Effect of intestinal endotoxemia on hepatic energy metabolism in acute liver failure

AIM:To study the effect of intestinal endotoxemia(IETM) on hepatic energy metabolism in acute liver failure. METHODS:Intoxication by thioacetamide (TAA) was used to establish rat model of acute liver injury.Ketone body(acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate) in arterial blood and ATP content of hepatocellular mitochondria were determined by using enzymatic fluorimetric micromethod.Colectomy was adopted in observing the changes in plasma endotoxin content and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. RESULTS:In the TAA group,plasma endotoxin content and serum ALT activity were all significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.01),arterial ketone body ratio of acetoacetate to β-hydroxybutyrate (AKBR) decreased below 0.4,total ketone body in arterial blood was significantly lower than that in the control group(P＜0.01).In the TAA+colectomy group,there was no endotoxemia to be found,ATP content of hepatocellular mitochondria was significantly higher than that in the TAA group(P＜0.01), though serum ALT activity was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05),but significantly lower than that in the TAA group(P＜0.01). CONCLUSION:IETM played a key role in the occurrence of acute liver failure,hepatic dysfunction might be caused by IETM through damaging hepatic energy metabolism.     

Role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein in the development of liver cirrhosis promoted by intestinal endotoxemia in rats

AIM: To explore the role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) in the development of liver cirrhosis in rats promoted by intestinal endotoxemia (IETM). METHODS: Fifty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into liver cirrhosis groups of 4th-week, 6th-week and 8th-week, and normal control group at the corresponding time points. The rat model of hepatic cirrhosis was induced by employing multiple pathogenic factors to the animals. The liver injury and hepatic fibrosis were observed with the staining of HE and VG, respectively. The expression of GRP78 at the mRNA and protein levels was measured by the methods of RT-PCR and immnunohistochemistry, respectively. The concentrations of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), endotoxin, TNF-α and homocystine (HCY) in plasma, and the content of TNF-α, malondialdehyde(MDA) and PⅢP in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS: As liver cirrhosis developed, the levels of ALT, endotoxin, TNF-α and HCY in plasma, the expression of GRP78 at mRNA and protein, the content of TNF-α, MDA and PⅢP in liver tissues, and the index of liver fibrosis were gradually increased and were significantly higher than those in normal control group (P<0.05). Elevated endotoxin in plasma was correlated positively with the protein expression of GRP78, the content of MDA and HCY in plasma and the index of liver fibrosis (P<0.01). Elevated protein expression of GRP78 was correlated positively with the content of MDA and HCY in plasma and the index of liver fibrosis (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: GRP78 plays an important role in the development of liver cirrhosis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress is a possible mechanism in the development of liver cirrhosis promoted by IETM.     

Interaction of PKCε with the CaR in hypoxic post-conditioning protects the cardiomyocytes in neonatal rat

AIM: To study the interaction of PKC_ε with the CaR in hypoxic post-conditioning for protecting the cardiomyocyte of neonatal rat. METHODS: The ventricular cardiomyocytes of Wistar neonatal rat (3-7 d after birth) were incubated for about 3-5 d, then randomly divided them into 7 groups: (1) Sham control group (N group); (2) Hypoxic/re-oxygenation group (H/Re group); (3) Hypoxic post-conditioning group (HPC group); (4) HPC+GdCl₃, NiCl₂, CdCl₂ group; (5) HPC+caffeine, GdCl₃, NiCl₂, CdCl₂ group; (6) HPC+PKC_ε inhibitor group (PKCI group); (7) HPC+PKCI+GdCl₃, NiCl₂, CdCl₂ group. The neonatal cells were incubated in the D-Hanks solution (pH=6.8) which was saturated with N₂ gas for 1 h at least and then re-incubated in the DMEM solution containing 20% new-born calf serum to establish a model of H/Re. The viability of cardiomyocytes was assayed by MTT, the activity of LDH and the content of MDA were determined, the expression of CaR and PKC_ε of the membrane in each group was analyzed by Western blotting, PKC_ε interaction with CaR in the membrane was detected by immunoprecipitation, and the concentration of intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) was measured by laser confocal scanning microscope (LCSM), apoptotic cells were measured by TUNEL assay. RESULTS: The viability of cardiomyocytes in H/Re, GdCl₃ and PKCI groups was lower than that in N and HPC groups, while the activity of LDH and the content of MDA were significantly higher than those in N and HPC groups. Meanwhile, the quantitative expression of CaR in GdCl₃, caffeine and PKCI+GdCl₃ groups was higher than that in HPC and PKCI groups, and so were the [Ca²⁺]_i and the apoptosis index. The quantitative expression of PKCε in PKCI and PKCI+GdCl₃ groups was lower than that in H/Re, HPC, GdCl₃ and caffeine groups. Immunoprecipitation of cell membrane PKCε revealed the interaction of PKC_ε with CaR. CONCLUSION: In the cardiomyocytes of HPC, PKC_ε translocates to the membrane and interacts with CaR to reduce [Ca²⁺]_i, which protects the cardiomyocytes of neonatal rat during hypoxic/oxygenation.     

