Effects of metformin on nuclear factor-κB expression and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein level in atherosclerosis model of rabbit

AIM: To investigate the effects of metformin on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB),its inhibitor IκB,and the level of serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in rabbits.METHODS: 24 New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into control group,atherosclerosis (AS) group and metformin (Met) group.AS group and Met group were made as models by cholesterolenriched diets feeding and vascular intimal immunologic injury.The AS model was confirmed by high frequency ultrasound.Met group were given metformin 150 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 8 weeks.At the end of experiment,serum hs-CRP and serum lipids in all three groups were detected.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting technique were applied to detect the expression of nucleus NF-κB p65 and cytoplasma IκBα in aorta in all three groups.RESULTS: Compared to normal control group,the level of serum hs-CRP was elevated (1.27±0.43 vs 3.96±0.63,P<0.01),the expression of nucleus NF-κB p65 increased significantly (P<0.01) while the expression of IκBα reduced significantly (P<0.01).Compared to AS group,metformin significantly reduced the level of serum hs-CRP (2.79±0.40 vs 3.96±0.63,P<0.05) and the expression of nucleus NF-κB p65 (P<0.01),and increased the expression of IκBα (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Metformin inhibits the activation of NF-κB p65 and the degradation of IκBα,and decreases the levels of serum hs-CRP in AS rabbits.These results suggest that metformin exerts direct vascular anti-inflammatory effects.It may be one important mechanism of metformins antiatherogenic properties.     

Effects of Sini decoction on atherosclerosis and ceramide content of aorta in rabbits

AIM:To observe the effects of Sini decoction on atherosclerosis(AS) and ceramide content of aorta in rabbits. METHODS:28 rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. Control group was fed with a normal diet; High cholesterol group was fed 1% cholesterol and 5% fat diet; Sini decotion+ high cholesterol group was fed 1% cholesterol and 5% fat diet plus Sini decotion (4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1). At the end of study, the plaque area were measured, the atorta ceramide and cell apoptosis were also detected. RESULTS:Sini decotion diminished lipid plaque area on the aortic endothelium, reduced the levels of aorta ceramide and the apoptosis index. CONCLUSION:Sini decoction has an inhibitory effect on AS, the mechanism may be that Sini decotion reduces concentration of ceramide in aorta.     

Preventive effect of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone on atherosclerosis and role of visfatin expression

AIM: To observe the preventive effect of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) on atherosclerosis (AS) and the role of visfatin expression in ApoE(-/-) mice.METHODS: Eight-week-old normal mice were used in normal control group (n=8). Eight-week-old male ApoE (-/-) mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: AS group (n= 8, im. NS), DHAP treatment group (n=8, im. DHAP 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) and simvastatin treatment group (n=8, im. simvastatin 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1). All mice were fed with Western diet (21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol) for 12 weeks. The blood samples were collected and the concentrations of blood lipids and visfatin were detected. The frozen sections of aortic root were stained with oil red O. The visfatin in atherosclerotic plaques at aortic roots was examined by Western blotting. The structures of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were observed under electron microscope. RESULTS: In DHAP-treated mice, the concentrations of visfatin, TG and TC were decreased, the formation of AS plaque was reduced, the injuries of smooth muscle cells and endothelia cells were attenuated. Visfatin was also decreased at atherosclerosis plaque in DHAP-treated mice.CONCLUSION: DHAP effectively prevents and treats AS by inhibiting the production of visfatin and reducing lipid.     

Effect of high fat/cholesterol diet on lipid metabolism and intimal lesion of aorta in treble genes mutant mice

