Dexpanthenol attenuates inflammatory damage and apoptosis in kidney and liver tissues of septic mice

Restorative mechanisms of Shugan Yiyang capsule on male infertility through 'pharmaco-metabo-net' tripartite correlation analysis

BACKGROUND

Shugan Yiyang capsule (SGYY), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulation, is primarily indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, yet existing studies on the therapeutic effects on male infertility (MI) are insufficient and the specific mechanisms remain poorly understood. Given the close relationship between MI, sperm quality, and erectile function, this study aims to investigate the role of SGYY in the restoration of MI and explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The efficacy of SGYY is comprehensively evaluated through pharmacodynamic, metabolomic, and network pharmacology. Sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, sexual behavior, neural enzymes, oxidative stress markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and testicular histopathology are measured to reveal the restorative effects of MI. Furthermore, urine and serum metabolomics, along with network pharmacology and surface plasmon resonance, are employed to explore the molecular mechanisms and predict core targets.

RESULTS

SGYY significantly improved overall health parameters, including body weight, water intake, urine output, food consumption, and spontaneous activity. Specifically, SGYY prominently recovered sexual behavior, ameliorated sperm quality, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, normalized reproductive hormones, upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, attenuated oxidative stress markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and repaired testicular pathological damage. Metabolomic analysis identified 47 candidate biomarkers, among which SGYY significantly modulated 39 potential biomarkers, encompassing 8 main metabolic pathways such as histidine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, propanoate metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Additionally, network pharmacology predicted 8 core targets, comprising HSP90AA1, ESR1, MAPK1, CASP3, IL6, TNF, BCL2, and MAPK8.

CONCLUSION

SGYY improves sperm quality and erectile function by regulating oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurological function, thereby exerting a restorative effect on MI, as evidenced by the modulation of 8 main metabolic pathways, 39 potential biomarkers, and 8 core targets. Pharmacodynamic provides foundational validation, metabolomic uncovers intrinsic metabolic changes, and network pharmacology predicts therapeutic targets, with findings from the 'Pharmaco-Metabo-Net' tripartite correlation analysis providing a solid theoretical strategy and scientific evidence to support the clinical application of SGYY in restoring MI.

Imidazolyl crosslinked chitosan nanogel for nanoconfined synthesis of silver nanocrystallines as antimicrobials

Multi-drug resistant microbes (MDRMs) present a significant threat to human health. Silver nanoparticles possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, but the potential Ag+ ion release and toxicity on primary cells drawback the clinical application. In this study, imidazolylhydrazine was employed to cross-link chitosan into nanogels and subsequently to synthesize nanoconfined silver nanocrystallines. These silver nanocrystallines are predominantly characterized by (111) crystalline facets, featuring a high Ag0 atomic density and an approximate size of 3 nm. these nanocrystallines demonstrated exceptional visible light bactericidal properties, particularly against MDRMs, attributable to a threefold enhancement in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency compared to silver nanoparticles. Remarkably, thanks to the nanoconfined domains of the silver nanocrystallines embedded within the nanogel, along with the gel's strong coordination capabilities with Ag through its imidazole, hydrazide, and amino groups, as well as the proton buffering capacity of imidazole, the release of silver ions in the body fluid environment was not significantly observed at any stage of the wound recovery. This ensures exceptional biocompatibility for postoperative wound spraying. The nanoconfined Ag nanocrystalline platform emerges as a novel prospect for wound sterilization.