Role of GRP78 in alteration of myocardium induced by intestinal endotoxemia in cirrhotic rats

AIM: To explore the role of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the alteration of myocardium induced by intestinal endotoxemia in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Fifty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into liver cirrhosis groups of 4-week, 6-week and 8-week, and normal control groups at corresponding time points. The cardiac functions of the 8-week rats were measured. Tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in myocardial tissues were detected. The number of myocardial cells and the collagen volume fraction (CVF) were determined with toluidine blue and van Giesan staining, respectively. The expression of GRP78 and hypoxia-inducible facotr 1α(HIF-1α) was analyzed by the method of immnunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group at corresponding time point, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP) and ±LV dp/dt_max in 8-week group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, MDA and CVF, the protein expression of GRP78 and HIF-1α in the myocardial tissues were significantly increased in every model group (P<0.05), and the number of myocardial cells was gradually decreased (P<0.05). Elevated levels of endotoxin in plasma were positively correlated with the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT),homocysteine (Hcy) and TNF-α in plasma, the levels of TNF-α, MDA and CVF, and protein levels of GRP78 and HIF-1α in the myocardial tissues (P<0.05). Elevated protein expression of GRP78 in the myocardial tissues was positively correlated with the levels of ALT, Hcy in plasma and MDA, CVF, HIF-1α protein in the myocardial tissues (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intestinal endotoxemia induced by liver cirrhosis may directly or indirectly lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and overexpression of GRP78. GRP78 may be a key molecule in the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling and functional alteration induced by liver cirrhosis.     

Neonatal rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is induced by tumor necrosis factor-α through PI3K-IP3R-Ca2+ pathways

AIM: To investigate the role of PI3K-IP₃R-Ca²⁺ pathways in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). METHODS: Myocardial cells of neonatal rats were cultured in vitro. The hypertrophic model was induced by TNF-α. The protein content was assayed with Lowry's method. The volumes of the cardiomyocytes were detected by computer photograph analysis system. The protein synthesis was determined by the method of[³H]-leucine incorporation.[Ca²⁺]_i transient was measured by Till image system with cell-loading Fura-2/AM. RESULTS: LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, significantly suppressed the amplitude elevation of the spontaneous[Ca²⁺]_i transients induced by TNF-α in cultured ventricular myocytes from neonatal rats. The effect was similar to that of LY294002+2-APB (P>0.05), but lower than that in LY294002+ryanodine group (P<0.05). LY294002 significantly reduced the enhancements of protein content,[³H]-leucine incorporation and cell size induced by TNF-α. The effect was similar to that in 2-APB+LY294002 group, but higher than that in 2-APB group and lower than that in ryanodine+LY294002 group. CONCLUSION: TNF-α induces cardiac hypertrophy through PI3K-IP₃R-Ca²⁺ pathways.     

