Effect of Ad-14-3-3σ on microRNA expression in different radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

AIM: To discuss the effect of Ad-14-3-3σ to microRNA (miRNA) in different radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells, CNE-1 and CNE-2, and study the relationship between the discrepancy of miRNA and radiosensitivity of NPC.METHODS: Ad-14-3-3σ was transfected to CNE-1 and CNE-2 cells, and then miRNAs were detected by Paraflo microfluidic microRNA chip. Hybridization images were collected using a laser scanner and the signals were normalized using a LOWESS filter. The effect of Ad-14-3-3σ to miRNAs and the relationship between the discrepancy of miRNA and radiosensitivity of NPC were studied according to Targetscan3.1 database (http://www.targetsan.org) after analyzing data.RESULTS: After treated by Ad-14-3-3σ, comparing to CNE-2 cells, there are 37 miRNAs changed remarkably, including 17 over-expression microRNAs and 20 under-expression microRNAs in CNE-1 cells. 6 miRNAs that one detective value was more than 1 000 and 3 folds than the other were hsa-miR-152,hsa-miR-205,hsa-miR-203,hsa-miR-7,hsa-miR-636 and hsa-miR-100.CONCLUSION: Ad-14-3-3σ can change the expression of miRNAs in different radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and some miRNAs have relevance to carcinoma and radiosensitivity.     

Study on changes of ET、NO level and tumor weight of mice bearing S180 model and their relationships

AIM: To approach the changes of ET and NO levels of mice bearing sarcoma 180 (S₁₈₀ ) during different period(5、10 and 15 days) and the relationship between ET、NO and tumor’s development METHODS: Adopting mice bearing S₁₈₀ as the models, the levels of ET and NO₂^-/NO₃^- in serum were detected, and the weight of isolated tumors was measured On the basis of the regulation of these changes, their relationships were explored RESULTS: The levels of ET and NO₂^-/NO₃^- of mice bearing S₁₈₀ were higher than that of the control group (not bearing tumor) ( P< 0.05) Along with the development of the tumors, the levels of NO₂^-/NO₃^-and tumors weight both increased ( P< 0 05) ET also had an increasing tendency There was a positive correlation between the level of NO₂^-/NO₃^- and tumor weight ( r =0.995, P< 0.05) Ratio value of (NO₂^-/NO₃^-)/ET decreased at first and then increased CONCLUSION: ET and NO have links with the development of S₁₈₀ There may be cooperation between ET and NO during the development of tumor.     

Effect of high temperature exposure time during flower bud formation on the occurrence of double pistils in ‘Satohnishiki’ sweet cherry

Exposure time of trees to high temperatures during flower differentiation influenced the occurrence of double pistils in ‘Satohnishiki’ sweet cherry. Mature trees were grown under both early and late forcing, and under non-forcing conditions until harvest in a commercial orchard located in Kagawa, southwestern Japan. In mid-July, when the maximum temperature began to rise rapidly following the rainy season, petal and stamen primordia had been formed in the buds under early forcing (93%) and late forcing (69%) conditions, but under non-forcing conditions most of the buds were still at the stage of sepal differentiation. Pistil doubling rarely occurred under forcing conditions, whereas 10.3% of the flowers developed double pistils under non-forcing conditions. In another experiment, potted trees were exposed to high temperatures (35°C/25°C, day/night) for 15 days at intervals of 15 days during the period from late-June to early-September. High temperature induced double pistils most severely in the buds that contained sepal and petal primordia at the beginning of the treatment, and the frequency of occurrence of double pistils was slightly lower in the buds treated at the earlier stage of flower differentiation. On the other hand, high temperature had little effect on pistil doubling in buds with differentiated stamen and pistil primordia. These results suggest that (1) the buds are most sensitive to the induction of double pistils at high temperatures at the transition stage from sepal to petal differentiation, and (2) forcing culture can be applied to sweet cherry production in warm areas to reduce double pistil formation by avoiding the exposure of buds to high temperatures while the buds are still in the sensitive period.     

