Effect of Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang,a Chinese medicine,on implanted hepatoma in rats

AIM: To establish the implanted hepatic cancer models in SD rats, and to observe the effects and mechanism of Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang on implanted hepatoma models. METHODS: Walker256 carcinoma was implanted to the liver of SD rats. The rats were treated with low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang respectively. The vital signs and the survival time were recorded. Arterial blood was collected at time points of 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after transplantation to measure the levels of lanineamino-transferases (ALT), aspartateamino-transferases (AST), aspartateamino-transferases: alanineamino-transferases (S/L), albumin (ALB), albumin/globulin (A/G), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU). RESULTS: The values of the ALT, AST in high-dose and medium-dose Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang groups were less than those in hepatoma model group (P<0.01), and the values of ALB and A/G were more than those in hepatoma model group (P<0.05) at 3 weeks. The values of ALP, GGT and AFU in high-dose Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang group decreased (P<0.01). The median survival rate of low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang groups increased, which were longer than that in model group. CONCLUSION: Herbal Mixture Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang improves the quality of life and prolongs the survival time of implanted hepatoma rats. Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang protects the liver functions, including the decrement of the ALT and AST, maintenance of the ALB level, and reduction of the hepatoma indicating enzyme like the ALP, GGT and AFU. The results show that the high-dose Fu Zheng Kang Ai Fang is the best mixture.     

PDL1Ig gene-modified BMSCs induce immune tolerance in rat liver transplantation

AIM: To investigate the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) modified by programed death ligand-1 immunoglobulin(PDL₁Ig) gene on immune rejection of orthotopic liver transplantation in rats. METHODS: Rat BMSCs were cultured and identified. The protein expression of PDL₁Ig in the BMSCs 72 h after infection with pAdEasy-1/PDL₁Ig was detected by Western blot. Mixed lymphocyte reaction was used to detect the inhibitory effect of BMSCs on the viability of T-lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The male Wistar rats were used as donors(n=40), and the male SD rats were used as recipients(n=40). The rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation was established by improved cuff method for observing acute rejection. The rats were randomly divided into control group, BMSCs treatment group, BMSCs/GFP treatment group and BMSCs/PDL₁Ig treatment group with 10 pairs each. Five rats were executed at the 7th day and the remains were used for measuring the survival time. RESULTS: The expression of PDL₁Ig in the BMSCs was detected after pAdEasy-1/PDL₁Ig infection. The effect of BMSCs/PDL₁Ig on the viability of the lymphocytes was stronger than that of BMSCs/GFP. The level of IL-4 in BMSCs/PDL₁Ig group was significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups, while the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly decreased. The liver function in BMSCs/PDL₁Ig group was significantly improved and the levels of ALT, AST and TBil were almost recovered to normal at the 7th day after transplantation. Severe rejection reaction was observed in control group, and rejection reactions were decreased with different degrees in BMSCs treatment group and BMSCs/GFP treatment group. Much slighter rejection reaction and significantly longer survival time were showed in BMSCs/PDL₁Ig group than those in the other 3 groups. CONCLUSION: PDL₁Ig-modified BMSCs inhibit the rejection of liver transplantation in rats and induce the immune tolerance, and the effect is better than that of BMSCs alone.     

Effects of meglumine cycle adenylate phosphate combined with transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells on heart functions in rat model of heart failure