The potential role of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in the early intestinal injury in postburn Staphylococcus aureus sepsis

AIM: To investigate the role of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in early intestinal injury in scald rats with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. METHODS: 86 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as folows: normal controls (n=10), scald control group(n=10), postburn sepsis group (n=50) and SEB monoclonal antibody (MAb) treatment group (n=16). Plasma samples were collected to determine SEB, endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). RESULTS: After scald injury followed by Staphylococcus aureus challenge, the levels of SEB, TNF-α and IFN-γ in plasma were significantly higher than those of normal controls, peaking at 2-6 h (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the intestinal diamine oxidase (DAO) activity declined constantly (P<0.05). It was shown that plasma SEB levels were significant negatively correlated with intestinal DAO activity (r=-0.4398, P=0.0170), and SEB MAb pretreatment could ameliorate the intestinal injury to certain extent. Moreover, Staphylococcus aureus challenge could increase the endotoxin levels in plasma and various tissues, which were attenuated by SEB MAb pretreatment. CONCLUSION: In postburn sepsis, SEB might be involved in the development of intestinal barrier dysfunction, which in turn resulting in gut-derived endotoxin translocation and aggravating the pathophysiologic changes caused by Staphylococcus aureus challenge.     

Effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha on proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs

AIM:To explore the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.METHODS:The proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro were detected with flow cytometry, electron microscopy and TUNEL.RESULTS:The flow cytometry analysis showed that the cell proliferation index (PI) in the TNF-α(0.5 μg/L, 2.0 μg/L, 8.0 μg/L) groups was evidently lower than that in the control group (P＜0.05). In the cell cycle distribution, the portion of G₀/G₁ phase in the TNF-α groups was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05), but the portion of S phase in the TNF-α groups was evidently lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05). These indicated that TNF-α interfered with HSCs entrance into S phase from G₀/G₁ phase whereupon the proliferation of HSCs was inhibited. The apoptotic rate in the TNF-α groups was evidently higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05). The gene expression of bcl-2 and bax was also detected with flow cytometry. The expression of bcl-2 in the TNF-α groups was evidently lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05), but the expression of bax in the TNF-α groups was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05). TUNEL analysis showed the apoptotic rate of HSCs in the TNF-α(2.0 μg/L) group was 18.7%±2.5% compared with 5.3%±1.2% in the control group(P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS:TNF-α interfered with HSCs entrance into S phase from G₀/G₁ phase whereupon the proliferation of HSCs was inhibited. TNF-α down-regulated bcl-2 gene expression and up-regulated bax gene expression whereupon the apoptosis of HSCs was induced.     

Extract of Ginkgo Biloba decreased expression of lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 induced by TNF-α in bovine aortic endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB) on the expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) induced by tumor necrosis factor a(TNF-α) in bovine aortic endothelial cells(BAECs). METHODS: The BAECs were incubated with TNF-α, followed by EGB treatment. The effect of EGB on LOX-1 expression was investigated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The content of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was determined by Western blotting. Potential involvement of signaling pathways of the effects was explored by using related inhibitors of the signal molecules. The concentration of NO^-₂/NO^-₃ was also tested. RESULTS: Increased LOX-1 expression was induced by TNF-α. EGB markedly prevented the increase of LOX-1 expression induced by TNF-α (P<0.05), and this effect was inhibited by inhibitor of NOS (P<0.05). EGB significantly prevented the decrease of eNOS expression induced by TNF-α (P<0.05). EGB also significantly prevented the decrease of NO^-₂/NO^-₃ production induced by TNF-α (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EGB markedly prevents the increase of LOX-1 expression induced by TNF-α and the effect is mediated by eNOS.     

