[Correlation analysis of age and microbial characteristics in saliva and feces of high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer]

Objective: To explore the correlation between age and diversity and microbial composition in saliva and feces microbiota in high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: Based on the national project on early diagnosis and early treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancer, 38 participants were enrolled in Linzhou in Henan province in August 2019. The participant information was collected by questionnaire. Saliva and feces specimens were collected from each participant for 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between age and α diversity (Observed ASVs and Shannon index) and relative abundance of microbiota (phyla, genera, and species) in saliva and feces. Results: The median age (age range) of 38 participants was 54 (43-60) years old, and there were 16 males (42.1%). The Observed ASVs of saliva was negatively correlated with age (r_s=-0.35, P<0.05), but the observed ASVs of feces was not correlated with age. In saliva, the relative abundance of Treponema (r_s=‒0.44, P<0.05), Alloprevotella (r_s=‒0.42, P<0.05), and Porphyromonas (r_s=‒0.41,P<0.05) were significantly negatively correlated with age. At the species level, the relative abundance of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Alloprevotella tannerae, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella bovoculi, Prevotella sp.oral clone ID019, and Prevotella sp.oral clone ASCG10 in saliva were significantly negatively correlated with age, and the r_s values were -0.50, -0.40, -0.38, -0.35, -0.33 and -0.33 (P<0.05), respectively. In feces, the relative abundance of Enterobacteria (r_s=-0.35, P<0.05), Escherichia (r_s=-0.33, P<0.05), and Bifidobacteria (r_s=0.33, P<0.05) were correlated with age. At the species level, the relative abundance of Romboutsia sedimentorum, Citrobacter murliniae, and bacteroides uniformis in feces were correlated with age, and the r_s values were -0.42, -0.37 and 0.36 (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Age of the high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer is correlated with the relative abundance of microbiota in saliva and feces.

Safety and efficacy of meplazumab in healthy volunteers and COVID-19 patients: a randomized phase 1 and an exploratory phase 2 trial

Recent evidence suggests that CD147 serves as a novel receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Blocking CD147 via anti-CD147 antibody could suppress the in vitro SARS-CoV-2 replication. Meplazumab is a humanized anti-CD147 IgG2 monoclonal antibody, which may effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of meplazumab in healthy subjects, and an open-labeled, concurrent controlled add-on exploratory phase 2 study to determine the efficacy in COVID-19 patients. In phase 1 study, 59 subjects were enrolled and assigned to eight cohorts, and no serious treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) or TEAE grade ≥3 was observed. The serum and peripheral blood Cmax and area under the curve showed non-linear pharmacokinetic characteristics. No obvious relation between the incidence or titer of positive anti-drug antibody and dosage was observed in each cohort. The biodistribution study indicated that meplazumab reached lung tissue and maintained >14 days stable with the lung tissue/cardiac blood-pool ratio ranging from 0.41 to 0.32. In the exploratory phase 2 study, 17 COVID-19 patients were enrolled, and 11 hospitalized patients were involved as concurrent control. The meplazumab treatment significantly improved the discharged (P = 0.005) and case severity (P = 0.021), and reduced the time to virus negative (P = 0.045) in comparison to the control group. These results show a sound safety and tolerance of meplazumab in healthy volunteers and suggest that meplazumab could accelerate the recovery of patients from COVID-19 pneumonia with a favorable safety profile.

[Status of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use in areas with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China: a multi-center cross-sectional survey]

