Effect of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside on intestinal flora and immune function in IgA nephropathy rats based on C1GALT1/Cosmc pathway

AIM To investigate the effects of Triptergium wilfordii multiglucoside （TWM） on intestinal flora and immune function in IgA nephropathy （IgAN） rats based on core 1 β1，3-galactosyltransferase （C1GALT1） and its chaperone protein Cosmc （C1GALT1/Cosmc pathway）. METHODS The rat model of IgAN was established， and the animals were randomly divided into model group （IgAN group）， dexamethasone （Dex） group and TWM group. Normal rats served as normal control （NC） group. The levels of serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， 24-hour urinary total protein （24 h UTP） and the number of urinary red blood cells were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of serum IgA1， and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， B-cell activating factor （Baff） and interleukin-17 （IL-17） were detected by ELISA. The level of galactose-deficient IgA1 （Gd-IgA1） was detected by Vicia villosa lectin affinity ELISA. The intestinal colony was cultured in selective bacterial medium. The ratio of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ regulatory T cells （Treg） to CD4⁺ T cells （Treg proportion） in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMC） was detected by flow cytometry.Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of C1GALT1 and Cosmc in intestinal mucosa. RESULTS Compared with NC group， 24 h UTP， the number of urinary red blood cells， SCr， BUN， serum IgA1 and Gd-IgA1， the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae， Enterococcus and Bacteroides， and the levels of TNF-α， Baff and IL-17 in plasma in IgAN group were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while the numbers of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli， the Treg proportion in PBMC， and the protein expression levels of C1GALT1 and Cosmc in intestinal mucosa were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with IgAN group， 24 h UTP， the number of urinary red blood cells， SCr， BUN， serum IgA1 and Gd-IgA1， the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae， Enterococcus and Bacteroides， and the levels of TNF-α， Baff and IL-17 in plasma in Dex group and TWM group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）， and those in TWM group were lower than those in Dex group （P<0.05）. Moreover， the numbers of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli， the Treg proportion in PBMC， and the protein expression levels of C1GALT1 and Cosmc in intestinal mucosa were significantly elevated （P<0.05）， and those in TWM group were higher than those in Dex group （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION TWM reduces the abnormal glycosylation level of IgA in IgAN rats by promoting the activation of C1GALT1/Cosmc pathway， and attenuates the intestinal flora disorder and immune dysfunction in IgAN rats， thus exerting the therapeutic effect.     

TL1A promotes development of intestinal fibrosis associated with chron?ic experimental colitis by regulating IL-17 and IFN-γ

AIM To explore how tumor recrosis factor ligand-related molecule 1A (TL1A) promotes the development of intestinal fibrosis associated with chronic experimental colitis by regulating interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). METHODS Aexperimental colitis-associated wild-type (WT) and TL1A (L-Tg) transgenic intestinal fibrosis model was established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction.The severity of colitis was evaluated by detecting the disease activity index (DAI). HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes and pathological score of the colitis.Myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured in each group. The collagen deposition was detected by Masson’s trichrome staining and Sirius red staining. The lamina propria, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes(MLN) mononuclear cells were isolated and counted, and the levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ weremeasured by ELISA, andthe percentages of CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺T cells and CD4⁺IL-17⁺T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS After drinking DSS water,the body weight of the mice in DSS/Tg group was decreased significantly as compared with WT group(P<0.05). The DAI score, histology score and MPO activity were significantly increased(P<0.05). Thelevels of IL-17 and IFN-γ, LPMC, spleen and MLN were significantly increased. The percentages of CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺T cells and CD4⁺IL-17⁺T cells were significantlyincreased.The thickness and collagen deposition of the colon were increased inTg group. CONCLUSION TL1A promotes the development of intestinal fibrosis associated with chronic experimental colitis by regulating IL-17 and IFN-γ.     

Geniposide attenuates cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived rats by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