Preventive effects of anti-IGFBPrP1 antibody on hepatic fibrosis in mice

AIM: To investigate the preventive effect and mechanism of anti-insulin-like growth factor binding protein related protein 1(IGFBPrP1) antibody on hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in mice.METHODS: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 wild-type mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n= 8 in each group): normal control group, TAA group (4 weeks) and TAA+anti-IGFBPrP1 antibody group (4 weeks). The morphological changes of liver tissues were observed. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β₁), Smad3, phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3), fibronectin (FN), collagen I, collagen Ⅲ and IGFBPrP1 were detected by the methods of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.RESULTS: In TAA group (4 weeks), obvious injury of liver was observed, and the expression levels of α-SMA, TGF-β₁, Smad3, p-Smad2/3, FN, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and IGFBPrP1 were significantly increased as compared with normal control group (P<0.01). Compared with TAA group (4 weeks), the injury of the liver was alleviated and the expression levels of the proteins above were decreased in TAA+anti-IGFBPrP1 antibody group (4 weeks, P<0.01). IGFBPrP1 was positively correlated with TGF-β₁, Smad3, p-Smad2/3, FN and collagen I (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Anti-IGFBPrP1 antibody prevents TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells, reducing the expression of p-Smad2/3 and inhibiting the TGF-β₁/ Smad3 signal transduction, thereby depressing the deposition of extracellular matrix in liver tissues.     

Up-regulation of CD36 induced by casein-induced inflammation promotes renal injury in mice

AIM: To investigate the role of CD36 in casein-induced mouse renal injury.METHODS: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice and CD36 knockout (CD36KO) mice were randomly divided into C57BL/6J saline injection group, C57BL/6J casein injection group and CD36KO casein injection group (n=8 in each group). After 14 weeks of treatment with high-fat diet, the mouse serum, 24 h urine and kidney tissue samples were collected for analysis. The serum content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured by ELISA. The renal function markers in the serum and urine were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The pathological changes of the kidney were observed by HE staining and Masson staining. The expression of CD36 and cytokines/chemokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1) at mRNA and protein levels in the renal tissues were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The content of tissue hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was measured by a commercial kit. The protein levels of Nrf2 and TGF-β1 in the renal tissues were measured by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS: Compared with saline injection group, casein injection increased the level of TNF-α in the serum and in the kidney tissues of C57BL/6J mice (P<0.05), suggesting that casein injection successfully induced chronic inflammation in C57BL/6J mice. Casein injection also promoted the protein expression of CD36 and TGF-β1 in the renal tissues of the C57BL/6J mice, accompanied with glomerular sclerosis, proteinuria, increased serum creatinine content, increased H₂O₂ content, and decreased Nrf2 protein level and the ability of antioxidant in the kidneys (P<0.05). Furthermore, CD36 deficiency protected the mice from casein-induced renal injury, as evidenced by improved kidney pathological changes and decreased proteinuria. The content of H₂O₂ in the kidneys of casein-treated CD36 knockout mice was also lower than that in casein-treated C57BL/6J mice.CONCLUSION: Inflammatory responses promote the oxidative stress and renal injury in a CD36-dependent manner.     

Effect of chelerythrine on TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway in mouse livers with hepatic fibrosis

AIM:To investigate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of chelerythrine on mice and the regulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads signaling pathway. METHODS:C57BL/6N mice (n=50) were randomly divided into control group, model group and chelerythrine groups (10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, 20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 and 40 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, ig). The mouse model of hepatic fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in combination with the olive oil for 8 weeks. At the 5th week, different doses of chelerythrine was used to treat hepatic fibrosis in the mice. At the 14th week, hepatic index was detected. Histopathological changes and the degree of hepatic fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Van Gieson staining. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and hyaluronic acid (HA), and hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) content were assayed by spectrophotometry and ELISA. The mRNA expression of TGF-β₁, Smad3, Smad4 and Smad7 in the liver was detected by RT-qPCR, and the protein expression of TGF-β₁, Smad4 and Smad7 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS:The degree of hepatic fibrosis changed markedly in model group compared with control group. The hepatic index, the serum levels of ALT and AST, and the contents of HA and Hyp were significantly increased (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of TGF-β₁, Smad3 and Smad4 was significantly up-regulated, while the mRNA expression of Smad7 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). The protein expression of TGF-β₁ and Smad4 was significantly up-regulated, while the protein expression of Smad7 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the changes of the above indexes in chelerythrine groups were inhibited. CONCLUSION:Chelerythrine protects the mouse liver from CCl₄-induced fibrogenesis injury by regulating TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.     

