Influence of Tangshenfang on diabetic liver injury and the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the liver tissue

AIM: To observe the effect of Tangshenfang (TS) on the liver protection and the levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisom proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in the liver tissue. METHODS: The rat model of diabetes mellitus (DM) was established by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ;30 mg/kg) after having the high fat/high glucose diets for 1 month. The diabetic rats were randomly divided into DM group, DM with high-dose TS (TS^Hi) group, medium-dose TS (TS^Med) group and low-dose TS (TS^Low)group. The normal rats were served as control group. There were 8 rats in each group. After treatment with TS for 12 weeks, the serum biochemical indices including fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were tested. Fasting insulin (FINS) was also detected by radioimmunoassay, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) were measured by ELISA. The activity of SOD and content of MDA in the liver tissues were measured by the methods of hydroxylamine and thiobarbituric acid. The liver pathological changes were observed under light microscope with HE and Masson staining. The protein expression of SIRT1and PGC-1α in the liver tissues was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: In DM group, serum FBG, TG, ALT, AST, FINS, HOMA-IR, TNF-α and IL-1 were obviously increased compared with the control group (P<0.01). The fatty changes, local necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver tissues were observed. The content of MDA in liver increased, while the activity of SOD decreased markedly. The protein expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α was decreased (P<0.05). In TS treatment groups, all these changes in DM rats were markedly reversed by TS, and the protein expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the liver tissues was markedly increased. CONCLUSION: TS may protect the rats from diabetic liver injury by increasing the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α, and thereby improving insulin resistance and oxidative stress.     

Effect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α knockdown by siRNA on viability and CEACAM1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and viability and apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and its mechanism. METHODS: The expression of HIF-1α and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecular 1 (CEACAM1) at mRNA and protein levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines Tca8113 and CAL27 and normal epithelial cell line NOK was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The expression of HIF-1α in CAL27 cells was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi) technique. The cells were divided into blank control group, non-sense control group and siRNA-HIF-1α group. The viability of CAL27 cells was measured by MTT assay and the apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of HIF-1α, P21, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Bcl-2 and Bax were examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of HIF-1α and CEACAM1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells was significantly higher than that in normal cells (P<0.05), and the expression of HIF-1α and CEACAM1 was positively correlated. The protein expression of HIF-1α in siRNA-HIF-1α group was significantly lower than that in blank control group (P<0.05). Knockdown of HIF-1α significantly inhibited CAL27 cell viability (P<0.05), promoted apoptosis (P<0.05), increased the protein levels of P21 and Bax (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the levels of VEGF and Bcl-2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: HIF-1α is over-expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Knockdown of HIF-1α significantly inhibits cell viability and promotes apoptosis possibly through regulating the expression of HIF-1α downstream target genes and tumor angiogenesis.     

IL-1β promotes differentiation of naïve T cells into Th22 cells and its expression in non-small cell lung cancer

AIM:To investigate the mechanism of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) promoting the transformation of naïve T cells into Th22 cells and the correlation of its peripheral blood expression in non-small cell lung cancer patients. METHODS:CD4⁺ naïve T cell magnetic bead sorting kit was used to isolate the peripheral blood mononuclear T cells from healthy people. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and IL-2 were added to promote differentiation and proliferation. IL-1β was used to induce differentiation into Th22 cells. The proportion of CD4⁺ IL-22⁺ T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expression of IL-22 was detected by ELISA. We selected 60 cases of non-small cell lung cancer patients in our hospital, including 18 in I phase, 20 in Ⅱ phase, 13 in Ⅲ phase and 9 in IV phase, as well as 25 healthy persons. The proportion of Th22 (CD4⁺ IL-22⁺) cells in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry, and the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-22 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS:IL-1β induced the transformation of naïve T cells into Th22 cells and promoted the secretion of IL-22 (P<0.05). The proportion of Th22 cells and the IL-22 and IL-1β levels in peripheral blood of the patients with non-small cell lung cancer were higher than those in healthy subjects, and correlated with the clinical stage. CONCLUSION:IL-1β induces the differentiation of Th22 cells and the expression of IL-22. The levels of IL-1β and IL-22 are related to the progression of non-small cell lung cancer, which may be involved in immunosuppression and promote the occurrence of non-small cell lung cancer.     