Anwulignan alleviates IRI by the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibiting NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in rats

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is caused by the reduced blood flow and oxygen level due to the renal artery blockage. The effect of Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructusandra fruit anwulignan (AN) on the renal IRI injury in rats was investigated. Four rat (Male SD) groups were set, including sham, IRI, sham+AN and IRI+AN groups. This experiment confirmed that AN could reduce renal IRI injury by detecting some biomarkers such as Cre, BUN, LDH, HIF-1α, KIM-1, NGAL, and AIM, which showed decreased levels. AN could increase GSH, CAT, T-AOC, and SOD levels, and decrease MDA and ROS levels in rat kidney tissue, demonstrating that AN can improve oxidative stress damage. In addition, AN diminished the total quantity of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 in the renal tissue of rats. In rats with renal IRI, the contents of p-Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins engaged in the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant controlled system were increased, and the expression level of Keap1 was diminished. NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-18, and IL-1β protein levels in kidney tissues decreased significantly in AN group. The results indicate that AN can alleviate renal IRI by reducing the oxidative stress damage via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibiting NLRP3-Caspase-1-GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in rats.

The chemokine receptor type 5 inhibitor maraviroc alleviates sepsis-associated liver injury by regulating MAPK/NF-κB signaling

Sepsis-related organ damage, as the most intractable problem in intensive care units (ICUs), receives a great deal of attention from healthcare professionals. Sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) often leads to poor clinical outcomes due to its complex physiological mechanism. In previous studies, chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) inhibitors were shown to exert unique anti-inflammatory effects. As the therapeutic effect of maraviroc (MVC) on SALI is still unclear, we aimed to explore whether MVC is effective in treating SALI. We established a model of SALI by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and intraperitoneally injected 20 mg/kg MVC 2 h after CLP. The results showed that MVC could significantly ameliorate liver injury after CLP. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MVC reduced inflammatory infiltration and apoptosis after SALI. In addition, we found that the function of MVC in reducing inflammation was obtained through the inhibition of the two inflammatory signaling pathways mentioned above. Finally, the JNK agonist AN was chosen for reverse research. As shown by the results, the therapeutic effects of MVC disappeared after AN treatment, indicating that MVC exerted anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects through JNK. Our study revealed that MVC could reduce liver injury after SALI by inhibiting liver inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis induced by CLP and that MVC exerted diminish inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Effects of dexpanthenol on 5-fluorouraci-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and intestinal mucositis in rats: a clinical, biochemical, and pathological study

Background

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a broad-spectrum drug that has a wide range of side effects. Patients may experience severe comorbidities as a result of these toxic side effects, making it impossible for them to continue chemotherapy. Despite the fact that various molecules have been experimented, there is no literature data on the efficacy of dexpanthenol (DXP) for mitigating the toxic effects of 5-FU.

Objective

To investigate the protective effects of DXP on nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and intestinal toxicity induced by 5-FU in rats.

Methods

Twenty-eight male Wistar-Albino rats aged 16 weeks were randomly assigned to four groups. We created a rat model of intestinal mucositis, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity through intraperitoneal 5-FU (35 mg/kg for 4 d) injection. 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of DXP were administered to the treatment groups. The effects of dexpanthenol were evaluated clinically, biochemically, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], 8-hydroxyguanosine [8-OHdG], and nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB]).

Results

5-FU caused a decrease in body weight and food intake, and an increase in diarrhea scores in rats. 5-FU led to significant disruptions in the hepatic biochemical markers (aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), renal biochemical markers (blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine, and uric acid), and protein and albumin, which are markers of both hepatic and renal functions. Severe pyknosis and mononuclear cell infiltrations were observed in the liver, and mononuclear cell infiltration and tubular degeneration in the kidneys. Jejunum and colon showed villous hyperemia and hemorrhage, respectively, along with mononuclear cell infiltration. Furthermore, 5-FU increased the immunohistochemical expressions of iNOS, COX-2, 8-OHdG, and NF-κB in the examined tissues. The administration of DXP at doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg demonstrated significant mitigation of the toxic effects induced by 5-FU on the liver, kidney, jejunum, and colon.

Conclusion

DXP showed protective effects against nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and intestinal toxicity caused by 5-FU. These findings suggest that DXP may serve as a potential therapeutic agent to alleviate the severe side effects of 5-FU chemotherapy, thereby improving patient tolerance and quality of life. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these results and explore the translational potential of DXP in human cancer therapy.

Effects of Dexpanthenol on Corneal Neovascularization and Inflammation on Rat Model

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of subconjunctival injection of dexpanthenol on corneal neovascularization and inflammation in rats with induced chemical burns.

METHODS

This experimental study included 40 female albino Wistar rats. Chemical burns were induced in the right eye of all rats on the first day, and the left eye was used as a control. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. The no-treatment group (group 1) received no injections. Balanced salt solution injection in the sham group (group 2), dexpanthenol injection in the dexpanthenol group (group 3), bevacizumab injection in the bevacizumab group (group 4), and combined dexpanthenol and bevacizumab injection in the combined group (group 5) were administered subconjunctivally on day 7. The right corneas of all rats were photographed on days 7 and 14 to evaluate corneal neovascularization. The 2 corneal images were compared, and the differences were analyzed. All rats were euthanized, and the corneas were isolated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor-A, malondialdehyde (MDA), apoptosis, reduced glutathione (GSH), and total oxidant status were measured in rat corneas.

RESULTS

Dexpanthenol reduced corneal neovascularization, and the difference was significant compared with the no-treatment and sham groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference in corneal neovascularization was observed between the dexpanthenol and bevacizumab groups. Dexpanthenol had a significant positive effect on vascular endothelial growth factor-A, TNF-α, total oxidant status, MDA, and GSH levels compared with the sham group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexpanthenol may help control corneal neovascularization and inflammation after chemical burns.

Biomimetic Porous Ti6Al4V Implants: A Novel Interbody Fusion Cage via Gel-Casting Technique to Promote Spine Fusion

An interbody fusion cage (Cage) is crucial in spinal decompression and fusion procedures for restoring normal vertebral curvature and rebuilding spinal stability. Currently, these Cages suffer from issues related to mismatched elastic modulus and insufficient bone integration capability. Therefore, a gel-casting technique is utilized to fabricate a biomimetic porous titanium alloy material from Ti6Al4V powder. The biomimetic porous Ti6Al4V is compared with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and 3D-printed Ti6Al4V materials and their respective Cages. Systematic validation is performed through mechanical testing, in vitro cell, in vivo rabbit bone defect implantation, and ovine anterior cervical discectomy and fusion experiments to evaluate the mechanical and biological performance of the materials. Although all three materials demonstrate good biocompatibility and osseointegration properties, the biomimetic porous Ti6Al4V, with its excellent mechanical properties and a structure closely resembling bone trabecular tissue, exhibited superior bone ingrowth and osseointegration performance. Compared to the PEEK and 3D-printed Ti6Al4V Cages, the biomimetic porous Ti6Al4V Cage outperforms in terms of intervertebral fusion performance, achieving excellent intervertebral fusion without the need for bone grafting, thereby enhancing cervical vertebra stability. This biomimetic porous Ti6Al4V Cage offers cost-effectiveness, presenting significant potential for clinical applications in spinal surgery.

Neoastilbin ameliorates sepsis-induced liver and kidney injury by blocking the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Sepsis frequently causes systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure in patients. Neoastilbin (NAS) is a flavonoid that plays vital functions in inflammation. This work aims to investigate the protective effects of NAS against sepsis-induced liver and kidney injury and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The mouse model was established using cecal ligation puncture (CLP) induction. NAS was given to mice by gavage for 7 consecutive days before surgery. Liver and kidney function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors in serum or tissues were examined by ELISA or related kits. The expression of relevant proteins was assessed by Western blot. Hematoxylin and eosin and/or periodic acid-Schiff staining revealed that NAS ameliorated the pathological damage in liver and kidney tissues of CLP-induced mice. NAS improved liver and kidney functions, as evidenced by elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, ALT, and AST in the serum of septic mice. TUNEL assay and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax showed that NAS dramatically reduced apoptosis in liver and renal tissues. NAS treatment lowered the levels of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde, while elevated the superoxide dismutase content in liver and kidney tissues of CLP-induced mice. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in the serum and both tissues of CLP-injured mice were markedly decreased by NAS. Mechanically, NAS downregulated TLR4 expression and inhibited NF-κB activation, and overexpression of TLR4 reversed the protective effects of NAS against liver and kidney injury. Collectively, NAS attenuated CLP-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysfunction in the liver and kidney by restraining the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Effect of dexpanthenol on cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity: a histological and molecular study in rats

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does dexpanthenol work as an effective therapeutic agent against cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) in rats?

DESIGN

A total of 28 female Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 per group). The POF and POF plus dexpanthenol groups were intraperitoneally administered CYC at an initial dose of 50 mg/kg, followed by 8 mg/kg for 14 days. The dexpanthenol and POF plus dexpanthenol groups were both intraperitoneally administered dexpanthenol at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for 15 days.

RESULTS

In the group administered CYC, the following was observed: a decrease in the ovarian index; a decrease in the numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles; an increase in the number of corpus luteum and atretic follicles; a decrease in proliferation cell nuclear antigen immunoreactivity; a significant reduction in anti-Müllerian hormone and oestradiol levels; and an increase in serum FSH levels compared with controls. Dexpanthenol, on the other hand, reversed these effects. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that dexpanthenol increased Bcl-2, Akt1, mTOR, Nrf2 and HO-1 in CYC-induced ovarian tissues, but decreased Bax, Cas3, Hsp27, Hsp70, and Hsp90. Dexpanthenol treatment has a potential for inhibiting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and oxidative stress levels in ovarian tissues via the downregulation of the mRNA expression of heat shock proteins and the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that dexpanthenol is an effective agent against POF caused by CYC; however, further experimental and clinical data are needed to use it effectively.

Xijiao Dihuang Decoction Protects Against Murine Sepsis-Induced Cardiac Inflammation and Apoptosis via Suppressing TLR4/NF-κB and Activating PI3K/AKT Pathway

Background

Xijiao Dihuang decoction (XJDHT), a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat patients with sepsis. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of XJDHT on cardiac dysfunction have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study evaluated the potential utility of XJDHT in protecting against sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardial injury.

Methods

The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups and administered Lipopolysaccharide (LPS,10 mg/kg) or equivalent saline solution (control) and treated with XJDHT (10 g/kg/day) or saline by gavage for 72 hours. XJDHT was dissolved in 0.9% sodium chloride and administered at 200 μL per mouse. Transthoracic echocardiography, RNA-seq, TUNEL assays and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of cardiac tissues were performed.

Results

Treatment with XJDHT significantly enhanced myocardial function and attenuated pathological change, infiltration of inflammatory cells, levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in mice with sepsis. RNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses identified 531 differentially expressed genes and multiple enriched signaling pathways including the PI3K/AKT pathway. Further, XJDHT attenuated cardiac apoptosis and decreased Bax protein expression while increasing protein levels of Bcl-2, PI3K, and p-AKT in cardiac tissues of mice with sepsis.

Conclusion

In summary, XJDHT improves cardiac function in a murine model of sepsis by attenuating cardiac inflammation and apoptosis via suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Dexpanthenol protects against nicotine-induced kidney injury by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis through activation of the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Dexpanthenol (DEX), a subtype of vitamin B5, plays an important role in anabolic reactions, cellular energy and regeneration in the body. Nicotine has been shown to induce kidney damage through the mechanisms of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of DEX against nicotine-induced kidney damage through modulation of the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Male rats were intraperitoneally administered with 0.5 mg/kg/day nicotine and/or 500 mg/kg/day DEX for 8 weeks. Following administration, renal function tests were conducted on serum samples, and histopathological examinations and analysis of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes were performed on tissue samples. Protein levels of Akt, Nrf-2, HO-1, Bcl-xL, and Caspase-9 were also evaluated. Nicotine administration resulted in decreased protein levels of p-Akt, Nrf-2, HO-1, and Bcl-xL and increased Caspase-9 protein levels. In addition, nicotine administration caused an increase in MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and a decrease in GSH, GSH-Px, GST, CAT, SOD, and TAS levels. Additionally, BUN and Creatinine levels increased after nicotine administration. DEX administration positively regulated these parameters and brought them closer to control levels. Nicotine-induced kidney injury caused apoptosis and oxidative stress through Caspase-9 activation. DEX effectively prevented nicotine-induced kidney damage by increasing intracellular antioxidant levels and regulating apoptosis through Bcl-xL activation. These findings suggest that DEX has potential as a protective agent against nicotine-induced kidney damage.