Characteristics in the secretion of liver TNF-α induced by infusion of LPS into veins in goats

AIM: To study the role of liver in immune regulation in experimental endotoxemia. METHODS: 17 castrated male goats were subjected to simultaneously installing catheters in jugular, hepatic and portal veins by surgery. Four days later, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was infused in term of three groups as followings: In group ①, LPS of 20 EU (endotoxin unit, EU)·kg^-1 was infused into portal vein; In group ②, LPS of 20 EU·kg^-1 was infused into jugular vein and LPS of 1 500 EU·kg^-1 infused into jugular vein in group ③. Before and after infusion, blood samples were collected from the three veins through the catheters for 8 h.The plasma levels of TNF-α were measured by RIA. RESULTS: In group ①, the plasma TNF-α levels of hepatic and portal vein rose to peak value at 5 h, but that of the jugular vein did not changed. In group ②, the plasma TNF-α levels in hepatic vein rose to peak value at 3 h. The TNF-α levels of jugular vein rose to peak value at 1 h and the one in portal vein enhanced continuously between 0-8 h. In group ③, the plasma TNF-α levels in jugular, hepatic and portal vein rose to significant peaks at 1 h simultaneously. CONCLUSION: During experimental endotoxemia,liver showed different dynamic characteristics in TNF-α secretion according to the pathway and doses of LPS delivery.     

The protection of the hepatic ischemic preconditioning is concerned with the NO/ET-1 system

AIM: To study the relationship between the disturbance of nitric oxide/endothelin-1(NO/ET-1) and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury as well as the regulation of NO/ET-1 system by hepatic ischemic preconditioning(IPC). METHODS: The changes of NO/ET-1 system and their relationship with hepatic I/R injury were compared between I/R group and IPC+I/R group in a rat hepatic I/R model. Two hours after reperfusion, the liver tissues were detected by RT-PCR to see whether there was inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. RESULTS:In the acute phase of hepatic reperfusion, the ratio of NO/ET-1 was reduced, which was due to a significant reduction of NO₂^-/NO₃^- (the metabolic product of NO) and significant elevation of ET-1 in the blood plasma. The content of ALT, AST, LDH and TNF-α in blood plasma, and of MDA in liver tissue were increased but ATP in liver tissue was reduced, the hepatic damage was deteriorated. The protection of the hepatic IPC was concerned with the elevation of the ratio of NO/ET-1 caused by the elevation of NO₂^-/NO₃^-, and reduction of ET-1 as well. There was no iNOS mRNA detected in the liver tissues.CONCLUSION: Hepatic I/R injury is related to the disturbance of NO/ET-1. The protection of the hepatic IPC in the acute phase might be conducted by its regulation of NO/ET-1 system. The cNOS rather than the iNOS generated the NO in this situation.     

Role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein in development of hepatopulmonary syndrome induced by multiple pathogenic factors

AIM: To explore the role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) in the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in rats and the relation to intestinal endotoxemia (IETM). METHODS: The experimental animals were randomly divided into HPS groups of the 4th week, the 6th week and the 8th week. Normal control groups at the corresponding time points were also set up. The Wistar rat model of HPS produced in the process of liver cirrhosis was induced by employing multiple pathogenic factors to the animals. The rats in normal control group were designed by feeding with standard diet and tap water. Histopathological changes of the lung and liver were observed under microscope with the staining of hematoxylin and eosin (HE). The concentrations of alanine amino transferase (ALT), endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in plasma, the contents of TNF-α and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the lung tissues were detected. The expression of GRP78 at mRNA and protein levels in the lungs was measured by the methods of RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: The level of endotoxin in plasma was gradually increased with the HPS development. The expression of GRP78 at mRNA and protein levels was also gradually increased with the HPS development and was significant at every time point. The endotoxin in plasma was positively correlated with the expression of GRP78 protein in the lung tissues of the rats with HPS. With the HPS development, the levels of ALT and TNF-α in plasma and the contents of TNF-α and MDA in the lung tissues were gradually increased. The content of endotoxin in plasma and the protein expression of GRP78 in the lung tissues were positively correlated with the contents of TNF-α in plasma and TNF-α and MDA in the lung tissues. The contents of TNF-α in plasma and GRP78 at mRNA and protein levels and TNF-α in the lung tissues were higher in the rats with HPS at every time point than those in normal control group. At the 6th week and the 8th week, the contents of endotoxin and ALT in plasma and MDA in the lung tissues of the rats with HPS were significantly higher than those in normal control group. CONCLUSION: IETM originated from the liver cirrhosis acts as a critical stressor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activates ER stress in the lung by oxidative stress, resulting in increased expression of GRP78. Therefore,the increased expression of GRP78 induced by ER stress may play an important role in the development of HPS in rats.     