Effect of AG490 on expression of VEGF and HIF-1α in HEL cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of AG490 on the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α, and the capacity of invasion in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. METHODS: The HEL cells were treated with AG490 at different concentrations. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis was detected by Hoechst staining. The apoptosis and the cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. The capacity of migration was evaluated by Transwell assay. The mRNA expression level of JAK2 was measured by RT-PCR. The protein levels of p-JAK2, VEGF and HIF-1α were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The HEL cell viabilities were 88%, 75%, 48%, 10% and 0.12% after treated with AG490 at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μmol/L for 48 h, respectively. The results of Hoechst staining showed that brilliant blue cells in 80 μmol/L AG490 group was significantly increased compared with control group for 48 h. The apoptosis rate of 80 μmol/L AG490 group was significantly increased compared with control group at 48 h after AG490 treatment. The number of membrane-permeating HEL cells in 20 μmol/L AG490 group at 24 h after AG490 treatment was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The mRNA level of JAK2 decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after the HEL cells were treated with different concentrations of AG490 for 48 h. The protein levels of p-JAK2, VEGF and HIF-1α were lower in AG490 treatment groups than those in control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: AG490 inhibits the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α in HEL cells by inhibiting JAK2 pathway.     

Over-expression of PGC-1α reverses mitochondrial function reduction and apoptosis in OGD/R-induced neurons

AIM: To investigate the effect of over-expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) on mitochondrial morphology and cell apoptosis in the cortical neurons with oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). METHODS: The whole gene sequence of PGC-1α was obtained from the cerebral cortex of C57BL/6 mice by RT-PCR and cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-N1. The pEGFP-N1-PGC-1α was identified by PCR, and transfected into cortical neurons. The level of PGC-1α expression was identified by Western blot. The cortical neurons transfected with pEGFP-N1 and pEGFP-N1-PGC-1α vectors were treated with OGD/R. The mitochondrial mass, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP production, cell apoptosis and changes of cleaved caspase-3 were detected by MitoTracker Red staining, flow cytometry, ATP metabolic assay kit and TUNEL. RESULTS: Over-expression of PGC-1α inhibited the decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis capacity and the ROS formation of OGD/R neurons (P<0.05), enhanced the ability of ATP synthesis (P<0.01), inhibited neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01) and decreased the activation of caspase-3 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: PGC-1α over-expression inhibits neuronal apoptosis with OGD/R treatment by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, inhibiting the production of ROS and maintaining mitochondrial function. PGC-1α may be used as a target for the development of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury drugs.     

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on HIF-1α expression in rat experimental periodontitis with psychological stress

AIM: To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in rat experimental periodontitis with psychological stress. METHODS: Male special pathogen-free Wistar rats (n=120) were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group; psychological stress stimulation group; experimental periodontitis group: the periodontitis model was induced by wrapping 3/0 silk ligature inoculated with Porphyromonas gingivalis around the left maxillary second molar of the rats; periodontitis model with stress stimulation group. Psychological stress was removed at the 9th weeks after ligature, 6 rats from each experiment group were randomly chosen to HBO treatment. The rats were sacrificed at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 10th weeks after ligature. Gingival index (GI) and attachment loss (AL) were measured before sacrifice. The histological changes of periodontal tissues were observed under microscope with HE staining. The expression of HIF-1α was observed by the method of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The sites of gingival attachment were normal in control group and psychological stress stimulation group. Periodontal pocket, and periodontal attachment loss were observed in experimental periodontitis group. The tissue damage was much serious in periodontitis model with stress stimulation group. No significant difference of GI and AL among psychological stress stimulation group and normal control group during the experiment was observed. GI and AL in periodonitis model with stress stimulating group were significantly higher than those in experimental periodontitis group at the 4th and 8th weeks (P < 0.01). The levels of GI and AL were significantly lower at the 10th weeks after HBO treatmnt than those in untreated groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference of HIF-1α expression scores among psychological stress stimulation group and normal control group was found. HIF-1α expression scores in periodonitis model with stress stimulating group was significantly higher than that in experimental periodontitis group at the 4th and 8th weeks (P < 0.01). At the 10th weeks after HBO treatment the levels of HIF-1α were significantly lower than that in untreated groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Stress stimulation may aggravate periodontitis by decreasing tissue oxygenation in rats. HBO may represent a useful way in psychological stress periodontitis therapy.     