AIM: To clarify the effects of high fat/cholesterol diet on lipid metabolism and atherogenesis in treble genes mutant mice. METHODS: ApoE-/-/LDLR-/-/Leprdb/db mice were generated by cross apolipoprotein E, lower density lipoprotein receptor gene knockout mice with leptin receptor gene spontaneous point mutants. The mice were fed with high fat/cholesterol diet from 22-day-old. The total plasma cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and glucose levels were measured and pathological changes of aorta intima and liver were analyzed. RESULTS: A significant elevated TC, TG and glucose levels in plasma with progress of time in young treble gene mutant mice were observed, which were higher than that in ApoE-/-/LDLR-/- and Leprdb/db mutants. At time of only 2 weeks after fed with high fat/cholesterol diet, TC and TG levels reached (106.75±3.40) mmol/L, (9.12±1.35) mmol/L, respectively in treble gene mutant mice, 4.33- and 2.36-fold higher than those in treble genes mutants fed with normal chow diet. The levels were continuously increased until final experimental point. Intima of the aorta appeared with various injuries such as edema, desquamation of the endothelial cells, foam cell formation, rupture of IEL in local regions of root and arch areas of aorta at 2 weeks after fed with high fat/cholesterol diet. Microscopic pathological complex of significant local intima incrassation and fatty change of the liver were observed in the mutants that fed with high fat/cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Injuries of aorta were severe than normal dietetic control group. CONCLUSION: High fat/cholesterol diet as a key dietary factor is significant aggravated lipid metabolism abnormity, promotes early damage of aorta and process of atherogenesis in the treble genes mutants.     

Effect of wogonoside on inflammatory response in mice with viral myocarditis induced by Coxsackie virus B3

AIM: To investigate the effect of wogonoside on the inflammatory response of mice with Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis and its possible regulatory mechanism. METHODS: A mouse model of viral myocarditis was constructed by infecting BALB/c mice with CVB3. BALB/c mice (n=40) were randomized into 4 groups: normal group, CVB3-induced viral myocarditis group, CVB3-induced viral myocarditis combined with wogonoside treatment group and CVB3-induced viral myocarditis combined with wogonoside plus AKT agonist treatment group. All the mice were sacrificed 7 days after treatment. In the first 3 groups, HE staining was applied to detect the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the myocardium, ELISA was applied to detect the serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6, while Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of inflammatory factors and the activation of AKT/NF-κB pathway. Inaddition, the activation of AKT/NF-κB pathway in the 4 groups was detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: HE staining showed that there was a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration in the myocardium of CVB3-induced viral myocarditis mice, as compared with the normal group, which was significantly reduced by wogonoside treatment (P<0.05). The serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the mice after CVB3 infection were significantly higher than those in normal group (P<0.05), which was also significantly reduced by wogonoside treatment (P<0.05). Western blot analysis indicated that wogonoside treatment significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6, and the phosphorylation of AKT/NF-κB pathway-related proteins in the myocardial tissue (P<0.05). After administration of AKT agonist, the inhibitory effect of wogonoside on NF-κB phosphorylation and inflammatory factors expression was significantly eliminated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Wogonoside attenuates the inflammatory response of mice with viral myocarditis by inhibiting the AKT/NF-κB pathway.     

Effects of genistein on NF-κB in aortas of ovariectomized rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of genistein on the expression of NF-κB p65 in aortas of ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Forty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated (control), ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized with 17 β-estradiol replacement (OVX+E2), ovariectomized with genistein replacement (OVX+GST) group. Six weeks after treatment, the rats were killed and the expression of NF-κB p65 in the aorta was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The expression of NF-κB p65 was much more in OVX aortas than that in control aortas (P<0.05), while being much less in OVX+E2 and OVX+GST aortas. Pathological changes were found in aorta of the ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: Genistein inhibits the expression of NF-κB p65 in aortas of ovariectomized rats and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.     

Cucurbitin E relieves airway inflammation by inhibiting MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways in asthmatic mice

AIMTo investigate the effects of cucurbitacin E on airway inflammation and the signaling pathways of MAPKs and NF-κB in asthmatic mice. METHODSHealthy mice (n=40) were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-dose cucurbitacin E group, high-dose cucurbitacin E group and dexamethasone group. Ovalbumin sensitization was used to induce asthma in the mice. The protein levels of p-JNK, p-ERK1/2, p-p38 MAPK and p-p65 in the lung tissues were determined by Western blot. RESULTSCompared with control group, the numbers of inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils, were significantly increased in model group, and the activity of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins was significantly enhanced. Cucurbitin E at high dose attenuated airway inflammation in asthmatic mice, and significantly inhibited the activity of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins. Histopathological results showed proliferation of goblet cells and bronchial mucosal epithelial cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the alveoli, and narrow alveolar cavity in model group, while the pathological changes were significantly alleviated in cucurbitin E treatment groups. CONCLUSION Cucurbitin E improves airway inflammation in asthmatic mice, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways.     