Effects of Radix Angelicae Sinensis on changes of IL-6, TNF-α and bFGF in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits

AIM: To determine the effect of Radix Angelicae Sinensis(RAS) on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: Twenty-five rabbits were divided randomly into the sham operated group(Control group), renal ischemia/reperfusion injury group(IR group) and RAS+IR group. At the time point of reperfusion 48 h after renal ischemia 1 h, the renal tissue were observed by electron-microscope and the contents of creatinine(Cr) in serum, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6)and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) in the renal tissue were measured. RESULTS: A remarkably degenerative changes in renal tissue were showed under electronmicroscope in IR group, but the changes in RAS+IR group were slight. The contents of Cr, TNF-α and IL-6 in IR group were higher than those in Control group, these parameters in RAS+IR group were lower than those in IR group, the difference between these groups was significant(P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). At the same time, the content of bFGF in IR group was lower than that in Control group(P< 0.01), while the content of bFGF in RAS+IR group was higher than that in IR group(P< 0.01) and Control group(P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: RAS has an effect of alleviating the renal ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the production or release of TNF-α, IL-6 and bFGF.     

Balance of Treg/Th17 in synovium of collagen-induced arthritis rats and impact of TNF-α blockage therapy

AIM: To investigate the balance of Treg/Th17 in synovium of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and the impact of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) blockage therapy. METHODS: Rat CIA model was established by bovine II collagen injection. The pathological score was evaluated by HE staining and toluidine blue staining. The TNF-α level in plasma was measured by ELISA. The expression of Treg/Th17 in synovium was detected by double staining immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The plasma level of TNF-α in CIA group was significantly higher than that in control group and TNFR-Fc treatment group (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was found between TNFR-Fc treatment group and control group (P>0.05). No significant difference between CIA group and control group in the ratio of CD4⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells/CD4⁺ cells in synovium (23.12%±4.93% vs 24.66%±5.82%, P>0.05) was observed, whereas the ratio in TNFR-Fc treatment group was significantly increased(33.07%±5.14%). The ratio of CD4⁺RORγt⁺Th17 cells/CD4⁺ cells in CIA group was significantly higher than that in control group and TNFR-Fc treatment group (9.74%±2.23% vs 1.00%±0.59%, 5.63%±1.76%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Differentiation disturbance of Treg/Th17 exists in the synovium of CIA rats. TNFR-Fc may restore the balance of Treg/Th17 by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and inducing the production or accumulation of Treg.     

Propofol inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response in microglia via TRPV1 ion channels

AIM:To investigate the effects of propofol (P) on the inflammatory response of microglia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the mechanisms. METHODS:Mouse microglia BV2 cells were treated with LPS at 100 μg/L to establish a neuroinflammatory injury model. The BV2 cells were divided into 4 groups:control group (C group), model group (L group), L+P group and LPS+AMG517 group (L+A group). The level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of TRPV1, TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (p-CaMKⅡ) were determined by Western blot. The content of free Ca²⁺ in the microglia BV2 cells was detected by Fluo-3 AM assay. RESULTS:Compared with C group, the level of TNF-α was significantly increased in L group (P<0.01), but that in P group was not changed. Compared with L group, the level of TNF-α was significantly lower than that in L+P group within 4 h (P<0.01). Compared with C group, the mRNA expression of TRPV1 was significantly increased in L group (P<0.01). Compared with L group, the mRNA expression of TRPV1 was significantly down-regulated in L+P group (P<0.01).Compared with L group, the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and p-CaMKⅡ and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were significantly lower than those in L+P group and L+A group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Propofol inhibits the inflammatory response of microglia by reducing the expression of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, which may be related to the down-regulation of TRPV1 and p-CaMKⅡ and the reduction of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration.     