Effect of Culture Parameters on the Growth of Sparassis crispa Mycelium

The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, temperature and substrate water content on the growth and vigor of Sparassis crispa mycelium was evaluated. Mycelial growth rates were highest when rice starch served as the carbon source and when peptone, yeast extract or soybean meal were adopted as the nitrogen source. The optimum pH and substrate water content values were 5.25 and 62.5% respectively. Mycelial growth was optimal at 20.2 ℃ and inhibited at 35 ℃, and temperatures of 40 ℃ and above killed the fungus.     

Effect of zacopride on angiotensin Ⅱ-induced myocardial fibrosis

AIM:To investigate the effect of inwardly rectifying potassium channel (I_K1) agonist zacopride (Zac) on angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced viability and apoptosis of cardiac fibroblasts (CFb) and to explore the underlying anti-fibrosis mechanism.METHODS:The ventricular fibroblasts from neonatal SD rats were isolated and cultured by tissue digestion and differential adherence methods. The model of rat cardiac fibroblast activation induced by angiotensin Ⅱ was established. The CFb were randomly divided into control group, Ang Ⅱ model group, Ang Ⅱ+Zac group, Ang Ⅱ+Zac+BaCl₂ group, AngⅡ+Zac+chloroquine group and Ang Ⅱ+captopril group. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of Zac on the viability of CFb. The amount of collagen I and collagen Ⅲ secreted by CFb was determined by ELISA. The apoptosis of the CFb was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression of Kir2.1 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the viability and collagen synthesis of the CFb were significantly increased, along with decreased Kir2.1 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ model group, Zac treatment inhibited the viability and collagen synthesis of the CFb, induced apoptosis and up-regulated Kir2.1 expression (P<0.05). I_K1 blockers BaCl₂ and chloroquine reversed the effect of Zac. CONCLUSION:By enhancing I_K1 (Kir2.1) expression, Zac attenuates Ang Ⅱ-induced ventricular fibrosis, in response to the inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis.     

Effect of Mailuoning local perfusion on Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways in crush injury syndrome model pigs

AIM To investigate the effects of local perfusion of Mailuoning on Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathway in crush injury syndrome model pigs. METHODS A total of 24 Bama mini pigs were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, normal perfusion group and Mailuoning perfusion group, with 6 in each group. Except for normal control group, the other groups were established crush injury model. After modeling, the blood supply of the pigs in model group was immediately restored. The normal perfusion group and Mailuoning perfusion group were pre-processed for modeling, and were given normal perfusion and Mailuoning perfusion for 1 h to restore their blood supply. After the recovery of blood supply for 4 h, the skeletal muscle morphology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The ultrastructure of the skeletal muscle was observed under transmission electron microscope. The serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were measured by ELISA. The mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） were detected by RT-qPCR, and the protein levels of β-catenin, Delta-like ligand 4 （Dll4） and Notch in skeletal muscular tissue were observed by Western blot. RESULTS The HE results of model group showed disordered arrangement of skeletal muscle fibers, swollen or obviously constricted nucleus, shrunken sarcolemma, ruptured and swollen blood vessels, edematous interstitium, obvious infiltrating inflammatory cells. The results of electron microscopy in model group showed disorderly arranged and dissolved myofilaments, partial loss of I-band, A-line and Z-line muscle fibers, obviously swollen endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and nuclei, and a large number of aggregated and internally shifted nuclei. The above indexes in normal perfusion group were slightly lighter than those in model group. In Mailuoning perfusion group, the results of HE staining observation showed almost normal skeletal muscle, neatly arranged muscle fibers, almost invisible shrinkage or swelling muscle membrane, and basically returned to normal blood vessels; the results of electron microscopy showed clearly visible and regular muscle fiber I-band, A-line, Z-line and neatly arranged nuclei. Compared with normal control group, the proportion of tissue swelling and vascular damage, the percentage of abnormal Z-line, the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, the mRNA expression of VEGF and MMP-2, the protein levels of nucleoprotein/total β-catenin, Dll4 and Notch in skeletal muscular tissue in model group were increased （P<0.05）. Compared with model group, the proportion of tissue swelling and vascular damage, the percentage of abnormal Z-line, the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, the mRNA expression of MMP-2, the protein levels of nuclear/total β-catenin, Dll4 and Notch in skeletal muscular tissue in normal perfusion group, and the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, the mRNA expression of VEGF and MMP-2, the protein levels of nuclear/total β-catenin, Dll4 and Notch in skeletal muscular tissue in Mailuoning perfusion group were decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with normal perfusion group, the proportion of tissue swelling and vascular damage, the percentage of abnormal Z-line, the serum levels of TNF-α, the mRNA expression of MMP-2, the protein levels of nuclear/total β-catenin, Dll4 and Notch in skeletal muscular tissue in Mailuoning perfusion group were decreased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Mailuoning local perfusion suppresses Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways, attenuates inflammation and vascular damage, thus realizing the protection of crush injury syndrome.     