Effects of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and hyperlipidemia on the expression of NF-κB and AP-1 in myocardium

AIM: To investigate the effects of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and hyperlipidemia on the expression of NF-κB and AP-1 in the myocardium. METHODS: The indirect immunofluorescence method was used to examine wild C57BL/6J mice infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae and fed with an atherogenic diet. The expression of the subunit of NF-κB, P50, and c-Fos in the murine myocardium was observed. RESULTS: Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and hyperlipidemia induced the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 in murine myocardium. P50 and c-Fos were not detected in the controls, but there were different levels of positive expression in the experiments (P<0.01, compared to the controls). No statistical significance among the experiments was observed. CONCLUSION: In early time of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and hyperlipidemia, the inflammatory pathway is already activated in the myocardium.     

Effect of atorvastatin on ventricular remodeling in spontaneous hypertension rats

AIM：To explore the effect of atorvastatin on cardiac remodeling in spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR).METHODS：Twelve spontaneous hypertension rats were divided randomly into two groups：group of atorvastatin (atorvastatin 50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) and group of SHR (0.5% mucilage of arabic gum,10 mL·kg^-1·d^-1).Additionally,six male Wistar-Kyoto rats (0.5% mucilage of arabic gum,10 mL·kg^-1·d^-1) were selected as control group.Systolic blood pressure was assessed with the tail-cuff method.After six weeks,entire heart,and left ventricle were weighed.The left ventricular weight index was calculated and myocardial hydroxyproline and collagen protein concentration were measured.The serum high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) was measured by nephelometry.The localization of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in myocardium was investigated by immunohistochemistry assays.The level of NF-κB mRNA expression was detected with in situ hybridization.Ultrastructure in cardiac muscle was also observed under transmission electron microscope.RESULTS：The expression of myocardial VCAM and NF-κB in SHR group was stronger than that in WHY group.Compared with SHR group,entire heart weight,left ventricular weight,left ventricular weight index,serum hs-CRP,myocardial hydroxyproline and collagen protein concentration was decreased,the expression of myocardial VCAM and NF-κB in SHR group was weaker than that in atorvastatin treatment group.The myocardial pathological change such as incomplete karyotheca in cardiac muscle cells,no clear of transverse striation and the mess in myofibril alignment,and hyperplasy in interstitial collagen fibre were observed in SHR group and these changes were improved in atorvastatin treatment group.CONCLUSION：The cardiac remodeling in SHR is improved by atorvastatin.The molecular mechanism may be related to its down-regulating the expression of VCAM protein and NF-κB and inhibiting myocardial chronic inflammation.     

Folic acid reduces monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expession in aorta of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia

AIM: To investigate the effects of folic acid on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in aorta of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia induced by ingestion of execess methionine (Met). METHODS: Thirty male SD rats ［(200±20） g］ were divided into 3 groups (n=10 for each group): control group (fed with normal diet), high Met group (fed with normal diet enriched by 1.7% Met) and Met plus folate group (fed with normal diet plus 1.7% Met and 0.006% folate). The animals were fed with different regiments for 45 days. Levels of total plasma homocysteine (Hcy) were detected. The expression of MCP-1 protein in aorta was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: The high-methionine diet resulted in a significant increase in plasma Hcy levels (P<0.01). Serum Hcy levels were significantly lower in rats fed with high-methionine plus folate-rich diet than that in rats fed with high-methionine diet (P<0.01). The expression of MCP-1 were higher in aorta of rats fed with high-methionine diet than those in control rats (46.41±4.23 vs 15.73±2.74, P<0.05). The expression of MCP-1 was significantly reduced in aorta of rats fed with high-methionine plus folate-rich diet compared with rats fed with high-methionine diet (23.12±4.40 vs 46.41±4.23, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High methionine diet for 45 days is sufficient to induce hyperhomocysteinemia. Folate supplementation to the rats fed with the high-methenine diet prevents elevation of Hcy levels in blood, and reduces the expression of MCP-1 in aorta of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia.     