AIM To investigate the effects of geniposide （Gen） on Toll like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB （TLR4/NF-κB） signaling pathway and cognitive dysfunction in sleep deprived rats. METHODS Wistar rats （n=120） were randomly divided into normal control （NC） group， model （M） group， low-dose （5 g·kg^-1·d^-1） Gen （Gen-L） group， medium-dose （10 g·kg^-1·d^-1） Gen （Gen-M） group， high-dose （20 g·kg^-1·d^-1） Gen （Gen-H） group and Gen-H+LPS （0.4 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， tail vein injection） group. After 7 days of intervention， the sleep deprivation model of rats in M group， Gen-L， Gen-M， Gen-H and Gen-H+LPS group was established by improved small platform water environment. The escape latency of Morris water maze experiment and the behavior correct rate of Y maze experiment were measured. The serum levels of S100B and neuron-specific enolase （NSE）， and the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in hippocampus were detected by ELISA. The mRNA levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were detected by RT-qPCR， and the protein levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with NC group， the escape latency， the serum levels of S100B and NSE， the hippocampal levels of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α， and the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were increased significantly in M group （P<0.01）， and the behavior correct rate was decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with M group， the escape latency， the hippocampal levels of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α， and the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 at mRNA and protein levels were decreased significantly in Gen-L， Gen-M and Gen-H groups （P<0.01）， and the behavior correct rate was increased in turn （P<0.01）. Compared with Gen-H group， the escape latency， the serum levels of S100B and NSE， the hippocampal levels of IL-1β， IL-6 and TNF-α， and the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 at mRNA and protein levels were increased significantly in Gen-H+LPS group （P<0.01）， and the behavior correct rate was decreased significantly （P<0.01）. CONCLUSION Geniposide may inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway to effectively improve cognitive function in sleep-deprived rats and reduce hippocampus inflammation.     

IL-33-modified BMSCs attenuate acute kidney injury induced by sepsis in rats through MyD88

AIM To investigate the effect of interleukin-33 (IL-33)-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats and the expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88). METHODS A septic rat model was established by cecal ligation and puncture. The SD rats (n=80) were randomly divided into control group, model group, negative transfection group (transplanting untransfected BMSCs) and IL-33 transfection group (transplanting BMSCs transfected with IL-33), with 20 in each group. Survival rates of the rats within 72 h in the 4 groups were compared. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured before, and 24, 48 and 72 h after transplantation. The kidney pathological damage was observed by HE staining, and the apoptosis of renal cells was detected by TUNEL method 72 h after transplantation. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and MyD88. RESULTS The survival rate of the rats in model group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The survival rate of the rats in IL-33 transfection group was higher than that in model group and negative transfection group (P<0.05). The levels of SCr and BUN in model group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The levels of SCr and BUN in IL-33 transfection group were significantly reduced after transplantation, and were lower than those in model group and negative transfection group (P<0.05). The renal tissue pathological injury score in model group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Compared with model group and negative transfection group, the renal tissue pathological injury score in IL-33 transfection group was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The proportion of apoptotic cells in the kidney tissues in model group were higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Compared with model group and negative transfection group, the proportion of apoptotic cells in the kidney tissues in IL-33 transfection group was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4 and MyD88 in model group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Compared with model group and negative transfection group, the protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4 and MyD88 in IL-33 transfection group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION IL-33 gene-modified BMSCs significantly improve the renal function of AKI rats with sepsis. The mechanism may be related to IL-33 regulating TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway and inhibiting renal inflammatory response.     

Mechanism of Fuzilizhong decoction alleviating inflammatory damage of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM To observe the effect of Fuzilizhong decoction on the inflammatory damage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） rats and to explore its mechanism. METHODS SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups： control group, model group, high dose （20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）, middle dose （10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）, low dose （5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） Fuzilizhong decoction group and Yishanfu （30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）group, 8 rats in each group. A NAFLD rat modelwas established by intragastric administration of fat emulsion for 4 weeks. Then the drug was given for 4 weeks in each treatment group. HE staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes of the rat liver.The serum levels of interleukin-2（IL-2）, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） were measured by ELISA. The expression of toll like receptor 4（TLR4） and NF-κB p65 in liver tissues at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western bolt,respectively. RESULTS Compared with control group, the inflammatory damage of liver tissue was more serious, the serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α, the mRNA expression TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in liver tissues were significantly increased in model group（P<0.05）. However, compared with model group, the liver pathological changes in each treatment group were significantly relieved, the serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α, the mRNA expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in liver tissues were significantly reduced（P<0.05）.In addition, the changes of TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65 protein levels in liver tissue were consistent with the changes of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 mRNA. CONCLUSION Fuzilizhong decoction attenuates the inflammatory damages of NAFLD in rats by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.     