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of recombinant meglumine cycle adenylate phosphate (MCA) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the enhancement of the cell survival and improvement of the cardiac functions in the rat model of adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathic heart failure. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated and expanded using the pre-plating method. Doxorubicin was used by intraperitoneal injection into the Wistar rats to establish the model of cardiomyopathic heart failure. The model animals randomly received the injection of PBS, MCA, BMSCs or MCA+BMSCs respectively, and normal controls were without any treatment. Four weeks after injection, the cardiac functions were determined by echocardiography and multichannel physiological recorder. The levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured by ELISA. The positive rate of BrdU-labeled BMSCs in the myocardium was analyzed by the method of immunohistochemistry. The expression of myocardium-specific protein, GATA-4, connexin 43(Cx43) and cardiac troponin 1(cTNI), was detected by Western blotting. Myocardial fibrosis was observed with Masson's staining. RESULTS: Compared with other groups, the results of echocardiography and hemodynamic showed that the left ventricular functions in BMSCs+MCA group improved significantly (P<0.05). The BMSCs numbers in the myocardium in BMSCs+MCA group were significantly higher than those in BMSCs group (P<0.05). The level of BNP was significantly lower in BMSCs+MCA group than that in BMSCs group (P<0.05). Compared with other groups, the expression of GATA-4, Cx43 and cTNI was significantly increased in BMSCs+MCA group. CONCLUSION: Combination of MCA with BMSCs transplantation improves the cardiac functions, possibly due to the enhancement of BMSCs survival and the increase in the protein expression of GATA-4.     

Mechanism of hepatic insulin resistance induced by high-fat diet

AIM: To observed the relationship between oxidative stress and development of insulin resistance in hepatic tissues of Sprague dawley(SD) rats by analyzing reactive oxygen species(ROS) level and NADPH oxidase 3(NOX3) expression in livers. METHODS: Four-week-old male SD rats were fed with high-fat diet containing 20% fat and 20% sucrose for 12 weeks to induce insulin resistance. Plasma insulin level was detected by radioimmunoassay. The content of liver intracellular glycogen was measured using a glycogen assay kit. ROS generation in the liver tissues was assessed by dihydroethidium(DHE) fluorescence. The expression of NOX3 was determined by Western blotting.RESULTS: After 12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the content of blood glucose was increased but still maintained in normal level in the rats. However, the index of insulin sensitivity obviously decreased. Hepatic glycogen content in the rats fed with high-fat diet was significantly decreased, indicating that insulin resistance developed. Enhanced ROS production in hepatic tissues of the rats fed with high-fat diet was observed. Importantly, the expression of NOX3 in the liver was up-regulated in response to high-fat diet in vivo.CONCLUSION: High-fat diet feeding decreases insulin sensitivity, enhances ROS level and NOX3 expression, and reduces glycogen content in the livers.     

Therapeutic effect of ulinastatin and berberine on burn sepsis in rats

AIM: To investigate the combination therapeutic effect of ulinastatin and berberine on burn sepsis in the rats.METHODS: The rats with burn sepsis were administrated with ulinastatin or berberine or combination therapy. The survival rate and body weight of the rats were measured. The levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. The morphological changes of the lung were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The content of bacteria in the liver, lung and spleen tissues was detected.RESULTS: Combination of ulinastatin and berberine significantly increased the survival rate and body weight in the rats with burn sepsis. Moreover, combination therapy inhibited the elevation of IL-6 and TNF-α levels, whereas increased the IL-10 level. Combination therapy protected the structure of hepatic lobule, and further reduced the bacterial content in the liver, lung and spleen. CONCLUSION: Combination of ulinastatin and berberine improves the symptoms of burn sepsis by regulating the levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α and inhibiting the content of bacteria.     

Effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with vitamin E on inflammatory reaction in acute kidney injury

AIM:To explore the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) combined with vitamin E on the inflammatory reaction in acute kidney injury (AKI) rats. METHODS:Gentamicin was used to induce AKI and the rats were treated with BMSCs combined with vitamin E. After treatment, the rat plasma and kidney tissues were collected, and the expression of inflammatory factors at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA. RESULTS:After the treatment with BMSCs combined with vitamin E, the inflammatory proteins were down-regulated in the plasma and the renal tissues. Compared with single treatment group, the decreases in the inflammatory proteins were more obvious in combined treatment group. CONCLUSION: The method of BMSCs combined with vitamin E takes the anti-inflammatory effect on AKI, indicating a new and potential mode in clinical application for AKI therapy.     

Effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on synthesis of hepatic glycogen in diabetic rats

AIM: To determine the effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on hepatic glycogen synthesis and its mechanism in diabetic rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal diet group and high-fat diet group. After 8 weeks of feeding, the rats in high-fat diet group were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of streptozotocin (27 mg/kg) to induce type 2 diabetes. The diabetes rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: diabetes mellitus group (DM), PDTC-treated group (DM+PDTC) and insulin-treated group (DM+INS). The rats in PDTC-treated group were injected with PDTC (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally daily. At the same time, the rats in normal diet group, DM group and insulin-treated group were injected with equivalent volume of saline in the same way. The rats in insulin-treated group were injected with insulin (1 U/kg) 1 h before killed. After the treatment was taken for 1 week, the levels of blood glucose were measured, then the animals in all groups were killed. The liver glycogen content was detected, and the levels of GSK-3β and Akt phosphorylation in the liver tissues were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: The blood glucose level and liver glycogen content were significantly higher, and the levels of GSK-3β and Akt phosphorylation were lower in DM group than those in normal-diet group (P<0.01). Compared with DM group, the glycogen content, the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β in the liver tissues in DM+PDTC group and DM+INS group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the blood glucose levels decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: PDTC increases the synthesis of liver glycogen and decreases the level of blood glucose by regulating the activity of Akt and GSK-3β in the liver.     

Influence of glycine on LBP mRNA expression induced by LPS in the liver of rats

AIM:To study the influence of glycine(GLY) on lipopolysaccharide-binding protein(LBP) mRNA expression induced by LPS.METHODS:The level of LBP mRNA expression in liver tissues of rats was examined by RT-PCR, and the effects of glycine on LBP mRNA expression in liver tissues of rats induced by LPS were investigated.RESULTS: The level of LBP mRNA expression in hepatic tissue of rats in the LPS group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.01), the level of LBP mRNA expression in the hepatic tissue of rats in the LPS+GLY group was lower than that in the LPS group(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:LPS can induce LBP mRNA expression in the hepatic tissue of rats, glycine can inhibit LBP mRNA expression in the hepatic tissue of rats treated by LPS.     

NK cells from donor liver inhibit NF-κB activity and IL-15 expression after liver transplantation in rats

AIM:To investigate the mechanism that donor liver natural killer (NK) cells alleviate acute rejection after liver transplantation by observing the secretion level of interleukin 15 (IL-15) in peripheral blood, the protein expression of IL-15 in transplanted liver tissues and the activity of NF-κB in spleen tissues in rat acute liver graft rejection model. METHODS:An acute rejection model of liver transplantation in rats was established by the modified two-cuff method, in which Lewis rats were used as donors and BN rats as recipients. The donor leukocytes were depleted by whole body irradiation of ［60Co］ source and the donor liver immunity was reconstituted by transfusion of liver NK cells from the same type of donor (donor type liver NK cells, dtlNKs) via portal vein immediately after grafting the irradiated liver. The rats were divided into the following groups: group A, acute rejection group; group B, BN rats receiving the liver of Lewis rats with ［60Co］ irradiation; group C, BN rats receiving the liver of ［60Co］-irradiated Lewis rats and treated with dtlNKs via the portal vein. The recipients were sacrificed at 1 d, 3 d and 7 d after transplantation. IL-15 level in peripheral blood was detected by ELISA. The expression of IL-15 in the liver grafts was determined by Western blotting. NF-κB activity in the spleen tissues of recipient rats was identified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The survival quality and living time in crude survival subgroup were observed. RESULTS:Acute rejection in group B was severer than that in group A and group C. The rats in group B showed significantly shorter average survival time compared with group A and group C. At 3 d and 7 d after transplantation, the IL-15 content in peripheral blood was significantly higher in group B than that in group A and group C. The expression of IL-15 in transplanted liver tissues was significantly higher in group B than that in group A and group C. The activity of NF-κB in the spleen tissues was higher in group B. CONCLUSION: IL-15 might be a significant indicator for monitoring acute rejection after liver transplantation. The donor liver NK cells modulate the immunity of liver transplantation by inhibiting the expression of IL-15 via the suppression of NF-κB activity.     