Influence of bifidobacterium on NF-κB and IκB in murine peritoneal macrophages

AIM: To explore the regulatory effect of bifidobacteria adolescence on NF-κB in murine peritoneal macrophages (PMs). METHODS: Macrophages were collected and were divided into tow groups, normal control group and bifidobacterium stimulation groups. The cells were fixed at 60 min after stimulated with bifidobacterium at 106, 107, 108 and 109 cells/L, or fixed respectively at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after stimulated with bifidobacterium at 108 cells/L, then the total protein and nucleoprotein were extracted. The activities of NF-κB and IκBα were measured with the methods of MSA and Western blotting. RESULTS: NF-κB activity markedly increased and reached the peak at 0.5 h after stimulation, while IκBα markedly decreased at same time. CONCLUSION: NF-κB activity is markedly activated by bifidobacterium. NF-κB pathway participates in the regulation of peritoneal macrophage in this process.     

Protective effect of curcumin on MRL/lpr mice with lupus nephritis and its mechanism

AIM To observe the effect of curcumin （Cur） on lupus nephritis （LN） and its possible mechanism. METHODS Thirty 10-week-old MRL/lpr lupus mice were randomly divided into MRL/lpr group， Cur-L and Cur-H group with 10 mice in each group， and C57BL/6 mice （n=10） served as normal control （NC） group. The mice in Cur-L group and Cur-H group were given intragastric administration of Cur at 100 and 200 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 for 12 weeks， respectively， and the same volume of normal saline was given to the mice in NC group and MRL/lpr group. The urine protein was detected， and the morphological changes of the renal tissue were observed by HE staining after treatment. The levels of serum creatinine （SCr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and serum anti-double-stranded DNA （dsDNA）， and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） levels in serum and renal tissues were detected. The protein levels of p-IκB， NF-κB， NLRP3 and caspase-1 in the renal tissues were determined by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with MRL/lpr group， the content of urine protein in Cur groups was significantly reduced， and the renal injury was relieved. The SCr， BUN， serum anti-dsDNA， and the serum and renal levels of IL-1， IL-6 and TNF-α were all significantly reduced， and the protein levels of p-IκB， NF-κB， NLRP and caspase-1 in the renal tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Cur has a certain protective effect on the kidney of MRL/lpr mice， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.     

Expression of scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) in the liver of high fat and sugar diet-induced diabetic mice

AIM: To investigate serum lipid and the expression of SR-B1 in the livers of diabetic mice. METHODS: Ten normal diet, female C57BL/6J mice, fifteen high fat and sugar diet female C57BL/6J mice, five fed 8 weeks and ten fed 16 weeks were used in the experiment. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin (INS) and the expression of SR-B1 in the livers were measured. RESULTS: 1. In the high fat and sugar diet mice, serum TC and FBG at 16 weeks were significantly higher than that in normal diet mice (P<0.05). 2. The expression of SR-B1 protein in the liver of high fat and sugar diet mice was the higher than that in normal mice, and the SR-B1 expression in the liver of the mouse fed 16 weeks was also higher than that fed 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: The expression of SR-B1 protein in the liver of type 2 diabetes mice is higher than that in normal mice, perhaps it is related to the decrease in serum HDL-C.     