IL-22 relieves hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis based on the activation of STAT3

INTRODUCTION

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) has been proven to exhibit a protective role in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI). This study aimed to explore the change of IL-22 and IL-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1) axis in HIRI and its role in mitochondrial apoptosis associated with STAT3 activation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

I/R mice were examined for the expression of IL-22, IL-22R1 and IL-22BP. The roles of IL-22 in hepatic histopathology and oxidative stress injuries (ALT, MDA and SOD) were determined. Oxidative stress damages of AML-12 cells were induced by H2O2, and were indicated by apoptosis, Ca2+ concentration, and mitochondrial function. The effects of IL-22 on p-STAT3Try705 were analyzed.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of IL-22, IL-22R1, and IL-22BP was elevated 24 h after I/R induction, while decreased 48 h after I/R induction. Furthermore, we also discovered that IL-22 rescued the morphological damages and dysfunction of hepatocytes induced by H2O2, which were antagonized by IL-22BP, an endogenous antagonist of IL-22. Additionally, increased levels of Ca2+ concentration, MDA, ROS, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction were noticed in H2O2-treated hepatocytes. However, IL-22 ameliorated the effects of I/R or H2O2. The protective effects of IL-22 were reversed by AG490, a specific antagonist of STAT3.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results indicated that IL-22 inhibited I/R-induced oxidative stress injury, Ca2+ overload, and mitochondrial apoptosis via STAT3 activation.

Dexpanthenol exhibits antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects against nicotine-induced liver damage by modulating Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3/9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways

Chronic tobacco use can lead to liver damage and inflammation due to the accumulation of various toxins in the body. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of nicotine-induced liver injury, the caspase cascade, and the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the protective effects of dexpanthenol (DEX). Male rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of nicotine at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg/day and/or DEX at a concentration of 500 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. After the treatment period, liver function tests were conducted on serum samples, and tissue samples were analyzed for protein levels of Akt, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9, along with histopathological changes. Additionally, assessments of oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines were carried out. Nicotine administration led to elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, TOS, and oxidative stress index, accompanied by decreased TAS levels. Moreover, nicotine exposure reduced the p-Akt/Akt ratio, increased NF-κB, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 protein levels, and decreased the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL levels. DEX treatment significantly mitigated these effects, restoring the parameters to levels comparable to those of the control group. Nicotine-induced liver injury resulted in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, mediated by Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways. Conversely, DEX effectively attenuated nicotine-induced liver injury by modulating apoptosis through NF-κB, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax inhibition, and Bcl-xL activation.

Dexpanthenol improved stem cells against cisplatin-induced kidney injury by inhibition of TNF-α, TGFβ-1, β-catenin, and fibronectin pathways

Introduction

Cisplatin interacts with DNA and induces an immunological response and reactive oxygen species, which are nephrotoxic mediators. Stem cells self-renew through symmetric divisions and can develop into other cell types due to their multipotency. Dexpanthenol has been proven to protect against renal injury.

Aim

This study aims to demonstrate that dexpanthenol could improve the effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.