Objective: To describe the status of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use in areas with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China. Methods: This study was based on the National Key Research and Development Program of "National Precision Medicine Cohort of Esophageal Cancer" and "Study on Identification and Prevention of High-risk Populations of Gastrointestinal Malignancies (Esophageal cancer, Gastric cancer and Colorectal cancer)" . From January 2017 to August 2018, 212 villages or communities with a high incidence of esophageal cancer or gastric cancer were selected from 12 regions in 6 provinces. A total of 35 910 residents aged between 40 and 69 years old who met the inclusion criteria and signed the informed consent were investigated and enrolled in this study. The use of NSAIDs, demographic characteristics, health-related habits, height, weight, and blood pressure were collected by the questionnaire and physical examination. The status of main NSAIDs (aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen) use with the difference varying in genders, age groups and regions were analyzed by using χ(2) test and Cochran-Armitage trend analysis method. Results: Of 35 910 subjects, the mean age was (54.6±7.1) years old and males accounted for 43.42% (15 591). The overall prevalence of NSAIDs intake was 4.56% (1 638), but it significantly varied in different provinces (P<0.001). The overall prevalence of NSAIDs intake was 4.87% (1 750) in females, which was significantly higher than that in males 4.24% (1 524) (P<0.001). The prevalence of NSAIDs intake increased with age (P for trend <0.001). As the frequency of NSAIDs intake increased, the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, gastrointestinal ulcers and black stools increased (P for trend <0.05 for all). Conclusion: The use of NSAIDs is prevalent in some areas with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China. The increased use of NSAIDs may lead to more adverse effects related to the gastrointestinal tract.

[Analysis of psychological status and relevant factors of patients with esophageal and gastric cardia precancerous lesions in Linzhou of Henan]

Objective: To explore the psychological status and related factors in patients with precancerous of esophageal and gastric cardia in Linzhou of Henan. Methods: Clinical psycho-rating scale of Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS, score ≥50 points with symptoms of anxiety) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS, score ≥53 points with the symptoms of depression) were applied to survey life events and psychological status of subjects who aged 40-69 years old and participated in"The Early diagnosis and Early Treatment"program in Linzhou cancer hospital from July 2015 to Jan 2016. Patients with lower intraepithelial neoplasia or high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were selected as precancerous lesions (n=118), and patients with normal grade were selected as healthy controls (n=210). Compare the differences of the scores between the two groups, and the logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of precancerous lesions and psychological status of the study subjects. Results: Precancerous lesions included esophageal (72 cases), gastric cardia (40 cases), esophageal and cardia dual source (6 cases); Precancerous lesions and healthy controls aged (57.17±7.71) and (53.12±7.99) years old, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The anxiety and depression scale showed that the scores of SAS and SDS scores in the precancerous lesions were (37.18±10.01), (40.44±8.37) points, and (34.02±6.63), (38.49±8.73) points in control group, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.002, 0.032). While the social support total score (38.26±5.26), and subjective support score (24.08±3.83) and objective support score (7.50±1.89) in control group were all higher than those of precancerous group (36.80±6.18, 23.01±3.93, 6.93±1.57), and the difference were statistically significant (P=0.024, 0.016, 0.004). In addition, the Logistic analysis showed that subjects with low objective social support, subjective social support and anxiety symptoms were more likely to develop precancerous lesions, and the OR were 0.81, 0.72 and 1.05, respectively (P=0.028, 0.005, 0.009). Conclusion: Social support, anxiety and depression status may be related to the occurrence and development of esophageal and gastric cardia precancerous lesions.

Modulation of Tim-3 Expression by Antigen-Dependent and -Independent Factors on T Cells from Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) was up-regulated on viral specific T cells and contributed to T cells exhaustion during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, modulation of Tim-3 expression was still not fully elucidated. To evaluate the potential viral and inflammatory factors involved in the inductor of Tim-3 expression on T cells, 76 patients with chronic HBV infection (including 40 chronic hepatitis B [CHB] and 36 asymptomatic HBV carriers [AsC]) and 40 of normal controls (NCs) were enrolled in this study. Tim-3 expressions on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were assessed in response to HBV-encoding antigens, HBV peptide pools, and common γ-chain (γc) cytokines stimulation by flow cytometry. HBV peptides and anti-CD3/CD28 directly induced Tim-3 expression on T cells. γc cytokines also drive Tim-3 up-regulations on both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, γc cytokines did not enhance the Tim-3 inductions by either anti-CD3/CD28 or HBV peptides stimulation. Furthermore, γc cytokines-mediated Tim-3 induction could not be abrogated by γc cytokine receptor-neutralizing antibodies. The current results suggested that elevation of Tim-3 expression on T cells could be regulated by both antigen-dependent and -independent manner in patients with chronic HBV infection. The role of γc cytokines in modulation of inhibitory pathway might be evaluated as immunotherapies in humans.