Effect of psychological stress on development of periodontitis and expression of periodontal hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of psychological stress on the development of periodontitis and the expression of periodontal hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α) in rats.METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats(SPF grade) were randomly divided into 4 groups:(1) normal control group, i.e. naive rats;(2) experimental periodontitis group: the periodontitis model was induced by wrapping 3-0 silk ligature inoculated with putative periodontopathic bacteria around the left maxillary second molar of the rats;(3) stress group: the rats were treated with stress alone;(4) periodontits with stress group, the periodontitis model was induced as above,and the rats were treated with stress. The rats were sacrificed at week 1, 4, 6 and 8 after the ligature. The attachment losses(AL) were measured by home-made probe. The histological changes of periodontal tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE) were observed under microscope. The HIF-1α expression level in the periodontal epithelium was determined by immunohistochemistry that was used to evaluate the severity of hypoxia by measuring the average rate of HIF-1α-positive cells.RESULTS: No significant difference of AL between stress group and normal control group was observed(P>0.05).The AL and the average rate of HIF-1α-positive cells in periodontitis with stress group were significantly higher than those in experimental periodontitis group at time points of week 4,6 and 8 after ligature(both P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Psychological stress is one of the periodontitis inducing factors in the animal model. Psychological stress may aggravate periodontitis by decreasing tissue oxygenation in rats.     

Effect of pioglitazone on pre-adipocytes differentiation and GILZ expression

AIM: To investigate the roles of pioglitazone on differentiation and expression of GILZ in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. METHODS: The morphological changes during 3T3-L1 cell differentiation were observed. The cells were treated with pioglitazone at concentrations of 1×10^-4～1×10^-2 mmol/L for 48 h, then the relative content of triglyceride were analyzed by oil red O staining at 2nd, 4th and 6th day during adipogenesis. The mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was measured by real-time PCR. GILZ protein expression was determined by Western blot after the cells were treated with pioglitazone at concentrations of 1×10^-4 ～1×10^-2 mmol/L for 48 h.RESULTS: Oil-red O staining showed that the relative contents of triglyceride in adipocytes were increased with the increase in the pioglitazone concentration. Compared with the control, the relative contents of triglyceride in group 1×10^-3 mmol/L and group 1×10^-2 mmol/L were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of PPARγ2 and LPL was also increased with the increase in the pioglitazone concentration. When pioglitazone concentration was more than 1×10^-3 mmol/L, compared with the control, the mRNA expression of PPARγ2 and LPL significantly increased (P < 0.01). The protein expression of GILZ was decreased with the increase in the pioglitazone concentration.CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone down-regulates GILZ expression, and up-regulate PPARγ2 expression and the downstream functional factor such as LPL.     