Expression and distribution of NF-κB in experimental hepatic fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the expression, distribution and significance of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in experimental hepatic fibrosis.METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, hepatic fibrisis model group and the pyrrolidine-1-dithiocarboxylic acid ammonium sail (PDTC) group. The PDTC group was treated with subcutaneous injection of carboan tetrachloride, and treated with PDTC by oral administration. The content of hydroxyproline was measured. Endotoxin was determined with a Limulus amebocyte lysate test kit. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in plasma was measured by laishi method. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue was detected by means of TBA method. The expression of NF-κB was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was measured by Western blotting.RESULTS: In control group, just a small amount of NF-κB p65 was expressed in the cytoplasm of a few hepatocytes around central veins. In model group, the positive staining of NF-κB p65 was expressed in cytoplasm and nucleus, mainly in fibrous stepta, hepatic sinusoid and partial vascular endothelial cells, part of proliferating ductular epithelial cells and impaired hepatocytes. The positive staining began to increase from the first week. The expression of NF-κB in the liver tissues in PDTC group was lower than that in model control group (P<0.05). The ET levels and expression of NF-κB and CTGF began to increase significantly in liver fibrosis group. The levels of plasma ET and expression of NF-κB and CTGF were correlated positively with each other. In PDTC group, ET content in plasma increased significantly at first, then began to decline at the end of the test. The expression of NF-κB and CTGF in liver tissues in PDTC groups was lower than that in model group. Furthermore, the expression of NF-κB in liver tissues in PDTC group was correlated positively with CTGF. The levels of plasma ET were not correlated with the expression of NF-κB and CTGF.CONCLUSION: ET may up-regulate the expression of CTGF by activating NF-κB.     

Baicalin attenuates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/TAK-NF-κB signaling pathway in chronic pancreatitis mice

AIM: To explore the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/TGF-β-activated kinase (TAK)-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in chronic pancreatitis (CP) mice and the effect of baicalin on pancreatic fibrosis in the mice. METHODS: Kunming mice (n=58) were randomly divided into 3 groups, including control group, CP group and baicalin group. The mice in CP group and baicalin group were intraperitoneally injected with 20% L-arginine. After 2 weeks of CP, the mice in baicalin group were intraperitoneally injected with baicalin (100 mg/kg, once a day). At 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks after modeling, the mice were anesthetized and sacrificed. The morphological changes of the pancreas were observed by HE and Masson staining. The serum level of TGF-β1 was analyzed by ELISA. The expression of fibronectin (FN) and NF-κB in the pancreas was observed by immunohistochemistry staining. The protein levels of transforming growth factor-β receptor type Ⅰ (TGF-βRⅠ), phosphorylated TAK1 (p-TAK1) and NF-κB in the pancreas were determined by Western blot. The mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1) was detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: At 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine, the pancreatic tissues were obviously injured and exhibited different degrees of fibrosis, and FN expression was significantly increased. After treatment with baicalin, the degrees of pancreatic injury and fibrosis were significantly attenuated and the expression of FN was reduced (P<0.01). Compared with control group, the protein levels of TGF-β1, TGF-βRⅠ, p-TAK1, NF-κB and TIMP-1 in the pancreas of CP group were significantly increased, and the expression of MMP-1 was decreased at each time point. In baicalin group, the protein levels of TGF-β1, TGF-βRⅠ, p-TAK1, NF-κB and TIMP-1 were significantly decreased, and the expression of MMP-1 was markedly increased at the corresponding time points compared with CP group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Baicalin effectively atte-nuates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/TAK-NF-κB signaling pathway and regulating the balance of MMP-1/TIMP-1.     

Inhibitory effects of CCK-8 on NF-κB activities stimulated by LPS in rat PIMs

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activities stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by using forskolin, the activator of adenylate cyclase, and PKA inhibitor H-89 in rat pulmonary interstitial macrophages (PIMs).METHODS: PIMs were isolated and purified.EMDA was applied to detect NF-κB activities and Western blotting was used to analyze the IκB-α protein level in rat PIMs.RESULTS: The NF-κB activity was not detected in normal control rat PIMs.The NF-κB activity in LPS-treated rat PIMs was obviously higher than that in control group (P<0.01).The IκB-α protein level in endochylema decreased obviously compared to control group (P<0.01).No obvious change of NF-κB activity and IκB-α protein level in CCK or Fsk treated rat PIMs was observed (P>0.05).The NF-κB activity in CCK＋LPS group and LPS＋Fsk group were obviously lower than that in LPS group (P<0.05).The IκB-α protein level was obviously higher (P<0.01).In LPS＋CCK＋H-89 group, the NF-κB activity in rat PIMs was obviously higher than that in CCK＋LPS group (P<0.01), while the IκB-α protein level decreased (P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS: The activation of cAMP-PKA signaling pathway inhibits the increase in NF-κB activity and the decrease in IκB-α protein level stimulated by LPS in rat PIMs.The anti-inflammatory effects of CCK-8 were taken effect by activating cAMP-PKA signaling pathway and further inhibiting the NF-κB activity.     