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.     

Effect of Kang Xianling decoction on TGF-β1-Smad pathway in a unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model

AIM: To study the effect of Kang Xianling decoction,comprised of dahuang,danshen,taoren,niuxi and danggui,on TGF-β₁-Smad pathway in unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model.METHODS: Eighteen male SD rats were divided into 3 groups,sham group,model group and model group treated with Kang Xianling decoction randomly.Renal interstitial fibrosis model was established in rats by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).After treatment for additional 14 d,parameters of hydroxyproline in obstructed kidney from 3 groups were analyzed.Rats were sacrificed and the pathological statuses of their kidneys were checked by HE staining and electron microscopy.Transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) mRNA in kidney tissue was determined by RT-PCR.TGF-β₁ receptor Ⅰ (TβRⅠ),TGF-β₁ receptorⅡ (TβRⅡ),phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad2 protein were determined by Western blotting.RESULTS: Parameters of hydroxyproline in animals of model group were significantly increased than those in sham operation group (P<0.05).The mRNA expression of TGF-β₁ and the protein expression of TβRⅠ,TβRⅡ,phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad2 in kidney tissue of animals in model group were significantly up-regulated.After intervention with Kang Xianling decoction,the above-mentioned up-regulated parameters,except TGF-β₁,were all significantly inhibited.Compared to model group,the pathological changes in renal tissues in treatment group were remarkable improved.CONCLUSION: Kang Xianling decoction inhibits the TGF-β₁-Smad pathway and the protein expression of TβRⅠ,TβRⅡ,phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad2,so as to decrease the level of collagen in obstructed kidney and to alleviate the renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats.     

Effect of angiotensin Ⅱ on the remodeling of aorta in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of a 10-weeks treatment with angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) subtype I receptor antagonist losartan on vascular remodeling of thoracic aorta in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: SHR were treated from 16 to 26 weeks of age with losartan at 15 mg/kg·d^-1 or 0.75 mg/kg·d^-1. RESULTS: Losartan (15 mg/kg·d^-1) treatment significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared with the control group, while losartan (0.75 mg/kg·d^-1) had no the effect, losartan(15 mg) prevents the development of aortic hypertrophy by preventing hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In the losartan 0.75 group, these parameters were not changed. But in the losartan 15 and losartan 0.75 groups, the collagen content of the aortic media decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: It is inferred that the effect of Ang Ⅱ on stimulating VSMC growth of the aorta in SHR is dependent on arterial pressure, while the effect on collagen fibers is through pressure independent mechanism.     

The Effect of Conditions of Storage on the Respiration of Apples: III. The Effect of Modulation of Temperature on the Respiration of Cox’s Orange Pippin Apples,and on the Extent of Low Temperature Injury

When apples which develop low temperature breakdown (LTB) at 32° F. are moved from 32° F. to 65° F. for 3 to 5 days at about the 7th to 8th week of storage, they subsequently develop within a given period of storage less LTB than apples kept at 32° F. continuously.

The respiration of apples susceptible to LTB increases steadily during storage at 32° F. If these apples are warmed to 65° F. during the period of exposure to 32° F., the subsequent rate of respiration at 32° F. is lower than before warming, and continues at a lower rate than for apples kept at 32° F. continuously.

If the apples are moved to 38° F., without an intermediate treatment at 65° F., the rate of respiration is higher than for apples at 38° F. continuously, and this higher rate persists.

If there is an intermediate wanning period at 65° F., the respiration of apples moved from 32° to 38° F. is of the same order as that for apples kept at 38° F. continuously.

The respiratory quotient of apples at 32° F. or at 38° F., which is indicative of the type of respiratory activity, is typical for the temperature at which it is measured, and is not affected by the warming treatment. The effects of wanning on both the incidence of LTB and respiration are similar for apples stored in air and in 2% oxygen: 98% nitrogen.     

Effect of TNF-α on the cartilage endplate chondrocytes of New Zealand white rabbits

AIM:To evaluate the biological roles of TNF-α on the cartilage endplate cells (chondrocytes). METHODS:The chondrocytes were isolated and harvested from the cartilage endplate of New Zealand rabbits and then the biological characteristics of cells were identified by methods such as toluidine blue staining for type Ⅱ collagen. After different concentrations of TNF-α were added to culture medium respectively, the rate of the proliferation of chondrocytes in different time was measured with MTT. The protein expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Fas and caspase-3 were measured by immunocytochemistry. The changes of the mRNA of aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen were measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS:The TNF-α at concentration of 50 μg/L and 100 μg/L decreased the rate of the proliferation on chondrocytes. Though TNF-α at concentrations of 10 μg/L and 50 μg/L increased the level of Bax, Fas and caspase-3, only 50 μg/L TNF-α decreased the level of Bcl-2. TNF-α at concentrations of 10 μg/L and 50 μg/L decreased the level of collagen IIa mRNA and only 50 μg/L TNF-α decreased the level of aggrecan. CONCLUSION:TNF-α not only inhibits the proliferation and the matrix synthesis in chondrocytes, but also increases the expression of pro-apoptotic factors in chondrocytes.     

Effect of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseⅡinhibitor KN-93 on late sodium current in rabbits model of heart failure

AIM: To investigate the change of late sodium current (I_NaL) and the effect of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseⅡ (CaMKⅡ) inhibitor KN-93 on I_NaL in the cardiomyocytes after isoproterenol-induced heart fai-lure (HF) in rabbits. METHODS: The rabbit model of HF was induced by injecting isoproterenol (300 μg·kg^-1·d^-1) for 15 d. One month later, all rabbits received by echocardiography and HE staining to observe the morphological changes of myocardium for evaluating the HF model. The protein expression of Na_V1.5, CaMKⅡδ and phosphorylated CaMKⅡδ was determined by Western blot. The ventricular myocytes were isolated from the rabbits of normal saline (NS) group and HF group by Langendorff perfusion, and the whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record I_NaL. RESULTS: Compared with NS group, the heart rate in HF group was increased (P<0.01), the ventricular cavity was enlarged (P<0.05), and the cardiac function was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with NS group, the cardiomyocytes in HF group arranged in disorder, vacuolar degeneration and myocardial interstitial edema were observed, and fibrous tissue increased. The protein levels of Na_V1.5, CaMKⅡδ and phosphorylated CaMKⅡδ in HF group were higher than those in NS group (P<0.01). I_NaL in HF group significantly increased compared with NS group (P<0.01). After adding sea anemone toxin Ⅱ (ATXⅡ), the density of I_NaL in HF group and NS group was significantly increased, but that in HF group increased more obviously than that in NS group (P<0.01). After ATXⅡ had induced stable current, we added KN-93 into NS group and HF group, and we found that the ATXⅡ-increased I_NaL in NS group and HF group was significantly decreased (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: CaMKⅡ inhibitor KN-93 inhibits the increase in I_NaL in HF rabbits, which may be related to the activity of CaMKⅡδ and the regulation of CaMKⅡ δ on I_NaL.     

Effect of PPARδ activation on expression of MMP-9 and fibronectin in infarcted myocardium

AIM:To investigate the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) activation with dietary GW610742X on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and fibronectin (FN) in infarcted and remodeling myocardium. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, sham group, myocardial infarction (MI) group and MI+GW610742X (GW) group. The left coronary artery was ligated to establish the MI model. PPARδ activator GW610742X (100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) was given to the rats in GW group. At the 3rd month of the procedure, the expression of PPARδ, MMP-9 and FN at mRNA and protein levels in the left ventricular free wall(LVFW) of the heart from each group was identified and the distribution of FN was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: After 3 months following the procedure, obvious necrosis and fibrosis in LVFW were observed in MI group. The expression of PPARδ in MI group was higher than that in control, sham and GW groups (P<0.01), and PPARδ expression in GW group was lower than that in control and sham group (P<0.05). In MI and GW groups, the expression of MMP-9 was higher while the expression of FN was lower than those in control and sham group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In GW group, the expression of MMP-9 was lower (P<0.05) while the expression of FN was higher (P<0.01) than those in MI group. Meanwhile, the expression of MMP-9 and FN in sham group was similar to those in control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: MMP-9 is upregulated and FN is downregulated in infarcted myocardium during the remodeling process. Activation of PPARδ inhibits the upregulation of MMP-9 and degradation of FN, thus ameliorating the myocardial remodeling.     

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Harvest Time on the Fruit Quality of Foşa Nut

This study was carried out in Arsin (Trabzon/Turkey) in 2011. The effects of different harvest time and altitudes on the quality of the nuts have been investigated. The study was performed on Fo?a hazelnut and the harvest process has been conducted at three terms, which are on normal harvest time and ten days before and after harvest time. The harvested nuts were dried in the shade on the concrete floor until their moisture content decreased to 5?%. Some properties of nuts including yield, fruit weight, internal weight, shell thickness, and protein, oleic, and linoleic acid amounts have been investigated. As evaluated all of the fruit properties it can be concluded that 11 August is the most suitable harvest date for coast zone. On the other hand, no significant differences were obtained in the point of protein, oleic, and linoleic acid amounts for different harvest time and altitudes.     

Role of nucleolin on myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in type Ⅱ diabetic cardiomyopathy mice

AIM:To investigate the effect of nucleolin on diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice.METHODS:A type Ⅱ diabetic cardiomyopathy mouse model was prepared using a cardiac-specific nucleolin-overexpressing transgenic mice.The mice were divided into wild-type mouse control group,nucleolin transgenic mouse control group,wild-type mouse diabetes group and nucleolin transgenic mouse diabetes group.Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) fluorescent dye,Masson staining and PowerLab system detection were used to further clarify the role of nucleolin on cardiac hypertrophy,fibrosis and cardiac function in type Ⅱ diabetic cardiomyopathy mice.RESULTS:Compared with wild-type mouse control group,no significant increase in blood glucose level was found,while genetical myocardial cell hypertrophy was significantly attenuated in nucleolin transgenic mouse diabetes group.The collagen fibers were also significantly reduced,and hemodynamic indexes±dp/dt_max,left ventricular end-diastolic pressure,left ventricular systolic pressure and heart rate were also improved.The above differences were statistically significant.CONCLUSION:Nucleolin may reduce the occurrence of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis,thus improving the cardiac function of diabetic cardiomyopathy mice.     

Inhibitory effect of ground dragon on the expression of α-SMA and FN in the lung tissue of mouse with asthma

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of ground dragon on the expression of α-SMA and FN in the lung tissue with asthma. METHODS: The BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control group (group A, n=20), asthmatic model group (group B, n=20), large-dose ground dragon treatment group (group C, n=20) and low-dose ground dragon treatment group (group D, n=20). To establish a mouse model of chronic asthma, we sensitized the mouse with 0.02% ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injection, and stimulated the mice with 1% OVA by atomization. The treatment groups were given ground dragon before stimulation every time. After the last time of stimulation, the mice were subjected to laboratory tests. Inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were counted. Total level of IgE in serum was detected by ELISA. FN mRNA and α-SMA mRNA in the lung tissue were measured by RT-PCR and AlphaImager 2200 semi-quantitation analysis system. Expressions of FN and α-SMA were measured by the method of two-step immunohistochemistry and leica QWIN V3 analysis system. RESULTS: (1) Compared with those in group A, the expressions of α-SMA and FN in group B were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with group B, those in group C were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those in group D were slightly decreased (P>0.05). (2) Compared with those in group A, the expression levels of α-SMA mRNA and FN mRNA in group B had a great increase (P<0.01). There was a notably decreases of α-SMA mRNA and FN mRNA levels in group C, compared with group B (P<0.01). However, α-SMA and FN mRNA level in group D was just a slightly decreased, compared with group B (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The ground dragon inhibits α-SMA and FN expression in the lung tissue of mice with chronic asthma, indicating that ground dragon may inhibit airway remodeling in asthma through the inhibition of α-SMA and FN expressions.