Up-regulation of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Contributes to Chronic Postsurgical Pain by Promoting 5-HT Release / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNFα） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in rostral ventromedial medulla （RVM） in chronic postsurgical pain （CPSP） induced by skin/muscle incision and retraction （SMIR）. MethodsSD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups： ① Sham group； ② SMIR group； ③ SMIR+TNFα/IL-1β neutralizing antibody group； ④ SMIR+TNFα/IL-1β group and ⑤ SMIR+vehicle group. 50% paw mechanical withdrawal threshold （MWT） was measured by the up-down method， immunofluroscence was used to detect the TNFα and IL-1β expression and ELISA for the 5-Hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） level. ResultsSMIR elicited persistent nociceptive sensitization， upregulated TNFα and IL-1β expression in RVM neurons and astrocytes. Microinjection of TNFα or IL-1β neutralizing antibody into RVM inhibited the development of nociceptive sensitization and decreased the level of 5-HT in both RVM and spinal dorsal horn. While microinjection of recombinant TNFα or IL-1β into RVM enhanced the development of nociceptive sensitization and increased the level of 5-HT in both RVM and spinal dorsal horn. ConclusionUp-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines in RVM may contribute to SMIR induced CPSP by promoting 5-HT release.

Effects of ethanolic extracts of Euonymus alatus on CCl / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the mechanism of ethanolic extracts of euonymus alatus on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice by regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Methods Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,EAL,EAM),EAH,and Silybin(n=10). Except for the control group,mice in other groups were injected with 25% CCl4 of 1.6 mL·kg

Xuebijing alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inhibiting gasdermin-E-mediated pyroptosis of alveolar epithelial cells / 中国天然药物

Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is characterized by diffuse alveolar injury primarily caused by an excessive inflammatory response. Regrettably, the lack of effective pharmacotherapy currently available contributes to the high mortality rate in patients with this condition. Xuebijing (XBJ), a traditional Chinese medicine recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, exhibits promise as a potential therapeutic agent for ALI/ARDS. This study aimed to explore the preventive effects of XBJ on ALI and its underlying mechanism. To this end, we established an LPS-induced ALI model and treated ALI mice with XBJ. Our results demonstrated that pre-treatment with XBJ significantly alleviated lung inflammation and increased the survival rate of ALI mice by 37.5%. Moreover, XBJ substantially suppressed the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue. Subsequently, we performed a network pharmacology analysis and identified identified 109 potential target genes of XBJ that were mainly involved in multiple signaling pathways related to programmed cell death and anti-inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we found that XBJ exerted its inhibitory effect on gasdermin-E-mediated pyroptosis of lung cells by suppressing TNF-α production. Therefore, this study not only establishes the preventive efficacy of XBJ in ALI but also reveals its role in protecting alveolar epithelial cells against gasdermin-E-mediated pyroptosis by reducing TNF-α release.

Moxibustion as an adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and its effects on the serum levels of SOST and β-catenin / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion as an adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on conventional medication and its effects on serum sclerostin (SOST) and β-catenin levels, exploring the potential mechanisms by which moxibustion may protect joint bones in RA patients.@*METHODS@#Seventy-six RA patients were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a control group (38 cases, 4 cases were eliminated, 2 cases dropped out). The patients in the control group were treated with conventional oral medication; based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with moxibustion. The direct moxibustion was applied at Zusanli (ST 36) on both sides and ashi points around small joints, and indirect moxibustion was applied at Shenshu (BL 23) on both sides and ashi points around large joints. The treatment was given three times a week for a total of 5 weeks. The count of pain and swollen joint, morning stiffness score, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score, and serum levels of SOST, β-catenin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared those before treatment, after treatment, both groups showed a reduction in pain and swollen joint count (P<0.01, P<0.05), morning stiffness, DAS28, VAS, and HAQ scores (P<0.01, P<0.05), with the observation group having lower scores than the control group (P<0.01). Serum levels of SOST, β-catenin, and TNF-α after treatment in the observation group were lower than those in both before treatment and the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the difference in serum β-catenin levels before and after treatment and the difference in serum SOST (r=0.578, P<0.001) and TNF-α (r=0.403, P<0.05) levels in the observation group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In addition to medication, moxibustion as an adjunctive treatment could significantly alleviate joint pain and reduce disease activity in RA patients, suggesting a potential role in joint protection. This mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the inflammatory factor TNF-α, regulation of β-catenin levels, and reduction in the production of the endogenous negative regulator protein SOST within the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Effects of a Mouthwash Containing Plant Extracts on Gingivitis and Halitosis / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Mouthwash is used to support brushing because it is distributed throughout the oral cavity. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a mixture of three hot water extracts (from Hordeum vulgare L, Apocynum venetum L, and Brasenia schreberi J. F. Gmel) for the purpose of developing an effective mouthwash. The mixture suppressed enhanced tumor necrosis factor α and matrix metalloproteinase 3 gene expression by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide stimulation in human gingival fibroblasts. Furthermore, human studies using a mouthwash containing the plant extracts (MW) improved gingival index and bleeding on probing in the gum, and reduced the concentration of methyl mercaptan, which causes bad breath, in the mouth. These findings suggest that continued use of MW has positive effects on gingival inflammation and halitosis, and is useful for maintaining oral health.