Protective effects of somatostatin and octreotide on hepatocytes

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of somatostatin (SST) and octreotide (OCT) on rat hepatocytes. METHODS: The primary hepatocytes were pretreated with different concentrations of SST and OCT. The levels of alanine minotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in culture supernatant were analyzed by the model of ethanol/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatocyte injury. Additionally, 75 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups at random, including normal control, model control, SST-treated model groups at high, medium and low doses (200 μg·kg-1·d-1, 100 μg·kg-1·d-1 and 50 μg·kg-1·d-1, respectively). Except for the normal controls, all rats were injected with 40% CCl4 subcutaneously for 8 weeks to establish hepatic fibrosis. Meanwhile, rats of SST-treated model groups were given at different doses of SST twice a day in the same way. Thereafter, the liver function and apoptosis index of hepatocytes were detected by standard enzyme method, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. RESULTS: Compared with those of injury model group, the hepatocytes pretreated with SST (10-8-10-6 mol/L) and OCT (10-7-10-5 mol/L) exhibited significantly decreased levels of ALT and AST in the culture supernatant. Furthermore, most indices of liver function including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL) and albumin (ALB) improved obviously in all SST-treated groups, especially in the group treated with low dose of SST. The apoptosis index of hepatocytes in the fibrotic liver was also reduced greatly by the treatment with low dose of SST. CONCLUSION: SST and OCT may protect hepatocytes against CCl4-induced injury, inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis, and improve the liver function. These findings suggest them a potential efficiency in the prevention of hepatic fibrosis.     

Effect of gingko biloba extract on liver from experimental type 2 diabetic rats

AIM:To study the protective effect of the ginkgo biloba (EGB) extract on liver from experimental type 2 diabetic rats and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS:Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups: normal control group, high-fat group, diabetic group and EGB-treated group. After fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks, the later two groups were injected with streptozotocin intraperitoneally to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus. EGB-treated group was injected intraperitoneally with EGB at a dose of 8 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, and the other three groups were treated with normal saline of the same volume. After 8 weeks, the morphologic change of hepatic tissue was observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM) and light microscope (LM), respectively. In addition, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS), inducable nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) in liver homogenate were detected biochemically. RESULTS:Obvious liver fatty degeneration, apparent decrease of glycogen granules in cytoplasm of hepatocytes under light microscope and hepatocytes pyknosis, lots of lipid deposits in cytoplasm of hepatocytes, proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and collagen under TEM were observed in diabetic group. The activity of SOD, CAT, GSH-PX decreased but the activity of tNOS, iNOS and the content of MDA, NO^-₂/NO^-₃ increased in diabetic group compared with normal control group. The pathological change was relieved in EGB-treated group. The activity of SOD, CAT, GSH-PX increased, the activity of tNOS, iNOS and the content of MDA, NO^-₂/NO^-₃ decreased in the liver of rats in EGB-treated group compared with diabetic group. CONCLUSION:EGB exerts a beneficial effect on liver in experimental type 2 diabetic rats. Anti-lipid peroxidation and suppression of NO production may be involved in this process.     

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.     

Repairment of segmental tibial defects by composite grafts of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with bionic nano chitosan-sodium collagen in SD rats

AIM: To repair the segmental tibial defects in SD rats with bionic nano chitosan-sodium collagen (nano-CS-COL) co-cultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: BMSCs were isolated, purified, cultured, identified and observed continually. Scaffold materials were cut into blocks with the size of Φ 3 mm×5 mm. Cells of the 3rd generations were co-cultured with nano-CS-COL in vitro. The composite grafts were tested by scanning electron microscope. A bone defect (5 mm in length) was created at two tibial in each mouse. The composite grafts were implanted into segmental tibial defects in rats through open operation. The curative effect was evaluated by general observation, radiographic examination, histologic analysis at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: In experimental groups, the bone defects were repaired completely. Roentgenographically, the bone defects in the experimental groups exhibited new bone formation increased with time, which were apparently superior to that in control group at 6 and 12 weeks after operation (P<0.05). The quality of new bone formation was significantly different between the experimental and the control groups by histologic analysis. In blank groups, bone defect could not be repaired without any proper treatment, finally filling only with fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: BMSCs are ideal seeded cells for bone tissue engineering. The nano-CS-COL is compatible with BMSCs. The composite grafts cause no obvious immune rejection after transplanted into allogenic rats. The nano-CS-COL scaffold may be used as an alternative carrier for seeded cells. The composite grafts of nano-CS-COL/MSCs quickly promote the new bone formation with better curative effect on tibial defects than other materials.     