Effect of pioglitazone on balance of regulatory and effector T cells of uremic apolipoprotein E knockout mice in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effects of pioglitazone on the quantity and function-related factors of regulatory and effector T cells (Treg and Teff ) of uremic apolipoprotein E knockout mice in vitro with or without the stimulation of atherosclerotic plaque-specific antigen oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). METHODS: Uremic apolipoprotein E knockout mouse model was established by 2-step surgical procedure. After intervention with different concentrations (2 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L) of pioglitazone and PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (5 μmol/L) on splenocytes of uremic mice for 12 h in the presence or absence of oxLDL (2 mg/L), the levels of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ Treg and IFNγ⁺ CD4⁺ Teff were determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of Foxp3 and IFNγ was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. RESULTS: In vitro, oxLDL induced a Treg/Teff imbalance in splenocytes from the uremic mice. Pioglitazone upregulated the level of Treg and mRNA expression of Foxp3 in the presence of oxLDL, which was not antagonized by GW9662. Meanwhile, pioglitazone downregulated the level of Teff and mRNA expression of IFNγ in the presence or absence of oxLDL, which was reversed by GW9662. CONCLUSION: oxLDL induces a Treg/Teff imbalance in uremic apolipoprotein E knockout mice. Pioglitazone modulates the Treg/Teff imbalance probably through PPARγ-independent and-dependent mechanisms.     

Pretreatment with external trigeminal nerve electrostimulation inhibits seizures and decreases expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in hippocampus with status epilepticus induced by pentylenetetrazol in rats

AIM:To observe the effect of pretreatment with external trigeminal nerve electrostimulation (eTNS) on behavioral changes and the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and 　tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in hippocampus of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-treated rats. METHODS:The rats were randomly divided into control group, PTZ group and eTNS group, and kindled by PTZ after administered 7 d, 14 d and 28 d of consecutive fake electrostimulation or eTNS. Subsequently, the severity and duration of seizure were quantitatively evaluated. The concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in hippocampus were detected by the methods of ELISA and immunohistochemisty. RESULTS:Compared with PTZ group, treatment with eTNS significantly inhibited the severity and duration of seizure (P<0.05), and significantly reduced the content of IL-1β and TNF-α in the hippocampus after status epilepticus (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Pretreatment with eTNS may provide a new approach for prevention and treatment of epileptogenesis.     

Effects of several harmful factors on expression of glycine receptor α1 subunit in neonatal rat myocardial cells

AIM: To study the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in neonatal rat myocardial cells and to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hypoxia/reoxygenation, isoproterenol (ISO) and high concentration of glucose (HG) on the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in the neonatal rat myocardial cells. METHODS: Neonatal rat myocardial cells were cultured in vitro. The expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit was detected by Western blotting. The neonatal rat myocardial cells were treated with LPS (20 mg/L), ISO (100μmol/L) or high concentration of glucose (25 mmol/L) for 24 h, or were exposed to hypoxia for 3 h followed by reoxygenation for 3 h. Subsequently, the cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay, and the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: The expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in the neonatal rat myocardial cells was positively detectable by Western blotting. Compared with control group, no significant difference of the cell viability (P>0.05) in LPS group, ISO group, hypoxia/reoxygenation group and HG group was observed. The expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit was increased (P<0.01) in LPS group, ISO group and hypoxia/reoxygenatio group, but decreased (P<0.01) in HG group. CONCLUSION: Glycine receptor α₁ subunit exists in the neonatal rat myocardial cells. A certain concentration of LPS or ISO, or hypoxia/reoxygenation for a certain period upregulate the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit, but HG downregulates the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in cultured neonatal rat myocardial cells.     

Effect of eleutheroside B/E on proliferation and expression of PPARγ and TGF-β1 in HBZY-1 cells cultured with high glucose

AIM: To explore the effects and mechanism of eleutheroside (ETS) B or E on the proliferation of HBZY-1 cells treated with high glucose. METHODS: The HBZY-1 cells were cultured under high glucose condition. The 4th generation of HBZY-1 cells was used for determining the optimal cell density, which was consistent with the growth regulation curve of the cells. The cells were divided into 6 groups: low glucose (LG) group, high glucose (HG) group, high glucose plus ETS-B/E (low dose, medium dose and high dose) groups, and high glucose plus losartan (LTG) group. After all cells were treated with the corresponding drugs at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, the inhibitory rate of the proliferation was measured, and the expression of TGF-β1 and PPARγ was detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: The best cell density was 2 000 cells/well, which was complied with the basic rules of the cell growth, and high glucose significantly promoted the HBZY-1 cell proliferation. At each time point, the inhibitory effects of ETS-B/E were significantly different between HG group and LTG group on the proliferation of the HBZY-1 cells (P<0.05). The expression of TGF-β1 was significantly inhibited, and the expression of PPARγ was significantly promoted by ETS-B/E (P<0.05). ETS-E showed stronger effect than ETS-B (P<0.05) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: ETS-B/E significantly inhibits the proliferation of HBZY-1 cells under high glucose condition by decreasing TGF-β1 expression and promoting PPARγ expression.     