Immunomodulatory effect of Sema4D on Th1/Th2 in asthmatic rats induced by RSV and intervention of Kechuanning oral liquid

AIM To explore the effect of semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) on the immune regulation of Th1/Th2 in asthmatic rats induced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the effect of Kechuanning (KCN) intervention on the asthmatic rats. METHODS Healthy SPF female Wistar rats (n=100) were randomly divided into 10 groups: normal group, model group, Sema4D group, Sema4D antibody group, low, middle and high doses of KCN groups, and Sema4D+low, middle and high doses of KCN groups. Except the rats in normal group, the other rats were treated with RSV combined with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce asthmatic model. The pathological changes of the lung tissue were observed by HE staining, and the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory damage in lung tissues of the rats in model group, Sema4D group and Sema4D+low dose of KCN group were observed by HE staining, while these pathological changes were attenuated in Sema4D antibody group， low, middle and high doses of KCN groups, and Sema4D+middle and high doses of KCN groups. Compared with normal group, the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in BALF of the rats in the other groups were significantly increased, and the level of IFN-γ was significantly lowered (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with model group, the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in Sema4D group were increased, and the content of IFN-γ was decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with model group, the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in Sema4D antibody group, low, middle and high doses of KCN groups, and Sema4D+low, middel and high doses of KCN groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the content of IFN-γ was significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant difference among Sema4D antibody group, Sema4D+middle and high doses of KCN groups, and low, middle and high doses of KCN groups was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Sema4D causes Th1/Th2 immune imbalance and aggravates asthma. Inhibition of Sema4D reduces the production of inflammatory factors and regulates the balance of Th1/Th2. KCN may attenuate RSV-induced immune inflammation of asthmatic rats by inhibiting Sema4D, so as to achieve the anti-asthma effect.     

Glyburide reduces PFOS-induced lung injury in young rats through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome

AIM: To explore the possible mechanism of NLR family Pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome involved in perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)-induced lung injury in young rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight SD rats (21-day-old) were randomly divided into control (C) group, PFOS (P) group, glyburide (G) group and glyburide + PFOS (GP) group. PFOS exposure model and glyburide protection model were established. The lung specimens were collected for HE staining. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the lung tissues, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by ELISA. The concentration of PFOS in serum was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) in the lung tissues was determined by Wes-tern blot. RESULTS: HE staining of lung tissues showed that compared with the control rats, there were obvious inflammatory infiltration in trachea and alveolar interstitium of the rats in P group. Glyburide reduced the inflammatory responses significantly. ELISA results showed that the level of MPO in the lung tissues of the rats in P group was higher than those in other 3 groups (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the BALF of the rats in P group were significantly higher than those in control group and GP group (P<0.05). The results of Western blot showed that the protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and ASC in P group were significantly higher than those in control group and GP group (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with the other 3 groups, the expression of NLRP3 in P group was significantly increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: PFOS exposure may lead to lung injury in rats by activating NLRP3 inflammasome and then triggering inflammation, releasing inflammatory factors such as IL-1β. Glyburide specifically inhibits the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome, suppresses the inflammatory responses and reduces the toxicity of PFOS in lung.     

Role and potential mechanism of fecal microbiota transplantation in treatment of chronic hepatitis B

AIM To investigate the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation （FMT） on the treatment of chronic hepatitis B （CHB） and the potential mechanism. METHODS Fifty C57BL/6J mice （6~8 weeks old） were divided into 5 groups： control group， CHB group， entecavir （ETV） group， comprehensive treatment （ETV+FMT， EFMT） group， and blocker （TAK-242+ETV+FMT， EFMT-TAK） group. The mice in each group were given corresponding treatment. The general condition of the mice was observed daily， and fecal specimens were kept every 10 d. The mice were sacrificed after 12 weeks， and the liver tissues and blood samples were collected. HE staining was used for histological scoring. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） levels were measured by ELISA. Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） expression was detected by flow cytometry. Intestinal flora diversity was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS （1） Compared with control group， the body weight of the mice in CHB group was significantly reduced （P<0.05）. The body weight loss of the mice in ETV group， EFMT group and EFMT-TAK group was reversed to some extent as compared with CHB group （P<0.05）. （2） The histological score of the mice in CHB group was significantly higher than that in control group （P<0.05）. The score in ETV group was lower than that in CHB group （P<0.05）. The scores in EFMT group and EFMT-TAK group were lower than that in ETV group （P<0.05）， and that in EFMT-TAK group had a further downward trend compared with EFMT group （P<0.05）. （3） Compared with control group， the serum level of HBsAg in the CHB mice was significantly increased （P<0.05） and decreased after ETV treatment （P<0.05）. The HBsAg level in both EFMT group and EFMT-TAK group was significantly lower than that in ETV group （P<0.05）. （4） The IL-18 level in CHB group was significantly higher than that in control group （P<0.05）. After ETV treatment， the IL-18 level was decreased （P<0.05）， and that in both EFMT group and EFMT-TAK group was decreased more than that in ETV group （P<0.05）. （5） TLR4 expression in CHB group was higher than that in control group （P<0.05）， that in ETV group was lower than CHB group （P<0.05）， and that in EFMT group was further decreased （P<0.05）. （6） The heat map analysis at the class level showed that the abundances of Gammaproteobacteria， Deltaproteobacteria and Negativicutes in CHB group were significantly higher than those in control group， and those of Deltaproteobacteria and Negativicutes in EFMT group were close to those in control group. The heat map analysis at the family level indicated that the abundances of Burkholderiaceae， Desulfovibrionaceae and Veillonellaceae in CHB group were significantly higher than those in control group， while those in ETV group and EFMT group gradually approached normal levels. The α diversity index in CHB group was significantly decreased， while the diversity in ETV group was increased， that in EFMT group was further increased， and that in EFMT-TAK group was the highest. CONCLUSION FMT plays an active role in the treatment of CHB. The mechanism may be related to reducing the level of IL-18 and improving the structure and diversity of intestinal flora. The TLR4 signaling pathway is involved.     