Notch Signaling Contributes to Liver Inflammation by Regulation of Interleukin-22-Producing Cells in Hepatitis B Virus Infection

The mechanism of hepatitis B virus (HBV) induced liver inflammation is not fully elucidated. Notch signaling augmented interleukin (IL)-22 secretion in CD4+ T cells, and Notch-IL-22 axis fine-tuned inflammatory response. We previously demonstrated a proinflammatory role of IL-22 in HBV infection. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the role of Notch in development of IL-22-producing cells in HBV infection by inhibition of Notch signaling using γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT in both hydrodynamic induced HBV-infected mouse model and in peripheral blood cells isolated from patients with HBV infection. mRNA expressions of Notch1 and Notch2 were significantly increased in livers and CD4+ T cells upon HBV infection. Inhibition of Notch signaling in vivo leaded to the reduction in NKp46+ innate lymphoid cells 22 (ILC22) and lymphoid tissue inducer 4 (LTi4) cells in the liver. This process was accompanied by downregulating the expressions of IL-22 and related proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the liver, as well as blocking the recruitment of antigen-non-specific inflammatory cells into the liver and subsequent liver injury, but did not affect HBV antigens production and IL-22 secretion in the serum. Furthermore, IL-22 production in HBV non-specific cultured CD4+ T cells, but not HBV-specific CD4+ T cells, was reduced in response to in vitro inhibition of Notch signaling. In conclusion, Notch siganling appears to be an important mediator of the liver inflammation by modulating hepatic ILC22. The potential proinflammatory effect of Notch-mediated ILC22 may be significant for the development of new therapeutic approaches for treatment of hepatitis B.

Role of Th1/Th2 cytokines in serum on the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C and the outcome of interferon therapy

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of T-helper cell (Th)1/Th2 cytokines in the chronicity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the outcome of interferon (IFN) alpha therapy. A total of 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in the study. The levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines were determined. The differentiation of HCV genotypes was determined by direct sequencing. HCV RNA loads were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In chronic hepatitis C, the levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β significantly decreased, and IL-5 and IL-18 levels increased compared with normal controls. The IL-6 serum levels were directly proportional to the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, and were inversely proportional to the HCV RNA loading levels. Patients with severe hepatitis C had higher levels of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-1β compared to milder cases. Patients with genotype 1 showed higher serum levels of IL-6 than those with genotype 2. The levels of IL-2 and IL-18 showed a decreasing tendency, whereas TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-1β showed an increasing tendency over time. There was no difference in any cytokines detected between the response and nonresponse groups before IFN therapy. However, the IFN-y level increased after IFN therapy in the response group. There was no correlation between the Th1/Th2 cytokine levels in the serum before IFN treatment and in the outcome of IFN therapy. Increasing IFN-y levels in the serum induced by IFN treatment is associated with systemic vascular resistance.

Role of Nogo‑A in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC‑7721 cell apoptosis

Nogo-A has been identified as an inhibitor of neurite outgrowth specific to the central nervous system. However, little is known about the role of Nogo-A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to investigate the role of endogenous Nogo-A in human liver cancer cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of Nogo-A in four liver cancer cell lines. A lentivirus vector was then constructed to mediate RNA interference (RNAi) targeting of Nogo‑A (LV‑Nogo-A‑siRNA) and was confirmed to successfully suppress the expression of the Nogo-A gene in SMMC-7721 cells. Furthermore, Nogo-A was observed to be highly expressed in liver cancer cell lines. RNAi of Nogo-A using the LV‑Nogo-A‑siRNA construct significantly decreased Nogo-A protein expression and specifically inhibited the growth of SMMC-7721 cells. This growth inhibitory effect may be attributed to an increase in G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells containing Nogo-A‑siRNA. The results of this study demonstrate that Nogo-A may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of liver cancer, in addition to its potent roles in neural systems.