Mechanism of Hedysari Radix Polysaccharide on Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Hedysari Radix polysaccharide （HRP） on the Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）/signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway in diabetic nephropathy db/db mice. MethodFifty db/db mice were randomly divided into model group， irbesartan group （irbesartan suspension， 22.75 mg·kg-1）， and high-， medium-， and low-dose HRP groups （HRP suspension， 200， 100， 50 mg·kg-1） according to the body weight， with 10 mice in each group. Another 10 C57BL/6 mice were assigned to the normal group. The mice were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage， while those in the normal group and the model group received distilled water at 5 mL·kg-1. The mice in the six groups were administered once a day by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. The uric acid （UA）， triglycerides （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC） were detected. Periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in kidney tissues. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of JAK2， STAT3， suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 （SOCS3）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the kidney. ResultAfter 12 weeks of treatment， compared with the normal group， the model group showed significant pathological ultrastructural changes in kidney tissues and increased UA， TG， and TC levels （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the high- and medium-dose HRP groups and the irbesartan group showed improvement in pathological ultrastructure of kidney tissues and reduced UA， TG， and TC levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed a decrease in SOCS3 protein and mRNA expression levels and an increase in JAK2， STAT3， and TNF-α protein and mRNA expression levels （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the high- and medium-dose HRP groups and the irbesartan group showed an increase in SOCS3 protein and mRNA expression levels and a decrease in JAK2， STAT3， and TNF-α protein and mRNA expression levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHRP can alleviate renal damage in diabetic nephropathy to a certain extent， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Prefrontal cortex and hippocampus inflammation in mice fed high-carbohydrate or high-fat diets

We previously reported that a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) induced systemic inflammation and higher gene expression of proinflammatory mediators in the liver, skeletal muscle, and brain than a high-fat diet (HFD). However, the differences between the groups were less pronounced in the brain. In this study, we extended the evaluation of inflammation to specific areas of the brain. In this study, we evaluated the gene expression of caspase 2, caspase 3, caspase 9, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox 2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL), IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), integrin subunit alpha m (Itgam), S100 protein (S100), allograft inflammatory factor 1 (Aif1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of male Swiss mice that were fed with HCD or HFD for 8 weeks. The HCD group exhibited higher IL-1β expression, whereas the HFD group showed higher TNF-α expression in the prefrontal cortex. In the hippocampus, TNF-α expression was higher in the HFD group. IL-1β and TNF-α are proinflammatory cytokines that have been associated with impaired brain function and numerous brain disorders. Our results indicate that both HCD and HFD promote prefrontal cortex inflammation; however, the hippocampus seems more sensitive to a HFD than HCD.

Serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO levels in children with acute attack of bronchial asthma and their correlation with disease severity in Chengdu / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the levels of IgE,TNF-α and FeNO in children with acute attack of bronchial asthma and their correlation with the severity of bronchial asthma, so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical evaluation of bronchial asthma. Methods A total of 547 children with acute bronchial asthma treated in Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital from January 2020 to December 2020 were selected and divided into mild group (n=287), moderate group (n=186) and severe group (n=74) according to the severity of their disease. All the children's symptoms were controlled after treatment. The serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO levels in the experimental group were compared between the acute attack stage and the clinical control stage. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO levels and the severity of the disease. ROC curve of children with bronchial asthma was drawn to analyze the differential diagnosis value of serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO levels in children with acute bronchial asthma. Results The levels of IgE, TNF-α and FeNO in acute stage were significantly higher than those in clinical control stage (P<0.05). The levels of serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO in severe group were higher than those in mild and moderate groups significantly (P<0.05). The levels of serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO in moderate group were higher than those in mild group significantly (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO water were positively correlated with the severity of bronchial asthma (r=0.419 , 0.438 , 0.502 , P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC, sensitivity, accuracy and specificity of serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO levels combined in diagnosing the severity of bronchial asthma in patients with acute attack was 0.938 (95% CI: 0.912-0.982 ), 83.47%, 92.06%, 94.28%. Conclusion The level of serum IgE, TNF-α and FeNO in children with acute attack of bronchial asthma is closely related to the severity of the disease, and combined detection of the three can be used to evaluate the severity of the disease in children.

Effect of Maxing Shigantang on Airway Injury and EGFR Expression in Asthma Model Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the optimal formula of Maxing Shigantang in regulating epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR）expression and alleviating airway injury in asthmatic rats and to reveal the underlying mechanism. MethodSD male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (5×10-4 g·kg-1) and Maxing Shigantang 1∶0.5, 1∶1, 1∶2 groups (group A, B, C, 10 g·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. The other groups except the normal group received nebulization of 2% acetylcholine chloride and 0.4% histamine phosphate for the modeling of asthma. One hour before modeling， the normal group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline， and the other groups were given the same amount of corresponding drugs， once a day for 7 days. On the 7th day， the model was established and the incubation period of asthma was recorded. The rats were then immediately anesthetized， and arterial blood and tracheal tissue were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to detect the levels of interleukin-2 （IL-2）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum. Pathological sections were prepared for the observation of the pathological changes of tracheal tissues and the ultrastructure of epithelial cells in each group. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling （TUNEL） was adopted to detect epithelial cell apoptosis， and in situ hybridization and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， respectively. ResultCompared with the model group， groups A， B and C prolonged the incubation period of asthma （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the model group showed declined IL-2 level （P<0.01）， risen IL-4 and TNF-α levels （P<0.05，P<0.01）， increased airway pathology score， collagen volume fraction， and airway epithelial cell apoptosis index （P<0.01）， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of EGFR in trachea tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， group A showed increased IL-2 level （P<0.05） and declined IL-4 （P<0.05，P<0.01） level， and group B showed declined IL-4 level （P<0.05）. The level of TNF-α in groups A， B， and C declined compared with that in the model group （P<0.01）. Maxing Shigantang repaired the tracheal tissue to different degrees （P<0.05）. Among the three groups， group A inhibited tracheal fibrosis （P<0.05） and had the most significant effect of repairing the ultrastructural changes of airway epithelial cells. Groups A， B and C all inhibited the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells （P<0.05）. All the three groups inhibited the up-regulation of EGFR mRNA level （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and groups B and C inhibited the up-regulation of EGFR protein level （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionMaxing Shigantang can inhibit the abnormal changes of airway epithelial structure， alleviate airway injury， and can down-regulate the expression of EGFR in the tracheal tissue of asthma model rats. In this study， the optimal compatibility of Maxing Shigantang to repair airway epithelial injury in asthmatic rats was group A， with the Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum ratio of 1∶0.5∶4∶1.

Emerging therapeutic role of Prunella vulgaris in thyroid disease / 中草药·英文版

Thyroid disease is characterized by unusual levels of thyroid hormones, which results in either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The pathology of a particular type or stage of thyroid disease is very complicated, and always linked to a variety of biological functions. Although the mortality rate is not high, thyroid dysfunction could lead to metabolic and immunological disorders that can subsequently cause discomfort. To date, many drugs are suggested to have curative effects on thyroid disease, however, drug toxicity and long treatment periods encourage the search for more promising ones. Prunella vulgaris L. (Labiatae) is a popular herb that has shown great potential for improving human immunity and organ protection. It has been extensively used in the treatment of many diseases but its ability to treat specific diseases has not been fully reported. In this review, a literature search regarding herbs and herbal recipes for treating thyroid disease were carried out, organized, and summarized. In addition, this study conducted a literature search on the current situation and progress of P. vulgaris treatment for various diseases. Finally, this study discussed studies regarding P. vulgaris treatment of goiter, and the mechanism of treatment through the regulation of apoptosis. Accordingly, a combination therapy of herbs and Western medicine can provide significant therapeutic effects in the clinical treatment of thyroid disease. Furthermore, the association between P. vulgaris and various diseases suggests that P. vulgaris is rich in a variety of active substances that can fight oxidation and participate in the regulation of apoptosis, thus having a protective effect on the thyroid. Here, a comprehensive literature review regarding the application of herbs or herbal recipes in the treatment of thyroid disease was presented. It is concluded that there is strong evidence for further research regarding the use of P. vulgaris in the treatment of thyroid diseases.