Effects of bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on silicosis fibrosis in rats

AIM: To study the effects of exogenous bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation on silicosis fibrosis in rats, and to explore the dose-effect relationship. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated and cultured from male 5-week-old SD rats in vitro. Fifty healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, silicosis model group, BMSCs treatment A group (1×10⁹ cells/L), BMSCs treatment B group (3×10⁹ cells/L) and BMSCs treatment C group (5×10⁹ cells/L). The silicosis model was made by one-time infusion of silica dust suspension using the non-exposed tracheal intubation, and different doses of BMSCs were given for intervention therapy. All the rats were sacrificed on the 21st day after the model was established. The morphological changes of the lung tissues were observed by HE staining and Masson staining. The localization and distribution of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) were determined by the method of immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, collagen type I and collagen type III were detected by Western blotting. The sex-determining region (SRY) protein was searched by an immunofluorescence method to confirm the homing of BMSCs. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the silicosis model group had significant alveolitis changes, silicon nodule formation, collagen deposition and other pathological characteristics. Compared with silicosis model group, the pathological changes in BMSCs treatment A group were improved. The conditions of BMSCs treatment B group were also improved significantly. However,the pathological changes in BMSCs treatment C group were increased obviously. The protein levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, collagen type I and collagen type III in the lung tissues ranked as follows: BMSCs treatment C group > silicosis model group > BMSCs treatment A group > BMSCs treatment B group > control group. The difference between BMSCs treatment C group and silicosis model group was not statistically significant, and the differences between the other groups were statistically significant. The SRY-positive cells were observed in BMSCs treatment B group, but no significant expression in the heart, liver, spleen and kidney tissues was observed. CONCLUSION: The exogenous BMSC transplantation antagonizes the development of silicosis fibrosis in rats, which has dose-effect relationship.     

Transplantation of bcl-2 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improves cardiac function and angiogenesis in rabbit ischemic car-diac insufficiency model

AIM: To investigate the effects of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) modified by bcl-2 gene on myocardial cell apoptosis, angiogenesis and cardiac function in the rabbit after acute myocardial infarction (MI).METHODS: The rabbit BMSCs were isolated, cultured and purified in vitro. The BMSCs were transfected with adenovirus or adenovirus-Bcl-2. The rabbit model of MI was established by ligation of left anterior descending branch. The rabbits were injected with Ad-Bcl-2-BMSCs (MI+Bcl-2-BMSCs group), Ad-BMSCs (MI+BMSCs group) and DMEM (MI group) in infarction marginal zone 2 weeks after ligation. The cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography.The apoptosis of myocardial cells was measured by TUNEL. The mRNA expression of VEGF was detected by real-time PCR. The expression of CD31 was examined by immunohistochemical staining, and new blood capillaries were counted at 4 weeks after BMSCs transplantation. The correlation of the above values with cardiac function was analyzed.RESULTS: The cardiac function was better, the apoptotic rate was lower, the mRNA expression of VEGF and the capillary density were higher in both MI+Bcl-2-BMSCs group and the MI+BMSCs group than those in MI group, and those in MI+Bcl-2-BMSCs group increased more obviously.The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had a negative correlation with the myocardial cell apoptosis rate. A positive correlation with the mRNA expression level of VEGF and the capillary density was also observed.CONCLUSION: The transplantation of BMSCs modified by bcl-2 gene significantly reduces the myocardial cell apoptosis, promotes angiogenesis, improves heart function of the rabbits with MI.     