1-O-acetylbritannilactone inhibits vascular inflammatory response through suppressing NF-κB activation

AIM: To investigate the effects and molecular mechanism of 1-O-acetylbritannilatone (ABL) on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in aorta in vitro.METHODS: The aorta loops pretreated with ABL were stimulated with LPS for different times. The protein extracts from the aorta were used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors by Western blotting. RESULTS: ABL inhibited the activation of NF-κB and the expression of inflammatory factors iNOS, COX-2, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and increased the level of anti-inflammatory factor IκBα via blocking the phosphorylation activation of IKK and the degradation of IκBα induced by LPS. CONCLUSION: ABL abolishes the vascular inflammatory response to LPS stimulation through modulating NF-κB activity.     

Effect of lipoic acid on redox regulation,digestive and absorptive function in intestine of mice fed high fat diet

AIM:To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lipoic acid (LA) on redox regulation and digestive function in intestine of C57BL/6 mice fed high fat diet (HFD).METHODS:C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n=8).The control group consumed an ordinary diet.The other two experimental groups were fed with a high fat diet, high fat plus 0.1% LA.After 6 weeks, the activities of digestive enzymes were examined.In order to evaluate the antioxidant status of the mice, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in intestinal homogenate were measured.To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of LA, the gene expression profiles in intestine were examined using the GeneChip microarray system.RESULTS:A depressed antioxidant defense system, accompanied by digestive and absorptive function impairment, was observed in HFD-fed mice.These changes were partially restored in the LA-treated group.DNA microarray analysis of intestine showed that LA ingestion up-regulated the expression of genes related to free-radical scavenger enzymes, digestive enzymes and transporters.CONCLUSION:Treatment with LA improves redox homeostasis and the function of intestine in mice fed HFD.The mechanism may involve preventing oxidative stress by scavenging ROS directly and increasing those of free-radical scavenger enzymes gene expression indirectly.     

Effects of ibrolipim against atherosclerosis in minipigs

AIM: To explore the application mechanism of NO-1886 (ibrolipim), a synthetic compound, improving dyslipidemia and inhibiting atherosclerosis in Guizhou minipigs fed with high fat/high sucrose diet. METHODS: Fifteen Chinese Guizhou minipigs were randomized into three groups with similar body weight ［(n=5 in normal control group (CD); n=5 in high fat/high sucrose group (HFSD); n=5 in high fat/high sucrose supplemented ibrolipim group （HFSD+ibrolipim)］. Blood samples were withdrawn from the eyehole sinus venosus of the animals at the end of each month after fasting overnight. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 8 months. The concentrations of cholesterol ester in plasma HDL were analyzed by HPLC. The aortic fatty streak-lesions were quantified following lipid staining with Sudan IV. Lipid droplets in liver were observed by Oil red O staining. RESULTS: Compared with CD, fasting plasma TC, TG and FFA levels of HFSD were elevated significantly. The aortic fatty streak-lesions were clearly presented in the animals’ aortas. The intima became rougher and thicker. A lot of lipoid foam cells migrated to regions of intima and smooth muscle cells, which associated with the injuries of internal elastic lamina. Extensive fat deposited in the liver were observed. Supplementing of 1.0% ibrolipim into high fat/high sucrose diet induced the decrease in plasma TG and FFA concentrations and an increase in plasma HDL-C concentration compared with HFSD. A little fat deposited in the liver were observed. CONCLUSION: ibrolipim prevents AS in high fat/high sucrose diet feeding minipigs through decreasing the plasma TG and elevating the plasma HDL-C.