Aging-elevated inflammation promotes DNMT3A R878H-driven clonal hematopoiesis

Aging-elevated DNMT3A R882H-driven clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a risk factor for myeloid malignancies remission and overall survival. Although some studies were conducted to investigate this phenomenon, the exact mechanism is still under debate. In this study, we observed that DNMT3A R878H bone marrow cells (human allele: DNMT3A R882H) displayed enhanced reconstitution capacity in aged bone marrow milieu and upon inflammatory insult. DNMT3A R878H protects hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from the damage induced by chronic inflammation, especially TNFα insults. Mechanistically, we identified that RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis signaling was compromised in R878H cells in response to proliferation stress and TNFα insults. Briefly, we elucidated the molecular mechanism driving DNMT3A R878H-based clonal hematopoiesis, which raises clinical value for treating DNMT3A R882H-driven clonal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancies with aging.

Effect of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma compatibility combined with 5-fluorouracil on Th17/Treg balance and tumor-related mRNA and protein expression in orthotopic xenograft model mice of CT26.WT colorectal carcinoma / 中国中药杂志

Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(AR-CR) is a combination commonly used in the clinical treatment of tumors. Based on the T helper 17(Th17)/regulatory T cell(Treg) balance, the present study explored the possible mechanism of AR-CR combined with 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) on the tumor growth of orthotopic xenograft model mice of colorectal carcinoma. Ninety male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into nine groups, i.e., a blank group, a model group, a 5-FU group, high-, medium-, and low-dose AR-CR(2∶1) groups, and high-, medium-, and low-dose AR-CR+5-FU groups, with 10 mice in each group. The orthotopic xenograft model of CT26.WT colorectal carcinoma was induced in mice except those in the blank group. Twenty-four hours after the ope-ration, mice in the blank group and the model group received normal saline by gavage(10 mL·kg~(-1), once per day), and those in the 5-FU group received 5-FU by intraperitoneal injection(25 mg·kg~(-1), once every other day). Mice in the AR-CR groups received AR and CR decoctions by gavage(12, 6, and 3 g·kg~(-1), once a day) and those in the combination groups received AR and CR decoctions and 5-FU(doses and administration methods were the same as above). After intervention for three weeks, all mice were sacrificed and tumor tissues were collected. The tumor mass was weighed and the average tumor weight was calculated. The changing trend of Th17/Treg(%) in the CD4~+T lymphocytes of the spleen tissues of the mice in each group was detected. The mRNA expression in the blood and protein expression in the tumor tissues of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interferon-γ(IFN-γ), Smad4, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7) were detected. The experimental results revealed that compared with the model group, the groups with drug intervention showed reduced tumor mass(P<0.01), decreased CD4~+IL-17~+ in the spleen tissues to varying degrees(P<0.001), and increased proportion of CD4~+Foxp3~+(P<0.001 or P<0.05), indicating that Th17/Treg maintained dynamic balance, and the effect of the combination groups was predominant. Additionally, the mRNA expression in the blood and protein expression in the tumor tissues of TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, Smad4, N-cadherin, and MMP-7 declined to varying degrees in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.01 or P<0.001). The AR-CR combined with 5-FU can inhibit the tumor growth of orthotopic xenograft model mice of CT26.WT colorectal carcinoma. The mechanism may be related to maintenance of Th17/Treg dynamic balance in the body and down-regulation of TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, Smad4, N-cadherin, and MMP-7 expression.