Methods

Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (N = 12): control, cisplatin, cisplatin & dexpanthenol, cisplatin & ADMSC, and cisplatin & dexpanthenol & ADMSCs. On the 5th day following cisplatin injection, half the rats in each group were sacrificed, and the other half were sacrificed on the 12th day. Histopathological examination, molecular studies (IL-6, Bcl2, TGFβ-1, Caspase-3, Fibronectin, and β-catenin), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and renal function were all investigated.

Results

In contrast to cisplatin group, the dexpanthenol and ADMSCs treatments significantly decreased renal function and oxidative stress while significantly enhancing antioxidants. Dexpanthenol improved stem cells by significantly down-regulating caspase-3, IL-6, TGF-β1, Fibronectin, and β-catenin and significantly up-regulating Bcl2 and CD34, which reversed the cisplatin effect.

Conclusion

Dexpanthenol enhanced ADMSCs' ability to protect against cisplatin-induced AKI by decreasing inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis.

Xuebijing injection protects sepsis induced myocardial injury by mediating TLR4/NF-κB/IKKα and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways

OBJECTIVE

Compelling evidence has demonstrated that Xuebijing (XBJ) exerted protective effects against SIMI. The aims of this study were to investigate whether TLR4/IKKα-mediated NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 pathways were involved in XBJ's cardio-protection during sepsis and the mechanisms.

METHODS

In this study, rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Sham group; CLP group; XBJ group. Rats were treated with XBJ or sanitary saline after CLP. Echocardiography, myocardial enzymes and HE were used to detect cardiac function. IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were measured using ELISA kits. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis were tested by TUNEL staining. The protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Cleaved-Caspase 3, Cleaved-Caspase 9, Cleaved-PARP, TLR4, p-NF-κB, p-IKKα, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in the myocardium were assayed by western blotting. And finally, immunofluorescence was used to assess the level of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in heart tissue.

RESULTS

The results of echocardiography, myocardial enzyme and HE test showed that XBJ could significantly improve SIMI. The IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum were markedly lower in the XBJ group than in the CLP group (p<0.05). TUNEL staining's results showed that XBJ ameliorated CLP-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Meanwhile, XBJ downregulated the protein levels of Bax, Cleaved-Caspase 3, Cleaved-Caspase 9, Cleaved-PARP, TLR4, p-NF-κB, p-IKKα, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, as well as upregulated the protein levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In here, we observed that XBJ's cardioprotective advantages may be attributable to its ability to suppress inflammation and apoptosis via inhibiting the TLR4/ IKKα-mediated NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 pathways during sepsis.

Dexpanthenol ameliorates doxorubicin-induced lung injury by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis

Doxorubicin (DOX), which is used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of tumors, has limited use due to its toxicity in various organs and tissues. One of the organs where DOX has a toxic effect is the lung. DOX shows this effect by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Dexpanthenol (DEX), a homologue of pantothenic acid, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Therefore, the purpose of our investigation was to explore how DEX could counteract the harmful effects of DOX on the lungs. Thirty-two rats were used in the study, and 4 groups were formed (control, DOX, DOX + DEX, and DEX). In these groups, parameters of inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and spectrophotometric methods. In addition, lung tissue was evaluated histopathologically in the groups. While CHOP/GADD153, caspase-12, caspase-9, and Bax gene expressions increased in the DOX group, Bcl-2 gene expression levels significantly decreased. In addition, changes in Bax and Bcl-2 were supported immunohistochemically. There was a significant increase in oxidative stress parameters and a significant decrease in antioxidant levels. In addition, an increase in inflammatory marker (TNF-α and IL-10) levels was determined. There was a decrease in CHOP/GADD153, caspase-12, caspase-9, and Bax gene expressions and an increase in Bcl-2 gene expression in the DEX-treated group. In addition, it was determined that there was a decrease in oxidative stress levels and inflammatory findings. The curative effect of DEX was supported by histopathological findings. As a result, it was experimentally determined that DEX has a healing effect on oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in lung damage caused by DOX toxicity.