Meta-analysis of the short-term effects of lamivudine treatment for severe chronic hepatitis B

PURPOSE

To evaluate the short-term effect of lamivudine (LMV) treatment for severe chronic hepatitis B.

METHOD

Patient data related to the safety and efficacy of using lamivudine (LMV) to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced liver failure or severe hepatitis were acquired from previous literature. These studies were retrieved from PubMed, Ovid, SpringerLink, Biosis Previews, Academic Search Premier, ProQuest Medical Library, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Full-text Database, VIP Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedicine. Relative risk and weighted mean difference were used to measure the effects. The major predictors observed included total bilirubin (TBIL), prothrombin activity (PTA), survival rate, and HBV-DNA negative change rate. Groups were further divided according to the clinical course and disease staging.

RESULTS

A total of 242 studies were retrieved from the databases. At weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the treatment course, the survival rates and PTA of the test group were distinctively higher than those of the control group. However, TBIL concentrations in the test group were lower than the control group. The HBV-DNA negative change rate was distinctively higher throughout the 12 weeks of LMV treatment. For patients who started LMV treatment in the middle stage, the mortality rate of the test group was lower. For patients who started LMV treatment during the advanced stage, no significant difference was observed between the test and control groups.

CONCLUSION

LMV decreased HBV-DNA levels in the serum, improved liver function in patients, and enhanced survival rate during the early and medium stages of severe chronic hepatitis B.

MicroRNA-181b expression in prostate cancer tissues and its influence on the biological behavior of the prostate cancer cell line PC-3

We examined microRNA-181b (miRNA) expression in prostate cancer tissues and its effect on the prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Tissues from 27 cases of prostate cancer and 30 samples of normal human prostate were collected by surgical removal. Total miRNA was extracted, and the relative expression of miR-181b was quantified using RT-PCR. miR-181b ASO was transfected into prostate cancer PC-3 cells. miR-181b expression in transfected and non-transfected cells was measured using RT-PCR. Changes in cell apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry. MTT and cell growth curve methods were used to assess the influence of miR-181b expression on cell proliferation. The changes in cell invasive ability in vitro were detected using the Transwell chamber method. miR-181b was up-regulated in the prostate cancer tissues compared with the normal prostate samples. It was down-regulated after miR-181b ASO transfection into the prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Down-regulation of miR-181b in the PC-3 cell induced apoptosis, inhibited proliferation, and depressed invasion of PC-3 cells in vitro. As miR-181b is over-expressed in prostate cancer, its down-regulation could have potential as gene therapy for prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation and depressing invasion by cancer cells.

[Peg-IFNa-2a/RBV antiviral efficacy in cirrhotic hepatitis C patients after splenectomy or partial splenic embolization]

To investigate the antiviral efficacy of combination therapy with pegylated-interferon alpha (peg-IFNa)-2a and ribavirin (RBV) in hepatitis C patients with liver cirrhosis after splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. Forty-nine hepatitis C patients with liver cirrhosis who were unable to use antiviral therapy because of hypersplenism were recruited for study and treated with splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. Three months later, a regimen of antiviral combination therapy was initiated with peg-IFNa-2a (once-weekly subcutaneous injection: 135 μg or 180 μg) and RBV (daily oral: 800 to 1200 mg), and was maintained for 48 weeks. The patients were followed up at treatment weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. Thereafter, follow-up was conducted every four weeks. The patients were observed until 24 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Follow-up testing included liver function, blood chemistry, renal function, and HCV RNA level. Any adverse reactions were recorded. Liver cirrhosis patients complicated by hypersplenism can be treated effectively with peg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination antiviral therapy after splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. The antiviral-induced sustained viral response rates was 65.00% in cirrhotic/hypersplenic hepatitis C patients receiving splenectomy and 58.62% in those receiving partial splenic embolization. Hypersplenism patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis achieved a good antiviral therapeutic effect with peg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination therapy following splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. This sequence of treatment may help to decrease incidences of chronic hepatitis C-induced liver failure and liver cancer in these patients.