Innate and Th1/Th17 adaptive immunity in acute and convalescent Brazilian borreliosis disease

Introduction: Brazilian borreliosis (BB) disease is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks that mimics Lyme disease (LD) from the Northern Hemisphere. The BB clinical picture is characterized by a pathognomonic skin lesion (migratory erythema) and joint, neurological, cardiac and psychiatric symptoms. Innate and Th1/Th17 adaptive immunity seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Lyme disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the role of innate and Th1/Th17 adaptive immunity in BB patients with acute (<3 months) and convalescent (>3 months) disease. Methods: Fifty BB patients (28 with acute and 22 with convalescent disease) without treatment and 30 healthy subjects were evaluated. Levels of 20 cytokines or chemokines associated with innate and Th1/Th17 adaptive immunity were analyzed using Luminex (Millipore Corp., Billerica, MA). Results: Overall, BB patients had increased levels of IL-8 (6.29 vs 2.12 p = 0.002) and MIP-1α/CCL3 (5.20 vs 2.06, p = 0.030), associated with innate immunity, and MIP3B/CCL19 (Th1; 297.86 vs 212.41, p = 0.031) and IL-17A (Th17; 3.11 vs 2.20, p = 0.037), associated with adaptive immunity, compared with the levels of healthy controls. When comparing acute BB vs. convalescent BB subjects vs. healthy controls, IL-1β, IL-8 and MIP-1α/CCL3 (innate mediators) levels were highest in patients in the acute phase of disease (p < 0.05). TNF-α was associated with disseminated symptoms and with humoral reactivity against Borrelia burgdorferi. IL-10 was significantly correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.59, p = 0.003), IL-8 (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), MIP-1α/CCL3 (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and MIP-3β/CCL19 (r = 0.40, p = 0.002) in all BB patients. Conclusions: This is the first study describing that innate and Th1/Th17 adaptive immunity play a crucial role in BB disease. Furthermore, innate mediators are particularly important in acute BB disease, and TNF-α is associated with evolution of BB symptoms.

Off balance: interferons in COVID-19 lung infections

Interferons are innate and adaptive cytokines involved in many biological responses, in particular, viral infections. With the final response the result of the balance of the different types of Interferons. Cytokine storms are physiological reactions observed in humans and animals in which the innate immune system causes an uncontrolled and excessive release of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. The excessive and prolonged presence of these cytokines can cause tissue damage, multisystem organ failure and death. The role of Interferons in virus clearance, tissue damage and cytokine storms are discussed, in view of COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The imbalance of Type I, Type II and Type III Interferons during a viral infection contribute to the clinical outcome, possibly together with other cytokines, in particular, TNFα, with clear implications for clinical interventions to restore their correct balance.

Progress in Application of TNF-α Inhibitors in Immune Checkpoint Therapy / 肿瘤防治研究

Immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly improves the prognosis of patients with advanced malignancy, but it is also associated with off-target toxicity caused by activation of the immune system, known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Severe irAEs will lead to temporary or permanent termination of immunotherapy, which greatly affects its clinical application. At present, glucocorticoids are mainly used to treat irAEs clinically. On one hand, severe adverse reactions will cause serious damage to patients' health; on the other hand, the extensive application of glucocorticoids will affect the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In recent years, TNF-α inhibitors have shown significant effect in reducing toxic and side effects. This paper reviews the progress of TNF-α in preventing and treating irAEs.

The inhibitory effect of compound Q-l on proliferation of MH7A induced by TNF-α and its significance / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of compound Q-L on MH7A based on NF-KB and MAPK signaling pathways and its mechanism. Methods Human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast synovial cell line (MH7A) was selected as the experimental object. The effect of compound Q-l on the proliferation of MH7A cells was determined by CCK-8 method. The effect of compound Q-l on the migration ability of MH7A cells was detected by Transwell assay. TNF-α solution was used as inducer, and the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatant was determined by ELISA. The protein expressions of p65, p-p65, IκBα, P-IκBα, p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, JNK and p-JNK in the cells were determined by Western blot. Results Compound Q-l at different concentrations significantly inhibited the activity of MH7A cells. Compound Q-l significantly inhibited the migration of MH7A cells. Compound Q-l significantly reduced the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatant. Compound Q-l could significantly down-regulate the protein expression levels of p65, p-p65, P-IκBα, p38, p-p38 induced by TNF-α, but had no marked effects on IKBCX, ERK, p-ERK, JNK and p-JNK proteins. Conclusion Compound Q-l can significantly inhibit the proliferation of MH7A cells, reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatant, and down-regulate the protein expressions of p65, p-p65, IKBCX, p-LKBA, p38, p-p38 induced by TNF-α. The possible mechanism of action is related to NF-κB and p38MAPK sig-naling pathways.