Effect of protein kinase C signal pathway on resistin expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

AIM：To investigate the effect of protein kinase C on resistin expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS：The differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated with 50 nmol/L phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 5 μmol/L Ro-31-8220 for 24 h.Expression of resistin mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and expression of resistin protein was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS：Compared with control,PMA increased the expression of resistin mRNA and protein in 3T3-L1 adipocytes significantly (P<0.01),while Ro-31-8220 decreased the expression of resistin mRNA and protein in 3T3-L1 adipocytes obviously (P<0.01).CONCLUSION：Protein kinase C signal pathway may regulate resistin expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.     

Effect of hydrogen sulfide on myocardial fibrosis and PPARγ and NF-κB expression in rat model of diabetes

AIM: To explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on the myocardial fibrosis in a rat model of diabetes and its mechanism.METHODS: Single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) was utilized to establish a rat model of diabetes. Sodium hydrosulfide was used as an exogenous donor of hydrogen sulfide. Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, STZ group, STZ+H₂S group and H₂S group. Eight weeks later, HE and VG staining methods were used to observe the collagen distribution and collagen volume fraction was measured by image analysis. The expression levels of type I collagen, PPARγ and NF-κB in the cardiac tissues were determined by Western blotting.RESULTS: Compared with control group, collagen distribution and the expression levels of type I collagen and NF-κB in the cardiac tissues were markedly increased (P<0.05), while PPARγ was significantly decreased in STZ group (P<0.05), but these indexes were reversed significantly in STZ+H₂S group (P<0.05). The expression levels of type I collagen, PPARγ and NF-κB had no significant difference between H₂S group and control group.CONCLUSION: Hydrogen sulfide attenuates cardiac fibrosis in diabetic rats, and its mechanism may be related to PPARγ-NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Effect of rosiglitazone on expression of AQP1, VEGF-A and COX-2 in human peritoneal microvascular endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of rosiglitazone on the expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in human peritoneal microvascular endothelial cells.METHODS: Cultured peritoneal microvascular endothelial cells were divided into 4 groups. The morphological changes of the cells were observed under inverted microscope. The protein expression of AQP1, VEGF-A and COX-2 in human peritoneal microvascular endothelial cells was determined by Western blotting. The mRNA expression of AQP1, VEGF-A and COX-2 in the cells was measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Rosiglitazone stimulated the proliferation of the cells. Rosiglitazone up-regulated the expression of AQP1, and down-regulated the expression of VEGF-2 and COX-2 at mRNA and protein levels in the cells. The PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 partly inhibited the up-regulation of AQP1 expression by rosiglitazone (P<0.05), but had no obvious effect on the expression of VEGF-A and COX-2 (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Rosiglitazone up-regulates the expression of AQP1 and down-regulates the expression of VEGF-A and COX-2 in human peritoneal microvascular endothelial cells, thus promoting water transportation and attenuating peritoneal fibrosis during peritoneal dialysis.     

