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.     

Morphology of endoplasmic reticulum and expression of GRP78 in rat fibrotic liver

AIM: To observe the changes of endoplasmic reticulum and the biomarker of endoplasmic retidum stress (ERS), glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),in the process of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). METHODS: Male Wistar rats weighing 180 g to 220 g were divided into control group and liver fibrosis group. The rats in liver fibrosis group were induced by hypodermic injection of CCl₄ for 4 weeks or 8 weeks. The liver index and the serumactivity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed. The liver fibrosis and the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum were observed under light and electronic microscopes, respectively. Additionally, the expression of GRP78 at mRNA and protein levels was determined by real-time PCR and the method of immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: The liver index, serum ALT and AST activity in liver fibrosis group were obviously higher than those in control group. Swelling and reduced number of endoplasmic reticulum were observed in the hepatocytes of fibrotic rats compare to the controls. The levels of GRP78 protein and GRP78 mRNA in the liver of hepatic fibrotic rats were obviously higher than those in the control rats. CONCLUSION: In the process of liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄, the obvious morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum and increased expression of ERS protein indicate that ERS plays an important role in the liver fibrosis.     

Relationship between rat hepatic fibrosis and regulation of hepatic stellate cell autophagy by microRNA-181a

AIM To observe the changes of liver structure, the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, microRNA-181a, LC3-II/-I, beclin-1 and collagen deposition in hepatic fibrosis （HF） rats induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）, and the effect of microRNA-181a on autophagy of rat hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） induced by TGF-β1, and to explore the possible mechanism of microRNA-181a in regulating HSC activation and HF. METHODS Wistar rats （n=40） were randomly divided into 5 groups （with 8 in each）： control group （subcutaneous injection of olive oil, 3 mL/kg, twice a week）, and CCl₄-induced HF groups of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks （subcutaneous injection of 40% CCl₄, 3 mL/kg, twice a week for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, respectively）. Masson staining was used to evaluate the changes of HF in rats. The levels of TGF-β1 in serum and liver tissue of the rats were measured by ELISA. The level of microRNA-181a in rat liver tissues was detected by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of LC3-II/-I, beclin-1, α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）, collagen type I （Col I） and collagen type Ⅲ （Col Ⅲ） in rat liver tissues were measured by Western blot. HSC-T6 cells were transfected with microRNA-181a inhibitor, or pretreated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine （3-MA）, before treatment with TGF-β1 to stimulate autophagy. The expression of microRNA-181a, LC3-II/-I, beclin-1, α-SMA, Col I and Col Ⅲ in HSC-T6 cells were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS The levels of TGF-β1, microRNA-181a, LC3-II/-I ratio and beclin-1 in liver tissues showed an overall trend of increasing with the progression of HF, and microRNA-181a expression showed a positive correlation with autophagy-associated proteins （P<0.01）. MicroRNA-181a level was significantly increased, which was associated with TGF-β1-induced autophagy and activation of HSC-T6 cells.MicroRNA-181a expression was significantly down-regulated in the HSC-T6 cells transfected with microRNA-181a inhibitor, along with suppression of autophagy and cell activation （P<0.01）, which were similar to the effects of 3-MA treatment. CONCLUSION CCl₄ promotes rat HF, the microRNA-181a expression of liver tissue, and autophagy in a time-dependent manner. Reducing the expression of microRNA-181a in HSC-T6 cells inhibits the autophagy of HSCs-T6 cells induced by TGF-β1. The regulation of HSC autophagy by microRNA-181a may be involved in rat HF.     

Se-containing spirulina phycocyanin attenuated liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice

AIM:To investigate the effect of Se-containing spirulina phycocyanin (Se-SPC) on liver injury of mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). METHODS:The mouse model was conducted by intragastric feeding with 2% CCl₄ oil for three times, meanwhile Se-SPC, spirulina phycocyanin (SPC) and Na₂SeO₃ were injected (ip) to various groups for 7 days. Then selenium (Se), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondiaoldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in blood and liver were measured. RESULTS:The level of Se,GPx and SOD activities were obviously higher(P<0.05)but ALT activity,MDA and NO₂^-/NO₃^- levels were remarkably lower(P<0.05)in Se-SPC treated groups than those in CCl₄ groups,and effects of high dose Se-SPC on Se,GPx,MDA and NO₂^-/NO₃^- were even more significant(P<0.01).Under the same dose of Se or protein,effects of all selected targets in Se-SPC groups were more efficient than those in SPC groups and inorganic-Se groups.Furthermore,Se levels had a positive correlation with GPx activity(r=01705),which had negative correlation with levels of MDA,NO₂^-/NO₃^- and ALT(r=-0.629,r=-0.336,r=-0.457,respectively), and positive correlations between ALT activity and MDA or NO₂^-/NO₃^- level were found (r=0.519,r=0.641). CONCLUSION:These results indicated that Se-SPC may attenuate liver injury of mice induced by CCl₄ through its anti-inflammatory action and enhancing selenoenzyme expression.     

Changes of histone modification levels in rats with liver fibrosis

AIM: To observe the changes of histone modifications in the liver of rats with hepatic fibrosis and its possible role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n=20) were randomly divided into liver fibrosis group and normal control group. The liver fibrosis model was established by hypodermic injection of CCl₄, and the rats in normal control group were injected with vegetable oils. At the end of the 8th week, all rats were killed. Liver function indexes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver fibrosis indexes including haluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), collagen type IV (Col Ⅳ) and procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ) were determined by biochemical and RIA methods. The liver index was analyzed, and the liver fibrosis degree and the morphological change of the liver were detected by HE and Masson staining. The levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ (ColⅠ), H3K4me2, H3K9me2, acH3K9 and acH4K12 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: After hypodermic injection of CCl₄ for 8 weeks, the liver index, ALT, AST, HA, LN, Col Ⅳ and PCⅢ of the rats in liver fibrosis group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the level of acH4K12 was decreased (P<0.05), while acH3K9, H3K9me2, α-SMA and ColⅠ were increased (P<0.05), but H3K4me2 had no significant change.CONCLUSION: The levels of acH4K12, acH3K9 and H3K9me2 may play essential roles in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, and these histone modifications may regulate gene expression associated with extracellular matrix metabolism.     

Effect of TLR2/4 ligand-enhanced non-specific liver inflammation on autoimmune hepatitis in BALB/c mice

AIM: To explore the role of non-specific liver inflammation in inducing autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in BALB/c mice.METHODS: The plasmids pCYP2D6, pcDNA3.1 and psTLR2/4 were administered by tail vein injection. The carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was injected in the abdominal cavity. The autoimmune response was measured by ELISA. The liver inflammation was observed by HE staining. The liver fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius red staining. RESULTS: CCl₄ induced non-specific liver inflammation in the BALB/c mice, and TLR2/4 ligand enhanced the inflammatory responses. After the repeated injection of CCl₄ stopped, the non-specific liver inflammation disappeared, but CCl₄ promoted autoimmune response, autoimmune hepatitis and liver fibrosis induced by mimetic antigen human CYP2D6, and TLR2/4 ligand enhanced these changes. CONCLUSION: TLR2/4-amplified liver non-specific inflammation may play an important role in the initiation and progression of autoimmune hepatitis in BALB/c mice.     

Effect of sorafenib on liver regeneration after partial hepatoectomy in liver cirrhotic rats

AIM: To study the effect of sorafenib on the liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats with liver cirrhosis induced successfully with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) underwent 30% PH and then were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=15). The rats in experimental group were fed with sorafenib at dose of 30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 from the 1st day to the 10th day after PH, while those in control group were fed with vehicle by gavage. The blood and liver tissues of the rats were collected after PH and at the end of the experiment. Liver regeneration rate (LRR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression were assessed for determining the hepatocyte proliferation. The content of alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), angiogenesis related factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β) and micro-vessel density (MVD) were measured in both groups. RESULTS: LRRs on day 10 after PH were 45.43%±3.36% and 44.21%±2.77% in experimental group and control group, respectively (P>0.05), and the expression of PCNA in hepatic tissues of the rats was not found by the method of immunohistochemistry in both groups. Liver function index had no significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). However, other than VEGF, sorafenib resulted in inhibition of VEGFR-2 and PDGFR-β expression and reduction of MVD in experiment group, and significant difference between the 2 groups was observed (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Sorafenib does not influence live regeneration after PH in liver cirrhotic rats.     

Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α in rat fatty liver

AIM:To investigate the role of expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPAR α) in pathogenesis of rat fatty liver.METHODS:The rats were treated with a low dose of carbon terachloride (CCl₄) and fed a high fat diet to produce fatty liver. We determined the concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), free fatty acid (FFA) in liver and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), FFA in serum and the degree of hepatocytic steatosis. Total RNA of liver was extracted, and the expression of PPAR α were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR method.RESULTS:In model group, the hepatocytic PPAR α mRNA expression decreased to 0.41±0.28, compared to 1.41±0.29 in the control group (P＜0.01). The contents of TG, TC, FFA in model rat liver were (1.88±0.20) mmol·L^-1, (11.03±1.12) mmol·L^-1 and (1 260.38±151.27) μmol·L^-1, respectively, compared to (0.53±0.10) mmol·L^-1, (1.25±0.25) mmol·L^-1 and (334.30±27.09) μmol·L^-1 in the control group (P＜0.01). The activity of ALT, concentrations of TNF-α and FFA in serum were also increased remarkably in model group.CONCLUSION:Oxidation of fatty acid and utilization of lipids in liver are affected by reducing the expression of PPAR α, which result lipid accumulation in liver.     

Liquid resuscitation combined with hydrogen inhalation reduce acute kidney injury during septic shock in rats

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of a novel fluid resuscitation protocol (early fluid resuscitation plus 2% hydrogen inhalation) on acute kidney injury during septic shock induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats.METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 rats per group):control group, septic shock group, septic shock with early fluid resuscitation group (fluid group) and septic shock with early fluid resuscitation plus 2% hydrogen inhalation group (fluid+H₂ group). The rats were ventilated, and a 2% hydrogen mixture was used in fluid+H₂ group. LPS (10 mg/kg) was administered to establish the septic shock model in rats and fluid resuscitation was performed in fluid group and fluid+H₂ group.RESULTS: Fluid resuscitation with 2% hydrogen inhalation decreased the le-vels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. It also reduced oxidative stress injury and decreased renal tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels compared with fluid resuscitation alone.CONCLUSION: Early fluid resuscitation plus 2% hydrogen inhalation provided more protection against acute kidney injury du-ring septic shock.     

Influence of losartan potassium on renal expression of TGF-β1, CD68 and MCP-1 in type 2 diabetic nephropathy rats

AIM: To observe the effects of losartan potassium on renal expression of transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β₁), CD68 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in type 2 diabetic nephropathy rats for exploring the protective mechanism of losartan potassium on type 2 diabetic rat kidney. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 groups: normal control group, model group and treatment group. The morphology of kidney tissues, the renal function, and the change of 24 h urinary protein quantitative index were measured after 15 weeks of treatment, while TGF-β₁, CD68 and MCP-1 expression in kidney cortex was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control rats, the body weight of the rats was lower in other groups, but the levels of blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol were higher.The expression of CD68, MCP-1 and TGF-β₁, 24 h urinary protein quantitative index and serum creatinine were higher in model group than those in normal control rats. However, compared with model group, serum creatinine, 24 h urinary protein quantitative index and the expression of CD68, MCP-1 and TGF-β₁ were decreased in treatment group. CONCLUSION: Losartan potassium protects the kidney of diabetic nephropathy rats through inhibiting the expression of TGF-β₁ and MCP-1 in the kidney and restraining macrophage infiltration.     

Curcumin attenuates lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-induced acute rat liver injury via activating autophagy of hepatocytes