Construction and expression of chrimeid plasmid pHCV-IgFc

AIM

To construct a recombinant cherimal plasmid of HCV-Fc that can express HCV core protein and IgG Fc.

METHODS

The HCV core gene derived from the plasmid pBRTM/HCV1-3011 by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was inserted into the backward position of cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promotor element of Fc plasmid (pIgFc), then the recombinant plasmid pHCV-IgFc was obtained.

RESULTS

The insert DNA of pHCV-IgFc was HCV core and Fc gene conformed by endonuclease, PCR and sequencing. HCV core gene and Fc gene expressed transiently with Lipofectamine 2000 coated in human hepatoblastoma 7721 cells, which was conformed by immunofluorescence.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant cherimal plasmid vector pHCV-IgFc can express HCV core and Fc gene transiently in 7721 cells. It may be useful in transfection of dendritic cells and development into dendritic cell vaccince.

A small yeast RNA inhibits HCV IRES mediated translation and inhibits replication of poliovirus in vivo

AIM: To investigate the anti-virus infection activity of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) specific inhibitor RNA (IRNA).

METHODS: IRNA eukaryotic vector pcRz-IRNA or mIRNA eukaryotic vector pcRz-mIRNA was tansfected into human hepatocarcinoma cells (HHCC), then selected with neomycin G418 for 4 to 8 weeks, and then infected with polio virus vaccinas line. The cytopethogenesis effect was investigated and the cell extract was collected. At last the polio virus titer of different cells was determined by plaque assay.

RESULTS: Constitutive expression of IRNA was not detrimental to cell growth. HCV IRES-mediated cap-independent translation was markedly inhibited in cells constitutively expressing IRNA compared to control hepatoma cells. However, cap-dependent translation was not significantly affected in these cell line. Additionally, HHCC cells constitutively expressing IRNA became refractory to infection of polio virus.

CONCLUSION: IRES specific IRNA can inhibit HCV IRES mediated translation and poliovirus replication.

Intracellular immunization by hammerhead ribozyme against HCV

AIM: To evaluate the effect of hammerhead ribozyme 213 (Rz 213) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS: Rz213 cleaving 5'oncoding region (5'CR) of HCV was beforehand transfected in a human hepatic carcinoma cell (HHCC) line and selected for G418 resistance. Cells stably expressing Rz213 were retransfected with pCMVNCRluc containing 5扤CR-luc fusion genes by lipofectAMINE; luciferase activity in lysate of transfactant was measured in scintillation counter.

RESULTS: HHCC cells stably expressing Rz213 exhibited significant resistance to retransfection of targeting gene.

CONCLUSION: Stably transfected cells with Rz213 were selected and expressed in HHCC, and thus exerted the intracellular immunity against infection of HCV.

Inhibitory effect of IRES specific inhibitor RNA on HCV IRES mediated protein translation

AIM: To explore the inhibitory effect of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) specific inhibitor RNA (IRNA) on HCV IRES mediated protein translation in vivo.

METHODS: Human hepatic carcinoma cell line (HHCC) was transfected with the eukaryotic vectors of IRNA or mIRNA (pcRz-IRNA or pcRz-mIRNA), and then selected with G418 for 4 weeks. HHCC expressing IRNA or mIRNA was cotransfected with pCMVNCRluc containing HCV IRES. HHCC stably expressing pcHCVcluc was transfected with pcRz-IRNA, and pcRz-mIRNA, respectively, the luciferase activity was examined at desired time post-transfection.

RESULTS: The pCMVNCRluc was efficiently suppressed in HHCC expressing IRNA rather than the cell line expressing mIRNA. The IRES specific IRNA inhibited expression of HCV IRES mediated luc gene by 20% to 80% in pcHCVcluc expressing cell after transfection; However, no inhibitory effect of the mutant IRNA was observed.

CONCLUSION: pcHCVcluc could be expressed successfully in HHCC, and IRNA inhibited HCV IRES mediated gene expression in vivo.

Effect of DNA vaccine on anti-HCV infection in mice with subcutaneous inoculating tumor

AIM: To investigate the effect of DNA vaccine on infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in mice model of subcutaneous inoculating tumour of HCV -C.

METHODS: SP2/0 cell was transfected with pcDNAHCV-C with the lipofectamine and confirmed the ability to express the HCV-C antigen steadily, and then inoculated subcutaneously into Balb/c mice. The formed nodules were removed surgically and examined pathologically.

RESULTS: T lymphocytes infiltrated dominately in inoculated tumour; HCV-C antigin was mainly expressed in cytoplasm and membrane of Sp2/0 cell, and scarcely in nucleolus; The level of expression of HCV-C antigin in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group.

CONCLUSION: HCV-C DNA vaccine has the effect against HCV infection.

Construction, package and identification of replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus expression vector of HCV C

AIM: To construct a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus expression vector of HCV C.

METHODS: The HCV core gene was cloned at the downstream of CMV promoter of the adenoviral shuttle plasmid pAd. CMV-link. 1, and the resultant recombinant plasmid pAd. HCV-C was cotransfected into 293 cell together with plasmid pJM17 containing adenoviral genome, then the adenovirus expression vector was obtained, and identified by infecting test, electronic microscope observation and PCR co-amplification. The plasmid pAd. HCV-C was identified by endonuclease, PCR and sequencing. The expressive activity of adenovirus vector was identified by immunofluorescence and Western blot.

RESULTS: HCV core gene in the inserted DNA of pAd. HCV-C was confirmed by endonuclease, PCR and sequencing. Results of infecting test, electronic microscopic observation and PCR co-amplification showed that the adenovirus vector had been constructed successfully. Expression of HCV core antigen was proved in the HepG2 cells by immunofluorescence and Western blot.

CONCLUSION: The replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus vector can express HCV core antigen in HepG2 cells. This study established a foundation for further study on HCV vaccines and gene therapy for hepatitis C.

Effect of Oxymatrine on experimental liver fibrosis

AIM: To study the effect of Oxymatrine on liver fibrosis in immunogenic liver fibrosis rat model.

METHODS: Rat liver fibrosis model was induced by human serum albumin (HSA), 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, control group without any treatment, liver fibrosis model group, oxymatrine preventive group, oxymatrine therapeutic group, and cochicine therapeutic group. The pathological changes of liver were observed by HE and Von-Gieson staining. The expressions of mRNA and proteins of collagen I/III in liver were determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: The liver fibrosis degree and level of mRNA and proteins of collagen I/III in the liver were significantly reduced in the decreasing order in oxymatrine preventive group, oxymatrine therapeutic group, and cochicine therapeutic group.

CONCLUSION: Oxymatrine may inhibit hepatic inflammation and hepatic synthesis of collagen I/III, and thus prevent and inhibit hepatic fibrosis.

Effect of Chinese herb Shuangjiawuling on expression of TIMPs in rat with liver fibrosis

AIM: To explore the effect of Chinese herb Shuangjiawuling in preventing hepatic fibrosis in rat with liver fibrosis.

METHODS: Rat immunogenic liver fibrosis model was induced by administration human serum albumin (HSA 200 g/L) intravenously, 80 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Shuangjiawuling was taken orally simultaneously with (group A), immediately after (group B), or 3 months after (group C) administration of HAS intravenously. Colchine tablets were taken orally with the administration of HAS (group D), normal rats were used as control (Group E). The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by HE and Von-Gieson staining. The hepatic mRNA and protein of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were analyzed by in site hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Hepatic fibrosis developed gradually and became obviously on the third month after administration of HAS. And strong expressions of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were observed, however, its expression and hepatic fibrosis were reduced dramatically following administration of Shuangjiawuling and colchine tablets. The effect of Shuangjiawuling in preventing fibrosis was superior to that of colchine tablets (P<0.05), and its effect in group A, B, and C decreased in order.

CONCLUSION: Chinese herb Shuangjiawuling can inhibit the development of hepatic fibrosis and the expression of TIMPs, and promoted the effect of the degradation of the extracellular matrix.