Effect of ischemic post-conditioning on Egr-1 and IL-1β expression in ischemia-reperfusion injured lung in rats

AIM: To investigate the protective effects of ischemic post-conditioning on the expression of early growth response factor 1 (Egr-1) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in ischemia-reperfusion injured lung in rats. METHODS: The model of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury was established in 24 rats and the rats were randomly allocated to 3 different groups (n=8 in each group): (1) sham group: only sham operation (thoracotomy) and no ischemia for 3 h; (2)ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R group): interruption of pulmonary perfusion and ventilation for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 2 h; (3) ischemic post-conditioning group (IPostC group): ischemic post-conditioning (5 min of reperfusion and 5 min of ischemia for 3 times) between the end of ischemia and the beginning of the reperfusion followed by reperfusion for 1.5 h. The lung tissues (prepared to small pieces of about 20 mg) were collected and homogenized at the end of the experiment. The concentration of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the homogenate was determined. The wet to dry weight ratio (W/D) of the lung tissues was also measured at the end of reperfusion. The pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed under light microscope after reperfusion. The mRNA expression of Egr-1 and IL-1β in the lung tissues was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the mRNA expression of Egr-1 and IL-1β, the levels of MPO and W/D were significantly increased in I/R group (P<0.05). The inflammatory responses of the lungs in I/R group were significantly severer than those in sham group. Compared with I/R group, the mRNA expression of Egr-1 and IL-1β, the levels of MPO and W/D in IPostC group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The inflammatory responses of the lungs in IPostC group were also significantly attenuated. CONCLUSION: Ischemic post-conditioning significantly reduces ischemic reperfusion injury of the lung by inhibiting the expression of Egr-1 and IL-1β.     

Effect of 27nt-miRNA on regulation of SM22α expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and its effect on cell viability,migration and phenotypic changes

AIM:To investigate the effect of 27nt-microRNA (27nt-miRNA) on the expression of smooth muscle 22α protein (SM22α) and the cell viability, migration and phenotypic changes of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS:The highly expression plasmids of 27nt-miRNA, and anti-27nt-miRNA and negative control plasmids were constructed, packaged with lentivirus and transfected into the rat primary VSMCs. Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) was added to induce VSMCs phenotype conversion. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The migration ability was detected by scratch assay. The mRNA and protein expression of SM22α was determined by RT-PCR, immunocytochemical staining and Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with normal group, the cell viability in PDGF-BB group was increased (P<0.05), the migration ability was increased (P<0.05) and the expression of SM22α at mRNA and protein level was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with negative control lentiviral group, the cell viability in 27nt-miRNA over-expression group was decreased (P<0.05), the migration ability was decreased (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of SM22α was increased (P<0.05). While in anti-27nt-miRNA group, the cell viability was increased(P<0.05), the migration ability was increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of SM22α was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:27nt-miRNA significantly increases the expression of SM22α, while inhibits the viability and migration ability of VSMCs, and inhibits its phenotypic shift from contractile to synthetic.     

Effect of NOD8 on production of nitric oxide,IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS-treated macrophages

AIM: To investigate the effect of NOD8 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced releases of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: The plasmids of pEGFP-C2 and pEGFP-NOD8 were transfected into RAW264.7 cells respectively. The transfected and non-transfected cells were stimulated by LPS for 0, 6, 12 and 24 h. NO production was evaluated by Griess reagent assay, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. The protein expression of NOD8 and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit were detected by Western blotting. The level of activated caspase-1 was determined by fluorimetric method. RESULTS: Compared with pEGFP-C2 group, the protein expression of NOD8 was significantly elevated in pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. The releases of NO, IL-1β and TNF-α were obviously increased after RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, and while the secretion of NO was significantly reduced in the cells transfected with pEGFP-NOD8 and induced by LPS for 12 h and 24 h, and the release of IL-1β was also significantly reduced at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. However, no significant difference of TNF-α release was observed between pEGFP-C2+LPS group and pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. The activation of caspase-1 in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h was markedly increased, and the expression of NF-κB p65 subunit in the cytoplasm was significantly decreased, indicating that p65 nuclear translocation was increased. In addition, the activation of caspase-1 and the nuclear translocation of p65 were significantly inhibited in pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. CONCLUSION: NOD8 suppresses the releases of LPS-induced NO and IL-1β in RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the activation of caspase-1 and NF-κB.     

