Green tea polyphenols alleviate di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced liver injury in mice.

BACKGROUND: Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer known to cause liver injury. Green tea is reported to exert therapeutic effects on heavy metal exposure-induced organ damage. However, limited studies have examined the therapeutic effects of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) on DEHP-induced liver damage. AIM: To evaluate the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were divided into the following five groups: Control, model [DEHP (1500 mg/kg bodyweight)], treatment [DEHP (1500 mg/kg bodyweight) + GTP (70 mg/kg bodyweight), oil, and GTP (70 mg/kg bodyweight)] groups. After 8 wk, the liver function, blood lipid profile, and liver histopathology were examined. Differentially expressed micro RNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs in the liver tissues were examined using high-throughput sequencing. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration prediction were performed. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis was elucidated using the starBase database. Protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: GTPs alleviated DHEP-induced liver dysfunction, blood lipid dysregulation, fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum lesions in mice. The infiltration of macrophages, mast cells, and natural killer cells varied between the model and treatment groups. mmu-miR-141-3p (a differentially expressed miRNA), Zcchc24 (a differentially expressed mRNA), and Zcchc24 (a differentially expressed protein) constituted the miRNA-mRNA-protein regulatory axis involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage in mice. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that GTPs mitigate DEHP-induced liver dysfunction, blood lipid dysregulation, fatty liver disease, and partial liver fibrosis, and regulate immune cell infiltration. Additionally, an important miRNA-mRNA-protein molecular regulatory axis involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage was elucidated.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide alleviates nonylphenol exposure induced testicular injury in juvenile zebrafish.

Nonylphenol is an endocrine disrupting chemicals that can disrupt the organisms' reproductive system, and exists widely in rivers and lakes. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main active constituent (about 10%) in Lycium barbarum, which is used to protect reproductive health. In this study, we investigated whether LBP can alleviate nonylphenol exposure induced testicular injury in juvenile zebrafish. We detected histological alteration, anti-oxidant enzyme profile and P450 gene transcription to assess LBP effect on testicular development. The GSI reduced significantly due to nonylphenol exposure, while LBP can improve the GSI. The densities of sperms increased and non-celluar zone decreased after LBP treatment. Meanwhile, Cyp11b gene was up regulated to NP group, and cyp19a gene was down regulated to NP group. In sum, the LBP could repair the testicular injury in zebrafish. This findings provide a basis research to remit the estrogen effect of artificial endocrine disruptor.

[Effects of total flavonoids in Drynaria fortunei on osteoblasts differentiation and the expression of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK after treatment by high glucose in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Total Flavonoids in Drynaria fortunei (TFDF) on osteoblasts differentiation activity after treatment by high glucose and observe the effects on p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling protein in osteoblasts. METHODS: Primary osteoblasts of newborn SD rats was extracted and cultured and its biological characteristics was observed. MTT method was used to observe osteoblasts' cytotoxicity,and to choose a suitable concentration of TFDF in the culture medium. pNPP,ELISA,Alizarin dyeing were used to test ALP,Type I collagen,osteocalcin and mineralization of osteoblasts after treatment by different concentration of glucose respectively and after treatment by TFDF and high glucose. Western-blot was used to detect p38MAPK and ERK1/2 protein phosphorylation after treatment by TFDF and high glucose. RESULTS: Primary osteoblasts of newborn SD rats could be used well in this experiment. According to the toxicity of TFDF on OB, 25, 50, 100 mg/L of TFDF were selected for the experimental concentration gradient. ALP, Type I collagen,osteocalcin and mineralization of osteoblasts after treatment with glucose (25, 50 mmol/L) were less than those of control group respectively. TFDF could increase ALP, Type I collagen, osteocalcin activity and mineralization of osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner after treatment by high glucose (25 mmol/L). TFDF(50 mg/L) could increase protein phosphorylation of p38MAPK and ERK1/2 of osteoblasts after treatment by high glucose (25 mmol/L). CONCLUSION: High glucose can decrease differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts. TFDF can increase differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner after treatment by high glucose. The role of TFDF in the promotion of osteoblasts differentiation is related to protein phosphorylation of p38MAPK and ERK1/2.

Improvement of lipid profile and reduction of body weight by shan he jian fei granules in high fat diet-induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to study lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, HDL), effects on serum leptin, and fat tissue adiponectin, and resistin as well as body weight effects of Shan He Jian Fei Granules (SHJFG) in rats on a high fat diet. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group fed with normal fat diet, rats on high fat diet receiving low dosage, middle dosage, high dosage of Shan He Jian Fei Granules (SHJFG) as well as a high fat diet group receiving placebo. Rats were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight and naso-anal length of each rat were recorded and Lee's index was calculated. Serum TG, TC, LDL, HDL and leptin concentrations were analyzed. The gene expressions of adiponectin and resistin in adipose tissues were tested by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared to the high-fat diet group, body weights, Lee's indexes, weight of fat tissues and serum TG, TC, LDL and leptin of SHJFG groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05), whereas mRNA expressions of adiponectin and resistin of SHJFG groups significantly increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SHJFG could significantly lower body weight and serum TG, TC, and LDL of obese rats. The effects of SHJFG in lowering leptin synthesis and raising mRNA expression of adiponectin and resistin in fat tissues may act as part of the mechanisms in lowering body weight of obese rats. Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether SHJFG may also reduce overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality like other lipid lowering drugs.

Preparation and development of equine hyperimmune globulin F(ab')2 against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.

AIM: The resurgence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is still a threat because the causative agent remaining in animal reservoirs is not fully understood, and sporadic cases continue to be reported. Developing high titers of anti-SARS hyperimmune globulin to provide an alternative pathway for emergent future prevention and treatment of SARS. METHODS: SARS coronavirus (CoV)F69 (AY313906) and Z2-Y3 (AY394989) were isolated and identified from 2 different Cantonese onset SARS patients. Immunogen was prepared from SARS-CoV F69 strain. Six health horses were immunized 4 times and serum was collected periodically to measure the profile of specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a microneutralization test. Sera were collected in large amounts at the peak, where IgG was precipitated using ammonium sulphate and subsequently digested with pepsin. The product was then purified using anion-exchange chromatography to obtain F(ab')2 fragments. RESULTS: The specific IgG and neutralizing antibody titers peaked at approximately week 7 after the first immunization, with a maximum value of 1:14210. The sera collected at the peak were then purified. Fragment of approximately 15 g F(ab')2 was obtained from 1litre antiserum and the purity was above 90% with the titer of 1:5120, which could neutralize the other strain (SARS-CoV Z2-Y3) as well. CONCLUSION: This research provides a viable strategy for the prevention and treatment of SARS coronavirus infection with equine hyperimmune globulin, with the purpose of combating any resurgence of SARS.

[Clinical observation of the therapeutic effect of valsartan for renal hypertension in 64 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of valsartan on hypertension secondary to chronic renal diseases. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with renal hypertension were examined for plasma K(+), Na(+), Cl(-), 24-hour urine protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), erythropoietin (EPO) before and 8 weeks after of valsartan therapy. RESULTS: After valsartan therapy for 8 weeks, no significant changes took place in plasma K(+), Na(+), Cl(-), BUN, SCr, EPO, but 24-hour urine protein was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Valsartan significantly reduce 24-hour urine protein without significantly affecting plasma K(+), Na(+), Cl(-), BUN, SCr, and EPO in patients with hypertension secondary to chronic renal diseases.