Effect of Modifide Wenjingtang on JAK2/STAT3 Signal Pathway and Downstream Factors Protein Expression in Endometriosis Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of modified Wenjingtang on endometriosis （EM） rats with kidney deficiency and blood stasis. Method:The 10 from 105 SPF female healthy SD rats were randomly selected as the blank group. The rest constructed the rat model of kidney deficiency and blood stasis by compound factorial method. After the model was successfully established， 10 rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group， with only laparotomy and no intima suture， and the remaining rats were established with EM kidney deficiency and blood stasis type by autologous intimal transplantation. Fifty rats which were randomly selected from 56 successful rats were treated with the modified Wenjingtang （5，10，20 g·kg^-1） and danazol group（63 mg·kg^-1）， 1 time daily ， for 4 weeks. The endometrial tissues of each group were stained with hematoxylin eosin （HE） to observe the histopathology. The levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-10 （IL-10） and interleukin-17 （IL-17） in serum supernatant were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Measuring the length（D₁），width （D₂） and height （D₃） of the heterotopic foci in each group before and after treatment. Then calculating the volume of them. The expression of tyrosine kinase 2（JAK2），transcription factor 3 （STAT3），phosphorylation transcription factor 3 （p-STAT3）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>） and thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1） were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The expression of VEGF，TNF-<italic>α</italic> and TSP-1 was detected by Western blot. Result:Microscopic pathological observation showed that the endometrial glandular cells of the blank group were arranged in order， and the glandular and stromal cells grew well， compared with the blank group， the endometrial structure of the model group was complete， showing a cavity like or annular closed structure， with cyst formation， and the epithelium was cubic or columnar epithelium， most of the epithelial cells had secretion， the stroma was dense， and the matrix showed a little fibrosis There were a few glands and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group， the content of IL-10 in serum of model group was significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the content of IL-17 was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the protein expression of JAK2， STAT3，p-STAT3， VEGF， TNF-<italic>α</italic> in endometrial tissue of model group was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the expression of TSP-1 protein was significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group， the serum IL-10 content of rats in modified Wenjingtang treatment group increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the IL-17 content decreased significantly <italic>（P</italic><0.01）， and the volume of ectopic foci decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. While the level of JAK2，STAT3，p-STAT3，TNF-<italic>α</italic>，VEGF protein in intimal tissue of modified Wenjingtang high and middle dose group decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05） and the level of TSP-1 protein increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Modified Wenjingtang can inhibit the invasion of ectopic foci in EM rats with kidney deficiency and blood stasis， the mechanism may be related to the intervention of immune barrier and block angiogenesis function mediated by JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.

Effect of Different Extracts and Monomers of Lepidium meyenii on Proliferation of Mouse Splenic Lymphocyte and Induction of IL-2 and TNF-α / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore effects of different extracts and monomers of <italic>Lepidium meyenii </italic>（Maca） on the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes and induction of interleukin-2 （IL-2） and tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>） by observing their immunomodulatory effects. Method:An octadecylsilyl （ODS） column was used to enrich the methanol extract of <italic>L. meyenii</italic> in stages to obtain six fractions and three monomers. Different groups of extracts and monomers of <italic>L. meyenii </italic>at different doses were set up. Cell counting Kit-8 （CCK-8） was used to detect the effect on the proliferation of mitogen-free， concanavalin A （Con A）-induced， and lipopolysaccharides （LPS）-induced mouse splenic lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine the levels of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic>. Result:<italic>L. meyenii </italic>extracts Fr₃ and Fr₆， and monomers <italic>N</italic>-benzyl hexadecanamide and 1，2-dihydro-4-carboxaldehyde-3-benzyl-<italic>N</italic>-hydroxypyridine slightly promoted the proliferation of Con A-induced T lymphocytes and LPS-induced B lymphocytes （<italic>P</italic><0.01） as compared with the conditions in the model group. <italic>L. meyenii</italic> extracts and monomers significantly induced the secretion of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic> by splenic lymphocytes （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:<italic>L. meyenii</italic> extracts and monomers can achieve immunological enhancement by promoting the secretion of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic>， and facilitate the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes. The active components are presumedly macamides and pyridine alkaloids， and the specific mechanism still needs to be further explored.