Role of caspase-3 dependent hepatocyte apoptosis in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in cirrhotic rats

AIM:To investigate whether hepatocyte apoptosis is contributed to liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the relationship between liver caspase-3 activity and hepatocyte apoptosis in cirrhotic rats. METHODS:Liver ischemia-reperfusion is induced by Pringle maneuver. The cirrhotic rats were randomized into two groups: Group A: simple hepatic blood inflow occlusion (HBIO); Group B: HBIO + inhibitor, before HBIO, ZVAD-fmk 15 mg/kg was injected via dorsal penis vein; Group C: healthy rat, simple HBIO. The ischemia time was 30 min in these groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST), liver caspase-3 activity, and apoptotic hepatocytes were examined in the three groups. RESULTS: After 6 h of reperfusion, the liver caspase-3 activity was markedly elevated and reached its peak, which was statistically higher than that of before I/R . The same change occurred in hepatocyte apoptosis between 6 h of reperfusion and before I/R (20.9%±4.9% vs 0.5%±0.3%, P＜0.01). As the reperfusion prolonged, the caspase-3 activity and apoptotic hepatocyte decreased gradually. The 7th-day survival rate was 62.5% in group A. The serum AST, liver caspase-3 activity and apoptotic hepatocytes were significantly higher in group A than those in group B and C, representing the most severe liver injury among the three groups. CONCLUSION:Hepatocyte apoptosis is the major form of cell death in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in cirrhotic rats. Hepatoctye apoptosis induced by I/R is caspase-3 dependent, and inhibiting caspase-3 can alleviate liver injury. The caspase-3 dependent hepatocyte apoptosis is highly contributed to the pathological phenomenon that the ischemic sensitivity of cirrhotic liver is higher than normal liver.     

Posthepatic manipulative bleeding alleviates lung injury induced by liver ischemia-reperfusion

AIM: To determine the effects of posthepatic manipulative bleeding on the lung injury induced by hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (HIR)in rat model. METHODS: Rat 35 min total hepatic ischemia model was used in this study. We treated the experimental rats by posthepatic manipulative bleeding or IH-CV manipulative bleeding at 10 min after reperfusion. RESULTS: Two percent of body weight posthepatic manipulative bleeding with blood transfusion at 10 min after reperfusion significantly decreased circulating malondialdehyde(MDA). Tissue edema, myeloperoxidase(MPO) and MDA concentrations in lung were significantly decreased 6 h after treatments. The 7 d survival rate was remarkably improved in experimental group. CONCLUSION: Two percent of body weight posthepatic manipulative bleeding with blood transfusion at 10 min after reperfusion significantly protects the rats from lung injury induced by HIR.     

Effect of GLP-1 on insulin resistance and PKCε in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by high fat diet

AIM: To observe the therapeutic effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease of rats and to investigate the underlying mechanism.METHODS: SD rats (n=21) were used to establish a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model by feeding a high fat diet for 12 weeks, and other 11 rats were fed with a normal diet for 16 weeks. The model rats were randomly divided into 2 equal groups:one group was treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 analog (0.6 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks, the other group using saline as a control. After treatment, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, blood lipids, liver function and the pathological changes of the hepatic tissues were evaluated and the expression of PKCε at mRNA and protein levels in the liver tissues was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively.RESULTS: Compared with model group, the intervention of GLP-1 significantly reduced insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), improved the liver function (P<0.05), decreased the liver index and blood lipids (P<0.05). HE staining showed obvious pathological changes of the hepatic tissues in model group, and the intervention of GLP-1 significantly reduced lipid droplets in the hepatocytes and improved the structural damage of the liver. The expression of hepatic protein kinase Cε (PKCε) at mRNA and protein levels significantly decreased which were reversed by treating with GLP-1.CONCLUSION: GLP-1 shows good therapeutic effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease of rats, possibly by controlling lipid metabolism and reducing insulin resistance, which may be related to PKCε expression.