Effect of tanshinone ⅡA on liver lipid deposition and ferroptosis-related protein expression in ApoE-/- mice

AIM To observe the effect of tanshinone ⅡA on liver lipid deposition and ferroptosis-related protein expression in ApoE^-/- mice. METHODS Thirty-two ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into model group, high-dose (60 mg/kg) tanshinone ⅡA group, low-dose (30 mg/kg) tanshinone ⅡA group and simvastatin group, and C57BL/6J mice (n=8) were used as normal control group. The mice in normal control group were given the basic feeding, while the others were given high-fat diet. The mice in tanshinone ⅡA groups and simvastatin group were given corresponding drugs. The mice in normal control group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with equal volume of saline. Eight weeks later, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were tested by automatic biochemistry analyzer. The liver tissues were stained with HE and oil red O. The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) in liver tissues of the mice were measured by commercially available kits. The liver glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and p53 were detected by immunohistochemical method. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors GPX4, xCT/SLC7A11, p53 and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were determined by Wes automatic Western blot quantitative analysis system and RT-qPCR. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in model group were increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and HDL-C did not change significantly. The fat vacuoles were clearly visible in liver tissue. The content of ROS in liver tissue was increased significantly,and GSH was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of p53 were increased significantly, and GPX4, xCT/SLC7A11 and FTH1 were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with model group, tanshinone ⅡA significantly decreased the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and HDL-C did not change significantly. High-dose and low-dose tanshinoneⅡA also significantly decreased the degree of steatosis, and the size of lipid droplets. The content of ROS in liver tissues was decreased significantly, and GSH was increased significantly (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of GPX4, xCT/SLC7A11 and FTH1 were increased significantly, and p53 were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION Tanshinone ⅡA reduces liver lipid deposition and lipid peroxidation damage in ApoE^-/- mice, which may be related to the intervention of ferroptosis-related proteins in the liver cells.     

Metformin attenuates nerve injury in stroke rats by regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway via miR-29c

AIM To explore the inhibitory effect of metformin （MET） on nerve injury in rats with stroke and its mechanism. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into sham group （n=15）, model group （n=30）, MET group （n=30）, MET+agomir-NC group （n=30） and MET+agomir group （n=30）. The modified Puisinelli four-vessel occlusion method was used to prepare the model of global ischemic stroke, while the blood vessels in sham rats were isolated without clamping the common artery. One week before modeling, the rats in MET group, MET+agomir-NC group and MET+agomir group were given intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 MET, 100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 MET+40 nmol/d agomir-NC, 100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 MET+40 nmol/d miR-29c agomir, respectively, and the rats in sham group and model group were given intraperitoneal injection of the same amount of normal saline. Each treatment in the above groups was given once a day, 0.2 mL each time, for 7 consecutive days. The neurological deficit scores were measured 24, 48 and 72 h after operation. HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the hippocampus, and the living neurons were counted. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression level of miR-29c, and the mRNA levels of silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α （PGC-1α） in hippocampus. The protein expression levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α were determined by Western blot. RESULTS At the same time point, compared with model group, the neurological deficit score in MET group was significantly decreased, and the survival rate of the neurons was significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with MET+agomir-NC group, the neurological deficit score in MET+agomir group was increased, and the survival rate of the neurons was significantly decreased （P<0.05）. With the prolongation of time, except for sham group, the neurological deficit score was increased and the survival rate of the neurons was decreased. At 72 h after operation, compared with sham group, the expression of miR-29c in hippocampus of model group was significantly increased, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with model group, the expression of miR-29c in hippocampus of MET group was significantly decreased, and the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased （P< 0.05）. Compared with MET+agomir-NC group, the expression of miR-29c in hippocampus of MET+agomir group was significantly increased, and the mRNA and protein expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α was significantly decreased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSIONS MET alleviates nerve injury in stroke rats, which may be related to down-regulation of miR-29c and promotion of SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway activation.     