AIMTo investigate the effect of curcumin (CUR) on autophagy of hepatovyte in rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced acute liver injury (AHI). METHODSThe healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into the control group,AHI group,CUR group, 3-methy-ladenine (3-MA) group and 3-MA+CUR group, with 6 rats in each group. AHI was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of LPS and D-GalN. Liver function was tested 12 h after LPS/D-GalN treatment. Pathological changes of liver tissues were analyzed by HE staining.The amount of autophagic bodies were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of autophagy related-proteins LC3 and beclin 1 in livers were detected by Western blot. ELISA were used to examine the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). RESULTSCompared with control group, the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and asparated aminotransferase (AST) were significantly increased, hepatic pathological damage were aggravated and serum TNF-α level was significantly increased in AHI group, while the autophagic bodies and the protein levels of LC3 and beclin 1 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with AHI group, the serum level of ALT and AST were significantly decreased, hepatic pathological damage were attenuated and serum TNF-α level was significantly reduced (P?<0.05), while the autophagic bodies and the protein levels of LC3 and beclin 1 were significantly increased in CUR group (P<0.01). Compared with CUR group, the serum level of ALT and AST were significantly increased, hepatic pathological damage were aggravated and serum level of TNF-α was significantly increased in 3-MA group and 3-MA+CUR group, while the autophagic bodies and the protein levels of LC3 and beclin 1 were decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Curcumin protects rats against LPS/D-GalN-induced liver injury, partially due to activation of hepatocyte autophagy in livers.     

Effects of ischemic preconditioning on hepatocyte apoptosis induced by hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in cirrhotic rats

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury in cirrhotic rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS:Hepatic I/R was induced by Pringle maneuver. The cirrhotic rats were randomized into three groups: Group A: before 30 min of ischemia, a short period of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion were given; Group B: before 30 min of ischemia, a short period of 10 min ischemia and 10 min of reperfusion were given; Group C: 30 min ischemia only. The serum alanine transferase (ALT), hepatic Fas-mRNA, caspase-3 activity and hepatocyte apoptosis were analyzed. RESULTS:The 7-day survival rate in the group A and B were 100%, respectively. However, it was only 62.5% in the group C. After 6 h of reperfusion, the ALT levels in both group A and B were significantly lower than that of in group C, P＜0.01. The ALT level of group A was also lower than that of group B, P＜0.01. The hepatic Fas-mRNA expression, caspase-3 activity and apoptotic hepatocyte in group A were significantly lower than those of in group C, P＜0.01. CONCLUSIONS:IPC has significant protective effect against hepatic I/R injury. An IPC with 5 min of ischemia and 5 min of reperfusion has the maximal protective effect. The protective mechanism of IPC against hepatic I/R injury is via down-regulation of Fas-mRNA expression, inhibiting caspase-3 activity and subsequently inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.     

Riboflavin preconditioning alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

AIM: To explore the protective effect of riboflavin preconditioning on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats wererandomly divided into 3 groups (n=8): sham group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group and riboflavin preconditioning (R+I/R) group. The rats in sham group and I/R group received a standard chow,while the rats in R+I/R group received a chow supplemented with riboflavin. After 4 weeks, portal vein and hepatic artery supplying the middle and left hepatic lobes were clamped with a traumatic vascular clip for induction of partial hepatic ischemia in the rats in I/R group and R+I/R group. After 1 h of ischemia, 1 h of reperfusion was conducted by removal of the clip. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum,the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and liver were measured. Western blotting was employed to examine the protein expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the liver. RESULTS: The results showed that ischemia/reperfusion injury markedly increased the activity of AST and ALT in serum, decreased the activity of SOD, and elevated the level of MDA and the activity of HO-1 in the liver as compared with sham group (P<0.01). The riboflavin pretreatment significantly decreased the activity of AST and ALT in serum, increased the activity of SOD and decreased the levels of MDA in serum and liver as compared with I/R group (P<0.01). In addition, the protein expression of HO-1 and the activity of HO-1 were elevated in R+I/R group (P<0.01). Cytoplasmic vacuolation and swelling of the hepatocytes were observed in I/R group. Treatment with riboflavin markedly alleviated the changes of liver structure. CONCLUSION: Riboflavin preconditioning has protective effect on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. The mechanism may be correlated with enhancing the anti-oxidation and alleviating the reaction of lipid peroxidation.     