Effect of Scutellaria barbata flavonoids on abnormal changes of Bcl-2, Bax,Bcl-xL and Bak protein expression in mitochondrial membrane induced by composite Aβ25-35

AIM：To study the abnormalities of Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL and Bax in the cell mitochondrial membrane of cerebral cortex in the rats injected with β-amyloid beta protein 25-35 (Aβ25-35) in combination with aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) and recombinant human transforming growth factor β1 (rhTGF-β1) (composite Aβ25-35) into lateral cerebral ventricle, and to explore the intervention of Scutellaria Barbata flavonoids (SBF). METHODS：The male SD rats were used to establish the neuronal damaged model by receiving injection of RhTGF-β1 1 μL (10 ng) on day 1 of operation, and then from day 2 of operation, intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ25-35 (4 μg/d, consecutive 14 d) in the morning and 1% AlCl3 in the afternoon (3 μL/d, consecutive 5 d). On the day 49 of operation, the successful model rats were randomly divided into model control and 3 doses of SBF groupss. The rats in SBF groups were daily orally administered with SBF at doses of 35, 70 and 140 mg/kg for 36 d. All the rats were decapitated 60 min after the last administration. The protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL and Bak in rat cerebral cortex cell mitochondrial membrane was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS：The composite Aβ25-35 dramatically caused decreases in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL (P<0.05), and increases in Bax and Bak (P<0.01) in rat cerebral cortex cell mitochondrial membrane. However, oral treatment with SBF for 36 d reversed the above disorders induced by composite Aβ25-35. CONCLUSION：The composite Aβ25-35 induces the expression abnormalities of Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL and Bak in mitochondrial membrane and SBF reverses the above disturbances of apoptotic factors.     

Effect of Yiqi Huayu Huatan decoction on expression of KLF15, HMGB1, NF-κB and its downstream inflammatory factors in rats with UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis

AIM: To observe the effect of Yiqi Huayu Huatan decoction (YHHD) on unilaterral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal interstitial fibrosis in rats, and to investigate the possible mechanism. METHODS: Female SD rats (n=48) were randomly divided into sham group, model group, telmisartan group, and low-, middle-and high-dose YHHD groups, with 8 rats in each group. The UUO model rats was established by ligating left ureter. The rats in sham group and model group were treated with equal volume of normal saline, others were treated with the corresponding drugs daily. After 12 weeks, the rats were sacrificed. The serum samples were collected for determining the concentrations of cystatin C (Cys-C) and uric acid (UA). The morphological changes of the renal tissue were observed by PAS staining. The collagen fiber was observed by Masson staining. The mRNA expression of Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), high-mo-bility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), IκB, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), fibronectin (FN), collagen type I (Col I) and Col-Ⅳ was detected by real-time PCR. The protein expression of KLF15, HMGB1 and NF-κB was detected by Western blot. The protein expression of MCP-1 was determined by the method of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the deposition rate of collagen fibers and the concentration of Cys-C in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of KLF15 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression of HMGB1, NF-κB, IκB, MCP-1, IL-1β, TNF-α, FN, Col I and Col Ⅳ and the protein expression of HMGB1, NF-κB and MCP-1 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the deposition rates of collagen fibers in middle-and high-dose YHHD groups and telmisartan group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), with down-regulated protein expression of HMGB1 and NF-κB and mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNF-α (P<0.05). The protein expression of KLF15 was significantly up-regulated in high-dose YHHD group and telmisartan group (P<0.05), while the protein expression of MCP-1 and the mRNA expression of FN were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of KLF15 was significantly up-regulated in high-dose YHHD group (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression of MCP-1, Col I and Col IV was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of NF-κB and IκB was significantly down-regulated and the concentration of Cys-C was significantly decreased in each dose of YHHD groups and telmisartan group (P<0.05). No significant difference of UA level among the groups was observed. CONCLUSION: YHHD alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner, and YHHD at high dose shows the most obvious effect. The mechanism may be associated with the up-regulation of KLF15 and the down-regulation of HMGB1, NF-κB and its downstream inflammation-related factors in the renal tissue.