Effect of protease inhibitor bortezomib on treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by affecting IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway

AIM To investigate the effect of bortezomib， a protease inhibitor， on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis （RA） and it mechanism， based on interleukin-33 （IL-33）/suppression of tumorigenicity 2 （ST2） signaling pathway. METHODS A total of 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups： control group， model group， and low- and high-dose bortezomib groups， with 10 rats in each group. In addition to control group， the rats in other groups were used to construct RA model. Bortezomib was given intraperitoneally at 0.2 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg in low- and high-dose bortezomib groups， respectively， while the rats in control group and model group were injected with the same amount of saline， once a day for 21 d. The general situation of the rats in each group was observed， the swelling degree of the foot was calculated， and the inflammation score was evaluated. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of ankle joint. The automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect blood hemoglobin content， the total number of platelets （PLT）， serum creatinine （SCr） level and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） level. The serum levels of IL-6， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， IL-33 and ST2 were measured by ELISA. The protein expression of IL-33 and ST2 in ankle tissues of each group was determined by Western blot. RESULTS On the 7th， 14th and 21th days after modeling， compared with control group， the degree of paw swelling in model group was significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with model group， the swelling degree of paw in low- and high-dose groups was decreased （P<0.05）. At the end of administration， compared with control group， the synovial cells in model group were increased and in disorder， with a lot of inflammatory exudates in the articular cavity， and the inflammatory score， the levels of PLT， SCr and BUN， the serum levels of IL-6， TNF-α， IL-33 and ST2， and the protein expression of IL-33 and ST2 in ankle tissues were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with model group， the inflammatory exudates in the articular cavity of the rats in low- and high-dose bortezomib groups were decreased， and the inflammatory score， the levels of PLT， SCr and BUN， the serum levels of IL-6， TNF-α， IL-33 and ST2， and the protein expression of IL-33 and ST2 in ankle tissues were decreased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Bortezomib may reduce the inflammation and swelling of the joints in RA rats by regulating the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway.     

Sinomenine reduces MPP+-induced damage in SK-N-SH cells via ANRIL/miR-626 signaling pathway

AIM To investigate the effect of sinomenine (SN) on the damage of human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells induced by 1-methyl-4-4 phenylpyridine (MPP⁺) and its mechanism for exploring the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. METHODS SN was used to treat MPP⁺-induced SK-N-SH cells. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in cell culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. The apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot. The expression levels of long noncoding RNA ANRIL and microRNA-626 (miR-626) were detected by RT-qPCR. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the relationship between ANRIL and miR-626. After ANRIL small interfering RNA was transfected into SK-N-SH cells, the effects of ANRIL expression knock-down on MPP⁺-induced SK-N-SH cell apoptosis, the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax, and the levels of MDA and GSH in cell culture supernatants were examined. RESULTS After treatment with MPP⁺, the apoptotic rate, Bax protein level and ANRIL expression in SK-N-SH cells were increased (P<0.05), and the Bcl-2 protein level and miR-626 expression were decreased (P<0.05). The level of MDA in cell culture supernatants was increased (P<0.05), and the level of GSH was decreased (P<0.05). After SN treatment or ANRIL expression knock-down, decreased apoptotic rate, Bax protein level and ANRIL expression (P<0.05), and increased Bcl-2 protein level and miR-626 expression in MPP⁺-induced SK-N-SH cells were observed (P<0.05). The level of MDA in the cell culture supernatants was decreased (P<0.05), and the level of GSH was increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION SN attenuates MPP⁺-induced damage in SK-N-SH cells by regulating ANRIL/miR-626 signaling pathway.     

Inhibitory effect of Wendan decoction on atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE-/- mice by regulating expression of membrane proteins involved in reverse cholesterol transport

AIM To explore the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of Wendan decoction based on reverse cholesterol transport. METHODS Eight-week-old apolipoprotein E gene knockout （ApoE^-/-） mice with high-fat diet and daily drug gavage were randomly divided into model group, simvastatin group, and low-, middle- and high-dose Wendan decoction groups, with 15 mice in each group. The C57BL/6 mice of the same age served as control group. The mice were weighed once every week. After 10 weeks, the mice were anesthetized with chloral hydrate. The serum were collected for lipid level examination. The atherosclerotic plaque buildup in aortic root and whole aorta was observed by HE staining and oil red O staining, respectively. The levels of proteins related to cholesterol transport, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 （ABCA1） and caveolin-1 in the aorta, and scavenger receptor class B type I （SR-BI） and CD36 in the liver, were quantified by Western blot. RESULTS Wendan decoction at middle dose inhibited the increase in the body weight of ApoE^-/- mice fed with high-fat diet （P<0.05）. Wendan decoction at different doses significantly reduced the serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the ApoE^-/- mice （P<0.05 or P<0.01）, but had no effect on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level （P>0.05）. Wendan decoction at different doses inhibited the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in whole aorta of the ApoE^-/- mice （P<0.05 or P<0.01）. Middle- and high-dose Wendan decoction significantly inhibited the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic root （P<0.05）. Bedsides, Wendan decoction at different doses increased the protein level of ABCA1 and decreased the protein level of caveolin-1 in the aorta of the ApoE^-/- mice （P<0.01）. Middle- and high-dose Wendan decoction increased the liver protein level of SR-BI in the ApoE^-/- mice （P<0.01）. However, Wendan decoction at different doses had no effect on the liver protein level of CD36 in the ApoE^-/- mice （P>0.05）. CONCLUSION Wendan decoction reduces the body weight, serum lipid levels and formation of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE^-/- mice fed with high-fat diet, and its mechanism is related to up-regulation of ABCA1 protein level in the aorta and SR-BI protein level in the liver as well as down-regulation of caveolin-1 protein level in the aorta.     

Effect of Herba Taxilli extracts combined with miR-375 on viability and apoptosis of osteoarthritic chondrocytes

AIM To study the effects of extracts of Herba Taxilli (Sangjisheng, SJS) on the viability and apoptosis of osteoarthritic chondrocytes and the underlying mechanism. METHODS Human primary osteoarticular chondrocytes (RPOC) were divided into control group, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) group, IL-1β+low-dose extracts of SJS (SJS-L) group, IL-1β+medium-dose extracts of SJS (SJS-M) group, IL-1β+high-dose extracts of SJS (SJS-H) group, IL-1β+anti-miR-NC group, IL-1β+anti-miR-375 group, IL-1β+SJS-H+miR-NC group, IL-1β+SJS-H+miR-375 group. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay, apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, miR-375 expression was detected by qPCR, and the protein levels of cyclin D1, P21, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with control group, the viability of RPOC at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h and the protein expression levels of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), the protein levels of P21, Bax and caspase-3, the apoptotic rate and the expression level of miR-375 were remarkably increased in IL-1β group(P<0.05). Compared with IL-1β group, the cell viability at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h and the protein expression of cyclin D1 in the RPOC were greatly increased (P<0.05), while the expression of P21 was significantly decreased in IL-1β+SJS-M group and IL-1β+SJS-H group(P<0.05).The apoptotic rate, Bax, caspase-3 protein and miR-375 expression were obviously decreased (P<0.05), and Bcl-2 protein level was significantly increased in IL-1β+SJS-H group compared with IL-1β group(P<0.05). Compared with IL-1β+anti-miR-NC group, the expression of miR-375, the protein levels of P21, Bax, caspase-3 and the apoptotic rate in the RPOC of IL-1β+anti-miR-375 group were markedly decreased (P<0.05), while the cell viability at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h and the protein levels of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Over-expression of miR-375 reversed the effects of extracts of SJS on the viability and apoptosis of RPOC with IL-1β stimulation. CONCLUSION The extracts of Herba Taxilli promotes the viability and inhibits apoptosis of RPOC treated with IL-1β, which is related to the regulation of miR-375 expression.     

Effects of Chaihu-Shugan decoction on ROCK/JNK signaling pathway and atherosclerosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIM To observe the effect of Chaihu-Shugan decoction (CHSGD) on atherosclerosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and its possible mechanism. METHODS The male SHR (n=50) were randomly divided into model group (gavage of normal saline), compound kendir leaves (CKL) group (gavage of 0.5 g/kg CKL), and low-, medium- and high-dose CHSGD (CHSGD-L, CHSGD-M and CHSGD-H) groups (gavage of 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg CHSGD, respectively), and another 10 male Wistar rats of the same origin were selected as normal control （NC) group (gavage of normal saline). The blood pressure was measured by intelligent noninvasive sphygmomanometer. The levels of blood lipids were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression of oxidative stress-related indexes, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were detected by colorimetry. HE staining was used to detect the degree of atherosclerosis, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway-related proteins, RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK. RESULTS After 4 weeks of treatment, compared with NC group, the blood pressure, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and MDA, and the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK in aortic tissues of the rats in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, NO and SOD were significantly decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the diameter of aortas in the rats was thickened, a large number of foam cells were formed under the endothelium, and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells was observed. Compared with model group, the blood pressure, the serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and MDA, and the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK in aortic tissues of the rats in CKL, CHSGD-L, CHSGD-M and CHSGD-H groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of NO and SOD were significantly increased (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the structure of each layer of rat aortas gradually returned to normal, the vascular cells were in good order, and the inflammatory cell infiltration was slight. Compared with CKL group, the blood pressure, the serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and MDA, and the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and JNK in aortic tissues of the rats in CHSGD-L and CHSGD-M groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of NO and SOD were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No significant difference of the above indexes between CHSGD-H group and CKL group was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Chaihu-Shugan decoction may attenuate the oxidative stress response via inhibition of ROCK/JNK signaling pathway, thus alleviating the symptoms of atherosclerosis in SHR.     

miR-92b-5p attenuates renal injury and inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy rats by targeting HMGB1

AIM To investigate the effect of microRNA-92b-5p （miR-92b-5p） on renal injury and inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy （DN） rats and its mechanism. METHODS The rats were divided into control group， DN group， lentiviral negative control （LV-NC） group， LV-miR-92b group， LV-high mobility group protein B1 （LV-HMGB1） group and miR-92b+HMGB1 group， with 15 rats in each group. After fasting for 12 h， the model rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin at dose of 60 mg/kg， and the control rats were intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of citrate buffer. Three days later， the rats in each treatment group were intravenously injected with 100 μL LV-NC， LV-miR-92b and LV-HMGB1 （1×10¹¹ U/L） twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Urinary protein， blood glucose， blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression of miR-92b-5p and HMGB1 mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR. The targeting relationship between miR-92b-5p and HMGB1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. HMGB1 expression in kidney tissue was detected by Western blot. The kidney damage was observed by HE staining. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in renal tissues were detected by ELISA. RESULTS In DN model rats， miR-92b-5p was down-regulated， while HMGB1 was highly expressed. There was a binding site between miR-92b-5p and HMGB1 3'-untranslated region. High expression of miR-92b-5p inhibited the luciferase activity of the wild-type HMGB1 plasmid （P<0.01）， but had no effect on the luciferase activity of the mutant HMGB1 plasmid. Compared with DN group， urinary protein， blood glucose， serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in LV-miR-92b group were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. The degree of hyperplasia， swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration of glomerular mesangium and basement membrane tubules， the apoptosis rate of renal tissues， and the content of IL-6， IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Co-transfection of LV-HMGB1 significantly reversed the effect of miR-92b-5p on DN rats. CONCLUSION miR-92b-5p reduces renal injury and inflammatory response in DN rats by targeting HMGB1 and down-regulating its expression.     

Importance of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in high glucose-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis

AIM: To investigate the role of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in high glucose(HG)-induced apoptosis of cardiac myocytes. METHODS: Cardiac myocytes were exposed to normal glucose (5.5 mmol/L glucose+ 19.5 mmol/L mannitol), HG (25 mmol/L glucose), or HG combined with 5 μmol/L spermine for 72 h. Mitochondrial free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_m), MCU at mRNA and protein levels, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m), the levels of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis were determined. RESULTS: The [Ca²⁺]_m, the mRNA and protein levels of MCU, PDH activity, ATP levels, and Δψ_m were reduced (P<0.05), while ROS content and the protein levels of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were increased in HG group (P<0.05). Adding 5 μmol/L spermine returned these parameters toward control levels (P<0.05). Moreover, apoptosis was reduced by adding spermine and HG treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: HG-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis may be associated with the decreased MCU expression and activity, abnormal mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling, deviant mitochon-drial respiratory chain, and mitochondrial dysfunction.     

SUMO-specific protease 3 aggravates CaPO4-induced mouse abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by promoting macrophage polarization

AIMTo investigate the role of SUMO-specific protease 3 (SENP3) in macrophage polarization and calcium phosphate (CaPO₄)-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation in mice. METHODS（1） Bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs) in Senp3^flox/flox (wild-type, WT) mice and Senp3^flox/flox; Lyz2-Cre (monocyte-specific SENP3 knockout, i.e. conditioned knockout, cKO) mice were isolated and induced for M1 and M2 polarization. The mRNA and protein expression level of SENP3 were detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunocytofluorescence, and the differential distribution of M1/M2 BMDMs from WT and cKO mice was analyzed. （2） CaPO₄ was administrated to induce AAA model in 8~12-week-old male WT and cKO mice. The AAA incidence, survival rate and maximal aortic diameter were analyzed between the 2 groups. Aortic aneurysm tissues were collected for pathological analysis, and the expression levels of SENP3, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), IL-6 and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Dihydroethidium staining in situ in frozen sections was used to analyze the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). （3） To explore the potential mechanisms, Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation were used to verify the de-SUMO modification of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) induced by SENP3. Besides, BMDMs were transfected with Flag-MKK7 wild type (Flag-MKK7 WT) and SUMO-modified site K18 mutant (Flag-MKK7 K18R mutant), and then M1 polarization of the cells was induced. The protein levels of p-JNK and MMP-9 in the 2 groups were determined by Western blot. RESULTS(1) SENP3 expression was up-regulated in M1 polarized macrophages (P<0.01), but was down-regulated in M2 polarized macrophages (P<0.01). The expression of SENP3 was decreased during the transformation of M1 to M2 in the macrophages (P<0.01), but was significantly up-regulated during the opposite process (P<0.01). Besides, more M1 macrophages and less M2 macrophages after induction were observed in the BMDMs from cKO mice than those from WT mice. (2) SENP3 expression was up-regulated in AAA tissues (P<0.05). The AAA incidence of cKO mice was significantly reduced after CaPO₄ induction (P<0.01), the survival rate was significantly improved (P<0.05), and maximal aortic diameter was significantly reduced in cKO group (P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα, and the production of ROS were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), meanwhile MMP-9 expression was also down-regulated in cKO mice (P<0.05). (3) the SUMO2/3 modification of MKK7 was reduced during M1 polarization, and MKK7 interaction with SENP3 was enhanced. Significantly up-regulated protein level of p-JNK and MMP-9 were verified in the M1 macrophages transfected with Flag-MKK7 K18R mutant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION SENP3 activates the MAPK/JNK pathway via de-SUMOylation of MKK7, regulates the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages and promotes the protein level of MMP-9, thus aggravating AAA formation.     

Effect of Xiaozhongzhitong mixture on vascular regeneration of random flap in rats

AIM To observe the effect of Xiaozhongzhitong （detumescence and relieving pain） mixture on vascular regeneration and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）-Dll4/Notch signaling pathway of random flap in rats. METHODS A total of 240 SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups： blank group, sham group, model group, Xiaozhongzhitong mixture group （detumescence group）, Xiaozhongzhitong mixture+Notch blocker MK-0752 group （detumescence+MK group） and Xiaozhongzhitong mixture+VEGF receptor inhibitor axitinib group （detumescence+AXI group）. The capillary filling time, the number of new capillaries, the microvascular density, the microvascular diameter and the vascular survival area were observed by HE staining. The serum level of VEGF was measured by ELISA, and the mRNA expression of VEGFA, Notch and Dll4 in rat flap tissues was detected by RT-qPCR. RESULTS On the 10th day, compared with model group, the capillary filling time in detumescence group was decreased （P<0.05）. The capillary filling time in detumescence+AXI group was increased compared with detumescence group （P<0.05）. The flap tissue cells inmodel group were disordered and the nucleus was sparse, which showed obvious edema. Compared with model group, the number, diameter and area of microvessels, the serum content of VEGF, and the mRNA expression of VEGFA, Notch and Dll4 were significantly increased in detumescence group （P<0.05）. Compared with detumescence group, the number, density and area of microvessels, the serum content of VEGF, and the mRNA expression of VEGFA, notch and Dll4 was significantly decreased in detumescence+AXI group （P<0.05）. After the intervention with Notch blocker, the mRNA expression of VEGFA was increased, and the mRNA expression of Notch and Dll4 was inhibited （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Xiaozhongzhitong mixture promotes the regeneration of blood vessels and enhances the survival rate of random flap, which may be related to the regulation of VEGF-Dll4/Notch signaling pathways.