Role of Rho kinase in diabetic vascular endothelial dysfunction

AIM: To investigate the role of Rho kinase in diabetic vascular endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: SD rats, genetic db/db diabetic model and high-fat diet-induced obese mice were used in this study. The thoracic aorta of the rats or mice were isolated and suspended in organ bath or myograph for measurement of the changes in isometric tensions. The levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) were determined by Western blotting. Thromboxane B₂(TXB₂),prostaglandin F_2α(PGF_2α) and thromboxane receptor (TP receptor) activators in artery were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was attenuated by TP receptor activation, which was ameliorated by Rho kinase inhibitors. The improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation by inhibition of Rho kinase was abolished by pretreatment with the inhibitor of eNOS. Consistently, the level of phosphorylated eNOS was inhibited by TP receptor activation, which was reversed by inhibition of Rho kinase. The endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was also improved by Rho kinase inhibitors in diabetic and obese animals. The levels of TXB₂ and PGF_2α in the arteries were increased in diabetic animals compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Rho kinase plays a role in diabetic endothelial dysfunction, which may be related to TP receptor activation and eNOS inhibition.     

Effect of crystallin βB2 on the aging of lens

AIM: To study the effect of crystallin βB₂ on the aging of lens. METHODS: SD rats were maintained routinely and killed at 6 different ages (1 d, 8 d, 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 8 months and 1.5 years). Water-soluble crystallins were extracted and separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (IEF/SDS-PAGE). After Comassize blue staining, the crystallin patterns were screened and analyzed. βB₂ crystallin and the main chaperone proteins (αA₂, αB₂) were identified and the relative quantity was measured. RESULTS: (1) The quantity of water-soluble crystalline βB₂ increased in close relation to the aging of the rat. (2) αA₂, αB₂ chaperone proteins increased with the aging of the rat too. (3) The change of the quantity of water-soluble crystalline βB₂ was closely related to the changes of αA₂ , αB₂ chaperone proteins. (4) Degraded and modified crystallins began to appear clearly in the lens after 8 months old. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we infer that water-soluble crystalline βB₂ increases with the aging dof the rat, which is helpful to maintain the structure and transparency of the lens.     

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.     

Alteration of p38 MAPK activity in lung tissue in diabetic rats

AIM: To observe the pathologic changes in lung and the role of p38 MAPKinase signal pathways in pulmonary alteration in diabetic rats. METHODS: Diabetic rats were induced by intraperitoneally injected streptozotozin (STZ). After 4 weeks, we observed the pathologic changes in lungs, tested protein kinase C (PKC) activities by isotope in lungs of model rats, tested transforming growth factor (TGF-β₁) by Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis, and determined the expression of p38 MAPKinase mRNA using in situ hybridization.RESULTS: After STZ administration for 4 weeks, we observed thickened pulmonary capillary basal lamina and increased number of fibre in Diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. TGF-β₁ levels, PKC and p38 MAPK activities were also found increased. CONCLUSION: The increased activities of TGF-β₁ and p38 MAPK suggeste that TGF-β₁ may play an important role in diabetic lung, and hyperglycemia-PKC-p38 MAPK signal pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes.     

Radioligand binding assay of insulin receptor in rabbit kidney during ischemic and reperfusion

AIM: To observe the change of insulin receptor in rabbit kidney with acute ischemic-reperfusion injury. METHODS: 15 Japanese white rabbits were allocated randomly into control group, ischemic-reperfusion group(IR group). IR group received clamping for 1 h followed by 2 h or 48 h of reperfusion. At 2 h or 48 h after reperfusion, glucose and insulin in serum were determined. Insulin receptor in renal tissue was analyzed by radioligand binging assay(BAD). RESULTS: The level of serum glucose increased after 2 h reperfusion in 2 groups, but in IR group the value increased much more higher than those in control groups(P＜0.05). Plasma insulin of IR group was significantly higher than that in control after 2 h reperfusion(P＜0.05). Scatchard analysis of data resulted in curvilinear profiles, indicating that there are two classes of receptors with different affinity or the presence of a single class of receptors with a negative cooperative hormone-receptor interaction. Data analyzed for a two-site model showed that the values of Bmax₁(high affinity site), Bmax₂(low affinity site) and Kd₁, Kd₂ were significantly lower than that of control (P＜0.05) after 2 h perfusion. 48 h after IR there was no difference of Bmax₁, Bmax₂, and Kd₁ between 2 groups,but Kd₂ of IR group was higher than that of control (P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the effect of intrinsic insulin decreases in the progress of the renal ischemic-reperfusion. The resulting high serum glucose may aggravate renal injury in the progress of ischemic-reperfusion.