Effects of macrophage polarization during development of liver cirrhosis in rats

AIM: To explore the state of macrophage polarization and its relation with intestinal endotoxemia-endoplasmic reticulum stress in the development of liver cirrhosis induced by multiple pathogenic factors in rats. METHODS: The male SD rats (n=36) were randomly divided into normal control group and liver cirrhosis model group, and sacrificed at the end of the 4th, 6th and 8th weeks. The rat model of liver cirrhosis was induced by multiple pathogenic factors. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), endotoxin, homocysteine (Hcy) in the plasma, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), arginase-1 (Arg-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the liver tissues were detected by ELISA. Histopathological change of the liver was observed under microscope with the staining of hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and van Gieson (VG). The expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interferon-regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), CD86, CD206 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) at mRNA levels in the liver tissues were detected by the method of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.RESULTS: Compared with the corresponding normal control group, the levels of ALT, endotoxin, Hcy in the plasma and Grp78 mRNA in the liver tissues in liver cirrhosis model group were significantly and gradually increased (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of NF-κB, IRF5 and CD86, and the protein levels of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05), and they successively increased from the 4th week to the 6th week and decreased reversely at the 8th week. The mRNA expression of CD206, TGF-β1, Arg-1 and IL-10 in the liver tissues were significantly increased from the 6th week to the 8th week (P<0.05), and no significant difference at the 4th week was observed. The level of endotoxin in the plasma was correlated with the mRNA expression of Grp78 in the liver tissues (P<0.01). Both endotoxin in the plasma and Grp78 mRNA in the liver tissues were correlated with the mRNA expression of CD86 and CD206 in the liver tissues (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The pathway of liver damage-intestinal endotoxemia-endoplasmic reticulum stress-macrophage polarization may be critical in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis induced by multiple pathogenic factors.     

Effect of salidroside on alcohol-injuced hepatic injury in rats

AIM:To investigate the effect of salidroside on alcoholic hepatic injury in rats. METHODS:The SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:negative control group, model group, bifendate group, and low-and high-dose salidroside groups. The rats in model group were administered with 56% alcohol, while the rats in negative control group was administered with saline. The rats in bifendate group and salidroside groups were administered with corresponding drugs every day. The blood and the liver tissues were collected to measure triacylglycerol (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The pathological changes of the liver tissues were observed with HE staining. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were measured by ELISA and the protein and mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κB were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS:Compared with model group, the levels of TG, ALT, AST, MDA, TNF-α and NF-κB were reduced, while the activity of SOD was enhanced in salidroside group (P<0.05). The liver tissue injury was significantly attenuated. CONCLUSION:Salidroside improves the pathological changes, reduces inflammation, increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduces lipid peroxidation in the liver with alcohol-induced injury. This effect may be related to regulating the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses.     

Ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae attenuates mouse acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride via modulation of NF-κB pathway

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae on acute liver injury, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS:Acute liver injury in mice was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 25% carbon tetrachloride (olive oil solubilization). The effective parts of ethanol extract from Cortex Albizziae against acute liver injury were screened. The pathological changes of the liver tissues were examined by pathological sections with HE staining. The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of the liver tissues were detected, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were mea-sured by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of NF-κB p65, Bcl-2 and Bax in the liver cells of the mice in each group were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with model group, the serum levels of AST and ALT in low-dose n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae (AB-L, 4 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group and high-dose n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae (AB-H, 8 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group were significantly decreased. The necrosis extent and degree of the hepatocytes and infiltration of inflammatory cells were significantly lower than that in model group. Compared with model group, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in AB-H group and AB-L group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The protein level of NF-κB p65 in the nuclei of mouse liver cells in AB-H group and AB-L group were also decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the protein expression of Bax was decreased, the protein expression of Bcl-2 was increased, and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased in AB-L group and AB-H group. CONCLUSION:The n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae may protect the liver by reducing the activation of NF-κB p65, inhibiting the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and decreasing hepatocyte apoptosis via regulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression.