Astragaloside IV targeting autophagy of T cells improves inflammation of asthma

Astragaloside IV (AST) has been confirmed to have antiasthmatic effects. However, the underline mechanism is unclear. The study aimed to explore the treatment mechanism of AST based on autophagy of memory T cells. AST treatment significantly decreased the number of T effector cells in asthma mice blood and the nude mice that received AST-treated TCMs had relieved inflammation compared with the untreated group; meanwhile, we found that AST significantly decreased the autophagy level and inhibited OX40/OX40L signal pathway of lymphocytes. The results highlighted that AST regulated autophagy to inhibit differentiation of effector T-cell phenotype.

Apigenin ameliorates non-eosinophilic inflammation, dysregulated immune homeostasis and mitochondria-mediated airway epithelial cell apoptosis in chronic obese asthma via the ROS-ASK1-MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND

Obese asthma is one of the important asthma phenotypes that have received wide attention in recent years. Excessive oxidative stress and different inflammatory endotypes may be important reasons for the complex symptoms, frequent aggravation, and resistance to traditional treatments of obese asthma. Apigenin (API), is a flavonoid natural small molecule compound with good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in various diseases and proved to have the potential efficacy to combat obese asthma.

METHODS

In vivo, this study fed C57BL/6 J mice with high-fat diets(HFD)for 12 weeks and then stimulated them with OVA for 6 weeks to establish a model of chronic obese asthma, while different doses of oral API or dexamethasone were used for therapeutic interventions. In vitro, this study used HDM to stimulate human bronchial cells (HBEs) to establish the model and intervened with API or Selonsertib (SEL).

RESULTS

This study clarified that OVAinduced a type of mixed granulocytic asthma with elevated neutrophils and eosinophils in obese male mice fed with long-term HFD, which also exhibited mixed TH17/TH1/TH2 inflammation. Apigenin effectively suppressed this complex inflammation and acted as a regulator of immune homeostasis. Meanwhile, apigenin reduced AHR, inflammatory cell infiltration, airway epithelial cell apoptosis, airway collagen deposition, and lung oxidative stress via the ROS-ASK1-MAPK pathway in an obese asthma mouse model. In vitro, this study found that apigenin altered the binding status of TRAF6 to ASK1, inhibited ASK1 phosphorylation, and protected against ubiquitin-dependent degradation of ASK1, suggesting that ROS-activated ASK1 may be an important target for apigenin to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. To further verify the intervention mechanism, this study clarified that apigenin improved cell viability and mitochondrial function and inhibited apoptosis by interfering with the ROS-ASK1-MAPK pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates for the first time the therapeutic effect of apigenin in chronic obese asthma and further clarifies its potential therapeutic targets. In addition, this study clarifies the specificity of chronic obese asthma and provides new options for its treatment.

Louki Zupa decoction attenuates the airway inflammation in acute asthma mice induced by ovalbumin through IL-33/ST2-NF-κB/GSK3β/mTOR signalling pathway

CONTEXT

Asthma is a common respiratory system disease. Louki Zupa decoction (LKZP), a traditional Chinese medicine, presents a promising efficacy against lung diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathogenic mechanism of asthma and reveal the intervention mechanism of LKZP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group (NC), ovalbumin (OVA)/saline asthma model group, OVA/LL group, OVA/LM group, OVA/LH group and OVA/DEX group (n = 8 per group). The asthmatic mice were modelled through intraperitoneal injecting and neutralizing OVA. LKZP decoction was administrated by gavage at the challenge stage for seven consecutive days (2.1, 4.2 and 8.4 g/kg/day). We investigated the change in lung function, airway inflammation, mucus secretion and TH-1/TH-2-related cytokines. We further verify the activated status of the IL-33/ST2/NF-κB/GSK3β/mTOR signalling pathway.

RESULTS

LKZP was proved to improve asthmatic symptoms, as evidenced by the down-regulated airway resistance by 36%, 58% and 53% (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 vs. OVA/saline group), up-regulated lung compliance by 102%, 114% and 111%, decreased airway inflammation and mucus secretion by 33%, 40% and 33% (p < 0.001 vs. OVA/saline group). Moreover, the content of cytokines in BALF related to airway allergy (such as IgE) and T helper 1/T helper 2 cells (like IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α and IFN-γ), were also markedly reduced by 13-65% on LKZP intervention groups compared with model group. Mechanistic research revealed that the IL-33/ST2-NF-κB/GSK3β/mTOR signalling pathway was activated in the OVA/saline group and LKZP significantly down-regulated this pathway.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

LKZP improves lung function, airway inflammation, mucus secretion and correct immune imbalance by intervening with the IL-33/ST2-NF-κB/GSK3β/mTOR signalling pathway, presenting a promising therapeutic choice for asthma.

Baicalin ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation in rats by modulating HDAC2/NF-κB/PAI-1 signalling

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease distinguished by airway remodelling and progressive inflammation. PAI-1 is an important regulator of fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that PAI-1 seems to be involved in COPD progression. Elevated levels of PAI-1 have been found in the lungs of patients with acute inflammation. PAI-1 has been shown to regulate the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, indicating that PAI-1 may play a fundamental role during inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory role of baicalin, the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, against cigarette smoke (extract) (CS/CSE)-induced airway inflammation in vivo and in vitro. For the in vivo study, SD rats were exposed to CS for 1 h/day, 6 days/week, for 24 weeks and treated with baicalin (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg) or budesonide (0.2 mg/kg). For this study, HBE cells were pretreated with baicalin (10, 20, 40 μM) or dexamethasone (10^-7 M) and then exposed to CSE. We found that baicalin treatment could ameliorate CS-induced airway inflammatory infiltration in rats and decrease PAI-1 expression. The ELISA results showed that baicalin significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in CS/CSE-exposed rats and cells. Mechanistic studies showed that baicalin enhanced histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) protein expression and inhibited the expression of NF-κB and its downstream target PAI-1, and these effects were reversed by the HDAC2 inhibitor CAY-10683. In conclusion, baicalin ameliorated CS-induced airway inflammation in rats, and these effects were partially attributed to the modulation of HDAC2/NF-κB/PAI-1 signalling.

Transcriptomic alterations underline aging of osteogenic bone marrow stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Multipotent bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are adult stem cells that form functional osteoblasts and play a critical role in bone remodeling. During aging, an increase in bone loss and reduction in structural integrity lead to osteoporosis and result in an increased risk of fracture. We examined age-dependent histological changes in murine vertebrae and uncovered that bone loss begins as early as the age of 1 mo.

AIM

To identify the functional alterations and transcriptomic dynamics of BMSCs during early bone loss.

METHODS

We collected BMSCs from mice at early to middle ages and compared their self-renewal and differentiation potential. Subsequently, we obtained the transcriptomic profiles of BMSCs at 1 mo, 3 mo, and 7 mo.

RESULTS

The colony-forming and osteogenic commitment capacity showed a comparable finding that decreased at the age of 1 mo. The transcriptomic analysis showed the enrichment of osteoblastic regulation genes at 1 mo and loss of osteogenic features at 3 mo. The BMSCs at 7 mo showed enrichment of adipogenic and DNA repair features. Moreover, we demonstrated that the WNT and MAPK signaling pathways were upregulated at 1 mo, followed by increased pro-inflammatory and apoptotic features.

CONCLUSION

Our study uncovered the cellular and molecular dynamics of bone aging in mice and demonstrated the contribution of BMSCs to the early stage of age-related bone loss.

Small molecules for mesenchymal stem cell fate determination

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells harboring self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential that are capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, adipocytes, or chondrocytes in vitro, and regulating the bone marrow microenvironment and adipose tissue remodeling in vivo. The process of fate determination is initiated by signaling molecules that drive MSCs into a specific lineage. Impairment of MSC fate determination leads to different bone and adipose tissue-related diseases, including aging, osteoporosis, and insulin resistance. Much progress has been made in recent years in discovering small molecules and their underlying mechanisms control the cell fate of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarize recent findings in applying small molecules to the trilineage commitment of MSCs, for instance, genistein, medicarpin, and icariin for the osteogenic cell fate commitment; isorhamnetin, risedronate, and arctigenin for pro-adipogenesis; and atractylenolides and dihydroartemisinin for chondrogenic fate determination. We highlight the underlying mechanisms, including direct regulation, epigenetic modification, and post-translational modification of signaling molecules in the AMPK, MAPK, Notch, PI3K/AKT, Hedgehog signaling pathways etc. and discuss the small molecules that are currently being studied in clinical trials. The target-based manipulation of lineage-specific commitment by small molecules offers substantial insights into bone marrow microenvironment regulation, adipose tissue homeostasis, and therapeutic strategies for MSC-related diseases.

Acupuncture Regulates the Balance of CD4+ T Cell Subtypes in Experimental Asthma Mice

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the involvement of different CD4⁺ T cell subtypes in the anti-asthmatic effects of acupuncture in asthmatic mice.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were challenged by ovalbumin (OVA) for the establishment of experimental asthma model. Mice were divided into 4 groups by a random number table including the normal control, asthma model, acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups (14 per group). Acupoints Dazhui (GV 14), bilateral Fengmen (BL 12) and Feishu (BL 13) were selected for manual acupuncture treatment every other day for 4 weeks and Huantiao (GB 30) was selected for sham acupuncture. Airway hyperresponsiveness was examined by Buxco Pulmonary System. Pulmonary histopathology analysis was performed for inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion by haematoxylin eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiffstaining. Inflammatory mediators assays of serum were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Bio-Plex. CD4⁺ T cell subpopulations including the expression levels of important factors in T lymphocyte polarization in lung tissue were examined by flow cytometric and Western blot analyses. Related pathways were detected by Western blot assay.

RESULTS

Compared with the OVA-induced asthma model group, acupuncture could attenuate airway hyperresponsiveness, inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, acupuncture increased the expressions of T-bet and Foxp3⁺, the cell numbers of CD4⁺ interferon gamma (IFN-γ)⁺ and CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ in lung tissue and the level of Treg type cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 in serum (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Meanwhile, acupuncture reduced the RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) level, the cell numbers of CD4⁺ IL-17A⁺ as well as the levels of IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A in serum (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, both acupuncture and sham acupuncture could inhibit the phosphorylation of p38 and p44/42 (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture could alleviate allergic airway inflammation by strengthening the activities of Th1 and Treg, thus regulating the balance of CD4⁺ T cell subtypes in experimental asthmatic mice.

Astragaloside IV inhibits lung cancer progression and metastasis by modulating macrophage polarization through AMPK signaling

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in cancer progression and metastasis, making M2 polarization of TAMs an ever more appealing target for therapeutic intervention. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a saponin component isolated from Astragali radix, has been reported to inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer, but its effects on TAMs during lung cancer progression have not been investigated.

METHODS

Human THP-1 monocytes were induced to differentiate into M2 macrophages through treatments with IL-4, IL-13, and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). We used the lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299 cultured in conditioned medium from M2 macrophages (M2-CM) to investigate the effects of AS-IV on tumor growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells. Macrophage subset distribution, M1 and M2 macrophage-associated markers, and mRNA expression were analyzed by flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. The activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways that mediate M2-CM-promoted tumor migration was detected using western blotting.

RESULTS

Here we found that AS-IV significantly inhibited IL-13 and IL-4-induced M2 polarization of macrophages, as illustrated by reduced expression of CD206 and M2-associated genes, and that AS-IV suppressed the M2-CM-induced invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of A549 and H1299 cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that AS-IV greatly inhibited tumor growth and reduced the number of metastases of Lewis lung cancer. The percentage of M2 macrophages was decreased in tumor tissue after AS-IV treatment. Furthermore, AS-IV inhibited AMPKα activation in M2 macrophages, and silencing of AMPKα partially abrogated the inhibitory effect of AS-IV.

CONCLUSIONS

AS-IV reduced the growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of lung cancer by blocking the M2 polarization of macrophages partially through the AMPK signaling pathway, which appears to play an important role in AS-IV's ability to inhibit the metastasis of lung cancer.

Selective growth of two-dimensional phosphorene on catalyst surface

Although the study of black phosphorene (BP) and its isomers has attracted enormous attention, the method of synthesizing high-quality samples in a large area is still pending. Here we explore the potential of using the chemical vapor deposition method to synthesize large-area two-dimensional (2D) phosphorene films on metal surfaces. Our ab initio calculations show that BP can be synthesized by using tin (Sn) as a catalyst, while one of its isomers, blue phosphorene (BLP), is very possible to be synthesized by using most other metals, such as Ag and Au. Besides, our study also suggests that the large binding energy between the 2D phosphorene and the active metal substrate may prohibit the exfoliation of the 2D phosphorene for real applications and, therefore, tin, silver and gold are predicted to be the most suitable catalysts for the synthesis of BP and BLP.

Enamel matrix proteins regulate hypoxia-induced cellular biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells

Hypoxia is a crucial microenvironment for inflamed periodontal tissue and periodontal wound healing. Enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) potentially can promote the formation of new periodontium. The effects of EMPs on periodontal ligament cells under hypoxia, however, remain unclear. We investigated the effects of EMPs on cellular biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under hypoxia. Under cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)-induced hypoxia, cellular biobehavior of hPDLCs, including proliferation, attachment, spreading, and migration with or without EMPs, was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell counting, spreading area measurement and wound scratch assay. The osteogenic activity of hPDLCs was assessed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S staining (ARS). The expressions of osteogenic genes including runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), ALP, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen type I (Col-I) were detected using real time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry assays. The biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs were inhibited significantly under hypoxia. EMPs have no effect on cell proliferation under mimicked hypoxia. EMPs partly reversed the inhibitory effects of hypoxia, however, for other cellular biobehavior including attachment, spreading and migration, and markedly up-regulated osteogenic differentiation activities including ALP, mineralization ability and the expressions of osteogenic genes such as Runx2, ALP, osteocalcin, and collagen type I in hPDLCs under hypoxia. EMPs attenuate the hypoxic injury to cellular biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation in hPDLCs under hypoxia.

Glucose transporter-1 as an independent prognostic marker for cancer: a meta-analysis

Objective

Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) as the major glucose transporter present in human cells is found overexpressed in a proportion of human malignancies. This meta-analysis is attempted to assess the prognostic significance of GLUT-1 for survival in various cancers.

Materials and Methods

We conducted an electronic search using the databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, from inception to Oct 20th, 2016. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Fourty-one studies with a total of 4794 patients were included. High GLUT-1 expression was significantly associated with poorer prognosis [overall survival: HR = 1.833 (95% CI: 1.597–2.069, P < 0.0001); disease-free survival: HR = 1.838 (95% CI: 1.264–2.673, P < 0.0001); progression-free survival: HR = 2.451 (95% CI: 1.668–3.233, P < 0.0001); disease specific survival: HR = 1.96 (95% CI: 1.05–2.871, P < 0.0001)].

Conclusions

High GLUT-1 expression may be an independent prognostic marker to predict poor survival in various types of cancers. Further clinical trials with high quality need to be conducted to confirm our conclusion.

Moxibustion upregulates hippocampal progranulin expression

In China, moxibustion is reported to be useful and has few side effects for chronic fatigue syndrome, but its mechanisms are largely unknown. More recently, the focus has been on the wealth of information supporting stress as a factor in chronic fatigue syndrome, and largely concerns dysregulation in the stress-related hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of moxibustion on behavioral symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome rats and examine possible mechanisms. Rats were subjected to a combination of chronic restraint stress and forced swimming to induce chronic fatigue syndrome. The acupoints Guanyuan (CV4) and Zusanli (ST36, bilateral) were simultaneously administered moxibustion. Untreated chronic fatigue syndrome rats and normal rats were used as controls. Results from the forced swimming test, open field test, tail suspension test, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot assay showed that moxibustion treatment decreased mRNA expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus, and adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone levels in plasma, and markedly increased progranulin mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that moxibustion may relieve the behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, at least in part, by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and upregulating hippocampal progranulin.

Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formulae suppress chronic airway inflammation and regulate Th17/Treg imbalance in the murine ovalbumin asthma model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formulae (BSYQF) are frequently used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases in the respiratory system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the regulatory effect of BSYQF on T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells in murine ovalbumin (OVA) asthma model remains poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) standardized BSYQF on chronic airway inflammation and Th17/Treg imbalance in the murine OVA asthma model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The murine asthma model was induced by OVA sensitization and challenge and BSYQF was oral administrated. 24h after last OVA exposure, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine (Mch) was assessed, and inflammatory cell counts and classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analysed. Histopathological evaluation of the lung tissue was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Th17 and Treg associated cytokine levels in serum and BALF as well as transcription factors expression in the lung tissue were measured by ELISA, Bio-Plex and western blot assay. We also analysed the CD4(+)RORγt(+) and CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells in BALF and spleen by flow cytometric analysis.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that oral administration of BSYQF inhibited the markedly increased AHR and lung inflammation (p<0.05), resulted in a dramatic reduction in total inflammatory cells as well as neutrophils (Neu), lymphocytes (Lym), monocytes (Mon), eosinophils (Eos) and basophils (Bas) of OVA-induced asthmatic mice (p<0.05). Furthermore, BSYQF treatment caused a distinct reduction in IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A levels in serum (p<0.05), and induced a significant improvement in IL-6 and IL-10 as well as a marked decrease in TGF-β1 and IL-17A levels in BALF of OVA-induced asthmatic mice (p<0.05). Mice in BSYQF treated groups also had decreased RORγt and increased Foxp3 expression in the lung tissue (p<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that CD4(+)RORγt(+) T cells elevated markedly and CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells decreased prominently in BALF and spleen in murine OVA asthma model (p<0.05), and BSYQF and DEX treatment lead to an obvious reduction in CD4(+)RORγt(+) T cells in BALF (p<0.05) but not in spleen. BSYQF and DEX treatment resulted in an obvious elevation in CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells in BALF and spleen (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results demonstrated that BSYQF could suppress chronic airway inflammation and regulate Th17/Treg imbalance by inhibition of Th17 and enhancement of Treg functions in the murine OVA asthma model, which may help to elucidate the underlying regulatory mode of BSYQF on asthma treatment.

Social defeat stress promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/matrix metalloproteinase signaling in a mouse model of lung carcinoma

Numerous epidemiological and experimental animal studies have indicated that chronic psychological stress may promote tumor development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress promotes tumorigenesis remain to be fully elucidated and animal models have not yet been well established. In the present study, an established mouse model of repeated social defeat stress (RSDS), was generated and used to investigate the effect of stress on tumor growth and metastasis. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to RSDS for 10 days, followed by subcutaneousl inoculation with Lewis lung carcinoma cells for seven days. The tumor weight and volume as well as the number of the lung metastatic nodules were then determined. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels were measured using ELISAs. In addition, expression levels of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) messenger (m)RNA were confirmed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, protein expression levels of phosphorlyated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were examined using western blot analysis. The results showed that RSDS significantly increased the weight and the volume of the primary tumor as well as the number of the lung metastatic nodules. Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in the tumor-stress group compared with those of the unstressed tumor mice. In addition, tumors in stressed animals demonstrated markedly enhanced expression of VEGFR-2 and L1CAM mRNA as well as pERK, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression. In conclusion, these results suggested that RSDS contributed to lung cancer progression, angiogenesis and metastasis, which was partially associated with increased VEGF secretion and therefore the activation of the ERK signaling pathway, resulting in the induction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression.

Pharmacological investigation of a HPLC/MS standardized three herbal extracts containing formulae (Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi-Tang) on airway inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in asthmatic mice

Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi-Tang (BSYQT) which is prescribed on the basis of clinical experience is commonly used in clinic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for asthma treatment. The components of BSYQT include Radix Astragali (RA), Herba Epimedii (HE) and Radix Rehmanniae (RR). The aim of this study was to screen extracts of BSYQT with best anti-inflammatory activity in asthmatic mice, and separate and identify the chemical compounds in them. Our results suggested that 60% ethanol extract of herbs (H60) and granules (G60) of BSYQT were the two extracts with best anti-inflammatory activity and effects of H60 were a little better than that of G60. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS) analysis of the major chemical compounds of H60 and G60 revealed that 56 and 42 peaks were identified separately in H60 and G60. Further analysis revealed that 38 compounds were identified shared by H60 and G60, and 18 compounds were only in H60. There were 25 compounds in HE, 6 compounds in RR and 7 compounds in RA in the 38 compounds shared by G60 and H60. These 38 chemical components were tentatively considered the material basis of the anti-inflammatory activity of G60 and H60. The differences in the amount of the 38 chemical components as well as the 18 chemical components only in H60 were tentatively considered responsible for the activity differences between H60 and G60. In conclusion, these results suggested that extracts of BSYQT had inhibitory effects on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice, and H60 and G60 demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory activity. The 38 chemical compounds shared by H60 and G60 were responsible for their anti-inflammatory activity in asthmatic mice, and the differences in chemical compounds contents and amounts between H60 and G60 were responsible for this activity differences. This work would provide support for further pharmacodynamic material basis study of BSYQT.

Flavonoid components in Scutellaria baicalensis inhibit nicotine-induced proliferation, metastasis and lung cancer-associated inflammation in vitro

The objective of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of flavonoid components in Scutellaria baicalensis on proliferation, metastasis and lung cancer-associated inflammation during nicotine induction in the A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines. After experimental period, augmentation of proliferation was observed, accompanied by marked decrease in apoptotic cells in nicotine-induced lung cancer cells; additionally, nicotine-exposed cells exhibited increased invasive and migratory abilities based on invasion and wound-healing assay. Flavones in Scutellaria, baicalin, baicalein and wogonin significantly counteracted the above deleterious changes. Moreover, assessment of tumor apoptotic and metastatic factors on mRNA levels by quantitative PCR and protein levels by western blotting revealed that these phytochemical treatments effectively negated nicotine-induced upregulated expression of bcl-2, bcl-2/bax ratio, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 as well as downregulated expression of bax. Further analysis of inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in cell culture supernatant and mRNA and protein expression of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and I kappa B-alpha (IκB-α) was carried out to substantiate the anti-inflammatory effect of flavones in Scutellaria in nicotine-exposed lung cancer cells. The therapeutic effects observed in the present study are attributed to the potent potential against proliferation, metastasis and inflammatory microenvironment by flavonoid components in Scutellaria in nicotine-induced lung cancer cells.

Acupuncture treatment of chronic low back pain reverses an abnormal brain default mode network in correlation with clinical pain relief

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture is gaining in popularity as a treatment for chronic low back pain (cLBP); however, its therapeutic mechanisms remain controversial, partly because of the absence of an objective way of measuring subjective pain. Resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) has demonstrated aberrant default mode network (DMN) connectivity in patients with chronic pain, and also shown that acupuncture increases DMN connectivity in pain-modulator and affective-emotional brain regions of healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to explore how cLBP influences the DMN and whether, and how, the altered DMN connectivity is reversed after acupuncture for clinical pain.

METHODS

RsfMRI data from 20 patients with cLBP, before and after 4 weeks of treatment, and 10 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (without treatment) were analysed using independent components analyses to determine connectivity within the DMN, and combined with correlation analyses to compute covariance between changes in DMN connectivity and changes in clinical pain. Visual analogue scale data were assessed to rate clinical pain levels.

RESULTS

Less connectivity within the DMN was found in patients with cLBP than in healthy controls, mainly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus and precuneus. After acupuncture, patients' connectivities were restored almost to the levels seen in healthy controls. Furthermore, reductions in clinical pain were correlated with increases in DMN connectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

This result suggests that modulation of the DMN by acupuncture is related to its therapeutic effects on cLBP. Imaging of the DMN provides an objective method for assessment of the effects of acupuncture-induced analgesia.

Efficacy of capecitabine and oxaliplatin regimen for extrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma following local treatments

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapeOx) for extrahepatic metastasis after local treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: Thirty-two patients with extrahepatic metastasis of HCC after local treatment were prospectively enrolled. The CapeOx regimen consisted of capecitabine 1000 mg/m² taken orally twice daily on days 1-14, and oxaliplatin was administered at a total dose of 100 mg/m² on day 1. The treatment was repeated every 3 wk until disease progression or unaccetablle toxicity. Efficacy and safety were assessable for all enrolled patients. The primary objective of this study was to assess the overall response rate. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the overall survival (OS), the time to tumor progression (TTP) and the toxicity profile of the combined strategy. TTP and OS were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences between the curves were analyzed using the log-rank test. The statistical software SPSS version 15.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States) was used for statistical analysis. All P values were 2-tailed, with statistical significance defined by P≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were assessable for efficacy and toxicity. The median follow-up duration was 15 mo (range, 12-20 mo). At the cut-off date of March 31, 2012, 27 patients died due to tumor progression and one patient died of myocardial infarction. Four patients were still alive (three patients with disease progression). OR was 21.9% (n = 7), the stabilization rate was 40.6% (n = 13), and the disease control rate was 62.5%. The responses lasted from 4 to 19 mo (median, 6 mo). Median TTP was 4.2 mo (95%CI: 2.5-7.4), and the median OS time was 9.2 mo (95%CI: 6.5-17.8). The 1-year survival rate was 43.6% (95%CI: 29.0-66.0). In a multivariate analysis, OS was significantly longer in patients with a Child-Pugh class A compared with class B patients (P = 0.014), with a median OS of 10.1 mo vs 5.4 mo, and there were trends towards longer OS (P = 0.065) in patients without portal vein tumor thrombosis. There were no significant effects of age, gender, performance status, cirrhosis, metastatic sites, and level of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) or hepatitis B virus-DNA on OS. Among the 22 patients with elevated AFP levels at baseline (≥ 400 ng/mL), the level fell by more than 50% during treatment in 6 patients (27.3%). The most frequent treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicities included leucopenia/neutropenia, transient elevation of aminotransferases, hand-foot syndrome and fatigue.

CONCLUSION: CapeOx showed modest anti-tumor activity in metastatic HCC. However, the manageable toxicity profile and the encouraging disease control rate deserve further study for these patients.

[The application of "preventive treatment theory" in chronic airway inflammatory disease]

Bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as chronic airway inflammatory diseases, seriously threaten the health of human beings. Chinese medicine has obvious advantages in prevention and treatment of them. "Preventive treatment theory" is a sort summarization of preventive medicine in Chinese medicine. The theory is not only reflected at the disease prevention levels, also embodied in the active treatment and the rehabilitation process. It was especially deep and colorfully embodied in the prevention and treatment of chronic airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma and COPD. In this paper,clarified were the prevention and treatment targets, ways of thinking and methods in different stages of asthma and COPD from various viewpoints including prevention before disease occurrence, treating disease at disease onset, preventing the aggravation once disease occurs, and consolidation after disease occurs. We hope to improve ways of thinking and prevention and treatment levels of bronchial asthma and COPD by Chinese medicine.

[An animal model establishment of social stress and its effect evaluation]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a social defeat stress model for simulating the human mental disease, thus laying a foundation for in-depth laboratory research on depression.

METHODS

Eight C57BL/6J mice (abbreviated as C57 mice) were recruited as the stress group. They were subject to psychological stress of social defeat for 10 successive days. Besides, another 8 C57 mice were selected as the normal control group (receiving no stress). The Noldus Ethovision was used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice. The date was acquired in the case of with or without aggressive CD-1 mice in the social defeat open field (SDOF), and it included the two groups of mice's trajectory in the SDOF and the first time of the two groups of mice's entry into the interactive area of the SDOF, the residence time of the two groups of mice in the interactive area of the SDOF, the first time of the two groups of mice's entry into the corner areas of the SDOF and the residence time of the two groups of mice in the corner areas of the SDOF. All data were used to analyze the changes in the behavior of the C57, mice, thus inferring the psychological changes of C57 mice.

RESULTS

The mice in the social stress group showed significant behavioral differences when compared with the normal control group. Their trajectories in the interactive area of the SDOF were significantly reduced. The trajectories of the mice in the social stress group were mainly distributed in the corner areas of the SDOF and its surrounding area within the smaller range. The residence time of mice in the social stress group in the interactive area of the SDOF was shortened (P < 0.05). The first time for the mice in the social stress group to enter the interactive area of the SDOF was extended (P < 0.05). Their residence time in the corner areas of the SDOF was shortened (P < 0.05). The first time for mice in the social stress group to enter the corner areas of the SDOF was extended (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

An animal model of depressive behavior can be established by social defeat stress, which was consistent with human depression.

[Analysis of 'treating different diseases by the same method' from aspect of theoretical research and clinical application of 'replenishing Qi and strengthening Shen']

Treating different diseases by the same method is one of the most important characteristics in Chinese medicine, and as the main principle of treatment it has been widely applied in Chinese clinics. Its clinical effect is clear. The integration of 'differentiation of diseases' and 'differentiation of syndrome' should be the prerequisite and basis of 'treating different diseases by the same method'. Only if different diseases have the same syndrome, the same treatment can be used on them. Replenishing qi and strengthening Shen is a widely used method that carries out 'treating different diseases by the same method'. It is indicated that the method of 'replenishing qi and strengthening Shen' has preferable effects on many diseases. Part of its mechanism is associated with the improvement of function of neuro-endocrine-immune network, and therefore, it has the clinical effect of 'adjustment of the whole and improvement of the part' on partial disorders. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uterine bleeding in puberty, anovulatory infertility, Kidney syndrome and aging, although they are attributed to different diseases and states, only if they have the syndrome of Shen deficiency, the principle of 'treating different diseases by the same method' and the method of 'replenishing qi 'and strengthening Shen' can be used effectively.

Effects of baicalin on airway remodeling in asthmatic mice

Airway remodeling is an important characteristic of asthma, linking inflammation with airway hyperresponsiveness. Baicalin, a major active component, was isolated from Radix Scutellariae. Many studies show that baicalin has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-allergic effects. Here we investigate the influence of baicalin on asthmatic airway remodeling and the mechanism underlining the anti-remodeling effect in vivo.Asthmatic airway remodeling mice model was established by ovalbumin exposure. Seventy female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups: blank, ovalbumin, hexadecadrol, control, and baicalin (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) groups. Pulmonary function was measured using a whole-body plethysmograph in conscious and unrestrained mice. The lung pathology was observed and measured. The production of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum was measured using enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay kits, and the expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p21ras were measured using Western blot. The results show that ovalbumin exposure significantly increased the expression of interleukin-13 in BALF and serum, and transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p21ras expressions in the lungs. Baicalin attenuated the effects of ovalbumin significantly.It can be concluded that baicalin has significant anti-remodeling effect on ovalbumin-induced asthmatic airway remodeling mice model by decreasing expression of transforming growth factor-β1, interleukin-13, and vascular endothelial growth factor and inhibiting the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway.

Airway inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in asthmatic adults with depression

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the features of airway inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) activity in patients with asthma accompanied by depression.

METHODS

Adult asthmatics were recruited and enrolled into one of the two groups based on scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD): asthmatics with depression (HAMD score ≥8, n = 23), and asthmatics without depression (HAMD score <8, n = 41). In addition, 27 healthy individuals and 21 adults with depression only were enrolled as controls. Induced sputum and blood samples were collected for measurement of cytokines and other inflammatory factors. The diurnal rhythm profiles of salivary cortisol and other hormones were obtained for assessment of the HPAA activity.

RESULTS

For the group of asthmatics with depression, the mean HAMD score was 19.0, and for the group of asthmatics without depression, the HAMD score averaged 4.9(p < .001). Serum and sputum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly higher in asthmatics with depression than those in the other groups (p < .05) while serum interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was lower in asthmatics with depression than that in the other groups (p < .05). Twenty-four-hour urinary cortisol, salivary cortisol at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. were lower in asthmatics with depression compared to other groups (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

As compared to healthy individuals and those with asthma or depression alone, individuals with comorbid depression and asthma showed the highest level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the lowest level of anti-inflammatory cytokines and cortisol. These observations may serve as a valuable reference for diagnosis and clinic therapies of depression in asthmatics.

Impact of psychosocial stress on airway inflammation and its mechanism in a murine model of allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

It has already been recognized that psychosocial stress evokes asthma exacerbation; however, the mechanism of how stress gets inside the body is not clear. This study aimed to observe the impact of psychosocial stress on airway inflammation and its mechanism in the ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice combined with social disruption stress.

METHODS

Thirty-six male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into: control group, asthma group (ovalbumin-induced), asthma plus social disruption stress group (SDR), and SDR group. The open field video tracking system was used to assess animal behaviors. The invasive pulmonary resistance (RL) and dynamic lung compliance (cdyn) test system from Buxco was applied to detect pulmonary function. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to determine OVA-IgE, T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and corticosterone in mouse serum, the Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-6, TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the supernatant of splenocytes cultured in vitro. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess airway inflammation in lung histology. The cell count kit-8 assay (CCK-8) was applied to evaluate the inhibitory effect of corticosterone on splenocyte proliferation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Real time-PCR and Western blotting were utilized to determine glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA and GR protein expression in lungs.

RESULTS

The open field test showed that combined allergen exposure and repeated stress significantly shortened the time the mice spent in the center of the open field (P < 0.01), increased ambulatory activity (P < 0.01) and the count of fecal boli (P < 0.01), but deceased vertical activity (P < 0.01). Results from pulmonary function demonstrated that airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was enhanced by psychosocial stress compared with allergy exposure alone. The ELISA results showed that cytokines in serum and BALF were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, the lung histology showed that infiltrated inflammatory cells were significantly increased in the asthma-SDR group compared with the asthma group (P < 0.05). Interestingly, serum corticosterone was remarkably raised by psychosocial stress (P < 0.05). In addition, the inhibitory effect of corticosterone on IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated splenocyte cultures in vitro was diminished in the asthma-SDR group compared to the asthma group. The CCK-8 test revealed that the inhibition effect of corticosterone on splenocyte proliferation induced by LPS was significantly impaired in the SDR and asthma-SDR groups, while no significant effect was observed in the control and asthma groups. Furthermore, expression of GR mRNA and GR protein were significantly reduced in the lung tissues of the asthma-SDR group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Social disruption stress can promote anxiety behavior, activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increase AHR and inflammation, and also impair glucocorticoid sensitivity and its function in a murine model of asthma. The down-regulation of GR expression induced by social disruption stress is in part associated with glucocorticoid insensitivity, which leads to asthma exacerbation.

Pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: from initial apoptosis of epithelial cells to lung remodeling?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and often fatal form of interstitial lung disease. Despite extensive efforts in research during recent years, the mechanisms of the disease remain poorly understood. Evidence of an inflammatory mechanism, both supportive and contrary, is briefly reviewed in this paper. However, growing evidence has indicated that the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) may be the early driving force of progression, with subsequent disrupted integrity of the alveolar-capillary basement membrane leading to an abnormal wound healing pathway. Thus, this paper will focus on outlining a process of pathogenesis of IPF from initial apoptosis of AECs to end lung remodeling.

Molecular mechanism of icariin on rat asthmatic model

BACKGROUND

Effects of icariin on airway inflammation in asthmatic rats and the intervention of LPS induced inflammation are interfered with the machanism of icariin. Our study aimed to observe the effect of icariin on ovalbumin-induced imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokine expression and its mechanism.

METHODS

Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (PBS), asthma group (ovalbumin (OVA)-induced), dexamethasone group, and OVA+icariin low, medium and high dose groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, respectively). Each group had ten rats. The model of OVA sensitization was a rat asthma model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to observe the effects of icariin on interleukin-4 (IL-4) and inerferon γ (IFN-γ) in rats' lung tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect the intervention effects of icariin on T cells (T-bet) and gatabinding protein 3 (GATA-3) in rat pulmonary tissue. Realtime RT-PCR was used to observe the intervention effects of icariin on T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA expression in rat pulmonary tissue and spleen lymphocytes. Western blotting was used to observe the icariin intervention effects on T-bet, GATA-3 and nuclear factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) p65 protein expressions in rat pulmonary tissue.

RESULTS

The ELISA results from pulmonary tissue showed that IL-4 expression was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the IFN-γ expression increased but not significantly when we compared OVA+icariin medium and high dose groups with the asthma group. Immunohistochemical staining of pulmonary tissue showed that the GATA-3 decreased significantly while the T-bet staining did not change in the OVA+icariin high dose group. In pulmonary tissue and spleen lymphocytes T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA expressions were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in icariin treatment groups compared with the asthma model group. GATA-3 and T-bet mRNA in rat spleen lymphocytes in the asthma group were higher than in the control group. GATA-3 mRNA expression in pulmonary tissue significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while T-bet mRNA expression decreased but not significantly in the icariin treatment group compared with the asthma group. T-bet and GATA-3 protein expressions in pulmonary tissue increased significantly compared with the asthma group, which meant that icariin could inhibit the increase of GATA-3 protein, but not of T-bet. The bronchus, blood vessels and periphery pulmonary tissue had infiltration of inflammatory cells in the OVA+icariin high dose group while NF-κB p65 cells were reduced, and expression of NF-κB p65 in this group was less than in the asthma group. The expression of total p65 protein decreased with icariin treatment while the expression of cytoplasmic p65 protein increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Icariin could regulate the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in asthmatic rat pulmonary tissue. Icariin could regulate the imbalance of Th1/Th2 associated transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 in asthmatic rat pulmonary tissue and spleen lymphocytes. Icariin could inhibit the activation of NF-κB p65 protein in asthmatic rat pulmonary tissue.

[Effect of Bushen Huoxue recipe on the state of extracellular matrix in glomerulosclerosis rats model]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and acting mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BHR) on the state of extracellular matrix in glomerulosclerosis (GS) rats model.

METHODS

GS rat model was established by unilateral nephrectomy and adriamycin injection. Model rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal control group, the model group, the test group treated by BHR, and the positive control group treated with fosinopril sodium, with 11 rats in each group. The 24 h urinary protein and renal function of rats were observed, the contents of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in renal tissue and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in blood plasma, and renal tissue were detected.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the normal control group, 24 h urinary protein was increased and renal function was deprived in the model group; TIMP-1 expression increased, MMP1 expression decreased in renal tissue of rats in the model group, showing statistical difference between groups (P < 0.05). As compared with the model group, the abnormal changes of TIMP-1 and MMP1 expressions were ameliorated in the two groups treated either by BHR or fosinopril (P < 0.05). The content of TGF-beta1 in the model group, either in blood or in renal tissue, was significantly higher than those in the normal control group respectively (P < 0.01), showing no significant change after BHR treatment.

CONCLUSION

The protective effect of BHR on renal function in rats with GS is possibly by way of influencing expressions of TGF-beta1, TIMP-1 and MMP1 to regulate the state of extracellular matrix and lessen the matrix aggregation.

Inflammatory airway features and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in asthmatic rats combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both inflammatory airway diseases with different characteristics. However, there are many patients who suffer from both BA and COPD. This study was to evaluate changes of inflammatory airway features and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in asthmatic rats combined with COPD.

METHODS

Brown Norway (BN) rats were used to model the inflammatory airway diseases of BA, COPD and COPD + BA. These three models were compared and evaluated with respect to clinical symptoms, pulmonary histopathology, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammatory cytokines and HPA axis function.

RESULTS

The inflammatory airway features and HPA axis function in rats in the COPD + BA model group were greatly influenced. Rats in this model group showed features of the inflammatory diseases BA and COPD. The expression of inflammatory cytokines in this model group might be up or downregulated when both disease processes are present. The levels of corticotrophin releasing hormone mRNA and corticosterone in this model group were both significantly decreased than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BN rat can be used as an animal model of COPD + BA. By evaluating this animal model we found that the features of inflammation in rats in this model group seem to be exaggerated. The HPA axis functions in rats in this model group have been disturbed or impaired, which is prominent at the hypothalamic level.

[Optimal combination of baicalin, icariin and Astragalus saponin I from a Chinese herbal compound Biminne]

OBJECTIVE

To study the optimal combined ratio of baicalin, icariin and Astragalus saponin I from a Chinese herbal compound Biminne.

METHODS

Firstly, a mouse model of allergic rhinitis was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide gel suspension, and the effective dose range of baicalin, icariin and Astragalus saponin I was detected by 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt method. Secondly, 10 groups of combinations of baicalin, icariin and Astragalus saponin I assembled by U(10)(10(8)) form were employed to determine the optimal combination by means of analyzing of the inhibitory effect on the splenocyte proliferation. Finally, the effects of each effective ingredient and the optimal combination were compared by observing the splenocyte proliferation, the contents of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in supernatant of the splenocyte cultures and the ratio of IL-4 to IFN-gamma in order to verify the result.

RESULTS

Baicalin or icariin at concentrations ranging from 2 to 10 micromol/L, and Astragalus saponin I from 1 to 10 micromol/L effectively suppressed the splenocyte proliferation. When the proportion of baicalin, icariin and Astragalus saponin I was 1:2.14:2.65, the inhibitory effect was most remarkable. Further research confirmed the rationality of the optimal combination.

CONCLUSION

An optimal combination of the major effective ingredients from Chinese herbal compound Biminne most effectively suppresses the proliferation of splenocytes from sensitized mice and regulates the cytokine secreting.

Icariin attenuates LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses: involvement of PI3K/Akt and NF-kappaB signaling pathway

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the attenuation of LPS-induced lung inflammation by icariin in vivo and in vitro. The anti-inflammatory effects of icariin on LPS-induced acute inflammatory and the molecular mechanism were investigated. Pretreatment with icarrin (20mg/kg) could attenuate acute lung inflammation by inhibiting mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), metalloproteinase cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lung of LPS-treated mice. In addition, icariin suppressed the secretion of TNF-alpha, prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) and nitric oxide (NO) as well as NF-kappaB p65 activation. Furthermore, decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was observed in the lung tissue and LPS-induced cytotoxicity in the RAW 264.7 macrophages cells was also markedly attenuated by icariin. Western blotting analysis and confocal microscopy showed that icariin pretreatment reduced the nucleus transportation and constant level of NF-kappaB p65 in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. However, the protective effects of icariin were reversed by a PI3K/Akt inhibitor (wortmannin). Our in vitro and in vivo results suggested that activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and the inhibition of NF-kappaB were involved in the protective effects of icariin on LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses.

[Feature of airway inflammation in asthmatic rats complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and effect of Chinese herbs for reinforcing Shen and supplementing qi on it]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the airway inflammatory change in asthmatic rats complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to assess the intervention effects of Chinese herbs for reinforcing Shen and supplementing qi (CH) on it.

METHODS

Eighty-four Norway rats were randomized into 7 groups, the normal control group (A), the COPD model group (B), the asthma model group (C), the combined COPD and the asthma model group (D), and the three CH treated groups (E, F and G, combined model rats administered by low-, moderate- and high- dose CH, respectively), 12 rats in each group. Changes of symptoms, pathologic changes of the lung tissue, airway reactivity, and serum levels of interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in rats were observed.

RESULTS

Symptoms were alleviated in the three CH treated groups. Similar pathological features were shown in group B and D, showing inflammatory cell, mainly lymphocyte, infiltration in bronchial and lung tissues, with cilia denudation, partial alveolar wall rupture, alveolar cavity expansion, and accompanied with evident eosinophilic infiltration. These inflammatory exudation in group E-G was alleviated, while in group C, it developed showing a trend similar to that in group D. Airway resistance raised along with the concentration of Mch used. In group D, the serum level of IL-4 was higher than that in group B, and level of INF-gamma was lower than that in group A, B and C (all P <0.05). CH showed a lowering effect on serum levels of IL-4 and -8, and a dose-dependent rising effect on IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSIONS

IL- 4 significantly increased and INF-gamma decreased in rat model of combined COPD and asthma, its mechanism is similar to that of Th1/Th2 imbalance in asthma. Chinese herbs for reinforcing Shen and supplementing qi could improve the symptoms and inhibit the airway inflammation in the combined COPD and asthma model rats, its mechanism might be related with the alleviation of TH1/TH2 imbalance.

[Effects of icariin on inflammation model stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in vitro and in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of icariin, from aspects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules.

METHODS

Mouse inflammation model in vitro was established by stimulating macrophage cell line RAW264. 7 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and the inflammation model in vivo was established by stimulating C57BL/6J mouse with LPS. Taking dexamethasone as the positive control, both models were treated with icariin, and the cell viability in model mice was detected with CCK-8 kit; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cell culture medium and serum were detected by ELISA; nitric oxide (NO) in cell culture medium by Griess Reagent method; CD11b expression on the surface of neutrophil in mice by flow cytometry, and pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration in mice by pathological section as well.

RESULTS

in vitro studies showed that icariin at the doses of 1 microg/mL, 10 microg/mL and 100 microg/mL, all displayed no cytotoxicity (P < 0.01); 10 microg/mL and 100 microg/mL icariin effectively lowered the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 (P < 0.01) in medium; and 100 microg/mL icariin significantly reduced level of NO (P < 0.01) in medium. in vivo studies showed that icariin at the dose of 20 mg/kg significantly lowered serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels (P < 0.01), reduced the average fluorescence intensity of adhesion molecules CD11b (P < 0.01), and alleviated pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration.

CONCLUSION

Icariin is a safe and effective natural anti-inflammatory drug, its partial mechanism is possible the multiple links intervention on pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6), inflammatory mediators (NO) and adhesion molecules (CD11b).

[Regulatory function of Shen-reinforcing and qi-supplementing drugs on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and interleukin-6 dysfunction in asthmatic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Shen-reinforcing and qi-supplementing (SRQS) drugs on some ingredients of neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) network in asthma rat model.

METHODS

Asthma model was established by ovalbumin sensitization and long-term excitation. Forty healthy Brown Norway rats of clean grade were randomly divided into 4 groups by randomized digital table, the normal control group and the three treated groups treated by low, moderate and high dose of SRQS drugs respectively. Blood content of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was detected by RIA; interleukin-6 (IL-6) and corticosterone were determined by ELISA; and the mRNA expresion of corticosteroid release hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus was tested by Realtime-PCR.

RESULTS

Eosinophile inflammation was shown in the pathology of asthma model rats, and also shown a multiple level hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) disorder at the repeated attack of asthma. After treatment, levels of ACTH and CRH mRNA expression in the treated groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P <0.05), but the corticosterone only showed a rising tendency. Level of IL-6 increased during the episode, showing a significant negative correlation with ACTH (r = - 0.325, P = 0.043), and had somewhat reduction after SRQS treatment.

CONCLUSION

SRQS drugs could improve the function of HPH axis independent of IL-6, suggesting that the action is possibly targeted on the neuro-endocrine axis, which might be the hypothalamus.

[Effect of epimedium herb on RANTES and monocyte chemotactic protein-3 expression in lung tissue of asthmatic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of epimedium herb (EH), a Chinese herb for replenishing Shen, on regulated on activation, normal T call expressed and secreted (RANTES) and monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3) expression in lung tissue of asthmatic rats, for further exploring the action mechanism of EH in treating asthma.

METHODS

Brown Norway rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal control group (A), the allergic asthma model group (B), the group of model rat treated with dexamethasone (C), and the three groups of model rat treated with low (0.125 g/mL), medium (0.5 g/mL), high (2.0 g/mL) dose of EH (D, E and F). RANTES and MCP-3 mRNA expressions in lung tissue were tested with Real-time PCR and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-5 (IL-5) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

As compared with the model group (B), RANTES, MCP-3 expression and TNF-alpha were lower in the 4 treated groups (C, D, E and F, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); IL-4 was lower in Group C, E and F (P = 0.007, P = 0.047, P = 0.033), while that in Group D was higher than that in Group C (P = 0.012). As for level of IL-5, lowering was shown only in Group C and F (P = 0.003, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Applying EH in the attack stage of asthma can alleviate the airway inflammation by down-regulating the expression of RANTES and MCP-3 in lung tissue.

[The effects of Ad-Gax transfection on apoptosis and related gene expression in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in hypoxic rat model]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of growth arrest-specific homeobox (Gax) transfection on apoptosis and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins of rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) exposed to hypoxia.

METHODS

PASMCs were transfected with Gax gene by a replication-deficient adenovirus expressing the hemagglutinin-tagged Gax cDNA (Ad-Gax). After exposure to normal oxygenation (21% O(2)) or hypoxia (2.5% O(2)) for 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, apoptosis was observed by transmission electronic microscope and TUNEL-positive staining. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in PASMCs were detected by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

Before Ad-Gax transfection, none or few of TUNEL-positive PASMCs were detected. After Ad-Gax transfection, the PASMCs unexposed to hypoxia displayed none or few TUNEL-positive stain, while the PASMCs exposed to hypoxia displayed a marked increase in TUNEL-positive stain, especially in cells exposed to hypoxia for 24 h to 48 h. The ratio of apoptosis of PASMCs at normoxic, hypoxia 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h were (9.11 +/- 1.21)%, (34.13 +/- 1.02)%, (39.12 +/- 0.43)%, (50.09 +/- 0.13)%, (60.04 +/- 1.12)% and (55.47 +/- 0.03)% (P < 0.01), respectively. Before Ad-Gax transfection, the level of Bax protein showed no significant increase in PASMCs exposed to hypoxia, while that of Bcl-2 protein increased significantly, as compared to that in PASMCs under normoxic condition. The average optical density (AOD) of Bcl-2 was 2.31 +/- 0.12, 2.35 +/- 0.23, 2.49 +/- 0.27, 2.51 +/- 0.19, 2.54 +/- 0.25 and 2.53 +/- 0.20 at normoxic, hypoxia for 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h before Ad-Gax transfection, respectively (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After Ad-Gax transfection to PASMCs exposed to hypoxia, Bax protein increased; the AOD of Bax was 3.82 +/- 0.38, 3.12 +/- 0.42, 3.53 +/- 0.61, 4.52 +/- 0.23, 4.25 +/- 0.76 and 4.03 +/- 0.38 at normoxic, hypoxia for 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h (P < 0.01), respectively. But Bcl-2 protein decreased significantly; the AOD of Bcl-2 was 9.11 +/- 1.21, 34.13 +/- 1.02, 39.12 +/- 0.43, 50.09 +/- 0.13, 60.04 +/- 1.12 and 55.47 +/- 0.03, respectively (P < 0.01). After Ad-Gax transfection, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was negatively correlated with the rate of apoptotic PASMCs (r = -0.53, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Ad-Gax transfection induced PASMC apoptosis after exposure to hypoxia. A possible mechanism is that Gax can downregulate Bcl-2 expression and upregulate Bax expression, especially by decrease of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

A phase II clinical trial with cytotropic heterogeneous molecular lipids (CHML) for patients with hepatic malignancies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other forms of metastatic liver cancer (MLC) have poor outcomes due to the limited treatment options. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have a limited success. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapies for patients with advanced HCC and MLC. The response and toxicity profile of a novel biological anticancer agent, cytotropic heterogeneous molecular lipids (CHML), in 135 Asian patients with hepatic malignancies treated at five different hospitals in China from April 1998 to August 2003 is described. This trial included 97 patients with HCC and 38 with MLC. The majority of these patients had received conventional therapies and many had failed to respond or relapsed. CHML was administered by intra-arterial (i.a.) infusion with or without simultaneous intravenous (i.v.) infusion for 25 days with a rest of 2-4 weeks between each cycle. Fifty three percent of patients received two cycles, and 47% received three cycles. The complete response (CR) rates were 23% for HCC and 29% for MLC with an overall CR of 24%. The overall partial response (PR) was 53%. The patients with earlier stages and limited tumor burden had a better response, but a few patients with advanced disease also achieved PR. The patients who achieved CR or PR had a significant increase in long-term survival for up to five years. The treatment with CHML resulted in minimal toxicity and the reported adverse reactions were not higher than grade II. CHML is an effective therapy for hepatic malignancies, showing responses and increases in survival in patients in whom other therapies have failed. CHML is well tolerated and is an excellent candidate for Phase III clinical trials.

[Clinical study on preventive effect of fuzheng quxie granule on respiratory viral infection]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Fuzheng Quxie granule (FQG) on immune cells and cytokines of populations susceptible to respiratory viral infection.

METHODS

One thousand four hundred and two subjects selected from 25 hospitals in Shanghai between May and June in 2003, were divided into the FQG group treated with FQG and the control group treated with placebo. Serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN), blood lymphocyte subsets (CD3+ , CD4+, CD8+), B-cell count and natural killer cell (NK) percent ratio were measured in 130 of the FQG group and 120 of the control group before treatment, by the end of the 2nd week and two weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

By the end of the 2nd week of treatment, as compared with before treatment, the levels of IL-2, gamma-IFN, and NK percent in the FQG group increased significantly (P < 0.05), while IL-4 and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and B-cell count were unchanged. Besides, levels of Th1/Th2 ratio markedly increased at the end of the 2nd week and two weeks after treatment, in comparing with that before treatment and in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

FQG could improve immune function of population susceptible to respiratory viral infection certain extent.

[Clinical study on ginkgolide nebulised inhalation in treating bronchial asthma]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of ginkgolide nebulised inhalation in treating bronchial asthma.

METHODS

Asthma patients of mild to moderate degree were randomly divided into three groups: the treated group treated by ginkgolide nebulised inhalation 10 mg/ml, twice daily, for 6 weeks in total, the positive control group, treated by cromlyn sodium nebulised inhalation 20 mg/10 ml, twice daily, for 6 weeks in total and the negative control group treated by normal saline 10 ml, twice daily, for 4 weeks in total. The changes on symptomatic scoring (Chetta' s method), pulmonary function (FEV1, PEF), serum eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP, determined by RIA), as well as airway response to ultrasonically nebulised distilled water (UNDW), and adverse reaction occurred in patients were observed. Results The symptomatic scorings in the treated and the positive control group were reduced from 5.1+/-2.3 and 6.0+/-2.6 to 1.6+/-1.7 and 1.6+/-1.7, respectively (both P<0.01) after 6 weeks of treatment. In the treated group, ECP was reduced from 6.7 microg/L to 4.3 microg/L (P<0.05), FEV1 and PEF were improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), while in positive control group, only improvement of FEV1 was found (P < 0.05). UNDW in the above two groups were reduced (P<0.01). Although decrease of symptomatic scoring was found in the negative control group, yet ECP, pulmonary function and airway response showed no improvement (P >0.05). Adverse reactions revealed were mainly chest stuffiness, stimulating cough, especially in the treated group, but were tolerable to most patients. Conclusion Ginkgolide has the action of fighting against asthmatic airway inflammation, which provides new means for treating bronchial asthma.

[Clinical observation on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of acute aggravating stage treated with activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis recipe]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficiency of activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis recipe (ARR) in treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of acute aggravating stage.

METHODS

Adopting the prospective randomized controlled method, sixty patients with COPD of acute aggravating stage were divided into two groups. Patients in the treated group (n = 32) was subdivided into four subtypes, Phlegm-Heat accumulation in Fei type, Phlegm-Dampness accumulation in Fei type, Fei-Shen Yin deficiency type and Fei-Pi Qi deficiency type. They were treated with ARR with modification according to their Syndrome type. Patients in the control group (n = 28) were treated with conventional western medicine. The therapeutic course of the two groups was 2 weeks. Changes of indexes including hemorrheological indexes (blood viscosity) and pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1/FVE%) were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The total effective rate was 90.6% in the treated group, while it was 67.9% in the control group. The symptom score and pulmonary function in the two groups were significantly different after treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In addition, the effect of ameliorating whole blood viscosity in the treated group was better than that in the control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both therapies can improve clinical symptom in patients, but it was showed the effect in those treated with conventional western medicine plus ARR was better than in those treated with conventional western medicine alone.

[Experimental study on antagonism of ginkgolides against effect of platelet-activating factor on lung strip of guinea pigs]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the action of ginkgolides antagonizing the contraction of guinea pigs' lung strip induced by the mixture of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and platelets and its effect of preventing the PAF caused damage of beta-adrenergic receptors.

METHODS

The contraction of guinea pigs' isolated lung strip was measured.

RESULTS

The mixture of PAF and platelet could produce a serious contraction of lung strip, the IC50 reached 4.69 x 10(-7) mol/L, while the contraction induced by PAF alone was relatively mild, its IC50 only 6.66 x 10(-4) mol/L, the difference between them was significant (P < 0.05). When the platelets were preincubated with ginkgolides for 10 minutes in Tris-Tyrode's buffered saline, the effects of PAF and platelets mixture were significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). Exposure of guinea pigs' lung strip to PAF in vitro resulted in a loss of beta-adrenergic receptors and weakened its respones to isoproterenol, a receptor activating factor, the EC50 would be increased from 1.38 x 10(-6) mol/L to 6.25 x 10(-6) mol/L, P < 0.05. This effect of PAF could also be inhibited by ginkgolides (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ginkgolides is a promising PAF antagonist, and might be used in treating bronchial asthma.

[Ginkgolides antagonizing some effects of platelet-activating factor in vitro]

The mixture of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and platelets produced significant contraction of guinea pigs' bronchus, while the contraction induced by PAF alone was mild relatively, the IC50 were 6.14 x 10(-7) mol/L and 6.32 x 10(-4) mol/L respectively. There was significant difference between these two groups (P < 0.05). When the platelets were pre-incubated with ginkgolides for 10 minutes in Tris-Tyrode's buffered saline, effects of the PAF and platelets mixture were significantly inhibited (P < 0.01). Exposure of guinea pigs' bronchus to PAF in vitro resulted in a loss of beta-adrenergic receptors and responses to isoproterenol, and this effect of PAF was prevented by prior incubation of the guinea pigs' bronchus with ginkgolides (P < 0.05). The results showed ginkgolides were a potent PAF antagonist.

[Investigation of treating steroids dependent asthmatic patients with kidney-tonifying herbs and high dose beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol]

The steroids dependent asthmatic(SDA) patients need prolonged oral steroids administration. Because of the significant adverse effects with long-term use of steroids, especially the damage of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical(HPA) axis, long-term steroids administration should be avoided or withdrawn gradually. Many modes of withdrawing the oral steroids have be used. But, the results were not satisfactory. So far, recently, investigations have revealed that high dose corticosteroids inhalation, such as beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), could provide an effective alternative; they were delivered locally in the airway and had minimal systemic absorption as well as side effects. On the other hand, it has been shown that the Kidney-Tonifying herbs (KTH) exert protective effect on the adrenocortical cells of the SDA patients by suppressing the exogenous steroids and could regulate the disorders in different levels on HPA axis in the patients. In order to provide the more effective alternative therapy for the patients, 30 SDA patients replaced their oral steroids with KTH and high dose BDP (1500 micrograms/day) inhalation were investigated. The changes of clinical features, pulmonary function and the Synacthen Test were followed up. The results showed that about 70% of the patients replaced their oral steroids successfully with the new therapy, the clinical features were improved in 16% of the patients and the ineffective rate was only 6.6%; the results also revealed that, after replacement, the pulmonary function of the patients were improved (P < 0.05); the data of Synacthen Test indicated, after alternative therapy for 3-6 months, the damaged reserve power and secretive ability of adrenal cortex of the patients were also improved partially (P < 0.001).

[The investigation on 100 bronchial asthma and asthmatic bronchitis cases treated with high dose beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol]

100 cases, of which sixty four bronchial asthma patients and forty two asthmatic bronchitis patients sufficiently severe to be treated with inhaled corticosteroids, were investigated. All were treated with high dose beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) inhaler aerosol (1500-2000 micrograms/day) for three months. The results showed the total effective rate was 98.4% in bronchial asthma patients and 62.5% in asthmatic bronchitis patients. The pulmonary functions and bronchial hyperresponsiveness of most bronchial asthmatic patients were improved significantly after 1-2 weeks treatment. It is recommendable to treat the oral cortisone-depending patients with BDP inhaler. After 3 months treatment, the adrenocortical secretive ability and reserve power of the patients could be slightly damaged. The investigation also showed 8 percent subjects complained of dysphonia and 25 percent suffered from oropharyngeal candidiasis. Finally, the asthmatic relapse rate was high after cessation of the therapy.

[Treatment of 106 chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with shou er kang pill and high dose beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol]

106 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases were divided into two groups, 53 cases treated with Shou Er Kang (SEK) pill (Kidney-reinforcing regimen) and high dose beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler, and 53 cases in the control group with high dose beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol alone. 64 patients were suffering from bronchial asthma and 42 patients from asthmatic bronchitis, sufficiently severe to be treated with inhaled corticosteroids. The results showed that the total effective rate was 100% and 96.9% in asthmatic patients of both groups; the total effective rates for asthmatic bronchitis patients were 85.7% in the SEK group and 52.4% in the control group. The Synacthen test showed that after the treatment, the adrenal cortex reserve power and secretive ability of the SEK group not only was intact but also improved markedly under high dose exogenous steroids. The adrenocortical secretive ability and reserve power of the control group were damaged with the inhalation of the newer steroids. The difference between the two groups was very significant (P less than 0.001); the relapse rate in the SEK group was 26.9%, but 40% in the control group. The results suggested that there were some occult disorders in COPD patients, especially asthmatic bronchitis patients at different levels on hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis.