of serum inflammatory factors.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

Tectorigenin improves cognitive deficits in rats with vascular dementia by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze effects of tectorigenin on improving cognitive deficits in rats with vascular dementia(VD)by regulating Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 72 rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,low,medium and high doses[25,50,100 mg/(kg·d)]tectorigenin groups and positive control group[piracetam 324 mg/(kg·d)],with 12 rats in each group.Except for sham operation group,VD models were replicated in other groups.After successful modeling,different doses tectorigenin groups and positive control group were administered intragastrically with different doses of tectorigenin and piracetam,while other groups were administered intragastrically with same volume of normal saline for 28 d.Spatial learning and memory ability were detected by Morris water maze.Neurotransmitter levels in hippocampus interstitial fluid were detected by high performance liquid chromatography-electro-chemical.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and tyrosine kinase receptor b(TrkB)expressions in hippocampus were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related proteins in hippocampus were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with sham operation group,escape latency was longer,while stay time in target area and times of crossing platform were lower in model group(P<0.05).Compared with model group,escape latency was shorter,while stay time in target area and times of crossing platform were higher in medium and high doses tectorigenin groups(P<0.05).NE,DA,5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in model group were lower than those in sham operation group(P<0.05),which were higher in medium and high doses tectorigenin groups than model group(P<0.05).Compared with sham operation group,BDNF and TrkB mRNA and proteins levels were lower,while TLR4,MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 proteins levels were higher in model group(P<0.05).Compared with model group,BDNF and TrkB mRNA and proteins levels were higher,while TLR4,MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 proteins levels were lower in medium and high doses tectorigenin groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:Tectorigenin can improve cognitive deficits in VD rats,which may be related to regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The influence of Liuwei Dihuang Wan on the behavior and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway of Alzheimer's disease model mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Wan on the behaviors and Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B(TLR4/NF-κB) signal transduction pathway of amyloid β-precursor protein/presenilin-1(APP/PS1) double transgenic mice.Methods:Forty 3-month-old female APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose group(0.59 g/kg), medium-dose group(1.18 g/kg), high-dose group(2.36 g/kg)of Liuwei Dihuang Wan(gavaged according to grouped doses), and ibuprofen group(0.04 g/kg, gavage) using a random number table method, with 8 mice in each group.Eight 3-month-old wild-type female C57BL/6 mice with matched body weight were used as the control group.The mice in control group and model group were given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage.The gavage administration was twice a day for a continuous period of 3 months.Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory abilities of mice. ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the levels of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and NF-κB in hippocampal tissue.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88), and phosphorylated NF-κB(p-NF-κB) proteins in hippocampal tissue.The SPSS 20.0 software was used for data analysis. Multiple group comparisons were conducted by repeated measure ANOVA or one-way ANOVA.Results:The results of repeated measure ANOVA showed that as for the escape latency of the 6 groups of mice, the interaction effect between time and group was significant ( Finteraction=117.219, P<0.001). The escape latencies of mice in the 6 groups on the 5th day were all lower than those on the 1st day (all P<0.05). The escape latencies of mice in the ibuprofen group and the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than that in the model group from 1st day to 5th day(all P<0.05). On the 3rd to 5th day, the escape latencies of mice in the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than those in the low-dose group of Liuwei Dihuang Wan (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the percentage of residence time in the platform quadrant and the numbers of crossing platform among the 6 groups of mice ( F=5.451, 4.824, both P<0.05). The percentage of residence time in the platform quadrant (50.77±5.49)%, (54.39±5.71)%, (51.98±6.12)%), and the numbers of crossing platform((5.9±1.1) times, (6.0±1.3) times, (5.1±0.8) times) in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and the ibuprofen group were all higher than those in the model group ((27.32±3.22)%, (2.2±1.0) times )(all P<0.05). The immunohistochemical results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the integrated optical density values of Aβ, GFAP and NF-κB in the hippocampal tissues of 6 groups of mice ( F=57.52, 45.37, 79.10, all P<0.05). The integrated optical density values of Aβ, GFAP and NF-κB in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and the ibuprofen group were all lower than those in the model group (all P<0.05). And the integrated optical density values of Aβ, GFAP, and NF-κB in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were all lower than those in the low-dose group of Liuwei Dihuang Wan (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-1β detected by ELISA ( F=3.996, 6.395, both P<0.05) and the proteins levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB in hippocampal tissue detected by Western blot among the 6 groups( F=15.710, 3.522, 4.119, all P<0.05). The serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and ibuprofen group were all lower than those in the model group (all P<0.05). The serum TNF-α ((18.90±2.33) ng/L, (21.56±2.49) ng/L) and IL-1β ((5.88±0.80) ng/L, (6.75±0.83) ng/L) levels in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than those in the low-dose group ((30.77±2.89) ng/L, (9.11±1.27) ng/L) (all P<0.05). The protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB in the hippocampus of the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and ibuprofen group were lower than those of the model group (all P<0.05). The protein expression levels of TLR4 ((0.254±0.091), (0.318±0.122)), MyD88 ((0.229±0.077), (0.386±0.119)), and p-NF-κB ((0.412±0.188), (0.358±0.119)) in the hippocampus of the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than those of the low-dose group ((0.617±0.172), (0.672±0.166), (0.799±0.227)) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Liuwei Dihuang Wan can significantly alleviate learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease model mice, possibly by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway, reducing TNF-α and IL-1β expression, thereby alleviate central immune inflammatory response and exert anti Alzheimer's disease effects.

Analysis of drug resistance of pathogens of puerperal infection in pregnant women with diabetes and its influence on toll like receptor 4 inflammatory pathway of peripheral blood mononuclear cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the drug resistance of pathogens in puerperal infection of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (GDM), and analyze the influence of puerperal infection on the expression of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) inflammatory pathway in peripheral blood monocytes.Methods:A retrospective selection was conducted on 120 GDM postpartum women who underwent regular prenatal check ups and delivery at the 903th Hospital of the PLA (People′s Liberation Army) Joint Logistic Support Force from January 2020 to October 2022. The postpartum infection status, pathogenic characteristics of the infected pathogens, and drug resistance of the mothers were analyzed; According to the postpartum infection situation, the parturients were divided into an infected group and an uninfected group. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relevant factors affecting postpartum infection, and the TLR4 protein and mRNA expression levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the two groups were compared.Results:Among 120 GDM pregnant women, 21 cases (17.50%) developed post infection, including 8 cases (38.10%) of incision infection, 6 cases (28.57%) of uterine cavity infection, 4 cases (19.05%) of urinary system infection, and 3 cases (14.28%) of blood infection; A total of 43 pathogenic bacteria were detected, including 26 Gram negative bacteria (60.46%), 14 Gram positive bacteria (32.56%), and 3 fungi (6.98%). Among the main Gram negative bacteria, escherichia coli had the highest resistance rate to ceftazidime and tetracycline, and had not developed resistance to meropenem; Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest resistance rate to ceftazidime and gentamicin. Among the main Gram positive bacteria, staphylococcus aureus had the highest resistance rate to penicillin G and ceftazidime, and had not developed resistance to vancomycin; Enterococcus faecalis had the highest resistance rate to clindamycin. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postpartum hemorrhage, premature rupture of membranes, and poor control of prenatal blood sugar were independent risk factors for postpartum infection in GDM mothers (all P<0.05). The expression rate of TLR4 protein, relative expression level of TLR4 mRNA, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-10 in the infected group were significantly higher than those in the non infected group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in postpartum infections of GDM mothers have certain characteristics. Postpartum hemorrhage, premature rupture of membranes, and poor control of prenatal blood sugar are independent risk factors affecting postpartum infections in GDM mothers; The TLR4 inflammatory pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may be involved in the occurrence and development of postpartum infection in GDM mothers.

MiR-145-5p targeting TLR4 participates in inflammation and oxidative stress of atherosclerosis foam cells / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To explore the role of microRNA-145-5p(miR-145-5p)in the regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress process in cellular model of atherosclerosis.Methods Human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived foam cells were constructed in vitro.Then,the relative expression of miR-145-5p in the model and control groups of cells were detected by qRT-PCR.TargetScan database was used to predict the targeting relationship between miR-145-5p and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4).The 293T cells were divided into wild-type+mimic group,wild-type+mimic negative control(NC)group,and mutant+mimic group,mutant+mimic NC group,and dual luciferase assay was employed to verify the targeting relationship of miR-145-5p and TLR4.Foam cells were cultured in vitro and divided into miR-145-5p mimic group,mimic NC group,miR-145-5p inhibitor group,and inhibitor NC group according to the corresponding treat-ments.The expression of TLR4 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by qRT-PCR and Wes-tern blotting.The contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 were detected by ELISA.Biochemical reagent kits were applied for generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS),content of MDA and activity of SOD.Results The expression of miR-145-5p was significantly reduced in the model group than the control group(0.29±0.01 vs 1.00±0.08,t=11.180,P＜0.01).Dual luciferase assay showed that luciferase activity was significantly lower in the miR-145-5p mimic group than the mimic NC group(t=8.612,P＜0.01).Compared with the mimic NC group,the mimic group had obviously lower mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and contents of TNF-α,IL-1β,lL-6,ROS and MDA,and higher miR-145-5p expression level and SOD activity(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The treatment of inhibi-tor resulted in increased TLR4 mRNA and protein levels and TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,ROS and MDA contents,and decreased miR-145-5p expression and SOD activity when compared with the above levels in the inhibitor NC group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion MiR-145-5p inhibits inflamma-tion and oxidative stress in cellular model of atherosclerosis by targeting TLR4.

Effect of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma on Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Vulnerable Plaques via Inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma on plaque stability in atherosclerotic （AS） mice and to explore its possible mechanism of action based on the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodTen normal C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal group， and the same strain of ApoE knockout （ApoE-/-） mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to construct an atherosclerosis model. Mice were randomly divided into five groups， namely the model group， the atorvastatin group， and the Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma low-， medium-， and high-dose groups， with ten mice in each group. Then normal and model groups were given equal volume of saline gavage， and the low-， medium-， high-dose Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma groups were given 1.95， 3.9， 7.8 g·kg-1 of the drug by gavage for 8 weeks， respectively. The general state of mice was observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was utilized to observe the pathology of aortic root plaques and calculate the percentage of plaque area. Masson staining and oil red O staining combined with immunohistochemistry of F4/80 and α-SMA were used to detect the plaque components of aortic root plaques and calculate the plaque vulnerability index. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to detect the expression levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6）. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2）， matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB p65， and phosphorylation （p） -NF-κB p65 in the aortic tissues of mice in each group. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） assay was employed to detect the expression levels of MMP-2， MMP-9， TLR4， and MyD88， NF-κB p65 mRNA. ResultCompared with the model group， the general state of the mice in each medication group was improved， and no obvious side effects were observed. Compared with the model group， the percentage of plaque area in the aortic root of AS mice was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma groups （P<0.05）. The content of collagen fibers and smooth muscle cells in the plaques of the high-dose Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma group was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the content of lipids and macrophages was significantly reduced （P<0.05）， the plaque vulnerability index of each dose group of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma was significantly reduced， with significant reduction of the medium- and high-dose groups （P<0.01）. MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein and mRNA expression levels in aortic tissues were significantly reduced in medium- and high-dose Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma groups （P<0.05）. The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly reduced in AS mice in medium- and high-dose Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma groups （P<0.05）. In the medium- and high-dose Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma groups， the levels of TLR4， MyD88 protein， and mRNA expression in aortic tissues were significantly reduced （P<0.05）， and the level of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation in aortic tissues was significantly reduced （P<0.05）. ConclusionScutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma may play an anti-inflammatory and stabilizing role by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Zuoguiwan Prevent Decreased Ovarian Reserve in Prenatal Stressed Offspring Rats via TLR4/NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Zuoguiwan on ovarian reserve in the female offspring rat model of prenatal stress （PS） and explore the mechanism based on Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB p65 （TLR4/NF-κB p65） signaling pathway. MethodThirty-two pregnant rats were prepared and randomized into four groups （n=8）： control， model， Zuoguiwan （18.9 mg·kg-1）， and vitamin E （1.44 mg·kg-1）. Except the control group， the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） from day 11 of pregnancy， and the modeling was accompanied by gavage with corresponding drugs until delivery. The PS model was evaluated by the sucrose preference test， open field test， and serum corticosterone （CORT） level. The estrous cycle was monitored and the morphological changes in the ovarian tissue were observed. The serum levels of estradiol （E2）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， and anti-Mullerian hormone （AMH） in the 75-day-old offspring rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） to evaluate the ovarian reserve. The ovary and uterus indices were calculated. The serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The morphology of the ovarian tissue in the offspring on the day of birth and day 75 after birth was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The transport of NF-κB p65 to the nucleus in the ovaries of the 75-day-old offspring was detected by the immunofluorescence （IF） assay. The expression of TLR4， NF-κB p65 and other related proteins in the ovarian tissue was determined by Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group， the model group showed reduced primordial follicles in the offspring on the day of birth （P<0.01） as well as disturbed estrous cycle， decreased ovary index and uterus index （P<0.01）， reduced corpus luteum， increased atretic follicles （P<0.01）， lowered serum levels of AMH and E2 （P<0.01）， elevated serum levels of LH， FSH， IL-1β， and TNF-α （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein levels of TLR4， NF-κB p65， recombinant myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor （p-IκBα） （P<0.01） in the 75-day-old offspring rats. Compared with the model group， Zuoguiwan and vitamin E increased the primordial follicles in the offspring on the day of birth （P<0.01）. Moreover， they resumed the estrous cycle， increased the ovary and uterine indices （P<0.05， P<0.01） and corpus luteum （P<0.01）， reduced atretic follicles （P<0.01）， elevated the serum levels of AMH and E2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， lowered the serum levels of LH， FSH， IL-1β， and TNF-α （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the expression of TLR4， NF-κB p65， MyD88， and p-IκB-α （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the 75-day-old offspring. ConclusionZuoguiwan can improve the ovarian reserve in the offspring rat model of congenital kidney deficiency by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.

Improvement effect and mechanism of “Layers adjusting external application”paste on synovial fibrosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and potential mechanism of “Layers adjusting external application” paste on synovial fibrosis （SF） in rats with knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， KOA group and Layers adjusting external application group， with 8 rats in each group. KOA model was induced by the anterior cruciate ligament disruption method in KOA group and Layers adjusting external application group. Fourteen days after modeling， the Layers adjusting external application group was given “Layers adjusting external application” paste [Sanse powder （8 g for every 100 cm2）， Compound sanhuang ointment （5 g for every 100 cm2）] on the knee joint， 8 h every day， for 28 d in total. After the last administration， the degree of synovitis and fibrosis in rats was observed， and Krenn scoring was performed in each group. The expressions of collagen Ⅰ， high mobility group protein B1 （HMGB1） and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65） were detected in the synovial membrane； the contents of interleukin-1β （IL- 1β）， IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum as well as the expressions of fibrosis-related and HMGB1/Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNA were detected in synovial tissue. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group， the synovial lining cells in the KOA group showed significant proliferation and disordered arrangement， the inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition were obvious； the positive expressing cells of collagen Ⅰ， HMGB1 and p-NF-κB p65 were increased significantly； the contents of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α in serum， the expressions of fibrosis-related protein （transforming growth factor-β， collagen Ⅰ， tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1， α-smooth muscle actin） and their mRNA as well as theexpressions of HMGB1， TLR4 protein and their mRNA， the expressions of p-NF-κB p65 protein and NF-κB p65 mRNA were all increased significantly in synovial tissues of rats （P＜0.01）. Compared with the KOA group， the pathological changes in the synovial tissue of rats in Layers adjusting external application group were significantly improved， and the above quantitative indicators were significantly reversed （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS “Layers adjusting external application” paste could significantly improve SF in KOA rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with the inhibition of the activation of HMGB1/ TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Role of PPARγ in Ulcerative Colitis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ulcerative colitis （UC） is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the colon and rectum， with the typical symptoms such as abdominal pain， bloody diarrhea， and tenesmus. The pathogenesis of UC remains to be fully elucidated. The disease is prone to recurrence， seriously affecting the patients' quality of life. Conventional therapies for UC have limitations， including unsatisfactory clinical efficacy， lengthy courses， and adverse reactions. Therefore， there is an urgent need to explore new therapeutic agents. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPARγ）， a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis， is closely associated with the onset and development of UC. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has advantages such as multi-targeting and mild side effects in the treatment of UC. Recent studies have shown that TCM can exert the therapeutic effects on UC by modulating PPARγ. The TCM methods for regulating PPARγ include clearing heat， drying dampness， moving Qi， activating blood， resolving stasis， invigorating the spleen， warming the kidney， and treating with both tonification and elimination. On one hand， TCM directly activates PPARγ or mediates signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， and regulates helper T cell 17 （Th17）/regulatory T cell （Treg） balance to promote macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype， thereby inhibiting intestinal inflammation. On the other hand， TCM regulates the intestinal metabolism to activate PPARγ， lower the nitrate level， and maintain local hypoxia. In this way， it can restore the balance between specialized anaerobes and facultative anaerobes， thereby improving the gut microbiota and treating UC. This article summarizes the role of PPARγ in UC and reviews the research progress of TCM in treating UC by intervening in PPARγ in the last five years， aiming to give insights into the treatment and new drug development for UC.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Acute Pancreatitis Based on TLR4 Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Acute pancreatitis （AP） is one of the most clinically common acute digestive disorders characterized by quick onset，rapid progression，severe condition，and high mortality. If the disease is not timely intervened in the early stage，it can develop into severe AP in the later stage，which damages the long-term quality of life and brings serious economic burden to patients and their families. However， the pathogenesis of this disease is complex and has not been fully explained. The generation and development of AP is closely related to many signaling pathways. Among them，Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4），as a transmembrane signal transduction receptor，can mediate immune response and inflammatory response，and play a key role in the occurrence and development of AP. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway with multiple targets，multiple effects，and multiple administration methods to inhibit inflammatory response，and effectively intervene in the progression of AP， which has gradually become a new craze for preventing and treating AP. Many studies have shown that TCM has obvious advantages in the prevention and treatment of AP. It can effectively treat AP by regulating TLR4 signaling pathway，strengthening immune resistance and defense，and inhibiting inflammatory response. Despite of the research progress，there is still a lack of comprehensive review on TCM regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway in the treatment of AP. Therefore，the literature on TCM regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway published in recent years was systematically reviewed and elaborated，aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of AP and further drug development.

Effect of Tongluo Juanbi Granules on Inflammatory Injury and Apoptosis of Osteoarthritis Based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tongluo Juanbi granules on chondrocyte apoptosis and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis （KOA） and study the mechanism of Tongluo Juanbi granules in the prevention and treatment of KOA. MethodThirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to the following five groups （n=6）： sham group， model group， low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules （4.1 and 8.2 g·kg-1·d-1）， and celecoxib group （10.9 mg·kg-1·d-1）. The KOA model was established by destabilization of the medial meniscus （DMM） for six weeks. Six weeks after the modeling， the drug was given once a day for eight weeks. The pathological changes of cartilago articularis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） staining was performed to detect chondrocyte apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the contents of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in synovial fluid. The mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， respectively. ResultCompared with the sham group， the cartilago articularis of the model group significantly degenerated. Mankin's score was increased （P<0.01）， and the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fluid were increased （P<0.01）. The number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were up-regulated （P<0.01）， while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， chondrocyte degeneration in both low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules was improved， and Mankin's score was decreased （P<0.01）. The contents of IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased （P<0.01）， and the number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were down-regulated （P<0.01）， while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were up-regulated （P<0.01）. In addition， in the above observation indicators， the high-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules was significantly superior to the low-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules. ConclusionTongluo Juanbi granules could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits with KOA and improve cartilage degeneration， which may be related to inhibiting inflammatory responses mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.