GC-MS analysis of essential oil extracted from Chimonanthus praecox flowers and exploration of its anti-inflammatory effect / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To clarify the composition of essential oil extracted from Chimonanthus praecox flowers in Shiyan area and to explore its anti-inflammatory effects to provide support for further development of the resources of Chimonanthus praecox flowers. 【Methods】 SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, positive control group (aspirin 200 mg/kg), and low-, medium- and high-dose essential oil groups (0.1, 0.3 and 0.8g/kg). The blank control group and the model group were treated with distilled water by intragastric administration. The positive control group was treated with aspirin by intragastric administration. The low, medium, and high doses of the essential oil extracted from Chimonanthus praecox flowers were given 10, 30 and 80 mL/L at 10 mL/kg once a day. On day 5 of the experiment, 30 minutes after intragastric administration, 0.1 mL of Freund’s complete adjuvant was injected subcutaneously into the right foot plantar of each group of rats, and the blank control group was subcutaneously injected with 0.1 mL of normal saline. We observed and measured the toe’s volume of the rats before and 1, 2, 3, 5, 24, 48, and 72 h after injection by using drainage method. We then calculated the toe’s swelling rate in each group of rats at each time point, and used ELISA kit to measure the content of inflammatory factors in swollen foot tissue. 【Results】 In the medium- and high-dose essential oil groups, we observed significant inhibitory effects on the toe’s swelling rate in rats at 1, 2, 3, 5, 24, and 48 h after inflammation with Freund’s complete adjuvant (P<0.05). The essential oil extracted from Chimonanthus praecox flowers could significantly decrease the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the swollen foot tissue, and its anti-inflammatory effect was dose-dependent. 【Conclusion】 The essential oil extracted from Chimonanthus praecox flowers has obvious inhibitory effects on the rate of the toe’s swelling induced by Freund’s complete adjuvant. The anti-inflammatory effect may be related to the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1β, but its anti-inflammatory effect is weaker than that of aspirin.

Exploration on the mechanism of pioglitazone in alleviating severe acute pancreatitis induced lung injury by inhibiting the expression of TLR2 and TLR4's mRNA in lung tissue / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of pioglitazone in reducing lung injury induced by acute pancreatitis.Methods:Thirty healthy male SD rats were randomly(random number) divided into the sham operation group, model group and pioglitazone group, with 10 rats in each group. After anesthesia, the rats in the sham operation group were injected with normal saline retrogradely through the pancreaticobiliary duct. In the model group, after anesthesia, the rats were retrogradely injected with sodium taurocholate into the pancreaticobiliary duct to construct the lung injury model of severe acute pancreatitis. In the pioglitazone group, the model was established after intraperitoneal injection of pioglitazone. Six rats in each group were randomly selected and killed 12 h after operation, and then lung tissue and venous blood were collected. The levels of serum amylase and TNF-α and NO in lung tissue homogenate were detected and compared among the three groups; the expression of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA in lung tissue was detected by RT-PCR and compared among the three groups; the lung tissue pathological injury score and lung leakage index were calculated and compared among the three groups. The correlation of TLR2 and TLR4’s mRNA expression with lung tissue pathological injury score and lung leakage index was analyzed.Results:The levels of serum amylase and the levels of TNF-α and NO in lung tissue homogenate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group, and the above indexes in the pioglitazone group were significantly lower than those in the model group ( P<0.05). The expression levels of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA in lung tissue, the lung tissue pathological injury score and lung leakage index in the model group were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group, and the above indexes in the pioglitazone group were significantly lower than those in the model group ( P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA in lung tissue were significantly positively correlated with the lung tissue pathological injury score ( rs=0.959, P<0.001; rs=0.924, P<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA in lung tissue were significantly positively correlated with the lung leakage index ( r=0.957, P<0.001; r=0.958, P<0.001). Conclusions:Pioglitazone may reduce the severity of severe acute pancreatitis induced lung injury by inhibiting the expression of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA in lung tissue.